Camp Counselor

For three summers I worked at a YMCA as a day camp counselor. During the summer of 2012 and 2013, I was at the Baxter YMCA of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis. I was responsible for an average of 10 campers each day ranging in age from 6 to 12 years old. As part of Specialty camp during my first summer, other counselors and I took the campers on a different field trip each week. One week we did a cooking camp, the next we did rock climbing, the next we did art camp. In the summer of 2013, I was assigned to the Trailblazers camp, which includes 10 and 11 year olds. This age group proved to be challenging to motivate, but by the end of the summer, we created a fun supportive community. Working with kids taught me the value in being a good role model as most of these kids needed someone to be there for them during the day. I provided guidance and entertainment as we sang camp songs, did arts and crafts, and played games. In addition, I communicated with parents on a daily basis to provide updates on their child's behavior. 

During the summer of 2014, I stayed in Chicago and worked at the Lake View YMCA of the YMCA of Metro Chicago. This proved to be a much different experience than working in Indianapolis. The Baxter YMCA had a huge field and outdoor pool, while the Lake View YMCA was stationed at a school and required us to travel to different parks. Being in a completely urban setting, the Lake View YMCA introduced me to a diverse group of campers. I worked with teenagers, age 12-14. When the campers weren't on their phones, we played games, took field trips and did art projects. It was a challenging summer as I learned how to discipline appropriately, but also provide support to campers. I learned that each child is different, whether it's because of their background or their special needs. No matter what each child deserves attention and the opportunity to grow.