“I am changed in a good way with every camper I come in contact with because every camper touches my heart.”
-Spring Respite Apprentice
“Being a part of AmeriCorps this past year has altered my life and my future. As the AmeriCorps Transitions Coordinator I had the pleasure of leading two weekends full of activities designed for young adults whose goals are to someday live independently. Not only did my position allow me to spend more time at camp but it also gave my future new direction. I am currently an Early Childhood major but after this semester I will be changing my major to Vocational Rehabilitation, focusing on being an independent living skills specialist. Planning and leading activities such as: shopping for food supplies, cooking from scratch, filling out job applications, creating social scenarios, and creating file folders was quite an adventure. While observing the campers enjoy and actively participate in the activities I began to wonder if there was such a professional working position out there, where I could continue to help individuals in the transition stage. I researched and found the program Vocational Rehabilitation after digging deeper I stumbled upon the independent living skills specialist description. Thanks to my AmeriCorps position I now know what I want to spend my life doing.”
-Transitions Coordinator
“I will never forget this first weekend at camp; I was pushed to the limit and out of my comfort zone. That weekend opened my eyes not only to the impact Easter Seals Wisconsin really makes on the lives of the campers and their families, but also to those of the counselors.”
-Spring Respite Apprentice
“The most rewarding part of my experience has been when I get to contact the people who are being benefitted by the programs that I am serving with. This was especially true while I was serving with the Self Employment Services program. It was my role to get an update from the people who had used this service on how their experience had been working with Easter Seals. Hearing the stories of how many of these people worked to overcome their disability and gained independence and sense of self-worth they had been missing in their lives.
It rejuvenated my motivation for service every time I heard firsthand the benefits that people were receiving from the work that I put in. With the pressure of school it can be difficult to get motivated for service. Seeing the difference that my time and energy has created has inspired me to commit to a life of service. I will continue to seek opportunities as I can find them to help in whatever way I can.”
-FARM Assistive Technology Assistant
“Although I have come to love every bit of camp, I have to say that my favorite part is when campers leave on Sunday. Of course it is not because I don’t want to hang out with them longer; this is my favorite part because you get to see this love between the campers and their parents. It’s very rewarding to see everyone’s faces lighting up and smiles all around. I always feel like I have done something great, by providing respite care for the parents and a good time for their children.”
-Spring Respite Apprentice
“The opportunity to serve as an AmeriCorps member in the Easter Seals Wisconsin FARM Program has been quite rewarding. It has had an impact on my life not only professionally, but also on a personal level…. Serving as an AmeriCorps member for the Easter Seals Wisconsin FARM Program has made me more aware and knowledgeable of the hardships farmers with disabilities face every day. This experience will never be forgotten, and has shaped me to have a brighter future as I continue on my career path in the agricultural field.”
-FARM Program Assistant
“The opportunity to serve AmeriCorps in not only a camp setting but also with people who are genuinely excited about life has been an experience that ended up molding my character in such a way that undoubtedly will be carried over not only into my personal life but also future profession as an occupational therapist. This experience with AmeriCorps allowed me to be challenged and face an array of situations and interactions between people who even though may vary on ability levels and personalities, all share in a love for life and camp. Easter Seals Respite Camp provided weekend getaways for children and adults who have severe cognitive and/or physical disabilities. Having the camper, counselor ratio be 1:1 provided a very unique dynamic to camp, where even in a weekend you as a counselor get to know your camper quite well and learn creative ways to get them involved with the activities, no matter their level of ability. Some highlights from this camp have been without a doubt seeing smiles on campers’ faces and watching friendships be made. The top highlight however, would have to be what the campers and staff have taught me in regards to life and what is most important. Patience, enthusiasm, and creative yet effective forms of communication were just some of the skills I developed. Each day spent at camp has never been wasted because aside from the fun, there has been so much to be learned and shared with one another. Camp has had a unique impact on my life in a way that will unlikely ever be found anywhere else. Serving in AmeriCorps at Easter Seals Wisconsin Respite Camp is something that will never be forgotten.”
-Fall Respite Apprentice
“I enjoy serving the campers one-on-one because it allows me to get to know them and get them involved in all sorts of activities. This position has also allowed me to meet individuals who share the same passion as me. It is so great to meet people who truly love the individuals they serve and put so much work and effort to make the best for the campers. I am grateful to meet such exuberant and fun-loving individuals.
AmeriCorps means to me to be a leader, a person someone can look up to, and a motivator. AmeriCorps means to me to make change and help serve individuals with disabilities. I am so pleased to be part of Easter Seals Wisconsin AmeriCorps program.”
-Spring Respite Apprentice
To view all available AmeriCorps positions click here.
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