A Summer of Service
This summer (like many others) has been one of growth and giving back, and I’m excited to share a part of my story. My name is Saundra Krienke, and I am the Senior Product Manager at Zight. But when I step away from product roadmaps, messaging, and positioning, my heart belongs to Camp Knutson. Recently, I was honored to step into a new role as President of the Camp Knutson Volunteer Board after serving as Vice President for the past year. It’s a role that means so much to me because this camp is more than a destination; it’s a community that changes lives, including my own.
Why Camp Knutson Matters
Camp Knutson is a beautiful camp located in Crosslake, Minnesota, that serves children and adults with identified needs, from medical conditions to developmental challenges. It’s a place where being different doesn’t matter, because everyone belongs.
I’ll never forget my first time at camp. I saw a camp counselor with vitiligo, the same skin condition I have. Even as an adult, it was an instant connection. Vitiligo showed up for me in my late twenties and gradually covered most of my skin. I remember feeling self-conscious, hiding spots with makeup, wearing black, even spray tanning to feel “normal.”
That moment at camp reminded me I wasn’t alone. And when I learned about Camp Discovery, a session for kids with skin diseases, my perspective shifted. Many of these children were born with their conditions, navigating school and life feeling “different.” My struggles suddenly felt small. I wasn’t sick, I didn’t need medicine, I wasn’t fighting for my life. I was simply losing pigment.
Camp Knutson gives these kids (and adults) a week to feel free, understood, and celebrated. They fish, bead, ride bikes, go boating, laugh, and create friendships with people just like them. It’s a place where joy outweighs difference.
And Camp Discovery is just one example. Throughout the summer, Camp Knutson hosts sessions for campers with heart disease, skin conditions, autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, and other unique needs. Each week is designed to meet campers right where they are—providing adaptive activities, medical support when needed, and an environment where they can just be themselves. Families and caregivers get to see their loved ones thrive, and campers experience something priceless: belonging without limits.
How I Serve
My involvement with Camp Knutson has grown over the years. This summer included:
- Night Under the Stars: Our largest fundraiser, raising over $450,000.
- Annual Quilt Auction: Another key event, raising $150,000.
- Camper Experiences: Cooking brats and hot dogs for our tailgate nights, helping kids fish, serving food at Sundae Funday, and supporting countless behind-the-scenes needs.
- Strategic Planning: Collaborating with other board members to guide the future of Camp Knutson.
Every event and interaction fills my heart. Whether raising critical funds or handing out ice cream, it’s all part of enriching the lives of campers.
Why It Matters to Me
Volunteering at Camp Knutson isn’t just about service; it’s about connection. It’s about seeing joy in a camper’s face when they catch a fish for the first time, hearing laughter echo across the lake, and knowing we’re creating a safe, unforgettable space.
As someone who has struggled with feeling “different,” I know how powerful it is to belong. Camp Knutson reminds me to embrace my own journey and to give others the space to do the same.
Closing Thoughts
Balancing my work at Zight with volunteering at Camp Knutson has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my year. At work, I think about outcomes and impact, helping customers save time and do more. At camp, I see that same idea come to life in a completely different way: building confidence, joy, and belonging for kids and adults who need it most. Both remind me that what we create and how we give our time matter.
I’m grateful for a company that values service and encourages sharing these stories, and I’m proud to give my time to a place that feels like home.
