Volunteer Spotlight: Hannah Elzer

From Camper to Camp Staff: A Full-Circle Story of Hope

For ABF volunteer Hannah Elzer coming to Camp Courage this year represented a full circle moment. The first time she arrived at camp, Hannah was just six years old. As a young burn survivor who was still recovering from a kitchen accident, she wasn’t sure what to expect that first day. Today, she’s back at camp in a powerful new role: volunteer, camp staff member, and role model for the next generation of campers.

From Camper to Role Model

“It’s really been awesome. I had a lot of people who were counselors and staff that were really inspiring, and so I hope to be that person for some of the campers in the future,” Hannah shared.

Giving Back to Camp Courage

After forming so many of her childhood memories at Camp Courage, Hannah decided it was time to give back to a community that had supported her when she was growing up. She returned to camp as a volunteer in 2023 and has since helped to facilitate some of the campers’ favorite activities, including tie-dye, horseback riding, and arts and crafts.

Her connection to ABF runs deep and supporting the burn community has become a family affair.

“My mom attended camp with me when I was younger and she actually became a firefighter because of that,” Hannah explained “And now my dad also volunteers. He’s been a counselor for a couple of years now.”

Creating Colorful Memories

Last year, Hannah was named Camp Courage’s “Volunteer of the Year” after stepping into a major leadership role—taking over coordination of Camp Courage’s beloved tie-dye activity. It was her first year leading the tradition that had been guided by the same volunteer for nearly two decades.

“ABF gave me the resources I needed and everything,” she said, “but I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, how do I fill such big shoes?’ I don’t know that that’s possible, but hopefully some new shoes are fine.”

Hannah’s creativity and care helped campers create both colorful keepsakes and unforgettable memories.

A Lasting Community

For Hannah, Camp Courage has always been more than just a week away from home.

“Camp has always been so special and so core to who I have been,” she shared. “It has been life-changing for me. So, seeing kids being able to be themselves and have that support around them is really incredible.”

She’s quick to encourage others to step into the same community that shaped her.

“It’s a really welcoming environment, and there’s a lot of love and a lot of support,” Hannah said. “I just really hope that people take the jump to become a volunteer. You won’t regret it!”

Hannah’s journey from camper to camp staff embodies what Camp Courage is all about: healing, connection, and the power of community.