✨ What It Means to Wear the Staff Shirt

A sacred moment before the magic begins.

It’s a few hours before the campers arrive, and the big white tent is filled with quiet energy.

The kind of energy that doesn’t shout — it hums.

Soft music floats in the background, grounding the moment in something emotional but unspoken.

And in the center of it all… is the circle.

But this isn’t where the story begins.

It started two days ago — when the staff first arrived.

Staff huddled together in a tight-knit circle, each newly wearing their staff shirt — symbolizing unity and shared purpose before campers arrive

They came from all over. Some fresh off their first year of college. Others straight from work. Many with full hearts, tired eyes, and duffel bags full of memories from summers past.

For the last 30 hours, they’ve been reconnecting — hugging people they haven’t seen in a year, finally meeting friends they’ve only known through texts, and forming new bonds they didn’t see coming.

They’ve done group-building exercises in the sunshine.

They’ve sat in small groups sharing stories and laughs.

They’ve prepared every corner of camp — beds made, name tags ready, details dialed in.

But most importantly?

They’ve prepared themselves.

“Being a staff member at CMW means giving your heart away… and getting back something even bigger.”

Their minds.

Their hearts.

And their spirit of service.

Now, with just 2 hours left before the campers arrive… they stand here. In this circle. Ready.

A few staffers standing up to introduce themselves to the rest of the team — a candid moment during staff training where volunteers of all backgrounds, whether it’s their first time or their 30th year, are welcomed with open arms. This photo captures the heart of CMW’s inclusive, relationship-driven culture.

One by one, they’re called forward.

The director holds up a shirt. Not flashy. Not fancy. Just fabric… until this moment.

They look each staffer in the eyes and say:“You can make a difference in this world.”

And without missing a beat, the response echoes back — firm, full of fire:

“I can. I will. I must. Boom!”

There’s no stage. No applause. Just presence.

And that’s what makes it powerful.

The full group — now all wearing their staff shirts, huddled in the circle — quiet but connected

Over the next six days, they’ll become the people campers remember for years.

They’ll be cabin counselors. DJs. Dishwashers. Comforters. Chaos coordinators. Breakfast table hype crews.

They’ll pour themselves into every moment.

“Campers may forget your name — but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.”

Because when you wear that shirt — you carry more than your name.

You carry the mission.

You carry someone else’s breakthrough waiting to happen.

A staff member leading an activity, holding a mic for a camper who’s bravely opening up during a discussion on feeling inferior. In this moment there is no judgment, no interruptions — just presence. This moment captures the quiet power of CMW’s commitment to helping campers feel seen, heard, and valued.

💬 Is This Your Year to Wear the Shirt?

Celebrate Me Week is powered by people who are willing to lead with heart and show up fully — for themselves, for each other, and for every camper who walks through those gates.

And if you’ve never seen yourself in that space before… maybe that’s exactly why you’re needed.

Come for the connection.

Come for the mission.

Come take the shirt.

https://www.celebratemeweek.co/staff

Two campers embracing quietly just moments before leaving the campground during the closing ceremony. Behind them, staff members rotate through the inner circle, pausing to look each camper in the eye. It’s a deeply emotional scene shared by campers, parents, and staff alike — a space to reflect, to connect, and to honor the difference each person made in someone’s life that week.