Personal Narrative: United Methodist Summer Camp

A second paid opportunity I have had serving children has been working as summer camp counselor for the past three summers. Each summer since May 2013, Warren W. Willis United Methodist Summer Camp has provided me with the opportunity to mentor a wide variety of children ranging in ages from rising fourth grade to newly graduated high school seniors. Here I have taken on many roles of mentor, advocate, listener, friend, small group leader, activities facilitator, etc. Here I have interacted with children and adolescents of all backgrounds and cultures. I have been greatly challenged and rewarded by the campers I have interacted with here. One of the greatest challenges I have faced while serving in this role is finding a healthy balance between focusing on the needs of other and focusing on myself. Throughout the summer, I am constantly focusing on the emotional, spiritual, mental and physical needs of campers. There is little time and

Similar to LeVerne Payne, I served at an after school program for at-risk children and youth called The Master’s Workshop. I spent my time leading them in group activities, crafts, sports, music and a designated homework time. One of the greatest limitations I found myself facing in this role was a division in the power of authority. I volunteered here all throughout high school and some of the kids were very close in age to me. I found myself not always being respected for this reason. However I tried not to let it control my relationship with the kids I interacted with because I do not feel that is fair to them or myself. One of my personal strengths in this setting was the ability to create relationships with these children and teens by relating with them through shared experiences. I also had the ability to facilitate a positive and fun environment during the after school