Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelsey Jo Evans. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kelsey Jo, so great to have you with us today. There are so many topics we want to ask you about, but perhaps the one we can start with is burnout. How have you overcome or avoided burnout?
Burnout is that sneaky feeling that starts to chip away at the soul of your work. I didn’t even realize I was experiencing it as it was occurring. But before I knew it, it began showing up in the most subtle of ways to eventually the most dramatic or obvious. From simple annoyances to what eventually becomes over all exhaustion. The need to find pursuits that leave me feeling fulfilled rather than drained eventually bubbles to the surface. I think step one is realizing there’s a problem, as they say! And then recognizing what choices I am making that contribute to the mental exhaustion or desire for something that fills my cup. Finally, creating better boundaries around the work or the “thing” that is exhausting me. Learning way to say no, leaning back, asking for collaboration, input and holding space for others with reciprocity are all boundaries that have helped guide me. My boundaries lead to renewed thought patterns of what I was seeking in terms of work, fulfillment, ability to be creative, ultimately successful and HAPPY. And this lead me to pivot industries yet going where my skillset still thrives: creativity, authentic human connection, serving communities and being a part of something bigger than ourselves. I have a renewed sense of service to the world and it has relit my inner pilot light.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As the Director of Outreach & Development for Camp Boggy Creek, a free camp serving children throughout Florida with serious illnesses, I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve as a champion for Camp in Miami. Stewarding our generous donors, connecting with amazing healthcare partners like Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, recruiting medical volunteers, camp counselors, as well as campers in addition to finding new development opportunities AND connecting with community is all a joy for me. In short, I am thrilled to say I am a Camp Boggy Creek cheerleader and fundraiser. Sharing the beauty of this organization’s work is so uplifting and fulfilling, I consider myself blessed to be a part of it. We are able to bring hundreds of kids each summer up to camp at no cost to them on designated week long summer camps and weekend family retreats together based on their illness. Here they have the opportunity to experience an iconic, summer camp experience in a medically safe environment. For example, during our children with cancer week we have a dedicated oncologist on site. Our medical lodge is state of the art and fully equipped. It is a joy to be able to offer this respite to amazing, deserving kiddos and their families.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. I think when you’re at any point in your career or journey be it in a creative space, sales or a non-profit it is important to remember collaboration is key. Being willing and able to work respectfully with and even joyfully along side the team that surrounds you and that you are a part of. Collaboration allows space for everyone to contribute ideas, constructive criticism, supportive environments. It allows you to build together and it is very hard to get anywhere in life if you limit yourself to being a lone wolf. You create an authentic community when you leave space for intentional collaboration. 2. Along the same lines my next thought is, Service. Asking yourself how you can best be of service in any role your taking on from being a parent, to an employee, to a friend or an entertainer. Stepping into the role you have at that given time and showing up truly for the people that surround you. As humans I think we do have a need to serve others and we can find fulfilment in even the most mundane of things when we act in service because we know we are contributing the wellbeing of us all. 3. Lastly, being flexible! I spend a lot of time on my yoga mat but in this case I mean with how you do things. Rigidity can be confused with discipline. And though I appreciate discipline, it is important to show up as you can every day and in that being flexible with how others are showing up too. I think being flexible while maintaining boundaries can be challenging but if you look at it from the standpoint that it leaves room to solve challenges creatively as they arise there is a lot of peace in that. Confidence & success can be born from that ease.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am absolutely seeking partners and collaborators for Camp Boggy Creek. We rely on the generosity of those who believe in and align with our mission to continue to serve children with serious illnesses! We are actively seeking Health Care Partners in Florida and nationally to collaborate with us on future Camps. We seek sponsorships and amazing foundations that align with our mission: Camp Boggy Creek makes it possible for children with serious illnesses and their families to experience a free, life-changing camp where safety, respect, love, and joy come together to enrich their physical and behavioral health. Resources for recruitment of volunteers and campers is another area we welcome partnership! We welcome your inquiries via https://www.boggycreek.org/ and reach me directly via email: [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.boggycreek.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CampBoggyCreek
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/camp-boggy-creek/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CampBoggyCreek
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@campboggycreek
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/campboggycreek
