Staff Favorites: Why We Love Mom!

We’re pretty sure moms have superpowers. From snack-packing to pep-talking, they somehow manage to do it all, and make it look easy! Mother’s Day is our chance to hit pause and celebrate all the ways moms love, serve, and cheer us on. We asked our staff to share what they love about their moms, what inspires them, and how they celebrate the incredible women who raised them. From quirky gifts to heartwarming moments, here’s how our staff is saying, “You’re the best, Mom!” this Mother’s Day.

“I’ve always struggled to find a gift good enough for my mom. She’s given me the world and is my best friend, which is amazing, but makes gift-giving tough! She’s a sentimental woman who prefers meaningful, intangible gifts. So one year, I reached out to her loved ones, including childhood friends, college roommates, work friends, and even my own friends who’ve come to love her like I do. Each person sent a video sharing what she means to them. I compiled them into one video, and she got to open it and be completely love-bombed in the best way. Watching her feel so encouraged by the people in her life felt like a gift to me. I’ll never be able to repay her for who she is, but that won’t stop me from trying!” – Julia “Dovey” Sayles, Springs Associate Director

“My boys usually give me plants or a tree because I love gardening/landscaping around our homeplace.  But one year, they got me a picnic table… pretty random!” – Laura “Downton Arby” Nicolardi, Donations Manager

“I’ve got nothing revolutionary here other than giving your mom a call and telling her why you love her and are grateful for her. Don’t ever underestimate the power of that!” – Conor “Flow” Barry, Ridge Camp Director

“One of the (many) things I love about my mom? My friends all LOVE her! At my birthday party, she had the chance to meet or spend time with many of them, and I can’t tell you how many people STILL (months later) tell me how much they enjoyed their interactions with her. They all talk about how intentional and kind she was with them, and how genuine they found her to be. That graciousness is something I would love to be known for as well. I can only hope to be as joyfully tender and hospitable as my mom is! She deserves all of the accolades and gifts and messages of love this and every Mother’s Day. She’s the best!” – Valerie “Ouch Potato” Morby, Social Media and Copy Manager

“One year in college, I decided to throw it back to my childhood for Mother’s Day. I hand-drew a note with Crayola markers and threw in a few Zero bars, which were her favorite gas station candy growing up! She really loves the simple things like that!” – Ethan “Runny” Hebert, IT Operations Support Technician

“Funny enough, our leadership teams always arrive at camp on Mother’s Day, so I’ve had to get creative with how I celebrate mine! It usually involves a lightning-fast trip home, a pedicure and coffee date, and a meaningful gift tied to whatever she’s currently into. She also loooooves words of affirmation, so I always include those too. The most random gift I’ve ever given her? A hot air balloon ride! She had a hot air balloon phase, so I bought a Groupon. Since it wasn’t scheduled until months later, I handed her a literal balloon on Mother’s Day and totally surprised her. She was shocked but totally loved it (even though she’s afraid of heights)! What I admire most about my mom is her generosity. She’s always willing to pause and help someone or communicate value to someone, and I really am thankful to be a recipient of my mom’s generosity! I have lots to learn from her in this area!” – Remedy “Bo-v” Applegate, Ranch Women’s Director

“I’d say the character qualities I always try to emulate from my mom are these: she’s never been afraid to roll up her sleeves and work alongside others, which definitely comes from her Midwest farm girl roots. Growing up, she made it a point to talk to my brother and me about integrity and principle, and I see those same qualities showing up in my own life as I try to emulate my mom today.” – Justin “I’m Kind Of A Pig Deal” Halferty, Senior Director of Camper Acquisition and Registration

As we’ve shared sweet memories, qualities we love, and a few wonderfully quirky gift ideas, one thing is clear: moms hold a special place in our hearts. Whether it’s through Sunday brunch traditions, handwritten notes, or just a simple phone call, Mother’s Day is a chance to say thank you for the big things, the small things, and everything in between. However you choose to celebrate, we hope this weekend is filled with love, gratitude, and maybe even a few unexpected surprises that only a mom could appreciate. Happy Mother’s Day from all of us!