Yes,summer endedmonths ago -but, journey back with me forjust a (perhaps,warmer)memory.For many, summercampis atimefor outdoor adventureandmemories made incanoesandkayaks, swimmingwithfriends, learning howtomake knotsyou'd neverthink to use,orsome kind ofwoodsycraft.It was aplacewhere summer seemed to last forever.  

Many getto experiencesummer camp growing up, a part of treasured childhood memories-but not for me.Ihave myown summer camp memories as an adultcamp leaderwho, forthepast decade or so, hasbeen responsible for a cabin of 15 teenage girls.Myfirstexperience as acamp lead wasas a 30-year oldwide-eyedand mystified adventurer, who wasclearlyoutofmyelement.I took a week off work, flew myself tothe nearest airportand got to camp.  

Afterthe week-long campwas over,I took a 16-hour bus rideback homewith the group of teenagers. I live to tellthe taleof thatfirst-time camp experience. 

No one can really prepare you for all theaches and painsof camp - fromzip-lining and obstacle courses to thesleepless nights (thanks,uncomfortable bunks) and a slightly different kind of ache:uncovered fears you didn't think you had.Yet,one thing always made up for those aches and pains -seeing the summer through the eyes of a young person, eager to tackle those fears while seeking new adventures.  

This is thevery magic that kept me coming back year after year to lead a cabinfilled withour next generation.Ilookedforward to this week all year -excitedly anticipating its arrivalin the same wayone does for their favorite holiday or a "real" vacation. 

Thencame 2020. Summer camps were all but canceled.Not only was I sad that I wouldmiss that magical week, but I now had alot ofVolunteer Time Off from Cisco with nowhere to go. Cisco's Volunteer Time Off provides employees 40 hours each year (which was bumped up to 80 hours in 2020!) to give back in ways they are most passionate about and is separate from our normal PTO hours. 

My restless soul, especially given the times, needed that same magic. I needed to experience that sense of hope and joy for the future.So, I took mattersinto my own hands-andthis year,my 'summer camp' lookeda little different.  

Instead of onecontiguousweekthis summer, I volunteeredovera series ofsingledays -some random Tuesdaysor Thursdays -over the course ofa fewmonths.My 'camp crew' for 2020 comprised of my husband, siblings,nephews and niecesor friends. We would gather aroundourdining room tableto prepare individual meals, and thendelivered thesemeals to our localcommunityto areas where they were needed the most.  

On thesedays the eyesof those who were receivingthesemealsshowed the range of our human condition: sadness, anger, disbelief...but always,a glimmer of hope, and gratitude.  

This year, I was able to extend 'camp' over the summer months and intofall-and, now it has become monthly give back opportunities where myfamily hasplannedinto thewinterholiday season. I love that even for ajust a day, here and there,Cisco supportsme takingthe time towrap breadorportion out sour cream. It has nothing to do with myrole as a Technical Solutions Architect for our Collaboration team,but Cisco sees its importance and the value of giving back.I can devote my thoughts and energies to something that's not on a video screen andcan seetheworld through someone else's eyes.   

These random days of giving backhas that same magic as my week-longannual summer camp adventure.For a moment, I step into thetangible, physical world -and not just avirtualgive back opportunity, but totrulyconnect with others. These daysleave me energized, withthatimmense sense of joy and hope, for the future.  

Suddenly, I'm right back atsummer camp.No matter the month. 

How are you giving back this#GivingTuesday and holiday season? 

Ready to join a company that gives back?Apply now. 

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