A Full Circle Moment – Camp is the BEST!

My Full Circle Moment

For over 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of working at Shibley Day Camp that has been a significant part of my life. It’s a place where kids grow, learn, and make memories, and for me, it’s been a journey of growth, too. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats—from being a sports specialist to leading groups, and now, as the Associate Director, my role has evolved in ways I never could’ve imagined. But one thing has always stayed the same: the joy of getting to know the campers and their families.

Being a group leader was always one of the most rewarding parts of my job. It wasn’t just about overseeing activities or making sure everything ran smoothly—it was about building relationships. Watching the campers grow over the course of a summer, seeing them face challenges, discover new interests, and form friendships, was something truly special. As a group leader, I had the privilege of knowing each child on a personal level, understanding their strengths and quirks, and guiding them through the ups and downs of camp life.

But perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects was seeing the families that came through the camp year after year. It wasn’t just the kids who were growing—our entire camp family was evolving, and I had the pleasure of getting to know these families in such a meaningful way.

Now, as the Associate Director, my role has shifted. I’m no longer in the trenches with the kids every day (I do jump in from time to time-I just can’t help it!!!), but I’m still very much connected to the heart of the camp. I get to hire the incredible staff who will create the next generation of memories for our campers. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly. The camp culture is so important, and ensuring that the staff is not only qualified but also shares the same passion for the camp experience is key.

One of the most amazing parts of this phase of my career is that I’m now hiring some of the very same kids I watched grow up at camp. These campers, who were once 6 years old, are now old enough to be staff members themselves. As a matter of fact, one of my campers from years ago came back to camp this summer as a counselor.  She’s not only a skilled and compassionate counselor, but also a counselor to my 3 year old granddaughter! Watching this beautiful, full circle connection unfold has truly been an emotional experience.

It’s a surreal experience to see these once campers, who held my hand on their first day of camp become counselors who are confident young adults now ready to take on leadership roles. These young adults bring a unique perspective to the table. They understand the camp experience from the inside out, and they bring with them a passion and enthusiasm that’s contagious. It’s heartwarming to know that their experiences here shaped them into the people they are today, and now they’re ready to give back to the next generation of campers.

It’s also a reminder of how much the camp means to the families and the community. To see former campers return as staff members is proof that the camp is more than just a summer job. It’s a place that leaves a lasting impression and creates a sense of belonging that lasts long after the summer ends.

Working at Shibley for over three decades has been more than a job—it’s been a journey. From being a sports specialist to group leader to now having the honor of hiring the next generation of staff, I am constantly reminded of the impact that summer camp has on young lives. And as I watch my former campers become the leaders of tomorrow, I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of their journey from the very beginning. It’s truly a full circle moment, and one that fills me with pride and gratitude every single day.