Working with kids and being able to make a tangible impact in their lives was awesome. We also had a consistent schedule which was very convenient.
What I wish was different
I wish I had more experience. It took me awhile to get in the groove of things.
Advice
Enjoy the time with the kids. Seek out relationships with them because it means the world to them.
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Camp Counselor
June - August 2019 • Wooster, OH
What I liked
The interaction with all of the kids was really fun as well as getting to know my co workers, it was all a very interesting and fun experience.
What I wish was different
I wish that the pay was a little more flexible so that I could manage my working there full time without having a part time job.
Advice
Have a lot of energy be vocal and friendly.
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Assistant Teacher
March 2019 • Merrimack, NH
What I liked
I really enjoyed making friends. Because I worked Monday-Friday, I spent a majority of my summer with the same people, so we got really close.
What I wish was different
I wish I took more time to myself. I am glad I saved up a large amount of money, but I only had free time on the weekends which isn't always a lot of time, especially in your twenties.
Advice
Make sure to find an even balance between work and personal time. Everyone needs to remember that it is important for your mental health to make sure that you are spending some time doing what makes you happy.
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Camp Counselor
June - August 2018 • St. Joseph, MI
What I liked
Working with kids
What I wish was different
Management
Advice
Only work at a camp if you genuinely like kids and are willing to be on the go all 8 hours of the day.
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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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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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Beach Lifeguard
May - September 2019 • North Kingstown, RI
What I liked
I loved the environment and the people I worked with. It gives you a sense of great responsibility as well as learning new things.
What I wish was different
I wish I had more interaction with people but the job is amazing.
Advice
This experience allows you to help others while teaching you how to stay alert in many ways.
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Pool Lifeguard
July - August 2019 • Bartlesville, OK
What I liked
Helping people feel safe and welcomed during their workouts and family time.
Meeting a variety of people and getting to know the regular members.
Being part of an organization whose goal is to serve the community.
What I wish was different
Nothing. I love the YMCA and being a lifeguard.
Advice
Don't expect a huge paycheck, but seeing people get excited about beating a fitness goal or just learning how to swim is a very rewarding sight. Plus having CPR and first aid training is a useful skill whether you're a lifeguard or not.
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Senior camp counselor
June - August 2019 • Philadelphia, PA
What I liked
I love the environment and the people that work there. The children taught me a lot about creating fun activities
What I wish was different
I wish camp was longer!
Advice
Don’t let the kids overwhelm you, ask for help when you need it and remember to have fun
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Group Exercise Instructor
May - August 2019 • Chesapeake, VA
What I liked
I loved building relationships with the people that came to my classes
What I wish was different
Advice
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Art teacher
May - August 2019 • Portland, ME
What I liked
Being able to educate kids on art
Having fun giving the kids new experiences outside their normal
What I wish was different
Better communication from HR to employees
Advice
Always communicate ANY issues with your boss especially if they can help
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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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Camp head counselor
May - August 2019 • Trinity, TX
What I liked
I love Summer CAMP!!!!!!
What I wish was different
Advice
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Assistant Camp Director for 7-8 year olds
May 2018 - August 2019 • Indianapolis, IN
What I liked
Getting to greet all kids of all ages in the morning even though I was only assigned to one specific age group. I got to get to know a lot of different ages and a lot of different personalities.
What I wish was different
That summer was longer and I was able to see all my kiddos more.
Advice
Look at the positives of every situation. Sometimes things aren't going to go as you hope or even seem like its worth anything, but you are going to miss all the great things that are in front of you.
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Camp Counselor
May - August 2019 • Boyertown, PA
What I liked
The fellow employees care so much about their coworkers and it has always been a positive environment.
What I wish was different
The hourly pay
Advice
Definitely a great summer job that allows you to work with the future leaders of your community.
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Lifeguard Supervisor/Swim Instructor
May - August 2019 • Grand Prairie, TX
What I liked
I liked the experience that I gained as well as interacting with the people at the pool
What I wish was different
I wish that we would have had a less busy schedule to be able to relax with the other lifeguards for breaks.
Advice
You should try to get into shape before working there because aquatic fitness is a requirement
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Ymca child care
August 2018 • Meadville, PA
What I liked
I love meeting all the unique children and parents I come into contact with each day. I love teaching the kids and learning every day from them
What I wish was different
Communication
Advice
If you don’t engage well, this is not the job for you
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5th Grade Teacher
June - August 2019 • Torrance, CA
What I liked
I loved the kids and my boss.
What I wish was different
The way the program was ran.
Advice
Everyone should try it .. it’s a lot of fun and you get to hang out with kids all day long
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Family Programming Attendent
May - August 2019 • Tampa, FL
What I liked
I enjoyed being able to spend my summer with kids and overall helping them have a fun summer experience.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Assistant Group Leader
May - August 2019 • Oshkosh, WI
What I liked
Every day I came to the Summer Fun Club program, I was able to experience a wide variety of work while having fun with my coworkers and the kids.
What I wish was different
Nothing comes to mind!
Advice
For some people, you may need to really step out of your comfort zone. Working with 50+ kids on a daily basis can be a very stressful situation so try and take everything with an open, positive mind.
