locations

 

Courtney D'Amico

Camps and Services Manager, California

 

1)  What do you do at Comfort Zone?

I get to manage the California satellite office and lead the team that makes camp happen. We work as a team in the process of matching “Bigs” and “Littles,” and plan all of the camp activities.  I also speak to groups of people who need to hear about CZC, and introduce them to this incredible program.

 

2)  What do you do at camp?

I lead the team that runs the weekend and help keep things organized and on schedule.  My role is to make sure that CZC is providing the best service we can to our campers and volunteers.

 

3) How did you first become involved with CZC?

I first heard about CZC from my mentor, “California Bob,” who came back from his first camp and told me that it had changed his life and he thought I should get involved. So, I flew to Richmond and volunteered as a Big Buddy. When CZC opened a camp in California, I applied for the position as soon as it was available.

 

4) What is your favorite thing about Comfort Zone camp?

The matching of Bigs and Littles. I love to see how so many of the matches we make in our office turn out to be so perfect at camp. It’s fun to watch kids have a safe place to be kids, and to watch volunteers remember how to act like kids again.

 

5) What is your favorite camp activity?

The Memorial Service. I love to see the range of emotions that really sum up what happens at CZC. Someone will get up and do something silly in honor of their loved one, and the next group will do something that moves me to tears. It’s amazing to take that journey together with the campers. That’s what makes CZC so special…it provides a place where you’re able to experience all of the emotions that make up grief.

 

6) Describe Comfort Zone Camp in one word.

Powerful.

 

7) What would you want parents (or volunteers) to know about Comfort Zone?

It takes a lot for parents to send their kids away for the weekend…especially after they have suffered a loss. Comfort Zone is worth the risk. Fight through the fear and give your kids an opportunity to grieve alongside peers who have had similar experiences. They’ll likely come home with a change of heart.

 

 

 

Brittany Cole  

Volunteer Coordinator, California           

 

1)  What do you do at Comfort Zone?

My role at Comfort Zone is to be the main point of contact and resource for all volunteers in California. In the office, I work to recruit new volunteers and maintain our established volunteer base. I plan camp reunion dinners and other fun events so volunteers can have a chance to reconnect after camp. I speak to various companies and groups, and I am also involved with the Big Buddy and Little Buddy matching process.  

 

2) What do you do at camp?

I am the go-to person for volunteers at camp. If they need anything, from a toothbrush to support with their Little Buddy, I am there to assist them in any way I can. I also facilitate staff meetings, and assist in leading games, announcements, the bonfire, and other activities throughout the weekend.

3) How did you first become involved with CZC?

A very good friend of mine/co-worker told me about CZC while we were in college together. After graduation, and a move from the Washington DC area to California, I contacted this friend and heard about an opportunity to work with Comfort Zone. A few months later…here I am!

4)  What is your favorite thing about Comfort Zone camp?

I LOVE watching the kids transform throughout the weekend by sharing their stories and receiving validation and support from their peers, big buddies, and everyone else at camp. When the kids leave camp, it is literally like we are sending a completely different group back home.

5) What would you want volunteers to know about Comfort Zone?

Volunteering with Comfort Zone in any capacity will not only be amazingly fun, but will truly be a life changing and rewarding experience!

 

6) Describe Comfort Zone Camp in one word.

Humbling

 

 

 

Milly Barrantes

 

Intake Coordinator, California        

 

1) What do you do at Comfort Zone?

I am the connection between CZC and families who have lost a loved one. I help them through the process of getting their kids ready to attend camp. I complete screenings for all campers, and make travel arrangements for the families who need assistance. I assist with the matching process of “Bigs” and “Littles." I also present and speak at different outreach events.

 

2) What do you do at camp?

I am in charge of the camper registration process the first day of camp. I introduce the Bigs and Littles and answer any questions the camper parents may have. After that initial process, I make sure the campers are receiving the best service possible.

 

3) How did you first become involved with CZC?

I heard about CZC through my friend, Monica Rangel, who works for New York Life. I became a Big Buddy and fell in love with the program.

 

4) What is your favorite thing about Comfort Zone camp?

Everything! I love the entire process leading up to camp. I like receiving the application, doing screenings, matching and everything in between. Just seeing everything come together during those magical weekends makes me smile.

 

5) What is your favorite camp activity?
Memorial Service. I love seeing all of the Healing Circles come together and showing the campers growth and emotions. I also love seeing the camper parents smile when they see their children’s courage.

 

6) Describe Comfort Zone Camp in one word.
Inspiring

 

7) What would you want parents to know about Comfort Zone?
I want parents to know that Comfort Zone Camp is a safe place where campers can freely express their feelings, fears, and concerns. It is a place where they can learn new coping mechanisms to deal with their grief.