Coming Full Circle at Camp: Jaclyn Jasnocha
From camper to counselor to Activities Specialist, one leader reflects on how Camp Aldersgate helped shape her path—and how she’s helping shape it for others.
by Brooke Wilson, APR
Jaclyn (Jac) Jasnocha first came to Camp Aldersgate as a quiet teenager navigating a new diabetes diagnosis. This summer, she returns as a leader helping the next generation find their confidence, too.
Her journey began as a camper in 2015 during Diabetes Week, when she arrived unsure of what to expect. She hadn’t met many others with type 1 diabetes and wasn’t ready to talk openly about her diagnosis.
“I was in a state of denial,” Jac said. “But being around other kids who understood what I was going through changed everything. Camp helped me find my voice.”
At 14, Jac aged out of the diabetes camp session, but her story with Camp Aldersgate was just beginning. The following year, she returned as a volunteer (now known as a counselor-in-training), providing support for the Bleeding Disorders, Asthma, and Oncology Camp. In 2018, Jac came back to volunteer during Diabetes Week, continuing to grow in leadership and perspective.
By 2019, she had become a summer counselor, working directly with younger campers, many of whom saw themselves in her.
“I’m so grateful I got the chance to be the kind of role model I needed when I was their age.”
FINDING HER PATH THROUGH CAMP
That fall, she began working weekend camps and stayed involved even through major life changes: graduating from high school, entering college, and reevaluating her career path.
For a while, she pursued nursing, inspired by the diabetes educators she met at camp. But after a year, she realized the clinical setting wasn’t the right fit.
“Camp was the constant,” she said. “Even when I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, I kept coming back, and every time, it helped me figure out my next step.”
She finished her associate degree and is now studying therapeutic recreation at Arkansas Tech University with plans to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). This summer, she’ll serve as Camp Aldersgate’s Activities Specialist—a new leadership role focused on training counselors, overseeing activity areas, and ensuring every camper experience is safe, engaging and fun.
“I’m excited to help create something new. This role lines up so well with my major, and I hope to bring energy, ideas and structure to camp activities this summer.”
Looking back, she sees her time at Camp Aldersgate as a foundation, not only for her career, but for her growth as a person.
“I’ve learned how to adapt, advocate, and overcome. Camp gave me the confidence to lead and the space to grow.”
Her advice to first-time counselors? “Say yes. Be open. Give your time and your heart to this place. You’ll get so much back.”
And why does she keep coming back?
“Because Camp Aldersgate is one of a kind. The populations we serve don’t always have access to these kinds of experiences in their communities. We help fill that gap, sometimes in just a weekend or for a week. I’ve seen campers grow in ways you wouldn’t believe, and I’m honored to be part of that.”
