SOUTH HERO, Vt. – University of Vermont student-athletes from the women's swimming and diving, men's hockey and women's basketball teams joined various other volunteers on Saturday morning (April 22) to help prepare the YWCA Camp Hochelaga site for the summer. Camp Hochelaga provides summer residential and day camps for over 600 girls, ages 6-17, from all over Vermont and the world.
 
"It was a great experience to have the ability to give back with so many fellow student-athletes and made the day that much more fun," said women's basketball tri-captain Sydney Smith. "It was nice to be outside and do things we don't normally do. The view was amazing as well; I could definitely see why girls enjoy spending part of their summer here. We would gladly come back."
 
The Catamounts spent the morning completing various tasks around camp including raking, pruning, trimming trees, painting, cleaning and opening cabins.
 
"We really enjoyed being here and having the opportunity to support the surrounding community," added men's hockey assistant captain Travis Blanleil. "It was awesome to be outside for the morning in such a beautiful place and to have a part in preparing the camp for the girls it hosts in the summer."
 
While at camp, the girls participate in activities intended to build character, self-esteem, self-confidence and leadership. Camp Hochelaga's mission is to engage women and girls in leadership experiences and advocate for racial and economic justice.

"We always love getting out in the community and giving back," said Katie Arend of women's swimming & diving. "As a women's team, we especially enjoyed volunteering at an all-girls camp as we hope the little bit that we have done can help the campers continue to grow as strong and independent young women."
 
The project was part of Comcast Cares Day, the company's annual celebration of volunteerism.