Bright Lights is grateful for the more than 100 Camp Assistant volunteers who come alongside our teachers each summer to make the camp experience even more fun.
One of those CAs, Hadley Kerner– who has volunteered the past three summers and gone the extra mile to serve as an Ambassador for Bright Lights—recently shared with us a bit about her experiences at camp.
“As a Bright Lights Camp Assistant, I have learned some of the most valuable life lessons,” said Hadley. “How to be patient with children was one. Another was to be their friend, because they already have a teacher.”
Hadley says she has been fortunate to work alongside some of Lincoln’s best teachers during the week-long camps. One of her favorites was her first camp, Bubble Festival for grades K-1.
“There were so many crafts that I got to take part in,” she shared. “It was a whole lot of fun!”
Another favorite camp was Little Picassos. Campers painted and created art that was so special, she shared.
Hadley, who would love to be a teacher someday herself, said that volunteering as a Camp Assistant has taught her some of the best ways to teach. She has learned to find a balance between doing activities and instructing and that it is important to engage kids in learning.
Being appreciated by the campers is pretty cool, too. “The kids really love the camps, so seeing them get happy to have you there is super special,” Hadley said. She looks forward to bumping into them the next summer. “They always remember.”
“Honestly, I couldn’t imagine spending my summer any other way.”
Whether Hadley is assisting in the classroom, supervising campers during their lunch break or helping at Camp Assistant orientation, her smile and positive attitude are a perfect match for Bright Lights.
“I can’t wait for another summer with Bright Lights,” she shared. “I am so excited to see everyone again!”
Thank you to all our current and past volunteers! You help take Bright Lights camps to the next level of fun. To apply to be a Camp Assistant with us this summer, please visit https://brightlights.org/camp-assistants/ .