This past week, I was able to attend Science Camp as a Cabin Leader and it was the best time of my life. I believe everyone should volunteer for Science Camp at least once because it not only gives you 87 community service hours but it’s also a great experience. Being at Science Camp taught me a lot of things. Of course I learned a few science things but I also learned about communication and teamwork.
At YMCA’s Camp Campbell, no one is left to do something completely alone. Almost every cabin has a max of 2 cabin leaders with a minimum of 11 kids. The cabins are separated into 2 sections, which are obviously the boy side and the girl side. Each side has a staff member regularly available to help you. They encourage you to not be afraid to ask.
The day before the kids arrive is a training day for all the volunteers. During that day , the staff members make you do activities and play games with the other volunteers to create a bond with one another. At the end of the day, you all sit around a campfire and make s’mores. Along with that, you tell stories and get along with each other. They assign you a cabin along with a partner who isn’t a friend you went with. At first, this kinda made me mad but now that I look back it was the smartest decision. If you were to pair up with whoever you wanted, you wouldn’t be able to bond with new people. While volunteering , I was fortunate enough to meet some wonderful people. We all really connected and when it was time to leave we were all devastated.
Aside from making really good friends, volunteering at Science Camp could really benefit those who want to work with children. Whether it be a social worker or a teacher, this experience helps prepare you for that. Staff members along with volunteers are required to take a class on indicators of child abuse and all the different types of abuse. This educated us on how sometimes it isn’t always something you can physically see. They also taught us how to approach kids who have been abused. Working at Camp Campbell , a lot of the staff members have had many experiences with kids who were/are abused. They’ve learn to not get attached and make it personal.
While on the topic of staff members, a lot of the field teachers , the ones who teach the kids about science, live on camp. They have their own cabins with of course internet and cable. As long as they work there, they don’t have to pay any bills and get free food. They work from tuesday-friday afternoon. Some get paid more than others but it all depends on how long you’ve been there.
If you’re interested in being a science teacher working at a camp that offers science camp would really be the best option. Even if you don’t want to be a teacher or just work with kids in general , Science Camp is still an amazing experience that everyone should volunteer for. It gives you not only great memories but also helps you become one with nature.
At YMCA’s Camp Campbell, no one is left to do something completely alone. Almost every cabin has a max of 2 cabin leaders with a minimum of 11 kids. The cabins are separated into 2 sections, which are obviously the boy side and the girl side. Each side has a staff member regularly available to help you. They encourage you to not be afraid to ask.
The day before the kids arrive is a training day for all the volunteers. During that day , the staff members make you do activities and play games with the other volunteers to create a bond with one another. At the end of the day, you all sit around a campfire and make s’mores. Along with that, you tell stories and get along with each other. They assign you a cabin along with a partner who isn’t a friend you went with. At first, this kinda made me mad but now that I look back it was the smartest decision. If you were to pair up with whoever you wanted, you wouldn’t be able to bond with new people. While volunteering , I was fortunate enough to meet some wonderful people. We all really connected and when it was time to leave we were all devastated.
Aside from making really good friends, volunteering at Science Camp could really benefit those who want to work with children. Whether it be a social worker or a teacher, this experience helps prepare you for that. Staff members along with volunteers are required to take a class on indicators of child abuse and all the different types of abuse. This educated us on how sometimes it isn’t always something you can physically see. They also taught us how to approach kids who have been abused. Working at Camp Campbell , a lot of the staff members have had many experiences with kids who were/are abused. They’ve learn to not get attached and make it personal.
While on the topic of staff members, a lot of the field teachers , the ones who teach the kids about science, live on camp. They have their own cabins with of course internet and cable. As long as they work there, they don’t have to pay any bills and get free food. They work from tuesday-friday afternoon. Some get paid more than others but it all depends on how long you’ve been there.
If you’re interested in being a science teacher working at a camp that offers science camp would really be the best option. Even if you don’t want to be a teacher or just work with kids in general , Science Camp is still an amazing experience that everyone should volunteer for. It gives you not only great memories but also helps you become one with nature.