As Fivers settle into a new school year, the experiences and relationships built this summer continue to shape their lives. Camp Fiver gives young people space to deepen friendships, take healthy risks, discover their strengths, and develop a sense of belonging they carry into their schools, workplaces, and communities.
““Fiver was never just a summer camp to me. It became part of my life, my growth, and the person I am becoming.””
This summer, alumni returning as staff members and participants completing their tenth and final year offered personal reflections on what that experience means to them. Their stories reveal how Fiver’s summer and year-round programs support growth over time—and how young people carry that growth forward, whether they are exploring career paths, taking on leadership roles, or helping younger Fivers feel welcome.
Giving Back to the Next Generation
For alumni stepping back onto the campgrounds, returning offers a profound shift in perspective. Moving from camper to counselor allows them to actively shape the very environment that nurtured their own growth. Julissa '15 returned to Camp as a staff member this summer, embracing the opportunity to reinvest in the community that shaped her formative years and sharing that "returning to camp as a staff member has been such an unforgettable and meaningful experience. Camp Fiver has always been a safe and special place as I grew up and returning has given me the opportunity to give back to a community that gave so much to me. I hope to give campers meaningful memories of their own and encourage connections and the strong sense of belonging that Fiver gave to me."
Julissa's journey highlights the cyclical magic of the Fiver community. A Fiver evolves into a leader, those once inspired by mentors become the role models of tomorrow, and the entire community continues to thrive as each generation passes the torch.
A Decade of Growth and Professional Exploration
“Fiver has been a place where I’ve been encouraged to try new things, step into new environments, and continue growing into the person I am today.”
For other members of the community, this summer marked the culmination of a transformative 10-year journey. Itzel A. '26 reflected deeply on her final year, highlighting how Camp Fiver and the organization's year-round programs helped shape her path as she noted, "As I complete my 10th and final year with Fiver Children's Foundation, I’ve been reflecting on just how much this experience has shaped me. From my years at Camp Fiver to completing Job Training this summer, Fiver has been a place where I’ve been encouraged to try new things, step into new environments, and continue growing into the person I am today."
Throughout her decade with Fiver, Itzel was continually challenged to step outside her comfort zone, build meaningful connections, and discover her true capabilities. That foundation expanded this summer through targeted Job Training, where she gained hands-on professional experience and explored career paths previously unimagined, noting that "this summer, Job Training gave me the opportunity to take that growth even further. Through workshops, professional experiences, and visits to different companies, I was introduced to careers that I may not have considered before."
These experiences forged critical life skills ranging from public speaking and professional communication to strategic adaptability while preparing her for the future. Looking back on a decade of memories, saying goodbye was bittersweet as she shared, "After 10 years, it’s definitely bittersweet to know that this chapter is coming to an end. I’m incredibly thankful to Fiver Children’s Foundation and all of the staff, counselors, and people I’ve met along the way who have challenged me, supported me, and created opportunities for me to grow. Thank you, Fiver, for 10 unforgettable years."
From Camper to Community Leader
Saul '26 also reached the finish line of his 10-year journey this summer, tracing his transformation back to the day he first arrived at Camp when "ten years ago, I got on the bus heading to Camp Fiver feeling scared and terrified. I didn’t know anyone or what those two weeks would be like. Little did I know that those two weeks would begin a journey that would shape the person I am today."
That initial uncertainty blossomed into profound personal growth, lasting friendships, and authentic leadership. As he matured, Saul recognized a deep personal responsibility to pay forward the compassion and support he had received, realizing that "as I grew older, I realized I had a responsibility to give younger campers the same love, respect, compassion, and sense of belonging that had been given to me," and discovering that "my Fiver journey taught me that leadership isn’t just about having a title. It’s about serving others, being dependable, and making people feel valued."
Saul's commitment to leadership extended far beyond camp boundaries, including sharing his compelling story as a featured speaker at the 2026 Fiver Benefit, where he articulated his aspirations of building a career in the trades. Looking back on his experience, he recognized how far he's come:
“I learned how to speak up.
I learned how to lead.
I learned how to serve.
I learned how to make mistakes and grow from them.
Most importantly, I learned how to make someone else feel like they belong.”
Carrying Fiver Forward
While every individual path through Fiver looks different, these reflections underscore a universal truth: the impact reaches infinitely farther than a single summer in the woods. For some, returning means creating a safe haven for the next generation of young people. For others, it means translating 10 years of mentorship and resilience into college success, workforce excellence, and lifelong community engagement.
Saul captured this sentiment perfectly when reflecting on his milestone graduation, sharing that "Fiver was never just a summer camp to me. It became part of my life, my growth, and the person I am becoming."
We are grateful to the Fivers, families, counselors, staff, mentors, and supporters who made this summer possible. As these reflections show, the experiences at Camp and through our year-round programs continue to matter long after summer ends—in the confidence to try something new, the decision to support someone else, and the relationships that keep people connected. Once a Fiver, always a Fiver.
