Campfire Chat 🔥
Get to know the incredible leaders helping make camp memories at Vivo.
Over the next few weeks we’re sitting down around the campfire with our passionate leaders behind our camp programs to learn more about what inspires them, what they’ve learned through camp, and what they hope every child experiences during their time at Vivo.
Meet Chantelle Brownlee: Active for Life Coordinator
Chantelle has a background in Physical Education – she was a teacher for 10 years – and spent the last 3 years of teaching working on decolonizing education and inclusion processes to support all learners to find their place in the learning environment. She is a strong advocate for inclusive practices and divergent thinking – creating environments where children feel safe to explore ideas, express themselves freely, and discover their own paths.
When did you know you wanted to work with children and youth?
It happened during high school — and not exactly in the way you might expect.
“I went to a very small school with about 140 students from grades 7–12, and I really clashed with one teacher in particular. That experience took up so much mental space because I couldn’t understand why they weren’t willing to adapt their approach to better support me as a student.
I remember thinking that teachers are supposed to be safe spaces – people who cheer you on, support you through failure, and encourage you to keep trying.
That experience shaped who I wanted to become for the kids I coach and teach. It also shaped how I approach people in general. There’s enough space for everyone in this world, and making people feel included and supported has become one of my core values.”
That passion led Chantelle to build a career in education, earning a background in Physical Education and spending 10 years as a teacher. In the last three years of teaching, she focused on decolonizing education and creating more inclusive learning environments where every child could feel they belong.
Today, Chantelle brings that same mindset to Vivo – and specifically to camp – creating spaces where kids feel safe to explore, think differently, express themselves, and discover their own path.
What’s something camp teaches you that you use in everyday life?
“Adaptability and preparedness.”
As any camp leader knows, plans can change quickly — weather shifts, activities need adjusting, and sometimes things simply don’t go as expected.
“Camp teaches you how to adapt on the fly and be prepared when things go sideways. Over time, that becomes second nature.”
Honestly? That feels like a life skill we could all use.
What do you hope campers say on the drive home?
“This was the sweetest question.”
“I hope campers feel connected to their leaders — that they feel seen and supported throughout the week. But most importantly, I hope they say they had fun and felt comfortable trying new things.”
Because at the end of the day, camp is about more than activities — it’s about building confidence, creating connection, and making memories that stick long after summer ends.
