Almario spent his summer at Camp Durant, a summer camp for Scouting America, where he served as the trailblazer director.
Gabriel Almario ’27, a strategic communications major with a minor in leadership studies, chose to complete the service Elon Experience, part of the Experiential Learning Requirement (ELR), that closely reflects both his personal values and long-term goals.
All Elon students are required to complete the ELR by finishing two of the Elon Experiences: internships, study abroad/away, research, service or mentorship.
“The Experiential Learning Requirement is a unique component of an Elon education that allows students to extend their learning beyond the classroom,” said Bob Frigo, assistant dean of campus life and director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life. “Students who complete the Service ELR work with nonprofit organizations, government agencies and locally owned businesses to gain the skills to become informed leaders motivated by concern for the common good.”
Almario spent his summer at Camp Durant, a summer camp for Scouting America, where he served as the trailblazer director. In this leadership role, he oversaw the entire first-year camper program, teaching foundational scouting skills such as knot tying, first aid, orienteering and nature studies to 11 and 12 year-old scouts. As trailblazer director, Almario’s responsibilities extended well beyond instruction. He led and trained a staff team, ensuring they were prepared to deliver a meaningful and high-quality experience for every camper.
“I worked to lead my staff and train them so that our whole team could effectively put on a quality program,” Almario shared.
His role required organization, communication and mentorship, cultivated through years of involvement as an Eagle Scout, Leadership Fellow and student leader. The ELR gave Almario the opportunity to actively apply what he has learned in and out of the classroom. But the experience was not without challenges. Those moments of growth strengthened his desire to pursue leadership in his future career.
“I experienced success, shortcomings and hardships, but ultimately came out a better person,” he said. “I hope to hold a leadership position in whatever line of work I end up doing. I want to use what I learned in my ELR to make a positive impact and effective change.”
Choosing to focus on service felt natural for Almario.
“My life revolves around serving others,” he explained. “My life purpose is to always seek to serve others, so far as I am able.”
While the leadership experience was transformative, it was the community that left the greatest impact.
“I spent the summer with some of my best friends,” he said. “It was the best summer of my life.”
For students considering their own ELR journey, Almario offers thoughtful advice: “Look for an organization that reflects who you want to be. Find one that does work that you enjoy. If you go into it with an open mindset, you will grow tremendously.”
Through his work at Camp Durant, Gabriel Almario’s ELR became more than a graduation requirement, but it defined leadership in an experience rooted in service, growth and purpose.