West Hartford Resident Honored For Dedication As Camp Counselor

WEST HARTFORD/HARTFORD, CT — A West Hartford native and Fairfield University nursing student was recognized by the YMCA of Greater Hartford for her leadership in camper health and safety at Camp Woodstock.

Elizabeth Thibault received the organization’s inaugural Mission Impact Staff Award during the YMCA of Greater Hartford’s 174th annual meeting on April 22 at Dunkin’ Park in Hartford.

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Thibault, a senior nursing student at Fairfield University, served as summer camp wellness director at Camp Woodstock, where she managed camper health operations, staff training and medical compliance.

Camp Woodstock is a YMCA-owned summer camp in the rural, northeastern Connecticut town of the same name.

The YMCA said the camp received a 100% score on its state inspection under her leadership.

Camp Woodstock Executive Director Tony Gronski said Thibault earned the trust of campers and staff through her leadership and support for children facing physical and emotional challenges.

“Her caring nature and leadership earned the trust and respect of campers, staff, and leadership alike,” Gronski said.

During the summer, Thibault also responded to a staffing shortage by earning her lifeguard instructor certification and training more than 20 new lifeguards for the camp’s waterfront programs, according to the YMCA.

“Elizabeth consistently went the extra mile to support campers and staff, ensuring every camper felt safe, supported, and respected,” Gronski said.

YMCA of Greater Hartford President and CEO Jim O’Rourke said Thibault’s combination of clinical training and leadership made her an important asset to the organization.

“Elizabeth is the kind of leader who steps in without hesitation when others need support,” O’Rourke said. “Her ability to combine clinical expertise with genuine compassion makes her an extraordinary asset to our YMCA and to every family we serve.”

The Mission Impact Staff Award recognizes YMCA employees who demonstrate the organization’s values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility through their work and leadership.

The YMCA of Greater Hartford operates six branches, 11 camps, six preschool and daycare locations, and 25 before- and after-school sites, serving more than 68,000 people annually, according to the organization.