Sarah Daum Just One Example of the Quality Staff Leading Summer Camp

Dozens of parents gathered at Pearce on Tuesday, May 27 to meet the counselors who will spend the summer with their children. "This is an experience not only for our children, but for parents as well," said mom Joanna Vining whose son is returning for his second year. "Because of the quality of the camp and the staff, I never worry about my son while I'm at work. I know he is well cared for, happy, and with a group of exceptional people who put his best interest at the forefront of everything they do." 

Intelligent and motivated, summer camp counselors represent some of the brightest young adults in our community. Many come back from college each summer to work with the campers. Common college majors for this group include education, nursing, social work, and business administration. 

Several counselors just graduated from IVC including Sarah Daum, Josey Allison, and Jacob Murphy. 

 

Josey brings extensive academic achievement to her second year as a counselor. She graduated with a 3.8 GPA and high honors. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. Josey won a scholarship from the Chillicothe Altrusa Club and the Unsung Hero award presented by the Optimist Club, both based on her extensive volunteerism in the community and with her church. She is also a member of JOOI, Junior Optimists Octagon International. 

Jacob is returning for his second year as well. His 3.94 GPA is just one in a long list of accolades. Like Josey and Sarah, he received the Unsung Hero award; is a member of the National Honor Society and the German National Honor Society and served as the president and vice-president of NHS's Tri-M; worked with the Impact Service Group; served at the Children's Ranch for abused and neglected children in Shiloh, MO; and served as a Christian counselor at Little Galilee camp in Clinton, IL. 

"I love seeing my child run into the arms of a counselor when he is dropped off in the morning," said Vining, "and then waving a friendly good-bye when we leave at night. It's fun to see them braiding hair, playing tag, making bracelets, or just holding them while reading a book."

While summer camp serves a utilitarian purpose, it is also designed to enrich the life of each child. Through a strategic activity plan that integrates education with fun, delivered by exceptional counselors, children grow educationally, physically, emotionally, and psychologically. "The counselors truly want to make a difference in each child's life," said Vining. "They are the heart of Pearce summer camp."