Volunteering at Walk for SickKids
Author: Kylee, Camp Crew member for The Great Camp Adventure Walk
On Saturday, September 26, thousands of wonderful SickKids supporters will walk 5, 10, 15 or 20 km through some of downtown Toronto’s most interesting and scenic neighbourhoods during The Canaccord Genuity Great Camp Adventure Walk to benefit SickKids. Volunteers (we like to call them our Camp Crew) are essential in helping to make the day as successful and fun-filled as possible. We are looking for more Camp Crew as well as Jr. Camp Crew (teens aged 14-17) who are interested in rolling up their sleeves to help make this event come to life.
Wondering what the event is all about? Check out Kylee’s blog to learn more about her experience as Camp Crew at last year’s Walk.
Envision your childhood camp experience; the sweet smell of dewy grass, the welcoming glow of the sun rising, children’s smiles stretching as far as their face is wide, energetic leaders’ voices booming through megaphones, and the comforting smell of campfires crackling. Where can you find all of the amazing things described above in a city you might ask? The Canaccord Genuity Great Camp Adventure Walk!
In September 2014, I had the privilege to volunteer at the Great Camp Adventure Walk in downtown Toronto in support of The Hospital for Sick Children. When I first signed up to volunteer I expected a well-organized walk celebrating all of the wonderful patients and staff that make up SickKids. What I did not expect was that this day would bring me so much joy that I am still talking about it 10 months later and looking forward to the Great Camp Adventure Walk 2015!
My day began in the magical hour when the city is still and the sun is beginning to rise. I met up with the rest of my Camp Crew team and we enjoyed breakfast together as the sun rose. Being stationed at the coat and bag check gave me the opportunity to greet the excited, giggling kids and their family and friends. The kids’ smiling little faces and enthusiastic personalities are the equivalent to instant coffee – instant day brighteners.
"This euphoric feeling of happiness and gratitude has stayed with me in the days, weeks and months following the event."
As the day progressed, I met many happy campers and it didn’t matter if they were beginning their day or packing up their bags to head home, their personalities were contagious throughout the day. The contagious smiles and joyful spirits didn’t end when camp was over. This euphoric feeling of happiness and gratitude has stayed with me in the days, weeks and months following the event.
To this day, as I think back to my experience at The Great Camp Adventure Walk, and relive the day in my head, this joyful feeling has returned and has me looking forward to the Great Camp Adventure Walk 2015!
Learn more about becoming a Camp crew or Jr. Camp Crew member at www.walkforsickkids.ca/volunteer. And please spread the word about this amazing day to your friends and family! Hope to see you on September 26!
