“As someone who has been involved with the special needs community their whole life, I noticed something unique about A Place To Be. There’s a really big sense of belonging there. The atmosphere made me feel accepted and welcomed, and I didn’t have to worry about doing something silly–you could wave your arms around to the music as crazy as you wanted and no one judged you“
Tell us about your experience volunteering at A Place To Be. How did you learn about us/get started volunteering with us? What camps did you join us for this summer?
About ten or so years ago, my family and I spent an evening at a local high school to hear the LSYO (Loudoun Symphony Youth Orchestra). After the show, guests could visit different tables set up outside the performance hall and try playing instruments like the trumpet or making music-themed crafts. My family stopped at a table called “A Place To Be”, where we met staff and clients and learned about APTB’s mission with music therapy. That was my favorite table we visited that night–everyone was so welcoming and fun! (I still have the business card I took from the table too!) It wasn’t until last year, however, that we found A Place To Be again. My sister started therapy and completely fell in love with the APTB community. My mom encouraged me to try out volunteering for the summer, and I asked if there were any volunteer positions available. It ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! This summer, I helped out with the Film and Pop Rocks Camps and ended up having the two best weeks of my life! Between everyone’s excitement, creativity, and talent, and the hard work, enthusiasm, and ingenuity demonstrated by all, I was swept away by the sheer joy rocking the room!
What were some of the ways you’ve been involved with APTB? Do you have any specific moments that stick out to you, or inspiring or joyous moments you would like to share?
It’s hard to describe exactly how much fun I had at APTB! When I was interviewed for the volunteer position, emphasis was really put on how exciting and FUN summer camps were, but it wasn’t until my first day helping out that the meaning of the word really sank in! How is it possible to have such a BLAST every single day?! I loved coming in in the morning and seeing how excited all the campers were to start the day–we sure had a lot of laughs! Group activities were probably my favorite part–freeze-dancing, singing, coloring on the floor, building sets for the movie, making crafts, writing songs…there wasn’t a moment when I wasn’t smiling! It was so amazing too to see the shyest of campers grow into stars by the end of the week and how in only a few days, everybody became really good friends!
Pop Rocks Week 2 Music Video
Why should someone volunteer at A Place To Be? What sets being involved with APTB apart from other organizations, and what has kept you coming back? What is your favorite thing about A Place To Be?
As someone who has been involved with the special needs community their whole life, I noticed something unique about A Place To Be. There’s a really big sense of belonging there. The atmosphere made me feel accepted and welcomed, and I didn’t have to worry about doing something silly–you could wave your arms around to the music as crazy as you wanted and no one judged you. For the past four years, I’ve been volunteering at a wonderful place called Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center, where I learned the power of helping others through equine therapy. Sprout’s motto, “we rise by lifting others”, really inspired me to find ways to continue helping those with special needs. Because of my love of music, I thought music camp would be a great experience! I came to A Place To Be to help others grow, but in the process, I ended up learning new things about myself too. It was a big step outside of my comfort zone–equine therapy is a lot different than music therapy!–but I feel like I came out a better person on the other side because of it. There’s a huge focus on exploring one’s abilities at APTB. After I’d gotten through my first-day jitters, it really began to feel like a family. The people who focus on helping others are always the most exceptional, and all the staff, mentors, and volunteers at APTB are so funny, kind, and thoughtful, they made me feel right at home. Probably what I love most about A Place To Be is the endless opportunity there. Every day is new and different! Never have two weeks gone by so fast, and as full of FUN!, in my life as the two weeks I spent at APTB. If only the summer could have lasted forever! I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to spend my summer at A Place To Be and I can’t wait to volunteer again as soon as the next opportunity presents itself!! It really is the place to be.
Film Camp, where Lucy worked with APTB campers and on the production behind the scenes