While most college students typically spend their summers close to home, one pg电子下载 State University junior has found his calling hundreds of miles away at Camp Uncommon in Rhode Island, where he transforms young lives one summer day at a time.
For the past two years, Avantavis Carter’s days begin at 6:00 a.m., when he rises to prepare himself and his campers for adventures ahead. Armed with sunscreen, positive quotes, and what he calls a “vibe check,” he sets the tone for days filled with running, walking, laughter, and above all, love.
“My campers made me feel their love each and every day,” he reflects, his enthusiasm evident as he describes the transformation he witnesses in his young campers. “You see how they change over the course of being at camp – the ones who come in very nervous, the ones who are homesick, the ones who don’t want to try new things.”
As a bus captain, he serves as the first face families see when dropping off their children in New York for the journey to Rhode Island. It’s a role he doesn’t take lightly.
“Being selected was truly an honor,” said the Hazlehurst native. “You’re seen by the camp’s leadership team as someone who can communicate with families that may be nervous sending their children hours away from home.”
The camp’s commitment to holistic development resonates deeply with his future career aspirations. Through a blend of STEM activities, arts, and social-emotional learning, he helps create an environment where children feel safe to explore, create, and grow. Team-building exercises, mindfulness practices, and creative activities become tools for developing empathy, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills.
One of the elementary education major’s fondest memories centers around “Bedlam” – a special day of competition where the camp divides into Yellow and Blue teams. As a Blue Team captain during the first session, he led his team to victory in the cheer competition.
“Having all of my babies doing stunts and coming to crowd me with hugs is always a cherishing moment,” he recalls warmly.
Despite being far from his Mississippi home, he’s found a second family at Camp Uncommon. The camp’s evening song includes the lyrics “Keep it simple, love each other, you’re my sister, you’re my brother” – words that encapsulate his philosophy toward his campers. “They are like my children,” he said, “and I go back every year because of the impact they make on my life.”
As he approaches the final phase of his education degree, he sees his camp experience as invaluable preparation for his future classroom. His commitment to fostering inclusivity, celebrating diversity, and creating safe spaces for personal growth aligns perfectly with his educational goals.
“This is preparing me to enter the educating field,” he reflects, crediting Change Summer & Camp Uncommon for what he calls a “mind-blowing experience.” Through his work at camp, he’s not just shaping young lives – he’s building the foundation for his own future as an educator who understands the transformative power of connection, compassion, and community.
