Angel Perez. Miranda Snyder. Matt Fischer.

Different paths, shared purpose—each is a beloved member of the Camp Courage family and this year’s award recipients, selected by the camp’s core committee and celebrated during Friday evening’s closing ceremony.

Camper of the Year: Angel Perez

Angel spent the week embodying the spirit of Camp Courage—building confidence and self-esteem while showing courage, empathy, and encouragement to those around him.

“Over the last two years, it has been incredible to watch Angel grow and mature. This year, more than ever, he has stood out because of the kindness and compassion he shows to everyone around him. Angel is always checking on his fellow campers, making sure they’re doing okay, and stepping in to help whenever someone needs support. He has become a positive role model at camp, and we’re all proud of the young man he is becoming,” says Joe Lindquist, Angel’s Counselor.

Paul Defreitas, another one of Angel’s counselors, shares:

“Angel has a kind soul. Expressing a positive vibe that is contagious. Angel goes out of his way to make sure that everyone around him is having a good time and helps those in need. As a Leader-In-Training (LIT) in the coming years he will be a great mentor and leader. I am very proud to have had the opportunity to be his counselor this year.”

Volunteer of the Year: Miranda Snyder

For 24 years, Miranda has quietly and consistently shaped the Camp Courage experience—going above and beyond to support campers, volunteers, and staff while helping build confidence, courage, and community. A former camper herself, Miranda went on to graduate from the Leaders-in-Training (LIT) program, become a volunteer, serve as a counselor, and now co-leads the LIT program.

Today, she mentors young adults across many of ABF’s programs, and not surprisingly, many of the LITs she has guided are now volunteering at camp, following in her footsteps. As one camper she mentored shared, “burn camp has been the single most impactful thing in my life.”

And  her impact reaches far beyond the LITs she works with.

“Over the past 20 years, I’ve watched Miranda quietly change lives,” said Danielle Campas, fellow Leaders-In-Training Counselor. “She is the person who steps up when help is needed, stays when others have gone home, and gives endlessly without expecting anything in return. Her compassion, dedication, and unwavering belief in the potential of every young person she mentors have left a lasting impact on our community. Whether she’s leading a program, supporting a volunteer, or encouraging a young person to believe in themselves, she has a gift for making people feel seen, valued, and capable of more than they thought possible. She leads by example with integrity, humility, and heart, inspiring everyone around her to be better. Miranda doesn’t volunteer for recognition—she volunteers because serving others is simply who she is. That’s what makes her so deserving of this award.”

Firefighter Volunteer of the Year: Matt Fischer

If you’ve been to Camp Courage, you’ve likely seen Matt Fischer’s signature wave—warm and constant. As a firefighter with Sedona Fire and the camp’s logistics lead, Matt is known for bringing positivity, reliability, and heart to every corner of camp.

“It should have been Ryan.” Friend, fellow camp volunteer and Sedona Firefighter, Nick Granada jokes about Matt’s twin brother, also a volunteer.

Joking aside, Nick shared:

“As our logistics lead, Matt shows up consistently with a can-do attitude, kindness, and excellence, and we’re so grateful to have him. He makes every single event run smoother and feel more joyful.”

Fellow Camp Directors Scott Collins and TJ Drescher agree.

“No is not in his vocabulary,” says Scott.

TJ adds:

“While he’s busy smiling, waving, and saying hello to everyone along the way, he’s also working with such quiet efficiency that the only sign he’s been there is a job well done.”

We told you his signature “wave” was a thing.

More to Celebrate

As part of the accolades, all recipients receive patches for their camp sashes—beloved mementos—and their names engraved on respective award plaques.

Angel and Matt will also have the opportunity to attend the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Foundation’s International Burn Camp in Washington, D.C., typically held in September, at no cost to them. Miranda will have the opportunity to attend the next International Association of Burn Camps (IABC) conference or the Arizona Burn Foundation’s annual Festival of Trees gala.

We couldn’t be prouder to have Angel, Miranda, and Matt as part of the ABF family, and we are deeply grateful for all they do to make Camp Courage such a special place.