Meet Our Squad: Nelson Strickland
This year we welcomed two new year round staff members to our team. Allow me to introduce to one of these beautiful human beings today: Nelson Strickland. He is a dedicated, fun, and wildly creative camp professional. In just a few weeks of being at SG, he is already leveling up several aspects of our program. Nelson doesn’t shy away from a challenge, he loves a good team brainstorm, and knows that no matter your preference, all human beings can bond over the sheer satisfaction of enjoying a piece of candy. It is has been a riot of fun over at Stomping Ground HQ getting to know Nelson. Read his blog post below to get a sense of the magic and spirit he brings to the squad. - Ray
Wow, just wow. I've dreamed of this day for a long time now. Joining the Stomping Ground community, a legendary squad of extraordinary humans, is nothing short of a dream come true. I've been a bit of a fanboy of the Stomping Ground mission ever since I heard about no bed times at camp. Although things have changed a bit since then, I would still easily give up my last slice of pizza every time if it meant I could experience being a part of this team during those days. However, there's no time like the present, and I could not be more overjoyed at the reality that I am now one of Stomping Ground’s newest camp directors.
My Camp Journey
I started my camp journey at the ripe young age of 11. I didn't want to go but I'm forever grateful to my mother for “strongly encouraging” me to get on that bus and discover what has truly become my life's passion. At the age of 15, I told my then camp director that I would eventually have his job one day. After many years of camp songs, crazy costumes, and ice cream dance parties I would (at the age of 22) bring that dream to fruition. Unironically, this would also be the year that I was introduced to Jack and Laura who can now be referred to as nothing less than the GOATS. I would proceed to admire the culture, work ethic, and humble curiosity they would instill into the radically empathetic community. Can we also just take a second to really realize how dope of a mindset that is… radical empathy. The thought that we should just DO Good recklessly is truly a, for lack of a better word, magical mindset to have. As one of the newest members of the community I fully intend to live this mantra out loud.
A Little About Me
Ok ok enough admiration here’s a little bit about myself. I love music, dancing, art, and all things creative. I enjoy seeing people smile and believe in the power of moments. I think that you should question everything even if you know you'll never find the answers. I like to dip my french fries in whatever sauce that I got for my nuggets (preferably ranch). The quesarito is one of man's greatest inventions. I never match my socks and I tell people that it's because I like to save time in the morning, but I really just like to show off my socks. I enjoy looking for silver linings, but think that it's necessary sometimes to sit in the shade that is created by whatever cloud is over our head of the time. Pulp Fiction is my favorite movie and just about any other thing by Quentin Tarantino comes in as a close second. Royales with cheese are fire, but a nice salad paired with apple juice is also a go to banger of a meal. Finally I believe in manifestation. I truly believe that any human is capable of greatness and that greatness can only be defined by you. My greatness is working with an organization that is fueled by the power of relationships more so than the power of economy. To be able to do so with some of the coolest homies I ever crossed paths with can only be depicted as a dream come true. All that said, I am in Stomping Ground...I..am..in!
