Sixth grade camp is a time that counselors and students look forward to each year. The week consists of many team building activities to help the kids learn life skills and independence.
Senior Sophia Lundry attended sixth grade camp as a student, and looked forward to being a counselor in high school.
“When I was in sixth grade I idolized my counselors and always wanted to be one,” Lundry said. “I wanted to be a good role model for the kids.”
Being a counselor comes with challenges as they are still required to make up for missing work in their classes, while still being an active leader at camp.
“It taught me a new level of responsibility,” Lundry said. “How to get along with others and time management skills because you miss a lot of school.”
Senior Lily Horowitz has been a counselor all three years she was eligible to, and learned valuable lessons on how to take charge and support the students as best as possible.
“It’s great for counselors because it teaches them how to be an adult and take control,” Horowitz said.
Similarly, students receive many benefits to sixth grade camp through hands-on activities that push them out of their comfort zone and work with their peers.
“It teaches students independence, how to work with others and practical skills,” Horowitz said.
Junior Elle Wujcik was unable to attend sixth grade camp due to COVID, so she jumped at the opportunity to be a counselor to still have the experience, but a different perspective. Through the intensive week program, students learn skills that are not present at school, which teaches them to persevere and problem solve.
“They learn to work together as a team and get out of the classrooms and do hands-on activities,” Wujcik said.
Both counselors and students are able to benefit from the program, where they learn to grow together and learn to be self-reliant not being at school.
“It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and form independence away from family,” Horowitz said.
Wujcik reflects on her time as a counselor and the memories she will cherish, and hopes will have a lasting impact on the students.
“Spending time with kids and getting to know them because they all had amazing personalities,” Wujcik said. “My favorite part was when they found something they excelled in, and watching their faces light up.”
