Staff Spotlight: The Military Camp Goer Turned Counselor

 

Being the child of two parents serving in the military comes with unique rewards and challenges. That’s where the South Dakota Military Youth Leadership Camp comes in. Meet Laura, Business Support Assistant Manager at BHFCU.

 

As a child, all Laura knew was having parents who served in the South Dakota National Guard. Having the support of other kids who understood this unique situation was something Laura relied on. The South Dakota Military Youth Leadership Camp exists to create friendships and bonds between military youth and teens throughout South Dakota, instilling leadership skills in campers as young as nine, which is when Laura first visited camp.

 

“Since that first tearful drop-off, I’ve spent roughly 20 years coming back to Storm Mountain, where I’ve met some of my closest friends,” Laura shared. “Now, as a volunteer Counselor, I see myself in the little girl who comes in shy her first year and totally changed her second.”

 


After nearly a decade of attending camp, Laura decided to give back, now with more than a decade of volunteering under her belt. The camp has had a profound impact on her life, shaping her into the person she is today. In that time, her parents have both retired, her mom a First Sergeant and dad Chief Warrant Officer 3. As a camp volunteer, Laura now guides campers through their week of team building with a side of fun activities. She’s witnessed quiet kids come out of their shells and return years later to volunteer beside her.

 

Laura fondly recalls her favorite moment of each camp cycle. At the end of each week, Country Roads by John Denver can be heard echoing from the speakers at one final event. It’s a perfect culmination to a week of learning about themselves and making friends, with a tiny liberty taken. There is no mention of West Virginia at this youth camp, only South Dakota.

 

“It’s a good reminder that wherever life takes us, we will always be welcome with open arms at camp and home in South Dakota,” Laura shared with a smile.