Why spend three months in a hammock without AC, a phone, or a bathroom? Why wake up at 4 a.m. when you went to bed at 2 a.m.?
Because lives are changed—including my own.
The real question is, why is it worth it? Without purpose, we lose our drive. This summer at Camp Wojtyla was a powerful reminder of that. The experience challenged me to grow and find purpose, making all the difficulties worthwhile.
As the days grow colder, I reflect on the warm times of this past summer. For the past two summers, I’ve served at Camp Wojtyla, a Catholic outdoor adventure camp in the Rocky Mountains. Camp aims to bring youth into a transformative relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church through wilderness adventure, daily sacraments, and childlike joy.
My decision to step into a leadership role at camp was inspired by the values instilled in me at Pius X High School, where I first saw the impact of servant leadership. St. Pius X’s commitment to fostering a deeper connection with Christ taught me that faith-based leadership can change lives. His example gave me the confidence to lead with purpose and humility, trusting that God would guide my journey. Pius X is where I truly encountered Christ; through retreats, events, and the guidance of campus ministry, I grew in my relationship with Him. This growth in my relationship with Christ at Pius X was the most significant part of my spiritual journey. Campus ministry offered a supportive community, opportunities for personal growth, and the chance to mentor others—values that I brought to my camp role.
This summer, I served as the kitchen coordinator, overseeing everything from menu planning to keeping chipmunks out of the pantry. Leading the kitchen taught me invaluable lessons in budget management, managing a supply chain, and leading a team. But it was more than providing meals; it was about fostering an environment that encouraged people to become their true selves and bring their talents to the table. My faith was central to this work, helping me navigate challenges and find joy in service.
Leadership at camp taught me to lead with purpose and serve with joy, deepening my faith and sharpening my leadership skills in ways I’ll carry with me forever. It reminded me that even the most mundane tasks can become meaningful when our work is rooted in faith and purpose.
As I transition out of the camping world and look toward future opportunities, I’m committed to ensuring that whatever I do next is driven by purpose, fosters growth, and makes a lasting impact. Whether it’s continuing to serve in faith-based roles or stepping into new professional challenges, my goal remains the same: to lead with faith, serve with joy, and always find meaning in the work. In particular, I am excited about pursuing a career in supply chain management, where I can apply the skills, I’ve developed at Camp Wojtyla and Pius X to bring meaningful change to those around me.
