Interview by Hadley Robinson

CAMP ERA: 2005-2018 (Counselor, Program Director, Voyageur Division Leader, Bush Division Leader, Trip Shack Director)

Phil Pickard first came to Hayo-Went-Ha as a counselor, and his enthusiasm and energy were a natural fit for the job. He was on ad staff for many years and spent several off seasons with camp’s environmental education program too. Like many alumni, Phil works in education and speaks to camp’s inspiring role in his career. But little did he know back then that all those Polar Bear jumps in Torch Lake would also potentially influence his career.

Question: Phil, what do you do with your days?

Answer: I am a special education teacher at Grand Blanc High School and coordinate the Special Olympics Unified program.

Q: How did you get involved with the Special Olympics? 

A: When I was teaching at Brendel Elementary in Grand Blanc, we began fundraising and did a “polar plunge” where we jumped in the lake in the winter as an entire staff. Then, after 3-4 years of plunging and getting donations, I was honored by Grand Blanc schools, and I got to meet the Special Olympic high school students. I immediately loved the program and what it stood for. Then when the teacher retired, boom, I took over the position and became a high school teacher, which was something I never thought I would do.

Q: I know you’ve done many polar plunges for the Special Olympics. How much have you raised? 

A: I have done 8 polar plunges. One year I even jumped in twice! Over these 8 years, I have raised about $40,000!! The consistent generosity of people blows my mind!

Q: Did Torch Lake prepare you at all for the cold water jumps? 

A: Torch absolutely prepped me! Those Polar Bears on a rainy morning on Torch may be worse than a frozen Lake Fenton!

Q: How has your career or life been inspired by camp? 

A: Camp has inspired me in all aspects of life! I try to be a better friend to all because of the “Each for All, All for Each” mentality! I’m not always good at it, but I try to think of the common good and for a way to be my brother’s keeper. I try to pass the ladle to the next person who may need that drink of water even more than I do!

Camp has also made me a better teacher! At camp we work with campers from all walks of life, and working with a variety of campers prepared me to also work with students from all walks of life. Everyone comes to camp and school with things in their past that make them who they are. We have to find empathy and understand to give people a chance to reach their full potential. 

Q: What is something you’ve been most proud of lately?

A: I am so proud watching the Special Olympics Unified Program in action at the high school level. The Unified program unites students with intellectual and physical disabilities with general education peers. These pure interactions and friendships happen so naturally, that it inspires me every day. There are so many good teenagers in the world! 

Q: What’s your favorite camp memory?

A: I have too many favorite camp memories to pick one!

Leading a song at Stand-Up Sit-Down campfires while hearing the laughs and taking in the views; Closing campfires in Bonbright Lodge; The hugs from returning campers on Opening Days; Reaching the summit of the Golden Staircase in Alaska; Completing the final day on Isle Royale; And greeting returning trips at the trip shack and hearing campers’ stories of lifelong memories made on trips.