Meet Summer Camp Coordinator Lisa Hladio

For Lisa Hladio, Camp Coordinator at Venture Outdoors, summer camp was such a formative experience that she knew she wanted to have a career where she could create a similarly positive experience for young people. When reflecting back on ways that camp was empowering for her as a youth Lisa recalls:

“I remember learning that I had to brush my teeth on my own, that I could make decisions about what I wanted to eat at lunchtime. I remember feeling empowered when I finally conquered an element on the ropes course, even thought my legs were shaking the whole time.”

Lisa’s Summer Camp schedule give campers structure while also reinforcing a sense of belonging. Each program builds campers confidence and shows them that they are capable.

“The Venture Outdoors camp schedule provides a sense of structure that many kids are lacking in the summer months. There is a safety in knowing that we will have lunch after our ‘Mindfulness Minutes’ or that we will get to wind down with a popsicle after we bring the kayaks back to the docks.

Camp also provides opportunities to try things that we do not often experience in our daily lives. Learning how to build and safely light a fire might seem dangerous, but at camp you learn that you are capable of doing just that. Getting into a kayak and paddling into open water could be scary, but at camp you move step by step and with the encouragement of your peers and camp leaders. You figure it out and before you know it you’re a kayaker.”