Hey there!
As I'm cleaning my stuff for a new adventure to Los Angles to work for an outdoor school, I found these letters. While reading them, I found such great memories and reminders as to why I work for summer youth camps.
Here they are:
I developed a high regard for Andy as a person and an employee. He exhibited strong personal character, integrity, and positive attitude in every task that he undertook. Andy is a very hard worker with an easy going disposition. He did everything that was asked of him and he did it with a great attitude. Andy showed great creativity in the projects he planned for his cabin, often going far beyond the basic requirements. One of the many things I appreciate about Andy is his initiative. Andy appointed himself our camp photographer and spent much of his extra time organizing his photos and putting together slide shows for us to run during check out. His photos were a huge contribution and a great success to camp and it was all his idea and done on his own time. Andy is a dedicated, conscientious, and enjoyable employee and I have enjoyed working with him! --- D.L., Camp Director YMCA Camp Jackson ---
I have known Michael for nearly seven years. He is a young man of exceptional quality. His shining exuberance never wavered, even under some pretty exhausting and stressful situations. He was responsible, dependable, conscientious, thoughtful, and hardworking by any adult standards, much less as a teenager. He saw things that needed to be done often before I asked. Michael has a real gift when it comes to relating to and interacting with youths. Simply put, he’s GREAT with kids, and has developed a wealth of tactics, games, ideas, and approaches over the past years of dedicated work with children in a number of reputable organizations. He’s the kind of young man employers wouldn’t think exists in this day and age! Michael lives love. He also stands for what he believes is right and just. I can assure you that he is light years ahead of most people in the areas of responsibility, independence, dependability, work ethic, conscientious dedication, and maturity.
--- L.R., Program Head Adventure Unlimited ---
I have worked with many youthful people over the last 40 years of my professional work as a youth worker and would have to say that Michael is one of the most energetic and take-charge leaders that I have had the pleasure of working with. He is a ‘can-do’ person, who takes initiative, and gets things done. He has a very strong ability to look around him, discern things that need to be done, and then do them – very often without being asked. There is nothing that Michael is unwilling to take on and nothing too small or menial for him to do. He is a most willing help with even the most mundane thing that need to be done. Michael displays a very strong sense of joy and enthusiasm in what he does and has a very positive and up-beat attitude.
--- T.P., Current Trustee for Adventure Unlimited ---
Now from campers:
Thanks for everything- being a person to talk to. being a great friend, and just being a nice guy. Even though I haven't named everyone yet, you're really helping me. I probably wouldn't have even started without you. You're funny, but also serious at the same time. I really hope we can short-sheet cabin H, but there isn't to much hope. I'm so glad I was in your cabin! Your cabin-mate, E. Jones
Thankyou for making me welcome even though I came late. Then you jumped on it and brang me right to my program within less than an hour. Then that night it was bunk house night and you welcomed me and had everyone say their names. Thank you for everything you do and for teaching me stuff that I dont know about Christian Science. Love, J. Karney
Thankyou for everything! You really encouraged me to come to camp this year. Plus, you are one of the nices counselors I met last year. With out you, I probably wouldnt not be here. You convinced me to come. Thanks! The things that I had fun with this summer was free-choice, ga-ga, and perfect scores :) I also had fun being with you but I cant stay another session. Im going to scout camp which wont be much fun. They only spiritual healing I had this summer was when I was on my 3 day. There was millions of mosquitoes. I got atotal of 23 mosquitoe bites. The thing I did was pray about it and at night the next day it was gone! AMAZING!! Your camper, T. Yeaman
One of the main statements from the American Camp Association is "
