We’re kicking off Volunteer Appreciation Week by celebrating the heart of Camp Stepping Stones—our amazing volunteers that make camp possible every year.

Stay tuned all week as we share interviews with some of the incredible people who make camp a safe, healing, and joy-filled space for grieving kids.

First up is Terry – who has over a decade of volunteering with Camp Stepping Stones!

What do you do when you’re not volunteering?

When I’m not volunteering, I work as a Manager of Learning and Development. Outside of work I enjoy curling and being physically active, travelling when I can and playing board games with friends.

How long have you been volunteering at Camp Stepping Stones?

I’ve been a volunteer at Camp Stepping Stones since 2011.

What first inspired you to volunteer at Camp Stepping Stones?

I had 3 grandparents die within a short span of time and had some family members who were already volunteering at camp. It was suggested this would be a good opportunity for me.

What keeps you coming back?

Camp Stepping Stones is the most rewarding thing I do every year. Seeing how strong children are in the face of incredible adversity really puts life into perspective. Being able to show children that it’s okay to be sad sometimes and that adults get sad too is something that I believe is important.

How would you describe Camp Stepping Stones to someone who’s never heard of it?

Camp Stepping Stones is a grief camp for kids who have recently lost a loved one in their life. Camp allows those kids to enjoy camp activities mixed with grief activities and let them know that they aren’t alone in their grief.

What’s your favourite memory or moment from camp?

After more than 10 camps, the memories have melded together. The goodbyes and seeing all the friendships that are made is always a spectacular time. When we used to do the balloon release, I always felt that was a special moment.

If I was to pick out one specific moment – I once had a kid in my cabin who’s dad recently passed away. This camp was the first time he has been away from his mom since the death. On day 1 he was nervous and scared and wanted to go home. We talked to him and he stayed the first night. On day 2, he participated in every activity and had fun with his cabinmates and when his mom showed up on day 3, he was so proud to show her all of the crafts he did and what he accomplished at camp.

What do you hope campers take away from their time at camp?

That they know it’s okay to be sad, but it’s also okay to have fun and that they aren’t alone in their grief.

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering next year?

You will never experience anything like Camp Stepping Stones.

Thank you Terry for your continued support of Camp Stepping Stones!