SALTT is the biggest club at ILS whose sole purpose is to help poor children have a good time. Some of the children and families they work with, immigrants from mostly Central America, are undocumented or, if they were born here, are documented but their parents are not. Most kids don’t get that much attention when they go home because their parents are out working on the fields.
Spending time with these kids volunteers grow a bond, a connection. To the people of SALTT, these kids are more than a field trip or something to do for service hours.
When you are in SALTT as a freshman you see these kids for fun events like Halloween, Christmas and Valentine’s Day but, have you ever wondered if there’s more to it?
“SALTT Camp is one of the best experiences when it comes to being in the club itself,” said freshman Isabella Studenski.
What is SALTT camp?
SALTT camp is going up to Lake Worth and being with the Maya kids. Volunteers spend time with the kids who look forward to seeing ILS students after every field trip, but this time volunteers get to see them everyday for a week.
There are two weeks to choose from and they are both right after school ends in the beginning of summer.
Not only is SALTT camp a great experience, it shows the reality of the kids’ lives. When you see them after school, it’s different than going to visit their houses and listening to the stories the parents tell you. When you speak to the parents and look at where they live; it shows a completely different a deeper side than most are used to.
“Last summer, when I did SALTT camp, it was a completely different reality than what I was used to. It made me sad but then made me realize how much of an impact I truly make on the kids every time I see them,” said junior Emma Angeli.
Besides going to visit their homes houses and stay with the kids all week, that’s not everything SALTT camp is about.
During camp you also connect with those around you. You pray, engage in activities, have deep conversations and more. The whole week goes by so fast because of how much fun you are having.
“When I got to open up to my whole group, at first it seemed really nerve-wracking, but I was so comfortable with everyone around me because I wasn’t the only one opening up. SALTT camp gave me a healthy and positive environment and I cannot wait to go back this summer,” said junior Dalile Ferllen.
“Wait, but I’ve never been in SALTT. Can I still join?” Of course you can!!! As long as you interview with Mr. Tim Gamwell or Ms. Maria De La Guardia when the time comes (April-May) you may have a shot.
If you do SALTT camp, you automatically become part of the executive board. This then gives you the opportunity to learn more about the origin of the camp and be more involved with SALTT events.
Do you get hours?
You earn 130 hours for a week of service.
In the end, SALTT is an amazing experience that helps you to integrate into the club even more.
