Honors and Awards at the 2024 Camp Loyaltown Staff Appreciation Night
It was a beautiful evening on August 15 as camp counselors, dressed up in formal dresses and outfits, made their way to the Rec Hall to be honored for their dedication to the campers of Camp Loyaltown.
The annual Staff Appreciation Night awards counselors and camp staff who have dedicated years to providing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families a summer respite at Camp Loyaltown. It’s also an opportunity for Citizens Options Unlimited leadership on Long Island to travel to Hunter, NY, and reflect on the substantial impact the camp has had on campers. It would not be possible without a team of devoted staff who provide incredible support to each camper from the time they step on and off the camp bus. 
“We are here to celebrate YOU, the counselors, and the staff of Camp Loyaltown 2024,” said Sallyanne Burgess, the Vice President of Operations at Citizens Options Unlimited. “What have you done this summer? You changed the lives of the campers. When they came here, they may not have known you, but they got to know you, came back home, and all they do is talk about you.”
Sallyanne thanked each counselor for being brave and taking the risk of traveling from their home country to Hunter, NY, as they changed the lives of the people we support.
“We have the most amazing staff in the whole world,” said Savita Sharma, the Director of Family Support Services. “I say that because it’s been the year that everybody has cared so much for each other. It’s been the year every parent and family thanked me. It’s been the year that the photos have been amazing. All the calls were made to the parents. I can’t think of a better year than 2024.”
Tevin Gilfillian, the Assistant Director of Camp Loyaltown, said he learned so much from each camp counselor this summer. He was excited for the counselors, who have gained experience that will help them achieve their dreams.
“There are 460 families, and they all say thank you,” Tevin said.
After more speeches from camp leadership, it was time for the awards! Citizens Options Unlimited Chief Administrative Officer Barry Donowitz and Chief Operating Officer Chris O’Connor, as well as AHRC Foundation’s Director Mary McNamara, distributed trophies to camp counselors, cabin leaders, unit heads, nurses, and camp staff, awarding them for their years of dedication to the camp.
The cheers and support of everyone in the Rec Hall echoed throughout the entire camp, showcasing the love and pride everyone shares for each other and Camp Loyaltown.
After the awards, Yesika Richards, Program Coordinator of Training and Development, asked the returning staff in the crowd to observe a moment of silence and reflect on all the challenges they’ve overcome to reach where they are today.
After a moment of reflection, the returning staff stood up to a roar of applause from their friends. Yesika then asked the returning staff to look at each other and say, “You did it.”
“I know that we serve many different roles at camp,” Yesika said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a small one or a big one. You all play such an important part in the lives of everyone here – campers, their parents, and myself included. It requires a team to make the camp run smoothly. We have our challenges, but they are challenges that help us grow year after year. We learn from them. We use them as an opportunity to come up with solutions.”
Finally, Yesika said she looks forward to what 2025 will bring to Camp Loyaltown.
After the ceremony, a slideshow of photos taken throughout the season is displayed on the curtains, followed by videos of camp staff talking about what they’ve learned that summer and their favorite memories and bloopers!
Thank you to the Camp Loyaltown counselors and staff members who have shown such kindness and compassion to the campers and their families who have entrusted their care to us. We hope everyone enjoyed Staff Appreciation Night.