Summer Camp Leadership Experience

In the summer of 2016, I discovered my true self through my Summer Camp Youth Leadership experience at the Sunny Veil Museum. It all started on day one, when I emerged from my shy shell to interact with campers aged 5-10.

It was 8:00 a.m. on Monday morning when Kristen, the overseer of the Summer Camp, gathered together the camp counselors, myself included, who would lead the week of scheduled activities and games when the campers arrived in thirty minutes.

“Alright leaders,” she began with a confident voice, her chest puffing out as she spoke. “We have a bunch of happy campers on their way for a week of exciting activities and games that you will all be in charge of orchestrating” she continued, scanning the small room of six counselors nodding in understanding of their objectives for the week. “So, let’s show them what it means to be a happy camper,” she said with a smile as she walked toward the door, counselors in suit.

It was almost time. Thirty minutes and I would be met with children I didn’t care too much about, activities I didn’t want to do, and an experience I didn’t want to have. I was already dreading this Summer Camp and only wanted to make it until three o’clock, so I could go home for the day.

However, when the campers arrived, my entire mentality changed. I was excited to play games, wanted to build relationships, and wanted to create an experience the children could cherish for the rest of their lives. Whether through experimenting with an obstacle course, creating our own games, putting on a puppet show with wacky/funny characters, or even keeping the kids out of trouble, I ultimately loved my experience as a Summer Camp Leader. I had fun, built memories, emerged from my shy and insecure shell, and truly understood the definition of leadership: Inspiring others to be the best versions of themselves through individual acts of humility, cooperation, and inspiration.