I liked being outside for a lot of the day and interacting with the kids.
What I wish was different
I would've liked access to more resources because we lesson planned our weeks and didn't have much to use. I also would've liked to work with a younger group of kids.
Advice
Be prepared fully and have things ready a week or two in advance or it can get very hectic.
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Lead Teacher
August - September 2019 • Oshkosh, WI
What I liked
I really enjoyed working with the children. It was a fun summer job because as a lead teacher I got to plan the activities myself, as well as go on field trips with the kids.
What I wish was different
I wish the structure and management had been better. Although I liked working with my manager, I wish there was more behavioral structure to the program for the students who needed behavioral supports.
Advice
I would say my advice would be to prepare yourself. The kids have a variety of tough behaviors and some days are really, really hard to get through to them. There is a lot of children per classroom which makes routines and structure extremely important to make this job successful.
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YMCA Summer Power Staff
June - August 2019 • Edina, MN
What I liked
One of the best managers I’ve ever had.
What I wish was different
I wish there was a different limit on the amount of children allowed. We were often understaffed.
Advice
Get to know the kids. They’ll look up to you even more if you remember things they like/dislike
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Lifeguard
May - August 2019 • East Bridgewater, MA
What I liked
I had really awesome coworkers that made the days at work fun.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Summer Camp Counseler
May - August 2019 • Rocky Mount, VA
What I liked
Working with children
What I wish was different
Not waking up at 5 am
Advice
Stay calm even when everything is chaos
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Camp Counselor
June - August 2019 • East Rutherford, NJ
What I liked
Seeing the children grow as athletes. Also, I enjoyed learning new techniques for strategizing daily plans.
What I wish was different
I wish the management of the whole camp was a bit smoother as parents had complained about the operations.
Advice
I would advise the management to take into consideration what the parents had to say because they are the second most important pieces to the camp other than the children themselves.
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Pool Lifeguard
May - August 2019 • Willoughby, OH
What I liked
They give a lot of hours because they always need more people.
What I wish was different
It’s a chaotic environment!
Advice
Be prepared to have whip lash if you want to work at this place.
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Camp Counselor
June - August 2019 • Lino Lakes, MN
What I liked
Liked being able to work outside with children. Tested and expanded my patience!
What I wish was different
Advice
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Camp Counselor
June - August 2019 • Milford, CT
What I liked
A great work environment and standard hours
What I wish was different
I wish I had been paid more
Advice
It’s important to figure out your summer job over winter break. Don’t wait until you get out of school in May to find a job! They’ll all be taken up.
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Aquatic lifeguard and swim instructor
June 2017 - August 2019 • Fort Worth, TX
What I liked
Ability to interact with various people, and make an impact to lives. Able to get really close to coworkers, and other employees in the facility
What I wish was different
Advice
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Camp Counselor
March - August 2019 • Dallas, TX
What I liked
I love working with the kids.
What I wish was different
I would have applied sooner.
Advice
Sometimes kids have bad days.
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Specialist
June - August 2019 • Milford, CT
What I liked
I loved the work environment! My supervisor was very engaged and easy to talk to.
What I wish was different
N/A
Advice
Put your all into it!
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American English Conversation Course Teacher
June - August 2019 • Minya, Minya Governorate
What I liked
I loved watching the students’ enthusiasm and confidence grow as their abilities did over the course.
What I wish was different
I wish we had more time together.
Advice
Take a leap of faith out of your comfort zone and travel as much as possible.
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Pool Lifeguard
May - August 2019 • Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
What I liked
coworkers
What I wish was different
boss
Advice
it is important to stay dilligent
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Pool Manager
May - August 2019 • Butler, PA
What I liked
I loved getting to be in charge and meeting so many amazing families.
What I wish was different
I wish the upper management would have been more helpful when I was in need of them
Advice
To always be organized and make sure your employees know you are their boss and not their friend.
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YMCA Child Watch Assistant
July 2019 • Penfield, NY
What I liked
I was able to work with kids in a relaxed environment. The hours were flexible and shifts were short.
What I wish was different
N/A
Advice
Anyone who plans on working with young children in the future should absolutely consider a part-time job in this department.
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YMCA counselor
January - May 2019 • Knoxville, TN
What I liked
The kids and employees
What I wish was different
I felt like the boss was unreasonable. She came off as if she didn’t really enjoy working with kids which made it hard to enjoy my job
Advice
Know that doing my internship through the YMCA was fun but there is no career path
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Summer Camp
June - August 2019 • Owasco, NY
What I liked
The staff community was so welcoming
What I wish was different
I wish I was more involved in administration aspects
Advice
Working at a summer camp is fun- but it's hard work too! Be prepared
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Camp Counselor
June - August 2019 • Orcas, WA
What I liked
Meeting new people
What I wish was different
More breaks.
Advice
It was really fun but a lot of work, and you really need to make sure you have a lot of patience.
