locations

 

Pete Shrock

National Programs Director

 

1)  What do you do at Comfort Zone?

I oversee the camp program from across the nation, ensuring camp quality in all locations. 

 

2)  What do you do at camp? 

Supervise staff, campers and volunteers to ensure that every child at camp has an opportunity to progress and heal.

 

3)  How did you become involved with Comfort Zone?

I first became involved with Comfort Zone as a volunteer. At the time I was running a school for emotionally disturbed children and fell in love with the Comfort Zone Camp program.

 

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

The fact that it is centered around the child. We start with the child and end with the child. I have worked with children who have been faced with trauma in several different organizations and never have I see so many people focused on helping children as I have at CZC.

 

5) What are your favorite camp activities?

Icebreakers, bonfire and the memorial service—where parents get to see the child they thought they lost.

 

6) Describe Comfort Zone Camp in one word.

Heart.

 

 

 

Elizabeth Sullivan

Volunteer Coordinator, Virginia

 

1) What do you do at Comfort Zone?

My main role is working with and being a resource to our volunteers. In the Virginia office I work to recruit new volunteers while maintaining our already established volunteer community. I conduct volunteer trainings, hold pre-camp “meet and greets” before camp sessions, and try to organize post-camp reunion activities so volunteers can get together after a camp. I also participate in the matching of Big and Little buddies before each camp session.

 

2) What do you do at camp?

At camp, I am the go-to person for all of the volunteers. If they need help with anything, I am there to assist in any way I can. I get to interact with the campers and volunteers by leading games and activities over the course of the weekend, making announcements, and helping to lead our Saturday night bonfire.

 

3) How did you become involved with Comfort Zone?

I became involved with Comfort Zone as a camper. Six months after my dad passed away, my mom brought my sister and me to the first session of CZC (then Camp Comfort) in May of 1999. I didn’t want to go, but after that weekend my life was changed forever and I wanted to come back as often as I could!  When I was old enough, I returned to volunteer as a Junior Counselor and a Big Buddy, and now I am fortunate enough to work for this incredible organization.

 

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

The amazing community that these kids are introduced to. There is no way to describe the validation and encouragement one feels when they enter into a group of people that are able to understand them in a way others can’t.

 

5) What is your favorite camp activity?

The bonfire!  It is so much fun to go crazy and sing songs with the kids, and then see the amazing transition to a sacred and heartfelt time of remembrance of their loved ones.

 

6) Describe Comfort Zone Camp in one word.

Magical

 

7) Is there anything else you’d like to let parents who are considering Comfort Zone Camp know?

Speaking as someone who went to Comfort Zone as a camper, sending your child here is an incredible opportunity. Your lives will be changed forever.