KJ Williams. Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp and Camp Ahead podcaster.
KJ Williams
Camp Ahead podcaster
At which camp were you a camper?
Prescott Pines
Friendly Pines
Camp OUTdoors
What camps have you worked at?
Prescott Pines
Anytown Leadership Camp
Girls Rock
Women's Empowerment Breakthrough Camp
Phantom Lake YMCA Camp
Why is working at summer camp important to you?
After spending years in a classroom, I realized curriculum is too rigid. Camp creates an environment where kids get the opportunity to learn life skills through the power of play. Summer camps cultivate an environment that almost tricks kids into learning and growing as full-fledged human beings. It creates an environment where everyone is welcome and grows together. Camp forges life-long friendships, deep and powerful memories and lessons you did not know you needed. Camp refreshes me every summer. To be able to see my personal mission statement put into action by hundreds of people at once. Summer camp changes lives.
Who is a camp leader you look up to, and why?
Amber Checky. I worked with Amber in 2017 to recreate Camp Anytown, AZ. She was one of the first black, queer women I had ever seen in a camp space. She so naturally took command of the room in the most compassionate and determined way. In 2022, she asked me to co-direct camp with her, which would have been my first time at Camp Anytown as a Director. I told her I was not ready, she scoffed and said, "Too bad'.
Amber taught me how to be the Camp Leader I am today. Amber taught me vulnerability; she kept me in check, she trusted me, she created space for me. I think about Amber when I do my current job, and when I'm stuck or have to handle something challenging, I think, "WWAD (What would Amber do)?"
What was the first time you were noticed and appreciated by an adult that wasn't your parent?
I was lucky to grow up in an environment where I was raised by many loving adults. I grew up a Pastor's Kid at a Mega Church. My parents were always busy and people that took care of everyone else. I was the youngest of three girls and that made me the baby of the church.
My first-grade Bible Study teacher - Doug Ambrose, played a pivotal role in my life. Although my current beliefs do not align with those I grew up with, I can still recognize the importance of the people who believed in me. Doug let me be a kid. He let me ask hard questions and stayed in my life long enough to see me start college.
In high school, my family found out I was a lesbian. I was renounced by them and my whole church. Doug took me in. He once again saw me as a full human being, let me ask hard questions and allowed a space for me to still feel welcome.
Listen to KJ on the Camp Ahead podcast!