Jon Lester found out that his hobbies and his school major could become a life-altering experience that he would treasure.
A native of Hurley, Va., 21-year-old Lester makes the most out of his summers. He is an exercise physiology major at ETSU. Despite of his busy schedule with his fraternity, working a part-time job and keeping in touch with his three siblings, he still manages to be a very involved student on and off campus.
Lester enjoys eating his favorite food – cheesecake, playing tennis, lifting weights, running, swimming, hiking and camping. His love for the outdoors led him to an Internet site that landed him a job in Casco, Maine. “Camp Laurel South is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen,” Lester said. “It is nestled in the Sebago Lake area in Maine.”
The camp is active from June 16 to Aug. 18. The average cost is $7,700, Lester said, and is open to anyone 8 to 16 years old.
“This was my first summer at the camp, but I plan to attend the camp every summer until my boys graduate from the camp,” Lester said. “These boys were in my group my first year as and instructor and I want to see them finish at the camp.”
Lester said the camp is different from other camps because of the “staff and children that attend Laurel South.” Both the children and the instructors benefit greatly from the camp, he said. “The kids gain social experience, team work and the benefit of meeting new people,” he said. “I also benefit from meeting new people from all over the world, working and living with children and seeing another part of the country.”
“No one benefits more than the other from the camp, both benefit equally in the experience,” Lester said.
Lester wears a blue bracelet on his arm and never takes the bracelet off. It would only come off if someone were to cut it off, he said. “I got this bracelet at Camp Laurel South for when we take our camping trips,” he said. “I promised my boys that I would wear it until the next year when I return to the camp.”
Lester is adamant about watching his “kids” grow up. This camp has not only been influential in that of his undergraduate major, but also in the fact that it has been life altering.
“My experience at camp has forever impacted my life and its amazing how close you become with the staff and the children,” he said. “I really enjoyed the feeling of being a parent figure over my boys and I miss them and talk to them constantly.”
“I plan to visit some of them before camp begins next year and I want to be a part of their lives for years to come,” Lester said.
“Jon Lester is my best friend, he is a very dedicated person and would do anything to make anyone smile,” said 19-year-old Fallon Johnston.

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