Annie ‘Hot Mess’ Mafi first found Ukandu in 2014 after hearing about camp from her cousin and long-time volunteer, Ernie. 

Hot Mess quickly became an integral part of camp and an essential member of our music team. You can find her singing songs at campfire, participating in skits, and cheering on campers as they perform at mealtimes. 

Even when Hot Mess moved to Japan, that didn’t stop her from traveling back to Oregon each year for Camp Ukandu! Keep reading to hear Hot Mess’ reflection on her time at camp. 

2) Why do you continue to volunteer with Ukandu - even coming all the way from Japan!?

There are two reasons I continue to volunteer with camp. I believe in the mission Ukandu continues to uphold, helping affected communities. Cancer impacts the entire family. Having lost my mother to cancer when I was eight it was devastating to our family. My mother’s love language was “acts of service”. Volunteering allows me to pay homage to her while being part of the big picture of putting goodness back into a world that can be unfair and harsh. Even when my husband’s job took us overseas, I continued to volunteer.  The agreement was, “I will follow you anywhere in the world as long as I can come home for camp”. It’s something I say every year, but I am thankful for the support system that surrounds each volunteer that allows them to step away for the week.

3) What is your favorite volunteer memory? 

Hands down, last year’s last campfire. We had so many new faces perform at campfire that night. It’s such a beautiful thing to witness members within our camp family share their talent with the rest of camp. I know it wasn’t easy for staffers and campers to put themselves out there, but I applaud their bravery.  I acknowledge the difficulties of being vulnerable given my own barriers with stage fright, but I hope as a member of the music team I am leading by example by putting myself out there and reinforcing that camp is a safe space.

4) What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with Ukandu? 

To anyone contemplating volunteering, just do it! You won’t regret it. CAMP IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL!  If sleeping on the bottom bunk for a week (IYKYK) isn't your cup of tea, there are other ways to volunteer.  Reflecting on my love for camp, it's such a privilege and an honor to work alongside like-minded individuals who believe in the work we do to heal, restore and help our campers create core memories. 

Interested in volunteering with Ukandu? Learn more and get involved here!