Free Essay, Research Proposal, Dissertation, Thesis and More

Throughout my employment and volunteer experiences working with children, I have found it a process where one is continually learning and challenging themselves. While working at Bodwell’s Summer Camp as an overnight counselor, a challenge was to create a balance between discipline and fun for the kids. While supervising 14 girls aged 10-14 years old, a key challenge was making sure everyone understood the established rules and levels of respect, which were essential for maintaining a safe, inspiring, and fun experience for them. As I was with them for many hours during the day and overnight, I found this time a truly valuable part of understanding how to interact effectively with the students. Getting to know them individually, getting to know their strengths/weaknesses, listening to them, and building a relationship with them as a group, was one of the most meaningful experiences I have ever participated in. As they were international students, it was important to recognize their points of view, and respect their cultural understandings as they arrived in Canada. When I first met my assigned group of students, they were slow to come out of their shell, some more willingly than others. After time, everyone felt comfortable in an environment based on openness, honesty, trust, and reliability. As the girls were coming from outside of Canada, more specifically Mexico and Taiwan, there was an added challenge for communicating effectively and clearly. Another challenge was making sure the girls from two different countries socialized in a positive manner together, and learnt from their varied backgrounds. Initially, the two groups of seven girls remained within their friendship circles. Through introduction activities, group games, and coming together daily, the two groups socialized together increasingly more. As their camp counselor I initiated and orchestrated the inclusion between all campers, and it was rewarding to see my efforts become a reality for the girls. They began to talk together more, share stories, and partake in activities that they may not have tried if they did not feel welcome. For example, sporting activities was a great tool for bringing them together. We played volleyball and Frisbee one day at the beach. Some campers were quite good, while others had rarely been exposed to this sport before. The more experienced ones helped teach the less experienced. I took more of a back seat, encouraging the connections and new friendships between the campers through outdoor activities. Supervising and being a counselor at Bodwell’s taught me many valuable lessons. Learning to help campers solve any problems they have with a positive outlook, and making sure those who feel excluded will be included during all times. There was an incident where one camper felt left out and that others did not include her. I immediately put myself in her shoes and acted empathetically, making sure not to embarrass or single her out, and instead problem solve by discussing the issues in private and with those who were involved with the issue at hand.

In the summer of 2002, I volunteered at Dunbar Integrated Summer Camp. Working with a 7 year-old boy with Autism was challenging, as I did not have much previous knowledge/exposure to Autism. Fairly young at 17 years old, I did not posses the best methods for working resourcefully with him in certain situations. I was there to help integrate Franklin with his peers. The absolute happiness and satisfaction felt when I saw Franklin's huge smile after he kicked the ball during a kickball game & watching him as peers cheered him on around the bases has remained a significant memory.

The inclusion and positive moment for him has remained a special memory for me.

Volunteering at this camp remains a vivid and significant memory.