As the kids return to
school after spring break, everyone's thoughts turn to the next break: SUMMER!
Where to go on vacation, buying new shorts and a swim suit, getting the boat
ready, and registering children for Summer Camp at Pearce.
Registration began
March 1 and is setting a record pace. Program Manager Carie McIntyre explains
the reason for the camp's success. "We have a very high quality
program."
McIntyre focuses on
three key areas to build quality: curriculum, staff, and value. The curriculum
is diverse and provides a variety of ways for campers to interact with the
subject matter. Reading, science, and math are core subjects, but cursive
handwriting will also be presented along with Spanish, yoga, and art. Although
there is not a lecture period and text book, responsibility and social
development are a large part of the curriculum and taught in every aspect of
camp. And what would summer be without fun? Swimming, field trips, organized
and free play, dodge ball, and inside and outside games provide campers with a
well-rounded day.
Exceptional Summer
Camp counselors bring this curriculum to life. Intelligent
and motivated, summer camp counselors represent some of the brightest
young adults in our community. Kyle Kerr and McKenzie Schroeder are just two
examples of the staff members who spend their summer with Pearce campers. Kyle,
21, is a full-time nursing student in his junior year at Methodist College in
Peoria. After graduation, he would like to practice psychiatric nursing
somewhere that has a 'real' beach.
Kyle joined Pearce in
2013. He has served as a counselor in Summer Camp, Day Camp, and Before and
After School Care. He has supervised the Exergame Room, dance parties, and many
other youth activities and events. When he's not with the children, you can
find him at the front desk, greeting members, answering questions, processing
registrations, and trouble-shooting. Kyle also earned the Members First award
for excellence in member service.
While in high school,
Kyle won the Josh Pilger scholarship for students with a strong record of
volunteerism. He served as the vice-president of the student body and president
of Key Club. He was a member of the marching and jazz bands, National Honor
Society, and president of the Spanish National Honor Society. In college, Kyle
is a member of the student government association and has earned a spot on the
honor roll.
Kyle is drawn to the
new campers, the quiet ones who need a little extra help finding their place in
camp. "There's nothing more fulfilling than watching them come out of
their shell and develop a sense of belonging," says Kyle.
Counselor McKenzie
Schroeder bought a bag of 200 hair bands last August when the school year began
so she can braid hair in Before and After School Care and School's Out Day
Camp. The bands were gone a couple of months ago. She also brings in her own
nail polish and downloads all the kid's favorite music. It's hard to tell who
loves it more, the kids or McKenzie. "They help me much more than I help
them," said McKenzie. "They make me a better person."
McKenzie has been a
Summer Camp counselor since 2012. Like Kyle, she has led and supervised many of
the youth activities at Pearce and works at the front desk when she's not with
the kids. She has won the Members First award twice.
A full time student at
Bradley, McKenzie majors in accounting. Her dream job is to be an accountant
for Maui Jim. "I love their relaxed culture," said McKenzie. "I
know several people who work there and they love it." She also serves as
treasurer for the Women in Business organization at Bradley and is the club
volleyball team captain. In high school, McKenzie was in the top eight percent
of her graduating class, a member of the National Honor Society, treasurer of
Key Club, and a member of Impact Club. She won the three sport athlete
scholarship and participated in the Coop program, working as an academic
assistant in Kindergarten and first grade at South School.
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| Camp counselors McKenzie Schroeder and Kyle Kerr |
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