Bryn Athyn "Tools 4 Life" Campers
Clients enthusiastically teaching volunteers simple sign language. Smiling faces while working on craft projects. Spontaneous rounds of “Duck, Duck, Goose” on the hardwood gym floor. Meaningful interactions such as these are the reason that the Woods Services Volunteer Program exists.
On Tuesday, July 14, more than fifty high school students from the Tools 4 Life Camp in Bryn Athyn, 
PA, visited Woods Services. According to the camp web site tools4life.org, “Tools 4 Life is a Career and Life Skills Camp designed to help teenagers with the tools and confidence needed to take the next step after high school.” Throughout the week, campers and counselors were challenged to develop, commit to, and act upon a personal vision. Among other experiences, visiting Woods Services provided an opportunity for the students to demonstrate their commitment through service. One student commented, “Woods was by far the most wonderful thing at camp this week. I can’t even describe the impact it had on me.”
The Tools 4 Life campers and counselors were divided into seven groups and placed in five different buildings on campus. While some volunteers engaged young clients in gym games, others worked hand-over-hand with adults in the Holland Day Program. Two other groups interacted with professionals and clients at Beechwood, the program for adults with brain injuries. According to a Beechwood volunteer, “Helping out [with] brain-injured patients really opened my eyes to new opportunities.” Another student added that “it was a very inspiring experience to see people who are disabled still living their lives to the fullest.” In the afternoon, the volunteers heard from a panel of professionals from various fields, including physical therapy and nursing.
Through the commitment of some time and lots of energy, the Bryn Athyn group made a lasting impact on clients and staff. Thank you, Tools 4 Life campers and counselors, for acting on your vision at Woods Services!
If you are interested in volunteering at Woods Services as an individual or with a group, please email volunteers@woods.org. The Bryn Athyn volunteers assure you: It is an experience that will have a lasting impact on your life.
