In April 2023, I decided to join the Special Events Team at New York Kids Club. I knew that I would be a good fit in this role and I would gain additional skill sets that would be valuable for my career. Each event is very fast paced, but me and my team work as a well oiled machine to make sure that each event runs smoothly. I do PJ and Birthday parties at primarily the West End Location and float to other locations when needed. Prior to the weekend, our team receives a list of parties and themes so we can prepare ourselves with what curriculum will be based on the number of kids and age group. Before the start of each party, our team sets up the classroom and the gym space, creating an inviting atmosphere. Once that’s completed we start the party and help bring the kids through various activities in the gym until our final dance party. Then we end in the classroom wrapping up the event with pizza. Throughout the entirety of each event I look out for the safety and happiness of each of our guests so they feel comfortable in our space to possibly return for more parties with us. In this position I have shown that I can adapt to change, work in a high paced environment, work well in a team and go the extra mile with my attention to detail. Just recently I started leading PJ Partys on Friday’s and I will soon be lead trained to do birth ay parties and eventually hopefully become an SET Manager of one of the locations.

During the summer of 2023, I got the privilege of spending my third summer at French Woods as an Office Administrative Assistant. This was my first time in an administrative role and I was able to take in a lot of skills and gain some business experience. When I arrived at camp during pre camp in May I immediately started my training in the Office. I had a lot to learn from using our software to general customer etiquette. I was able to bring so many valuable skills as I continued to handle learning various aspects of general office work. My attention to detail showed through as I was efficiently completing tasks like making copies, checking in guests, assembling camp packages, and collecting credit card payments. Also, I excelled in client engagement, reaching out to leads interested in attending camp, giving out brochures and providing personalized phone calls to inquiries and organizing tour arrangements. I demonstrated great calendar management, ensuring all tours are neatly listed and confirmed, while addressing any concerns or questions about the camp or its programs. Lastly, I helped handle communication across different camp departments, relaying calls to directors, head counselors, and heads of departments, effectively getting information through to where it was needed.

Ever since I started at New York Kids Club in 2022 I showed that I am expansive in my abilities by covering nearly all different programs our company offers. I have taught multiple classes including Combo Adult Participation, Gym Tots and STEAM programs. Also, I have worked multiple camps throughout the year where the kids go on many adventures such as escaping to kids club island or journeying through Story Land. Throughout these classes and camps I am able to quickly assemble my lesson plan and teach effectively as the kids transition from science, art, theater and sports. Of course, throughout all these classes I have also kept a keen eye on everyone to ensure their health and safety.

After my first summer working at French Woods I decided to work there for a second time. Being a returning Camp Counselor, I was aware of the expectations of watching our assigned bunk while working in our departments. As a Camp Counselor, we were expected to watch our assigned bunk while working in our departments. Everyday we woke up, went to meals, then our departments till activities were done and concluded with evening activities.This year was special because after helping out with the Musical, Matilda during Session two I was lucky enough to join the Theater staff in the fourth Session. While I worked in Creative Cooking I was also Assistant Directing a show called the Happy Elf. As an assistant director I was there for the step by step process throughout the show to help with anything needed during casting, rehearsal, dress rehearsals and of course the final performances. After working in Creative Cooking the previous year it was easier to get the routine down. Throughout the class we monitored the kids to make sure they were being safe with the materials and focused on the task at hand so they could leave having a delicious treat. While I was working at camp we got plenty of opportunities to participate in staff-related activities for the campers, including running a 2k race called Race for the Arts during three of the sessions and participating in the Staff Show, Judy B Jones. Even though it was my second year I had shown plenty of growth displaying care and attentiveness overall to my management, fellow counselors and campers.

When I joined New York Kids Club I started at the West End Location working Afternoon Club multiple days a week. During Afternoon Club we were expected to do pickup from the nearby schools, teach a gym class, have snacks and then classroom class. Each day throughout the week we had a specific type of class to focus on in the gym and the classroom, my personal favorite was Mondays with World Art and Gymnastics. I made sure all the kids are in a safe and structured environment allowing them to have freedom to have fun while still learning. The kids viewed me as a role model making sure they listened when instructed and trusted me for anything they needed.

When I graduated high school I was motivated to gain job experience so I applied to French Woods where I was previously a camper and happily joined the summer 2021 staff as a Creative Cooking Counselor. As a Camp Counselor, we were expected to watch our assigned bunk while working in our departments. Everyday we woke up, went to meals, then our departments till activities were done and concluded with evening activities. In my department, our job was to be able to have the kids complete a dish by the end of the period. Throughout the class we monitored the kids to make sure they were being safe with the materials and focused on the task at hand so they could leave having a delicious treat. As a first time counselor, I had a stellar experience in my bunk and in my department. It is important to mention we were still heavily in the pandemic at this time and as a counselor we were trained for the health and safety of everyone at camp. In my bunk, I got the privilege of meeting so many campers from different walks of life. I didn’t want to just be there to watch them, but be there for them as someone they can come to for anything. I definitely was able to accomplish that and I still keep in contact with them to this day. While I was working at camp we got plenty of opportunities to participate in staff-related activities for the campers, I was able to take part in the Staff Show Seussical and played in a staff volleyball game. I had shown plenty of growth displaying care and attentiveness overall to my management, fellow counselors and campers.