SC Spotlight: Jillian Morabito
By Samantha Romero ‘16
“Having a disability does not disable people from living a full life just because they don’t fit into societal conformities,” said Morabito. “They just live their life in a different way, and that’s pretty rad.”
Senior public relations major, Jillian Morabito,shares what it’ like to work at RAD camp. RAD is a non-profit organization based in Orange County that provides a special week for adults and children with developmental disabilities.
Q: What inspired you to get involved and work at the camp? How did you find out about it?
JM: I’ve been working with the people of RAD camp for 5 years now. I got involved in RAD, formerly known as Camp ReCreation, while still in high school. The directors, Katie & Megz, came to our school to train us for Mater Dei’s Special Olympics, where I volunteered all four years of high school. So logistically, that’s how I got involved. I was actually denied twice to be a counselor–it’s a very selective process.
My sister has Rett Syndrome, which is a neurological disorder. People usually assume that I volunteer at these places because it’s closer to my heart. At first, yes. But after spending so many years with these people and other counselors, they’re like my second family and I couldn’t imagine my summer (and life) without camp
Q:What has your experience been like working with the kids and adults?
JM: People with special needs are by far my absolute, favorite people on this earth. If someone asked me would you rather spend a week in Hawaii with *insert famous celeb here* or at camp, I wouldn’t blink an eye in choosing the latter.
It’s a learning experience and every year is completely different from the last. You watch the buddies grow, and that’s probably the coolest part. They are changing right before your eyes, as are you. It’s especially cool with the little kids because they come back looking completely different each year. The kids are a bundle of energy. You barely have time to sit and eat.
The adults are more chill. Many of them have been coming to camp for longer than we have all been alive. They’re legends around here. It’s the coolest thing to see a new counselor with a buddy that has been doing camp for 30+ years because the buddy almost shows them around camp. This may sound a bit unconventional, but giving a week of your time spent entirely on someone else is actually the best way for you to grow as a person.
A week without answering emails, posting on Facebook, online shopping, etc. is perhaps the best thing someone in our generation can experience. Going back to the basics of human interaction with people that truly deserve it is the best way to appreciate what we all have.
Unfortunately, people with special needs are treated as outcasts and looked at differently. When we used to go on field trips, I remember tearing up because of the way people would look at us. I feel like it’s my job to educate people that having a disability does not disable people from living a full life just because they don’t fit into societal conformities. They just live their life in a different way, and that’s pretty rad.
Q: Have you ever faced any obstacles while working at the camp?
JM: The hardest part about camp is probably your first year because you are actually scared shitless. At camp, you are paired one-on-one with a buddy for a week and you do everything together, 24/7. Here you are, 16, in charge of someone’s life and well-being for a week. A lot of people have a mini breakdown. But by the time you know it, the week is done and your buddy is your best friend. Camp withdrawals are felt by all parties involved.
Q: What is the camp like? What does their program involve?
JM: Camp is a week for adults (in July) and five days for kids (August). It’s only in Orange County. At camp, we have “classes” every day–art, science, journal, music, drama, games. At night, there are often events like a dance, concert, movie, etc. Camp is run by the most amazing directors, Katie and Megz, and also a staff of about 30 and about another 100 counselors. Also, there are about 100 buddies at each camp. It’s a lot of people. Staff and counselors arrive a day before to commence training.
It’s a sleepover camp, so once you are there, you’re there for good. The weirdest part about camp is at the end, when you finally get in your car and drive away because all of a sudden, you are in the real world again…and it sucks. Often times, we find time to hang out because these people are more than amazing.
For more information and how to donate to a great cause check out the links below.
