Kennolyn Camps

Counselor

July - August 2024 • Soquel, CA

What I liked

The sense of community at Kennolyn is amazing. Having been a camper for 6 years, coming back as a counselor has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. Moreover, Kennolyn has an incredible amount of international staff, creating a diverse environment for everyone there.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Camp Cou

June - August 2018 • Soquel, CA

What I liked

Working with great people from around the world

What I wish was different

Pay raise, overtime pay

Advice

It is a hard job and you have to work to make yourself involved in the community but it is very fun as well

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Camp Counselor

June 2018 • Soquel, CA

What I liked

Fun group of domestic and international staff! This was my second summer of working at the high ropes course in the redwoods.

What I wish was different

My first summer every staff member had to commit to the whole summer so we were a very cohesive close group by the end of the summer. Unfortunately this summer people were allowed to work for just parts of the summer and I did not get the time to get to know everyone on the same level.

Advice

Make sure you are ready to work hard and be able to have a positive attitude no matter what! Though it is hard, treating every kid the same is very important. Children feed off your energy so it's important to stay positive no matter how tempting it is to complain with co workers.

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Cabin Counselor and Ropes Course Instructor

June - August 2019 • Soquel, CA

What I liked

This summer camp is life-changing for campers who attend and for counselors who travel across the world to come. Assuming responsibility for small humans to a degree never before felt teaches more skills and empowers people more than in any other activity I've participated in. I remember stories and qualities about every single counselor I had as a camper at Kennolyn. I still sometimes can't believe that I am the now filling that role for my campers to the level that they impacted me. The camp is also outdoorsy (but also considered clamping with the amenities provided) and we cook the best stew ever over a fire and sleep under the redwood trees weekly. And I get to hang out in the ropes course every day!

What I wish was different

More sleep and time for self-care to make the position genuinely sustainable for counselor health for the 3 months of the year. We have energy, but by midsummer, we are exhausted but push ourselves to stay energetic for the kiddos and each other. Still, so so so worth it and always fun.

Advice

At camp, you will learn to become comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. Handling interactions with campers, bosses, and self-accountability provides the platform for intense and rapid growth. Learn how to be flexible and work with changing schedules or filling in time with memorable moments when there is less structure.

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Ceramics Coordinator

June - August 2019 • Soquel, CA

What I liked

Everything! I loved teaching the campers and getting to know them, I loved building friendships with other counselors on staff and creating a culture within the ceramics staff

What I wish was different

I wish I had more time to prepare prior to camp session starting

Advice

Take the risk and step out of your comfort zone. I didn't know anyone before working at this camp.

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Camp Counselor

June - August 2019 • Soquel, CA

What I liked

It was a great opportunity to work in the office and gain real world experience. The people there are amazing. The supervisors treat their employees really well and genuinely care about their well being.

What I wish was different

Not as long of a work period. 10 weeks from home was a lot.

Advice

This was a great camp to work at and the kids have so much fun as well!

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Cabin Counselor

June 2018 - August 2019 • Soquel, CA

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

Do it! Wow, working at this camp has been such a cool experience. One, you get to travel to California and experience a different lifestyle in a way. You get to travel on your times off and see some beautiful areas. Your co-workers are hired from all over the world, so you get to make friends with people from so many different cultures. It is an eye-opening experience. On top of that, you get to work with kids from all over the world as well! You get to help them and walk through camp with them while also learning a lot from them. My advice would be if you are looking for a fun adventure, this is the place to go. Make the most any opportunity and reach out in friendship.

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Camp Counselor

June - August 2018 • Soquel, CA

What I liked

I loved the opportunity to work with people from all around the world from different cultures, backgrounds, and religions, both the campers and counselors. I loved the constant activity and surrounding of people and kids, and the chance to teach and learn from them.

What I wish was different

Advice

Be prepared to work hard and get out of your comfort zone. It's worth it. Take the chance and say hi to someone who may be different than you because it could easily start a friendship. Kids also need a lot of attention, but just listening to them can also do wonders.

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