We all agree that our 2021 Camp Crew were an awesome bunch of dedicated Beaconites, who worked super hard and gave every day of the summer their 110% energy, effort, passion, and dedication. We are SO thankful for them, and for all the good memories that we have with them! We thought it would be special to check in with them and see how they are doing, so today we are going to interview Brio and see what is going on in her life. Enjoy!

Emma - I mean, Brio - what are you up to these days?

These days I seem to always be at my university doing something related to my degree. I’m a full time university student in a music education program and my main instrument is the tuba, but we’ve been learning how to play a ton of other instruments this year which has been very fun. I’ve got a really busy school schedule right now, but I’ve somehow been finding time to play some hockey which has been super fun to get some exercise after doing online school for about a month. One thing new that I started back in the fall is that I’ve been playing drums for my church’s worship team! It’s been great picking up my sticks again and playing the drum kit - after all, I do love music! And some other things that have been keeping me busy: walking my dog Jasper, hand knitting a blanket (that is STILL not done) and sending audio messages with my camp friends. Audio messages are my favourite way to keep in touch.

What’s the best thing about your job/school right now?

The best thing about school right now is playing in my large ensemble band. I play in the symphonic band and it has been so nice making music again with so many people, and every time we get back to playing I realize how much I’ve missed it. Along with band, seeing all my school friends everyday is great as well! It’s been weird meeting people as I started my first year during the pandemic, and now in second year there’s been a lot more genuine friendships being made which I am very thankful for.

What is the last great book you've read and why?

I haven’t really been reading books much (unless you count the endless readings for lectures lol) but I always love reading the Harry Potter series. The one book I have been reading is the Bible, and I’m trying to read through the entire Bible this year.

What is your favourite meal these days?

Honestly, anything pasta related has been a hit with me lately. Fettuccine alfredo or chicken parmesan are my go to restaurant orders. My favourite snack of all time though, which many people from home and camp can attest to, is popcorn. Very specifically, popcorn with dill pickle seasoning and salt and vinegar chips on top. Definitely not healthy at all, but it is SO GOOD.

What is a good piece of advice you've received lately, and from whom?

I’ve got two answers. One piece of advice from my parents that I’ve heard my entire life has been very useful as of late is always trying your best and giving it your all. It’s been a good reminder with school lately as I can be a bit of a perfectionist, and very in my head about getting good grades, but it only matters if I tried my best and learned something. The other piece of advice I heard was from a camp friend, Emily “Heaps” Shields. I mentioned earlier about reading the Bible this year, and I’ve always been hesitant to because of fear of not understanding it without devotionals and what not. Emily told me to read the Bible like a story from start to finish, and that it’s always good to go back every few years and read through the Bible that way, like a story.

What is your favourite memory from Summer 2021 at Beacon last year?

Now this is a very unfair question, because there are way too many awesome memories. I have to admit I was pretty nostalgic while scrolling through the photos from the summer just now trying to decide on a memory. I do have to say that one of my favourite things throughout the summer was that we had the coolest Camp Crew Handshake ever. We created this handshake where we added a part to it pretty much everyday for two weeks. We kept up doing the handshake the whole summer and I just love how the whole team learned it, including the staff’s kids! It was very special. Another very special memory I have was when a few of us made dinner on our day off because we couldn’t leave camp and I remember decorating a table for 22 of us for a little fancy dinner. It was a very fun night where we dressed up, we all took photos and just spent time all together, which is honestly where most of my favourite memories come from because we were all together as a crew.

Thanks so much for sharing, Brio! We are so thankful for how you joined us last summer during a very strange season! Your joy and energy and love for Jesus and others was a blessing to all!

Note: If you are interested in joining us as Summer Staff this summer, let us know! Applications are now open, and can be found right here