locations

 

Brandon English 

Camps and Services Manager, New Jersey 

 

1) What do you do at Comfort Zone?

I wear a lot of different hats. I am an ambassador to organizations, churches, schools, families, etc that could benefit from our program. I help recruit, retain, and manage volunteers and campers, and I assist with the matching process for Big and Little Buddies. I lead the camp and make sure everyone gets what they need and has the time of their life. I also get to work with a wonderful team in NJ and all the great CZC teams across the country! The best part of 2010 will be bringing in new campers to start their grief journey in a supportive and positive environment!

 

2) What do you do at camp?

I lead our team through the weekend, keeping things on task and ensuring we are providing an amazing camp experience for our volunteers and campers. My goal is to make sure everyone walks away wanting to come back! And, if I can, I sneak in a song or two during karaoke!

 

3) How did you first become involved with Comfort Zone?

A fellow staff member encouraged me to volunteer at CZC, so I signed up for a training in April and my first camp was May of 2009; I've been hooked every since! I wanted to work for CZC because I firmly believe in its mission, goals, and the magical impact it has on grieving children. I truly believe in every aspect of the program, and being able to play a part in that is just another way CZC has changed my life.

 

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

It’s hard to say one thing is my favorite-it’s all just so outstanding. But, watching the transformation in a child from drop-off on Friday to pick-up on Sunday is truly the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. To see kids playing “500” with the guys from their cabin, or the girls hugging everyone profusely before they leave, and knowing all that took place in just 48 hours, is truly an inspiration.

 

5) What is your favorite camp activity?

Healing Circles. Healing circles provide a safe place for kids to share their stories and feelings with one another and be part of a community that feels the same. Watching the kids grow through each Healing Circle is awesome. I can’t even try to put it into words.

 

6) What what you want parents (or volunteers) to know about Comfort Zone?

This is a life-changing experience for children, volunteers, and parents. Once you step foot on a CZC campsite, you are immediately welcomed into the bubble, the CZC family, with open arms. The sense of community CZC builds is something so special in the lives of our campers, parents, and volunteers.

 

 Melissa Phillips

Intake Coordinator, New Jersey

 

 1)What do you do at Comfort Zone?

As the Camp Registrar, I am the contact for families who have had a loss, and I take them through the process of getting their kids ready to attend camp. I conduct screenings on all campers, make travel arrangements for those who need assistance, and help with the matching process of “Big Buddies” and “Little Buddies”.  I also get the pleasure of speaking to schools, counselors, and organizations about the benefits of Comfort Zone.

 

2) What do you do at camp?

I have the pleasure of welcoming and meeting all the parents and campers, as they arrive. I get them checked-in and introduce them to their Big Buddies. I stay at camp all weekend and help the other members of the CZC team behind the scenes making sure that camp runs smoothly.

3) How did you first become involved with CZC?

I was looking for volunteer opportunities and found Comfort Zone. When I went to the website I instantly felt a connection to their mission. I completed a volunteer application and was a Big Buddy in April 2009. When I returned home from camp my life was changed and I knew I had to be involved on a fulltime basis. I went to the CZC website, applied, and was hired as the Camp Registrar.

 

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

 My favorite thing about Comfort Zone is the visible impact that it makes on children, parents, and volunteers. Parents see their children having fun and smiling again. Children know that they are not alone and that it is ok to be a kid. Also, seeing volunteers give selflessly to help children while making an impact in their own lives.

5) What is your favorite camp activity?

The Memorial Service. The memorial service allows the children to express what they have done all weekend in their own way. The memorial service is amazing because it invokes a range of emotions from tears to laughter. It is wonderful to see the shy quiet child come up and belt out their loved ones favorite song and the support that they receive from their new friends.

 

6) Describe Comfort Zone Camp in one word.

Family

 

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

Coming to Comfort Zone as a parent, volunteer, or camper gives you access into one of the most amazing families, where you are understood, cared for, and allowed to be yourself. The grieving process is never easy but with this family you never have to do it alone.