Throughout the year, dedicated champions help Camptown expand our reach and deepen our impact on every child we serve. Meet three inspiring members of the Camptown family and learn about the journeys they’ve taken with us.
Volunteer Spotlight: Corey Pitzo
Corey leads trips for our Youth Leaders program as a volunteer, combining his passion for the outdoors with community service. As Camptown qualifies for most corporate volunteer time off (VTO) programs, volunteers like Corey can explore stunning state and national parks while making a difference. Beyond dedicating his time and energy, Corey is also a proud member of Camptown CORE, our monthly giving program.
What interests you most about Camptown?
“Camptown’s mission and the focus to teach kids through nature drew me most to the organization!”
What is your Camptown story?
“[Two] weeks after thru-hiking the Appalachian trail I attended Indyvolved at Victory Field. A friend pointed out the Camptown booth, and that booth ended up being exactly what I was looking for!”
What is your “why”?
Growing up I didn’t have anyone pushing me to explore nature. Living in the suburbs of Chicago there weren’t obviously beautiful parks or hikes of renown. I felt trapped. A friend late in high school introduced me to backpacking, and it felt like I had room to breathe again. I want to give this feeling to kids in the local Indianapolis community. I didn’t expect the joy of teaching though. Seeing kids grow emotionally and new challenges over the years has been extremely rewarding. Camptown truly has a positive impact on them.
What has your best Camptown adventure been so far?
We spent two nights backpacking at the Garden of the Gods in Illinois. Each member had a job while hiking, and we ended up taking a wrong turn somewhere the second day. The kids quickly consulted the map to determine what went wrong and within an hour we were back on the right trail! There were also some intense games of “Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza” where the kids put me to shame.
What do you hope for Camptown in 2025, or what do you hope to accomplish with Camptown in 2025?
I hope Camptown keeps expanding its programs, and implements more youth leader days. My goal is to participate in at least 3 Youth Leader programs.
Finally, what’s your favorite:
– Trail snack? Cheetos are my go to!
– View? Franconia Ridge in New Hampshire
– Story with a Camptown kid? After the first day of hiking Kaitlin had hurt her ankle and was struggling to put up her tent. Two other kids quickly helped her before anyone noticed. They were so young, but they didn’t even think about themselves even though I know they were exhausted. That moment sticks with me.
Like Corey, you can make a difference in the lives of the youth we serve. By volunteering your time or joining Camptown CORE, you’ll help create life-changing outdoor experiences that build confidence, character, and hope. Visit our website to learn how you can get involved.
Board of Directors Member Spotlight: Sherri Jackson
Sherri first got involved with Camptown through her son Kaiden, who began with Camptown through a program with his elementary school and has been a Youth Leader now for 5 years. Seeing her son’s love for Camptown got Sherri more involved, and she is now a proud member of our board of directors, as well as a member of multiple committees. Sherri brings a warm light to everything she touches and is a boon to Camptown’s leadership.
What interests you most about Camptown?
Camptown’s programs, mission and impact are all tied together, leaving it hard to tease out just one. I appreciate being able to give of myself in a way that is a blessing to our youth. They need love, guidance, direction and opportunities to grow, learn and even make mistakes. Camptown affords this opportunity and nothing is better than seeing a young person develop into a confident, caring and purpose driven person.
What is your Camptown story?
My initial draw to Camptown began when my son Kaiden was involved with a program at Snacks Crossing Elementary School over 8 years ago. I feel it is important that kids be exposed to a variety of people, places and activities. Camptown is an important part of Kaiden’s “village” and I appreciate the opportunities it has afforded him.
What is your “why”?
My purpose in life is simply to love people. Supporting Camptown allows me to do just that and love on people, both adults and youth. This brings me joy and I stay involved because I get the opportunity to plant seeds in others to grow and have an impact for years to come.
What has your best Camptown adventure been so far?
My son Kaiden’s favorite adventure has been in Southern Illinois at Garden of the Gods. He enjoyed the opportunity to explore a new place.
What do you hope for Camptown in 2025, or what do you hope to accomplish with Camptown in 2025?
