Volunteer Spotlight: Jake Holland, RN

What made you decide to volunteer at Camp Hendon and how long have you been volunteering?
I think I've been coming to Camp Hendon about 6 years now. The reason I originally came was actually because my nursing school offered us to go to Camp Hendon over the summer instead of taking a class. I fell in love with all the volunteers there and really enjoyed my experience so I've been coming back every year since and it just keeps getting better!

What is your role at camp?
I am a nurse, however I think most of the volunteers agree we all wear many hats and share a lot of roles and responsibilities.

Why do you come back year after year? What do you get from camp or how has it impacted your life?
I come back because it's truly a fantastic experience. It helps me grow as an individual and enhances my life. From the staff to the campers it's an absolute pleasure to be there. Camp helps me develop my time management, patience, leadership skills, communication, patience, and oh, did I mention patience? 

What is your favorite activity at camp and why?
Personally, dangle duos. I don't care how many times I've come to camp that thing is by far the hardest exercise. You'd think after half a decade I would remember how to do it or have some method down. Nope. Nothing has made me feel more helpless. Dangle duos keeps me humble.
As an overall experience I love the trust fall. There’s always one or two campers who are scared and nervous and watching them push past their comfort zone is a very inspiring experience to bear witness to.

What are some things you have learned or taken away from camp?
Every year I learn more about diabetes, even with being a medical expert. From pumps to CGMs my knowledge changes and grows every year.

What do you do in your real life when you’re not giving your time to Camp Hendon?
I’m a traveling ICU nurse so I tell everyone I'm a professional hobo, but most people would probably use the term gypsie. I'm extremely active. I pretty much do all the outdoor activities/things. I also play video games with my besties across the U.S.A. If you've seen my Instagram you probably know my dog Stella! She is a long-haired dachshund so basically a fluffy wiener dog. She's everything to me and goes everywhere with me.

Do you have any skills or talents that many may not know about you?
I’m pretty good at soccer!

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