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http://www.oshkoshymca.org

YMCA

Overview
Reviews
455
Q&A
21

Camp counselor

June - August 2019 • Puyallup, WA

What I liked

I am an education major and was able to gain hundreds of hours of experience in working with children of all types of backgrounds.

What I wish was different

The camp was very understaffed and it was difficult working with as many disabled children considering there was little back up.

Advice

the best connections you can make with kids are from asking questions and learning more about them. Even remembering their name in a conversation from weeks ago allows them to open up and feel included in all activities.
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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 2019 • Montclair, NJ

What I liked

I liked that working there gave me a sense of community and my co-workers were really awesome. I think being a camp counselor has taught me how to be more confident in myself and my ideas which I now carry with me in my life.

What I wish was different

I wish there was higher enrollment, for more hours.

Advice

It was a good summer job, and lot of fun! Great way to make money!
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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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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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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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Camp counselor

May 2019 • Arlington, TX

What I liked

Flexible hours, great staff, field trips, ability to make an impact for kids, fun and creative moments.

What I wish was different

Need more staff.

Advice

Working summer at the Y has its ups and downs but it’s always fun to work with people who are helpful and creative. Especially when it’s a job working with kids, I know the responsibility one needs to work with many kids but it’s always about making that child’s life more better and creating a fun, enjoyable and safe experience they can always remember.
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Front Desk

October 2017 • Cedar Rapids, IA

What I liked

My coworkers

What I wish was different

It was not very busy so it got boring

Advice

Bring something to do
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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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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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Swim Instructor

June - August 2018 • Spring, TX

What I liked

I enjoyed teaching children proper aquatic technique in addition to life saving skills around water.

What I wish was different

Better communion between managers and employees.

Advice

Children love metaphors and analogies because I helps them associate concepts together.
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Membership Staff

August 2018 • Ormond Beach, FL

What I liked

Great coworkers and management staff.

What I wish was different

Increase pay rate

Advice

You’ve got to be a good multitasker to thrive here.
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Activity Specialist

July - August 2019 • Plymouth, MA

What I liked

I enjoyed working with children.

What I wish was different

I wish there had been more fluid communication on staff.

Advice

Have a positive attitude and speak up about concerns.
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childwatch

November 2017 • Austin, TX

What I liked

Employer is super flexible with my school schedule.

What I wish was different

Advice

This job is for people that love kids of all ages.
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Camp Counselor

June - August 2018 • Wilton, CT

What I liked

Great connections and experience working with the kids

What I wish was different

Nothing

Advice

Get sleep! It's exhausting work.
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Personal Trainer

April - August 2018 • Mankato, MN

What I liked

I didn’t like it.

What I wish was different

I wish it had been more interesting

Advice

Don’t take this position unless you’re truly interested in being a personal trainer.
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Camp Counselor

June - August 2019 • Ann Arbor, MI

What I liked

Having full time hours, working with kids

What I wish was different

Have more specific training about day to day tasks

Advice

Experience from being a camp counselor can be very beneficial to your every day life and future employment
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Health Coach

May 2018 • St. Louis, MO

What I liked

Flexible hours, good learning experience.

What I wish was different

More pay, more structure.

Advice

Explore all of your job options, do not immediately accept the first position you recieve and offer for.
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Life Guard

January 2016 - August 2018 • Chesapeake, VA

What I liked

I liked being able to help people and be head of all of the life guards.

What I wish was different

I wish it would have been more organized.

Advice

Help others always.
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Camp Counselor

June - August 2019 • New York City, NY

What I liked

The experience as a whole .

What I wish was different

Wish I didn’t have to leave .

Advice

Working with kids Monday to Friday is very rewarding
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