(Credit-Photo by: Rachel Campbell/The Valley Forge)
Illinois has many hidden gems throughout its state. One of which has produced countless memories that Illinois kids hold dear to their hearts. As they look back and remember a summer full of water ball fights, campfires, hikes, and more, one place may come to mind: Camp Winnebago.
Camp Winnebago has something for all ages. Those eighteen years and older can be camp counselors. Teens in high school get the opportunity to volunteer as apprentice counselors. Kids thirteen years or younger can be campers.
This summer camp strives to be a safe place for everyone. They do this by implementing the five “Y” values into their program. Caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith. This helps develop good values and lifelong skills for the youth, as well as the staff.
Administrative Program Director Josefina Bryant describes what kind of environment Camp Winnebago strives to create.
“I think we have a very diverse population of campers,” Bryant said, “We are growing a more diverse population of staff, and we get the opportunity to build a lot of connections with those campers and those other staff members. So by building such strong connections with such a variety of different people you really become a part of that culture of belonging.”
Bryant says that the culture is built around three key pillars: achievement, friendship, and
belonging.
“We have a really strong sense of wanting to be together and making sure everybody has a say and a part–and feels like they are contributing,” Bryant said. “That’s a different culture than a lot of other places of employment.”
Many staff members said that is what keeps them coming back every summer.
“I think it’s the sense of belonging and the culture that has been built. It is more than just a job. It is a really strong friendship that lasts even when summer is over,” said camp counselor, Jevin Doke.
Camp Winnebago has built many friendships among kids as well as the college students who chose camp to be their summer job. If you would like to learn more about how to get involved in Camp Winnebago either as a camper or a counselor, head to the YMCA of Rock River Valley website.
