Volunteer Spotlight: Matt Delker

What made you decide to volunteer at Camp Hendon and how long have you been volunteering?
3 summers. I used to work as a counselor in my younger days and always enjoyed the rewarding work inspiring young people being outdoors making friendships and memories. I learned that most charitable camps are in need of volunteers, so I decided to help out and put my past experience to work.

What is your role at camp?
Cabin Counselor

Why do you come back year after year? What do you get from camp or how has it impacted your life?
I do enjoy the change of pace and challenges of keeping things fun and covering all the bases from bug bites to blood sugar, but honestly, the campers are the best group of kids I have worked with for how well they treat one another.  Their inclusive attitude creates an amazing atmosphere to be a part of.

What is your favorite activity at camp and why?
Lately it has been the tie-dye t-shirts and the good old fashioned hikes, especially when we get to go through some creeks.  Also cabin games have provided a lot of laughs.  And preparing for campfire with songs and skits then seeing them performed is great.

What are some things you have learned or taken away from camp?
Life’s obstacles create growth that becomes greater than what the challenge was threatening to take away.

What do you do in your real life when you’re not giving your time to Camp Hendon?
I do fool around with real estate renovation and house flips, but only so I can pay for fun things like travel to foreign countries or just stay in my cabin in the woods and garden and feed birds.  Those plants and bird seeds get expensive.

Do you have any skills or talents that many may not know about you?
Furniture making.  I hope to have a retail outlet to display and sell some of my work in the future.

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