Meet the Former Camper: Shannon Malloy
What years did you attend Circle Camps and how old were you?
I attended circle from when I was 9 to 17.
What were your favorite camp activities?
My favorite camp activity was arts n crafts, specifically at EKC (LIT program). I loved painting together with the group or by myself.
Describe one of your favorite camp memories.
My favorite camp memory is when I grew a really close bond with a counselor, and we would watch the stars at Circle at Tapawingo together.
How did Circle help you in your grief process?
I was never open to expressing my feelings when my dad first passed. I didn’t want anyone talking to me about it. After going to Circle, I am not only comfortable, but excited to talk about my dad. It makes me remember him and the wonderful memories we created together. Obviously the loss of my dad continues to break my heart, but Circle has emphasized compassion and comfort for my feelings and is a safe place that I can think about when I get down about my dad not being here.
What was your favorite camp meal?
My favorite camp meal was either squirty chicken or the grilled cheese!
What are you doing now? Has your experience at Circle influenced that at all?
Circle has not only taught me perseverance, but also to explore outside of my comfort zone. When I first went to Circle, I would never talk about my dad and his passing, but it was critical for me to try. I could apply this to all aspects of my life, and I learned so many new things about myself because of my willingness to try new things! I am now very open minded compared to my first few years at Circle. I play volleyball at the collegiate level, I take school seriously and study at Suffolk University, and most recently, I won Miss Massachusetts Teen USA 2021! Not only has Circle helped me with my grief journey, but it has helped me be a more well rounded young woman. I don’t know where I would be now without the support of Circle Camps.
What years did you attend Circle Camps and how old were you?
I attended circle from when I was 9 to 17.
What were your favorite camp activities?
My favorite camp activity was arts n crafts, specifically at EKC (LIT program). I loved painting together with the group or by myself.
Describe one of your favorite camp memories.
My favorite camp memory is when I grew a really close bond with a counselor, and we would watch the stars at Circle at Tapawingo together.
How did Circle help you in your grief process?
I was never open to expressing my feelings when my dad first passed. I didn’t want anyone talking to me about it. After going to Circle, I am not only comfortable, but excited to talk about my dad. It makes me remember him and the wonderful memories we created together. Obviously the loss of my dad continues to break my heart, but Circle has emphasized compassion and comfort for my feelings and is a safe place that I can think about when I get down about my dad not being here.
What was your favorite camp meal?
My favorite camp meal was either squirty chicken or the grilled cheese!
What are you doing now? Has your experience at Circle influenced that at all?
Circle has not only taught me perseverance, but also to explore outside of my comfort zone. When I first went to Circle, I would never talk about my dad and his passing, but it was critical for me to try. I could apply this to all aspects of my life, and I learned so many new things about myself because of my willingness to try new things! I am now very open minded compared to my first few years at Circle. I play volleyball at the collegiate level, I take school seriously and study at Suffolk University, and most recently, I won Miss Massachusetts Teen USA 2021! Not only has Circle helped me with my grief journey, but it has helped me be a more well rounded young woman. I don’t know where I would be now without the support of Circle Camps.