Before Alex was the smiling face behind the camp store counter, giving campers encouraging thumbs-ups, he was a first-time Camp Liberty participant clutching his lunchbox and backpack. At 25 years old, Alex lives with a mild intellectual disability, and his story shows how independence can grow when you’re in a place that believes in your potential.
Meet Alex
Alex is the kind of person whose positivity lights up a room. Known for his big smile, his folded hands when listening, and his signature thumbs up, Alex is both approachable and dependable. He’s proud of his independence — from managing his own money to working in community retail jobs — but what he’s most proud of is helping others learn those same skills.
When Alex first came to Camp Liberty, he wasn’t sure he belonged. But once he discovered the camp store, everything changed. Today, the store is his home base, and he’s gone from shopper, to helper, to teacher, and now to staff leader.
“Independence starts with ‘I can,’” Alex says, adjusting one of the many lanyards he proudly collects. “Every time I learned something new at camp, I realized I could help other people learn it too.”
What Makes Alex Special
💵 Money Smart: Alex has a natural talent for money management. He’s great at explaining prices, budgeting, and helping others feel confident in their choices.
🛍️ Customer Service Pro: Friendly, patient, and organized, Alex knows how to make everyone feel welcome in the camp store — whether they’re buying their first snack or learning how to budget.
🙌 Teacher at Heart: Alex loves helping others succeed. He mentors new campers, showing them that independence is a process built on small steps and encouragement.
👍 Camp Store Expert: From inventory to customer care, Alex has turned the camp store into a place of learning, confidence, and community connection.
Alex’s World
🎒 Signature Items: Alex always carries his lunchbox or backpack, wears his volunteer shirt with pride, and has a growing collection of colorful lanyards — reminders of his journey.
🏪 Favorite Place: The camp store is Alex’s happy place. It’s where he first found confidence, and where he now helps others take their first steps toward independence.
🌟 Independence Spirit: Alex’s catchphrase, “Independence starts with ‘I can,’” is more than a motto. It’s how he approaches life, work, and mentoring others.
Looking Ahead
Alex’s story is still unfolding. What began as a nervous first camp session has grown into a career, a passion, and a calling to help others discover their independence. Today, Alex is not only a valued Camp Liberty staff member — he’s a leader who shows that the journey from camper to mentor begins with one simple step: believing in yourself.
🏕️ What happens when Alex turns his independence into leadership at Camp Liberty?
👉 Follow Alex’s Camp Liberty Experience
Alex represents the determination, positivity, and leadership of countless adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His story reminds us that independence isn’t just about self-reliance — it’s about building the skills and confidence to lift others up too.