We are having the best time introducing you to the Camp Clayton Family! We hope you are enjoying learning more about the people behind the scenes? So far we have introduced you to Maree and Adrian and we continue our series today, by catching up with Sam- a fourth-generation member of the Camp family. We hope you enjoy reading this interview and that it helps you get to know Sam better. 😊👋
Wow, it has been hard to track you down today Sam, you seem to be all over the site and never at your desk! Thanks for stopping for a minute to catch up with us; what do you spend your days doing at Camp?
Yes haha, sorry it gets very busy at Camp and I spend my days doing a range of different things. My official title is Maintenance Coordinator, but as with all of us here at Camp, I spend time helping out in a few different areas including; coordinating our big activities, hosting meals and groups on the weekends and I look after the offsite out trips.
Wow, you must be kept busy, how long have you been involved in Camp?
I have been coming to Camp for my whole life, with my parents when I was little, then I went through the camps as a camper, then became a leader, met my wife at Camp and now have been working at Camp about three and a half years. It is in my blood though. My great-grandparents were part of the founding group of Camp, both of my grandparents still serve here today and my dad was extremely passionate about Camp. I think I had no choice haha.
What do you love about Camp?
Being involved in the running of the big activities, the biggest thing I love about Camp, is encouraging a young person to challenge themselves on our outdoor recreational activities. To help them to step out of their comfort zone to accomplish something they never thought they were strong enough to do. It is really cool getting to be part of that moment with them. I am also trained in vertical rescue so have to complete regular training where we resuce the staff on our High Ropes Course- this is always a good laugh. The staff themselves is also another thing I love about Camp, we have a really good crew here, everyone has their own personalities but we all get along so well! Amy and I always say that they are our second family.
How do you like to spend your weekends?
I love anything outdoors! In the summer you will find me up at Lake Barrington water skiing. We love to get up there with some friends, spend the day on the water, have a BBQ, it is our favourite thing to do. I also love to kick back and watch a good game of AFL or NFL during the season. #gopatriots.
If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?
Hmmm.. It would have to be to see Billy Graham speak live at one of his big conferences around the world
We want to know what you would choose to eat if you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life?
Steak chips and gravy 👌
If you had to write a self-help book, what would the topic be?
Gods voice through the journey
Okay finally, tell us something on your bucket list?
I love to hike and a bucket list item would be to do a thru-hike of the Appalachian trail in the USA
Wow, that sounds exhausting but rewarding!
Thanks so much for catching up with us today Sam, we will let you get back to work. We all know what you are waiting for; to hear from one of Sam’s team what he is really like! Well we caught up with Sam’s boss Melle. Here is what he had to say;
“Sam is what the ministry at camp is also all about, keeping young Tasmanian’s employed in Tasmania, enabling them to live out their faith right here on the coast. From activities, maintenance, planning the next event or hike, to serving meals he is always there” #eternalflame
Melle Zwerver
We hope you have enjoyed this interview with Sam. Make sure you say hello to him next time you are about to pull the rope on the giant swing!