My hope is that God continues to abundantly bless Camptown’s mission and goals. In 2025 I am looking forward to supporting the growth we’ve had, allowing us to serve even more youth.
What’s your favorite:
– Trail snack? Kaiden’s favorite treat while out on a trip with Camptown is an oatmeal creme pie. He said it tastes especially good in the outdoor environment.
– View? When I was about 22 years old, I went on a 5 day thru hike in the Appalachian Trail with my dad and two of his male coworkers. The experience was both challenging and breathtaking. Needless to say, there were plenty of amazing views along the way.
– Story with a Camptown kid? In 2023 I was able to volunteer during Board Day at Fort Ben for Natural Wonders Day Camp. My assignment for the day was at the fishing dock, along with fellow board member Brent Holmes. I was quickly drawn to a young lady who was very shy and said she would not fish at all. It took her a while to warm up to me and even longer to agree to fish. She was petrified when she actually caught a fish but I was able to get her to allow me to hold the string with the fish on the far side of me and we took a picture. We celebrated and she finally smiled. I believe her confidence grew that day as she did something she was scared of. I can still see her face, just like it was yesterday. I bet she hasn’t forgotten either.
Like Sherri, there are so many different ways to get involved in Camptown. If you have a child who is part of a Camptown program they love, you too can deeping the connection and impact by getting involved with us through volunteering.
Program Staff Spotlight: Maggie Mathews
Maggie first connected with Camptown through our REACH for Nature program, which introduced new after-school clubs and outdoor experiences, including a two-week day camp and a high school backpacking trip. Since then, she has joined our full-time team as a Program Manager, bringing her spunk, positivity, and warmth to every interaction she has with the students we serve.
What interests you most about Camptown?
I’ve always been passionate about getting kids out into nature. That’s been the driving force behind everything I do when working with youth, and it’s what drew me to Camptown’s mission.
What is your Camptown story?
The opportunity to work with Camptown came up a few times. Initially, I saw a job listing and visited the website, but I hesitated to apply. Later, a friend’s daughter attended a Camptown event, and my friend called me up and told me I HAD to and that it was perfect for me! That felt like a sign, and was the push I needed to get involved.
What is your “why”?
My motivation comes from witnessing those precious “first time” moments – seeing kids experience their first camping trip, catch their first fish, or complete their first hike. These are significant life experiences that they might remember forever. What’s even more amazing is that this impact extends beyond the kids to the adults and teachers who join our trips. We’re breaking generational barriers right here in Indiana. Once people experience nature with us, it becomes a familiar part of their lives rather than something alien or intimidating.
What has been your best Camptown adventure so far?
Last summer’s REACH day camp stands out as particularly special. We took elementary school students on daily adventures to different natural spaces around the city. We visited places like Southeastway Park, Cool Creek Park, and Holliday Park, and I loved that these daily interactions helped build even stronger bonds with them than when we interacted only through our after school program. One memorable moment involved a student who struggled with an emotional meltdown on the first day. We discovered that simply making contact with the water in the rivers and streams we visited had a profoundly calming effect on him. Watching that therapeutic connection with nature develop was incredibly moving.
What do you hope for Camptown in 2025?
I’m looking forward to developing deeper relationships with several of our partner schools, particularly through our cohort at Indianapolis Metropolitan High School, or Indy Met. I have a special hope for strengthening our one-on-one connections with the middle school students we began working with this year through Indianapolis Public Schools’ Rebuilding Stronger campaign. Additionally, I’m excited about the strides we are taking as an organization with adventure therapy, which I believe will enhance everything we do at Camptown, including the programs not directly linked to the adventure therapy efforts.
Finally, what’s your favorite:
– Trail snack: Dried mangoes
– View: Mount Crested Butte in Crested Butte, Colorado
– Story with a Camptown kid: How Team Building Activities Help Foster Personal Growth and Relationships (available on our blog!)
At Camptown, we’re committed to creating outdoor experiences that build confidence, resilience, and hope. Just like Maggie, we can all work to bring ourselves closer to the causes we’re most passionate for – join us in supporting this mission and helping more young people thrive.