TAKE ACTION //
Community service:
Community service:
Camper in leadership
training
(c.i.l.t)
|
@ circle v Ranch camp
|
(c.i.l.t)
|
@ circle v Ranch camp
|
PROJECT / LOCATION |
NUMBER OF HOURS |
Location: St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Non - Profit Summer Camp and Conference Center ~ Circle V Ranch Camp, Santa Barbara , California |
2 full weeks = 120 hours |
WHAT I LEARNED |
WHY IT MATTERS |
When I first attended camp as a CILT, I had no experience what so ever with working with children. However, I did not let that simple fact get in the way of applying and attending camp as a C.I.LT. I had already attended this camp before so I had an idea of how I was supposed to interact, mentor and treat children at camp. Throughout my first week at camp I learned how to be a camper who both looked out for the safety and happiness of the younger campers. In my second year as a C.I.LT, I encountered a new obstacle, that year I had to assist a group much younger than the year before, I assisted the youngest group of girls which consisted of 6 year olds. Everything about mentoring the 6 year old was great, they were genuinely happy to be at camp, they listened to instructions, but on the second day some of them became homesick. Homesickness became frustration and lack of interest in activities, although it was difficult to get them to have fun again, I learned that I had the patience to work through the problem. I learned that working at camp is something I am truly passionate about, I always dreamed of becoming a counselor at camp someday, but through this program I confirmed to myself that although the dream is small, I really hope to become a counselor in the next year. |
As a C.I.L.T I didn't just work with younger children but I worked with other CILTs that were my age as well. Because the program is a leadership program we participated in team building exercises that reiterates the GPOs that ASGL has instilled within me. Team building activities are important for the betterment of our society, the more we learn to work together, the stronger and open-minded our future leaders are. As a CILT, it was my mission to create a positive relationship with the campers and CILTS, with that, I made sure that everyone I met felt important and heard. In many cases, a great number of campers come from households and foster homes in which they are neglected, this causes them to feel worth less at times and as if people don't care about them, at camp, our mission is to make sure that everyone feels valued, even if they only feel that positive environment for a week, it may cause a great impact on their self esteem. |
HOW WILL I APPLY IT IN REAL LIFE . |
I plan to apply what I have learned to my new position as Counselor in training in the following summer. |