Springfield College Alumni Lead Campership to Assist Youth

By: Damon Markiewicz

At a young age, Springfield College alumnus Michael L. Phelan, G'96, was able to experience the joys of summer camp through the generosity and assistance of others. As a result, Michael and his wife, Melissa, G’00, made a commitment to pay it forward, and established the Camp Massasoit Campership Fund as a way to ensure that all kids have the chance to enjoy their summer months in a camp setting at East Campus.

“Giving back to the College and East Campus was an easy decision for Melissa and I because we really appreciate the positive impact camp can have on individuals,” explained Phelan. “The goal of the campership is to provide annual scholarships for children from financially deserving families to attend Camp Massasoit. I was fortunate to have people do that for me when I was kid, and we want to do the same for future camp families.”

Phelan’s emotional attachment to East Campus can be traced back to when he made the decision to continue his academic career in the fall of 1994, and he enrolled in the Springfield College Recreation Management program as a graduate student. It was his connection to the outdoors that introduced him to the College, and his experiences at East Campus assured him that he found a place that would remain special to he and his wife.

“Before enrolling, I had some family ties to Springfield College. My mother, Mary Bajowski Phelan ’92, earned her undergraduate degree in a non-traditional way,” explained Phelan. “My mother had made connections on campus with Professor Ted France ’91, G’93, and I really owe a lot to Ted, and Laura Jo Weckwerth Judd ’54, in helping me realize Springfield College was a great fit for me.”

While working towards earning his master’s degree, Phelan would take part in a teaching fellowship with Judd. As part of his responsibilities, he was fully ingrained in the East Campus experience. As Phelan was completing his graduate studies, an opportunity presented itself to have him stay at the College as the coordinator for East Campus. In this role, Phelan would be assisting with all of the programming at East Campus, including Camp Massasoit and Freshman Camp, which is now known as Outdoor Pursuits.

“I was thrilled to have the chance to stay at the College because my love for Springfield College and East Campus has always been off the charts,” explained Phelan. “I enjoyed being able to lead the programming at East Campus. I ended up living at East Campus as the care taker, while also leading the programs and Camp Massasoit. During that time, my wife and I had just gotten married, so our first home together was actually living at East Campus.”

Phelan’s dedication to East Campus, and specifically Camp Massasoit, stems from him witnessing first hand how Camp Massasoit has been such an important learning laboratory for students. As Phelan best describes, “the students involved leading camp really learn the best ways to run a summer camp.” As a result, attendees and their families are placed in a quality summer camp environment that allows for personal growth, building respect for their peers, and maintaining respect for the environment.

“What I have always felt that makes Camp Massasoit stand out from other camps is you can watch the students involved, gaining real-world, hands-on training, that assists with what they are learning in the classroom,” explained Phelan. “The student-leaders at camp build such impactful connections with their campers, and you just don’t get that everywhere. It’s very powerful to witness.”

Throughout the years since graduation day, both Michael and Melissa have made an effort to stay connected with the College and East Campus, and they are proud to support the future generations of camp families.

“I remember working with Director of East Campus and Outdoor Programs Ben Taylor ’99, G’16, when he was a student, and I really respect and appreciate the job he continues to do with Associate Director of East Campus and Outdoor Programs Angela Veatch, G’07,” expressed Phelan. “They continue to help make East Campus a special place, and that means a lot because I really love everything about East Campus.”

Since leaving Springfield College, Phelan has found success in marketing and public relations. While he continues to do marketing and technology consulting in the real estate industry, Phelan attributes the confidence he feels when working with clients as a direct result of the learning lessons received at East Campus.

“The College and East Campus have had such an important impact on who I am and what I am able to do professionally,” explained Phelan. “I speak a lot now in front of large groups, and it’s because of my experiences at East Campus and leading Camp Massasoit that gives me the skills to do what I do confidently. I owe so much gratitude to the faculty I had in the Recreation Department when I was a student. The professors really taught us how to think and be professionals. The energy and enthusiasm they provided went way beyond the normal faculty and student relationship. They were always there for us.”

And as Phelan continues to think back to his days on Alden Street, he is quick to reminisce about the lasting impact his Springfield College experience has had on him professionally and personally. 

“Looking back from a developmental perspective, other than my parents, I don’t think there has been anyone or anything that has impacted my growth as much as my experiences at East Campus,” described Phelan. “My goal moving forward is to have both myself and Melissa stay even more connected to the College because it truly has a special place in our hearts.”