Building, Growing, and Creating
ADEC was thrilled to welcome Notre Dame alumni families to our programs this summer as part of Notre Dame’s annual Family Volunteer Camp. Through this program, alumni families return to the South Bend community for meaningful volunteer experiences with local organizations and this year, three groups representing 12 different families chose to spend their time with ADEC.
Across three days, these families volunteered with our Skills Training Program, Mishawaka Summer Camp, and Elkhart Summer Camp, bringing energy, creativity, and plenty of smiles to each experience.
Growing, Creating, and Giving Back
Our first group spent time with participants in ADEC’s Skills Training Program, where volunteers had the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and get involved in two very different projects. At the ADEC Resource Center, one group worked alongside participants in our Outdoor Amenity Space, weeding the garden, caring for plants, and adding new produce. Together, they helped tend a growing garden that now includes zucchini, lettuce, sunflowers, eggplant, herbs, and more.
Meanwhile, another group put their creativity to work preparing for ADEC’s 50th Annual Ride A Bike. Together, participants and volunteers created more than a dozen colorful posters for cheerleaders to use during the event.
Whether they were gardening or creating, the volunteers weren’t simply completing a project; they were working alongside the individuals we serve, sharing an experience and building connections along the way.
Making Memories at Summer Camp
Our second group joined us at Mishawaka Summer Camp, where the day was all about having fun and making memories. Families joined campers for games of Duck, Duck, Goose, karaoke, art projects, pickleball, soccer, and basketball. There was plenty of friendly competition, but the best part was seeing volunteers and campers simply enjoying time together. For our campers, having community members step into their space and participate alongside them creates opportunities for friendship, connection, and belonging.
Taking the Stage at Elkhart Summer Camp
Our final group volunteered at Elkhart Summer Camp, arriving just in time to help campers prepare for their upcoming Talent Show. The volunteers served as the audience during a dress rehearsal, giving campers an enthusiastic and supportive crowd as they practiced their performances. After the show, the fun continued with basketball, time on the playground, and plenty of opportunities to get to know one another.
For campers preparing to step on stage, having a cheering audience can make all the difference and these volunteers were more than happy to fill the role.
More Than Volunteering
ADEC is incredibly grateful to the Notre Dame alumni families who chose to spend part of their summer with us through Family Volunteer Camp. Volunteer experiences like these are about more than completing a project or filling a few hours. They create opportunities for the individuals we serve to connect with people from their community, try something new, share their talents, and build relationships.
We’re grateful to the Notre Dame alumni families for showing up, getting involved, and helping create moments of connection that will stay with our participants long after the volunteer day ends.
Want to get involved with ADEC? Learn more about volunteer opportunities by clicking the button below!
Written by Lauren Srmek, Communications Specialist
