YMCA

youth sports coach

May 2018 • Boulder, CO

What I liked

Hours and Being able to coach

What I wish was different

My pay

Advice

Do it if you have a considerable amount of patients, really like kids and having a good time while at work

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Summer Camp Counselor

June - August 2018 • Manitowoc, WI

What I liked

Being in charge of 30+ children every day was a little taxing, but it meant that I was a major part of 30 different lives. Sharing the day together, whether it was playing at a park or swimming, was life-giving to me. I often found myself playing a game of pretend with the kids, telling scary stories, and cracking up some weird jokes. I loved every moment where I could interact with the kids in a fun yet meaningful way.

What I wish was different

I wished that the groups we were assigned to were smaller so that we could focus on mentorship rather than simply watching over the kids. I loved those moments where I could share a story or teach a valuable life lesson to the kids, but doing so often meant leaving the larger group.

Advice

Do not be afraid. Both the children I was in charge of and my co-counselor sensed the fear and insecurity I had--after all, this was my first time doing something like being a summer camp counselor. This fear of mine led to instances where the kids wouldn't listen to me and do reckless activities. But the moment I understood that this fear was holding me back, I began doing the opposite and really engaged with the kids. This made summer much more enjoyable and decreased a lot of stress from my co-counselor.

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Day Camp Counselor

May - August 2018 • Ocean Springs, MS

What I liked

I loved getting to interact with children, have a large control over what I taught them, and take them to various activities. It was the same children everyday so I got to form relationships with them. This was the summer before they went to kindergarten so I got to help prepare them for that and watch them grow a lot throughout one summer.

What I wish was different

I wish that I had more help in the classroom, there were 20-25 everyday and sometimes I was the only one in the classroom. I also wish that I had more time to prepare. I had to come up with ideas for activities, create lesson plans, and prepare the materials either while I was trying to watch all of the kids or do it on my (unpaid) lunch hour or at home.

Advice

Building relationships with the kids is so worth it all, use Pinterest for ideas, and don't be afraid to just let them run around for 30 minutes while you get crafts ready.

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Advocates

September 2018 • San Bernardino, CA

What I liked

Interacting with the community. As well as understanding their needs and wants.

What I wish was different

Getting to do more hands on programs and events for the community.

Advice

No kid is a bad kid.

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Before and After School Daycare Worker

November 2017 • Kearney, NE

What I liked

The environment at the YMCA feels like a family. There is so much support and flexibility. The kids that go here for the program are hilarious and make the job fun.

What I wish was different

I honestly wouldn't change a thing.

Advice

Always have an open mind whenever going into work. The day is going to be different and there will be new obstacles. Having fun and making sure the kids have fu make the job totally worth it.

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Pool Lifeguard

September 2017 • Stanwood, WA

What I liked

The atmosphere of the work place.

What I wish was different

Better scheduling.

Advice

Coomunication is key in the work force.

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Camp Counselor

June - August 2018 • Reading, MA

What I liked

Working with kids.

What I wish was different

Leadership Structure

Advice

It requires emotional effort

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lifegaurd

July - August 2018 • Charlton, MA

What I liked

Being able to work with people my age and working with kids to help them have a good summer.

What I wish was different

There was some turmoil in the front office but we were able to smooth it out.

Advice

Enjoy it because its a great experience.

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Fitness Trainer

August 2017 • Virginia Beach, VA

What I liked

It helped me build my proffesional network, and build my work skills.

What I wish was different

I wish I could have worked more hours

Advice

DO your job, and don't be on your phone.

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Camp Counselor

June 2016 - August 2018 • Southington, CT

What I liked

It was rewarding to see kids have fun and make their day with just small acts

What I wish was different

unpaid overtime

Advice

Patience is key when working with any young kids!

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Camp Counselor

June 2017 - August 2018 • Marblehead, MA

What I liked

I love learning and growing with the children I had everyday. Overall, being a camp counselor is just such a fun job.

What I wish was different

Communication from managers and higher staff. Also, the fact that they would constantly leave staff alone with a group of children which I, and a few other staff, this is completely unsafe.

Advice

Be patient with your kids. It's summer, so it's HOT! Sometimes they can be grumpy, but they look forward to seeing you everyday, so make the best of it.

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Early Childhood Teacher Intern

January - May 2018 • Long Beach, CA

What I liked

It was a great place! Children had enough space and centers to play and real life animals in class. Staff was great, they were well organized and had a lot of volunteers!

What I wish was different

Older staff was a little on their own and wished pushed me to do more lessons and allowed me to be a teacher.

Advice

Get out there and do it! Lesson plan and get involved.

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Pool Lifeguard

July 2016 • Kimberly, WI

What I liked

Great place to work! Fun environment! patrons that come into the pool are usually very friendly.

What I wish was different

There is a lot of cleaning and sometimes you get a lot of complaints.

Advice

Always be prepared to take action! Whether it be to blow your whistle and jump in or prevent an incident from happening.

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Summer camp youth counselor

January 2017 - July 2018 • Waco, TX

What I liked

I enjoyed working with the children, and giving them a productive summer so that they would not fall behind even though they were out of the classroom

What I wish was different

I wish that the schedule was a bit different.

Advice

Children do not think like adults. Therefore, patience is a quality that is needed.

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Camp Counselor

June 2017 • San Pedro, CA

What I liked

Watching new friendships form and making some great connections of my own. I became a part of a family, and we stay a family even outside of camp. Its relationships and memories to last a lifetime.

What I wish was different

I wish that it was longer. I also sidh that there were more get together events in between camps because I always miss everyone.

Advice

Its one of the best experiences anyone could ever have. For the kids, for the counselors, for the directors, and for the staff. I couldn't be prouder to be a part od something so great!

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