Finding Belonging at Craftsbury: JLO’s Story

Jonathan focuses in at the catch during one of his training session on Lake Hosmer at eh Craftsbury Sculling Center in Craftsbury, Vermont.

Jonathan Lopez, or “JLO” as his teammates call him, is a rising senior and standout athlete from Hackensack Crew. He’s also a Hope On Water athlete, and this summer, through our partnership with the A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund, he was invited to attend the prestigious Arshay Cooper Sculling Camp at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Vermont.

Coming off of an incredible season—Garden State Champion, silver medalist at Philly Cities, and Schuylkill Navy Regatta winner, all in the men’s junior single—JLO had already proved himself on the water. But even with a resume like that, he was nervous walking into camp.

“Going to Craftsbury, I was really scared because I didn’t think I was going to make new friends… I thought I’d be the worst rower there,” he admitted.

But that fear quickly faded.

From the very first practice, JLO realized this camp was different. It wasn’t just about perfecting the stroke or shaving seconds off his split but rather, it was about being seen, heard, and supported as a whole person. The coaches weren’t just there to train athletes; they were mentors, sounding boards, and safety nets.

“Craftsbury isn't just a camp that is strictly focused on rowing. They're focused on making sure we are heard and that we are understood. All the coaches aren't just focused on making you a better rower — they're there to make sure you know that you have the help you need.”

Between intense training sessions and technique drills, campers bonded over late-night talks, group meals, sports, and mountain biking. Everyone belonged. Everyone mattered.

“We weren’t left alone to ourselves. Everybody was together, laughing, and everybody was included."

By the end of camp, JLO didn’t just grow as a rower—he grew as a leader, a teammate, and a young man stepping into his power.

And as if the experience wasn’t already unforgettable, JLO capped off the week by winning the “Head of the Hosmer”, the end-of-camp race that brings all the athletes together one final time. It was a fitting end to a summer that changed his life.

“Craftsbury was the highlight of my summer. I wish I could go back—I miss all the people I met. I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Hope On Water, Arshay Cooper, and the A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund for making this all possible."