Today’s Turning Point post comes from guest writer, Gary Renville, Vice-President of HandsOn Network. In Gary's spare time he enjoys playing tennis and volunteering with the United States Tennis Association Board of Directors through their National Committee on Diversity.

Chris grew up in poverty, in and out of foster homes, group homes and homeless shelters. The oldest of 4, Chris would often be left to care for his siblings while waiting for his parents to return from the local tavern. Chris grew up while his abusive father spent most of his time in jails and with both parents suffering from alcoholism.

As a child, Chris knew he wanted something different but wasn’t sure where to turn. His pathway became clearer at the age of 13. Chris read a newspaper article highlighting a camp counselor volunteer opportunity being recruited for by the local 4-H Office. With two younger brothers and a younger sister Chris knew he could be good with kids and so answered the volunteer call

After gathering the details, Chris signed-up for a series of trainings that would change his life. Over the course of four Saturdays he learned how to sing camp songs, to lead arts and craft activities and much more. Chris entered his first camp as a “trained volunteer.” He had a great deal of enthusiasm but little self-esteem. For example, while eating meals, Chris was too afraid to even ask for milk or water to be passed his way. He spoke when spoken to but not much more than that.

As former “camp folk” know, something "magical" happens at camps on a regular basis. Camps where kids like Chris are met with unconditional love This article is about concept of unconditional love. For other uses, see Unconditional love (disambiguation). Unconditional love is a concept that means showing love towards someone regardless of his or her actions or beliefs. . Camps where kids are provided a safe environment in which to grow and share and learn. Camps in which three square meals a day feed the body, while a community of campers feeds the soul. Camps where those attending make life-lasting decisions about who they are as individuals.

As rough as his upbringing was, Chris cried with homesickness during his first summer experience. When Chris left his first camping experience he cried because he would miss the safety and security of the surroundings. Luckily, Chris returned the next year to receive more volunteer training and again volunteered his summer as a camp counselor. He had been forever changed by his camp experience and committed to repeating the event. And so, year after year for 20 years, Chris attended the same 4-H camp. First as a camp counselor, and eventually as the camp director.

Volunteering helped Chris to break a cycle of poverty, to be the first in his family to graduate high school, and to go on to obtain a bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University and a Master’s degree from Teacher’s College, Columbia University. Chris taught elementary school, become a school administrator and eventually went on to serve as he has for the past decade in the nonprofit sector.

My name is Gary Renville. I’m the Vice President of HandsOn Network and I’m the “Chris” from the story above. My turning point was a volunteer experience at the age of 13 and a 4-H extension agent who took me under her wing and mentored me along the way.