Guest post from Bright Lights board member Kasey Dils, sharing his journey since being encouraged to take one Bright Lights summer camp.
I have spent more summers with Bright Lights than I haven’t, and it has become a badge of honor for me.
I started my Bright Lights journey in 2008 when my art teacher, Ms. Speidell, suggested I join a Bright Lights camp she taught. I was enrolled in one of the summer camps within the Japanese program. I still hold fond memories of learning a new culture while enjoying art styles taught by Ms. Speidell.
The following year, I became her assistant for a couple of camps she taught. This helped me realize how much I loved teaching others. Through my tenure as a Camp Assistant, I helped out in camps like Rainforest Adventures and Tremendous Time Travels. This helped me build my confidence in what I wanted to pursue in college. I knew I wanted to become a teacher.
While in college, I continued to be a Camp Assistant until 2016. At this time, I had the honor of becoming a teacher for Bright Lights and got the opportunity to design and teach camps like Diggn’ Up Dinos, Hidden In Plain Sight, and On The Oregon Trail.
In 2021, I was asked to serve as an administrator for Bright Lights during the summer. In this role I was able to develop my leadership skills and the experience allowed me to find a burning passion for educational leadership.
In 2024, I was asked to serve on the Bright Lights Board. This felt like such a natural next step for a program that has provided me with boundless opportunities.
It is hard to believe that I have been part of the Bright Lights family for over 16 years. It has become a highlight for me every year. I thoroughly believe Bright Lights has the best camps, staff and teachers. I tell anyone willing to listen that Bright Lights is truly an exceptional program that extends learning with a hands-on approach. Bright Lights uses a passion approach with their camps. Teachers are the drivers of the camps and are able to share their passions and expertise with campers. This allows campers to have a wide variety of classes that are guaranteed to peak their interests.
My story alone shows that one week in a Bright Lights camp can leave a lasting impact. Although I may not know where my Bright Lights journey will take me next, I do know that after being part of the program in a variety of roles, every summer is truly an adventure.