09/04/2026
Abbey Bonfe '23 spent the summer at Camp Knutson as a Program Specialist. Camp Knutson is a camp for children and adults with identified needs. Their website states, "Camp Knutson is dedicated to nurturing the well-being of persons with identified needs in a setting that celebrates God’s love for community and creation."
She shared, "I had the opportunity to work alongside and learn from individuals with a wide range of abilities and experiences through group homes, Down Syndrome camp, burn survivor camp, multiple heart condition camp, autism camp, skin condition camp, and kids affected by cancer camp.
This summer challenged me in the best ways and taught me the importance of adaptability, patience, communication, and meeting people where they are. Every week brought new campers, new needs, and new opportunities to learn, and I’m leaving this summer with a deeper understanding of how important it is to listen, think creatively, build trust, and approach every person as an individual.
Beyond the skills I developed, I’m incredibly grateful for the people and connections I made at camp. Camp reminded me that meaningful work often comes down to making people feel seen, supported, and understood. I’m excited to carry these lessons and experiences with me into whatever comes next."
Much of what Abbey reflected on reminds us of our Portrait of a Graduate - resilience, creativity, moral courage, curiosity, empathy, collaboration, and more. What an amazing opportunity and a wonder camp.
