Camp Invention

Camp Counselor Intern

June 2019 • Merritt Island, FL

What I liked

Being a helpful guide to the students and feeling like they were really taking in what they were learning was enjoyable. I also really liked working with the higher ups, as they were all really friendly and let me take a big role in lessons during camp.

What I wish was different

I was very sick for half of the week, so if those symptoms were alleviated I would have been able to participate a lot more than I was able to.

Advice

Be patient, especially if you're working with children. They're not babies, but they're not going to get everything the first try either (like we often don't). Just because it's simple to you doesn't mean it's going to be the same way for them, and you should teach them with the knowledge you have, not berate them for the knowledge they don't.

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Student Leadership Intern

June 2018 • Island Lake, IL

What I liked

I got to work with student from ages k-6th. Providing me the experience in my career.

What I wish was different

I wish I had more interaction with the students. I have been doing this program for three years and the first two years I was assigned a grade group to work in and this past summer I was roaming around to see if other people needed help with their students so they can get the experience as well. I was asked to come back next year as an assistant director so I will have a different experience.

Advice

I would share the if you work in one area of school and go to another area they are both vastly different and get different experience of learning.

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Leadership Intern

June 2016 • Charleroi, PA

What I liked

As an Education major, I enjoy volunteering for the Camp Invention program because I get to work with kids (grades K-6). As a Secondary Biology Ed major, I love that Camp Invention is science based and the kids are able to spend the week inventing different things in each of the different modules of the program. I love sharing my knowledge with the children when they need guidance, giving them ideas when they aren't sure how to design what they want to using the supplies provided, etc.

What I wish was different

I wish that the program offered a place for children up to 8th grade. There is a separate program for these older kids, but it is at a different time and place. The modules are also completely different. As a Secondary Ed major, I'd like the chance to be able to work with kids a little older than K-6 at the same time as I'm working with the K-6.

Advice

Really getting involved with the students and their projects makes an impact on the kids. They look up to you! Being passionate about science, or even teaching, helps immensely during this experience, and makes the experience better for both you and the students! The days are long and the week seems to drag on, but you come home every day feeling so good about the impact you're making on the students each day, not to mention you're gaining experience with kids that can help you in the future (whether with your career or personal life).

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