The Bright Lights Volunteer Experience

Written by Jodi Fuson

Camp Assistant Specialist, Bright Lights

The Value of Volunteering

Grace Nieman became a Bright Lights Camp Assistant in 2022 as a way to do something fun with a friend, remain productive during the summer, and earn many volunteer hours in a short timespan.

“Volunteering has shown me how impactful giving our time can be,” wrote Grace, who grew up volunteering with her family. “Sometimes it is more important to show up and be willing to help,” she added.

Volunteering has taught Grace a lot of responsibility as she helps keep track of campers, set up the classroom, and keep everyone safe.

From Camper to Assistant

Logan Lambrecht made his volunteer debut last summer as a CA for two Bright Lights half-day camps — Tremendous Time Travels and Amazing Race. As a former Bright Lights camper, he had always wanted to be an assistant. Logan found it a really fun way to spend his summer.

“You get to learn something new with everything you do in the different camps, right along with the kids,” he explained. One of his favorite things was getting to know all of the kids and their big personalities. “It’s a new adventure every day,” he said.

Volunteering at these summer camps prompted Logan to consider combining his interests in music and working with kids in the future.

International Connections

Kim Tran began volunteering with Bright Lights in 2022 through UNL’s TRIO-Upward Bound program. She enjoyed helping with the Little Picassos camp so much that she applied to bea Camp Assistant in 2023 and again this year.

Assisting with the International Program last summer, Kim, who had never met international students, made lasting connections. ThroughI nstagram, she has remained in touch with some of the Japanese students from the Cooking Around The World Class. “It is just so heartwarming to see what they post on their story,” she said.

Kim emphasized that “Not only will Camp Assistant volunteers earn hours that look good on a resume, but you’re going to be making so many connections.”