Camp Counselor Testimonials

Madi

“Currently living in NSW, Australia about to start my Music Honours and working towards becoming a Music Therapist.

I have so many fond memories of my time at Phoebe, my favorite activity to do was definitely caving, can’t say I’ve had the opportunity to do that anywhere else, followed by rock climbing at Pilot Mountain.
Outdoor expedition camp was hands down my favourite camp week but each week was so fun and different from the last.
I can still remember so many campers’ names too! The kids that came to camp were such an awesome bunch and they really made my whole experience memorable.
Phoebe’s such a special place, being there makes you feel like you’re part of the family.”

Joshua

“After working at PNC, I left for graduate school at the University of Kansas. I’m set to graduate with a Masters degree in chemistry Summer 2021 after defending my thesis. I’m studying the Hepatitis C virus via single molecule FRET in Dr. Erik Holmstrom’s lab, a laser spectroscopy biophysics lab.”

“My time at PNC was amazing! It was like finding another family, and helping all of the campers to experience that same love and belonging, that I felt!”

Heather

“I moved to Huntsville Alabama to pursue two degrees in optical engineering. I now work for a mid-sized company that supports a wide range of government contracts for the local ARMY base. I specialize in fielding the optical components needed to collect imagery and optical signatures of mission data.

I went to camp at Phoebe Needles every summer growing up, and after high school, I worked there as a counselor for four more summers. Friendships I made have lasted a lifetime, and some of my fondest memories are from my time there. As a camper, I was able to do things I otherwise never would have been exposed to. Backpacking through Appalachia and rock climbing in North Carolina are not experiences most people get to enjoy. Just as memorable were the unplanned events; I fondly remember spontaneous camp-wide pillow fights when we were all supposed to be in bed, and jumping fully clothed into the pool because we all got caught in a downpour. Through my time at Phoebe, I was shown how great it is to truly be yourself, love one other, love God, and just be kind to the world.”

Asher

“Hi! I live in Roanoke, Virginia and I work as a Domestic Violence case manager helping all manners of people find their footing after coming out of abusive relationships.

I spent ten years at Phoebe Needles as both a counselor and camper. My three summers with day camp and one summer with residential as well as countless weeks as a camper are unrivaled in my mind as some of the best experiences I’ve ever had. John and the rest of the staff took me to the tops of mountains, the depths of caves, and everywhere in between, and getting to turn around and do that as a member of staff was truly amazing.”

Martha

“Hey guys! I am a former Phoebe Needles counselor. I currently live in Fairfax County, Virginia up near D.C. I graduated from Longwood University in 2019 and currently work at a home city location for Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

I worked the summers of 2016 & 2017. One of my favorite memories was rock climbing camp! I really enjoyed seeing the campers challenge themselves on the rock walls as well as belaying down the mountain. Every week of camp was always a blast. I enjoyed being able to meet new campers and seeing our returning campers. Phoebe will also be a special place to make memories for both the campers and counselors!”

Lucy

“I didn’t end up too far away from Phoebe! Originally I’m from Worcestershire, UK. Last year I moved across the pond to Deale, Maryland with my husband. I am the operations manager at a local dog & cat boarding facility. I spend my days with sloppy kisses and plenty of wagging tails.

I loved my time at Phoebe, it was an incredible experience and truly helped shaped me and find my voice. I learnt how to lead a group and teach and grow with them. I learnt not to be afraid of looking silly and having fun. Highlights I remember are singing ‘De Moose’ so loud my voice would crack, dressing up everyday for first year camp, learning to climb (I still love to) and of course meeting so many great people!”

Robin

“I’ve been in Northern Virginia since the start of the pandemic teaching virtually, but for most of 2019 I was living in Johannesburg, South Africa, doing fieldwork for my doctoral dissertation on the history of South African humor. I was digging through archives, interviewing stand-up comedians, and living dreams that I’d been dreaming about for ten years. This April I look forward to defending my dissertation and going back as soon as I can post-pandemic.

In a weird way, my time at Phoebe was great prep for my Ph.D. journey. Both teaching and living in a foreign country, you’re constantly stepping outside your comfort zone, seeking out new experiences, and meeting new people. It can be really difficult, but when you feel a strong connection to the people you’re with and the place you’re in, it feels more like an adventure than work. That’s what going to camp felt like when I was a kid, and that’s what working at Phoebe felt like. You grow in ways you never expected to, and learn about yourself and the world around you every day.“

Dan

“My name is Dan, and I’m from Carlisle in the UK. I’ve worked as a Camp Counsellor at Phoebe twice, and hopefully, I will be able to travel to Phoebe for the third time in 2021. In my time at camp, I learned skills and experienced other cultures that I would never be able to if I were at home. My favorite part of camp is either camping or caving. You can’t beat the view from the top of Pilot Mountain! This year I will be starting university and I’m looking forward to the future!”

Sarah

“I am currently in Harrisonburg at JMU. I am pursuing my Master’s in Sport and Recreation Leadership and will graduate in May! I am currently interning with Horizon’s learning Foundation which is a camp-style day school that works closely with local schools to implement virtual learning with a mix of experiential education. My time at Phoebe was some of the best days of my life. I met my best friends, learned so many life skills, and became the person I am today. I credit Phoebe Needles for teaching me leadership skills, critical thinking skills, decision-making, and grit. It also instilled a lifelong passion for hiking, camping, rock climbing, and more.”

Olivia

“Hi, guys so today I’ve been at work. I am looking after key works children during this uncertain time. I live in Liverpool.

I really enjoyed my time at camp 2 summers ago, I made friends and memories for life, however, I won’t miss having to camp outside in the woods ha. Miss you all, stay safe through these dark times

I had a great time and still remember the children’s names, was a great bunch of children to share my experiences with xx”