A Full-Circle Moment: Journey from Camper to Leader

“I get to do for others what was once done for me.” — Praize Johnson, sharing her Crossroads journey.

At this year’s Over the Moon Party, guests gathered at Camp Wing to celebrate the connections that make Crossroads so special. Between laughter, music, and s’mores by the fire, one story stood out — the inspiring journey of Praize Johnson, a Crossroads alum who has truly come full circle.

The Best Mistake Ever Made

Praize first came to Crossroads when she was just nine years old. “It’s actually a funny story,” she told the crowd. “My mom signed my sister and me up for the wrong camp. We were supposed to go to Camp Mitton because that’s where my cousins went, but we ended up at Camp Wing instead. Honestly, it was the best mistake she ever made.”

That “mistake” turned into a life-changing experience. From her first summer at Camp Wing, Praize felt the energy, belonging, and care that define Crossroads. “My counselors taught me to swim, encouraged me to climb the rock wall, and helped me see my own potential,” she said. “That’s the intentionality that makes Crossroads special — they see your potential and help you reach it.”

Growing into Leadership

Praize’s connection to Crossroads deepened as she grew. By fifth grade, she was nominated for the Junior Leaders program, which brought her back to camp on weekends to focus on leadership, teamwork, and social-emotional learning. Four years later, she joined the C5 Leaders program, committing to five more years of growth and challenge.

“Almost everything I know about leadership came from C5,” she said. “The workshops at Camp Lapham, the Adirondack trek, the college tours — those experiences shaped who I am today. Even the college I graduated from was one I first visited on a C5 College Tour.”

Showing Up for the Community

When the pandemic upended the world in 2020, Praize found herself missing the community that had shaped her for so long. Instead of waiting for normalcy to return, she stepped up to help. “That summer, I worked for Crossroads running activities at community centers across Boston,” she shared. “We were masked, standing six feet apart inside hula hoops — all in the name of doing it for the kids.”

Her humor and humility shone through as she described those moments, but her story underscored something deeper: Crossroads’ unwavering commitment to showing up for young people, no matter the circumstances.

Becoming the Leader

By 18, Praize had returned to Camp Wing as a Village Director, guiding her own staff team and mentoring younger campers. “It was incredibly rewarding,” she said. “Each summer, I wanted my campers to feel seen and supported the way my counselors once made me feel.”

Even as she began college and later her master’s in education, Praize made time to return each summer and, eventually, each month. Today, she serves as the Junior Leaders Coordinator for grades 3–7 — the same program where her leadership journey began.

“I get to do for others what was once done for me,” she said. “Helping the next generation of young leaders find their confidence, their voice, and their community.”

A Full-Circle Moment

The evening reminded us of why we gather: to ensure every young person has the chance to grow into their full potential. Praize’s story was a full-circle moment and a powerful reminder that when young people are given space to reflect on their unique potential and opportunities to challenge themselves outside their comfort zone, they grow into leaders who inspire and uplift others.

We’re so grateful to Praize for sharing her story and to everyone who joined us at Over the Moon to celebrate the power of connection, leadership, and belonging.

[View Photos from the Event ›]

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