Although many of us are approaching the age where we’re too old for the Summer at Barstow camps held here, there are still plenty of ways to continue to be involved in the camp community
“I’ve been doing Summer at Barstow since like first grade and I’ve really enjoyed all of it. And I think T.A.’ing’s a nice opportunity to kind of experience camps in a way, but also have some experience kind of mentoring and having a kind of real job,” said Roland Kauffman (‘27).
Many Barstow eighth graders are sad to admit that their time as a camper during Summer at Barstow is coming to a close. However, that does not mean you must say goodbye to the camps for good! A plethora of eighth graders, including Sydney Westphal (‘27), Lucy McEachen (‘27), Roland Kauffman (‘27), and Quincy Stribling (‘27), this year are seizing the opportunity to be a T.A. (or teaching assistant) at the camps.
Although it may not be for money (yet), it’s still a great way to gain experience, get volunteer hours, and spend your summer! Quincy Stribling (‘27) is T.A.’ing “so I can start making money in the future, and to see Chris Huggard.” (Chris is a current teacher at Aubrey Bend and what Quincy describes as a “close friend and colleague”).
Summer at Barstow offers a myriad of camps here ranging from baking to Harry Potter to just about everything in between. You may not be able to specify which exact camps you wish to T.A., but many students have their preferences. This mainly stems from which camps they especially enjoyed as campers.
Quincy (‘27) said, “I hope to work at any camp with Chris Huggard, my favorite counselor, because he’s just a cool guy. Like a purple sunglasses type of guy. Basketball camp is usually pretty fun, and the video game camps are really nice.”
Besides having the company of the little kids, you also are able to see all your friends who are also T.A’s. Many eighth graders are taking this opportunity to spend their summer gaining work experience, but also seeing their friends and peers during the daytime. At some camps you may even be able to T.A. with your friends! Sydney Westphal (‘27) hopes she will get such an opportunity, “My friend Lucy is doing it, and my friend Avalee, and my friend Mira, my friend Roland, they’re all doing it.”
Many eighth graders cannot wait to begin T.A.’ing! Working in a job like Summer at Barstow helps students gain experience, service hours, and all in all is just a fun way to spend your summer.
Lucy McEachen (‘27) says, “I’m most excited about trying to make friends with kids and getting to help them and do things related to the camp. It just sounds so fun and a good way to spend my summer.”
Most of the students T.A.’ing Summer at Barstow this year are doing it because they miss the camps themselves. However, being a T.A. is a great way to hold on to these memories and a perfect way to make some new ones. Being able to be a leader and advisor to the littles is something everyone is looking forward to. Although their career as a camper may be done, their time at Summer at Barstow is far from over!
