The thermometer is topping out at 30 C and you’ve just given your last bit of water to a kid who already drank all of theirs.
This is just one of many small decisions 24-year-old Danielle Herschmiller has had to make as a camp leader with North Vancouver Recreation and Culture.
Throughout her 10 years as a volunteer and a camp leader, she has worked at many different types of camps, including preschool camps, “out-trip” camps, and sports camps, as well as lots of birthday parties.
Herschmiller started as a volunteer with North Van rec when she was 16 years old.
“I absolutely loved it and applied to be a leader the following summer,” she says. “I felt I could make a difference in a child’s life even if it was only for a day.”
Herschmiller is now a camp leader for spring, summer, and winter camps at Karen Magnussen recreation centre. These days she mainly works with campers between the ages of five and 12, and admits it’s not always easy to keep 30 school-age kids entertained.
“Some days run smoothly and some days don’t. It all depends,” she says. “This age group is able to speak for themselves, are in the midst of figuring out their place, and you become a really important part of their lives.”
Training is an important part of becoming both a volunteer and a leader with North Vancouver Recreation. Among other courses, leaders have first aid and CPR training, and are required to attend a number of specific training sessions.
“It’s a learn-as-you-go type of job,” says Herschmiller of what it takes to be a good leader. “You can never be ready for every situation that is going to be thrown at you. But you always learn from them. This is how you grow your little bag of tricks. If you are passionate about being a big part of a kid’s life and having fun, then you will excel.”
As well as completing plenty of training, a good day camp leader needs to be outgoing and active, says Herschmiller. “You never get a moment to sit during the day.”
But it’s not all hard work.
“The fun part is learning and sharing new game ideas,” says Herschmiller. “I enjoy sharing new experiences in day camp with children and watching them grow over the summer and over the years. My favourite part about being a day camp leader is seeing children come back year after year because you had a positive impact in their life.”
A UBC graduate with a degree in psychology, Herschmiller is planning on pursuing a teaching certificate. She encourages others to apply to become day camp leaders.
“It is the most fun and rewarding experience you can have,” she says.
For more information about summer camps or leader training visit nvrc.ca.
