We are always so grateful to our CMC Alumni community and the memories and moments they share with us. We are so lucky to have two of our past amazing Ropes staff with us today Alejandro and Tiffany who are from Venezuela and currently living in San Francisco. They worked at CMC from 2017-2022
Question #1: How does it feel to be back at CMC for the weekend?
Alejandro: It feels special, I haven’t been here in a while, and seeing so many people and my campers that are all grown up, it just makes me remember the impact that I have had on them. It’s been such a gift to be back. Camp is such a special place and it’s just so great to be back.
Tiffany: How can I even describe it in words? It feels amazing to be back, camp has always been where I can recharge my battery and it feels so nice coming back home to many friends and familiar faces. It makes me feel very grateful and happy.
Question #2: How have your camp skills helped you in the real world?
Alejandro: I work at a Jewish organization in San Francisco. The camp has helped me so much to help me understand the Jewish community and Jewish culture and their history. Especially this year, the skills I learned at camp have helped me so much to advocate for the Jewish community.
Tiffany: I’ve grown up a lot as a person, and camp helped me get out of my shell, gave me lots of confidence, and helped with my personal skills. My leadership skills have grown so much because of camp and having been the Head of Ropes. My communication helps my teammates understand different things they need to know. I still work in a Jewish community with Jewish children daily.
Question #3: What do you miss most about CMC?
Alejandro: The peace that this place brings, the silence, the beautiful mountains and sunsets. The people and community, camp friends are forever.
Tiffany: This space is a safety net and a place where I can be myself and just have fun and be at peace.
Question #4: Any tips for new staff members joining our CMC Community?
Alejandro: Don’t be afraid to let your inner child go out. We come to camp to keep the kids safe and also give them a wonderful summer experience. But it is also a time to be whimsy and have fun at camp as well.
Tiffany: To be flexible, obviously you will need to adjust and go with the flow and just keep your head open to new ideas. Remember that each camper is different and has different needs, try and find out the best way to support them.
Question #5: What was your favorite memory from working at camp?
Alejandro: It is so hard to choose, I would have to say saving a camper from the leap of faith at the Ropes Course. In the end, I climbed up because she wouldn’t come down and I helped her face her fears from that moment on ropes became her safe space and made me feel like I could make a difference in a campers camp experience.
Tiffany: At Ropes, one of the kids was afraid to go up the element and I kept encouraging him with positive words to keep trying one step at a time. In the end, he jumped out of the element and was so grateful for the encouragement and it really warmed my heart.
