10 Questions with our Girl’s Side Directors
It’s now less than 100 days until camp starts, so I caught up with 3 incredible women who make up the IHC girls side directors, Hannah, Julianna & Jerrica. 3 people who demonstrate leadership, kindness, empathy and strength all summer long to both the campers, staff and parents they serve. I asked them 10 questions about camp life… here are their answers.
What makes you come back summer after summer to IHC?
Hannah
Camp Connections is contagious! Every summer I make the most meaningful connections with both staff & kids. I love connecting with new people and this is what keeps bringing me back summer after summer.
Julianna
The relationships that are made! Camp is a special place and there's no other place in the world like it!
Jerrica
The Kids and the relationships!
What is your favorite thing about working on the girls side?
Jerrica
Spending time with the girls side campers on the bunk line during rest hour/free play!
Hannah
I love the Girls Side line up every morning, for those who don't know, We have a line up each morning on both Boys & Girls sides. It's a chance for the Directors & HC’s to make any announcements for the day, we get to see all of the girls together on the lawgs and we make it super fun and silly. Some of the girls will show us dances or songs they have created. It's a special time and even though it's only 10- 15 minutes it's definitely my favorite time of the day.
Julianna
I love freeplay. Seeing the girls just being kids and having fun on the bunk line. I also love being able to say goodnight to all my campers each night and hearing about their day. Being a role model to the campers is major as well. I can’t just pick one!
When you hire staff to work on the girls side, what is the most important thing you look for in people?
Hannah
I always look for staff who have a nurturing attitude, being away from your parents for 7 weeks can be hard for anyone, doesn't matter what age you are so I always look for staff who are able to give lots of love and care to the kids and fit into ‘the mommy/daddy’ role at camp.
Julianna
I look for staff who are kind and in it for the right reasons. I want someone who will give their all to the campers while having fun themselves!
What are the campers you look after like?
Hannah
I used to look after the 10-12 years olds but now I look after the 13-15 year olds on Hill Camp. The 10-12 year olds are hilarious and have so much energy, they are constantly making me laugh and telling me stories of the adventures they had at camp.
Julianna
I look after Lower Lake (3rd-5th grade). They are amazing, funny, and spirited. Always making me laugh and have sooooo much energy!
J Ken: I look after the 10-12 year old Campers at IHC. They are very spirited, love getting their hair braided and playing games on the bunk line.
What will someone gain from being a girls side camp counselor?
Julianna
A counselor will gain a sense of belonging and purpose. Girls Side is its own community within IHC where our goal is to make sure everyone feels they belong and are celebrated for who they are. They will also have an amazing summer being a role model for our campers.
Jerrica
JOY! There is something very special about working with kids at a summer camp. I love seeing the children playing in nature, being creative and learning and growing in so many different ways.
Hannah
Sense of belonging, it doesn't matter who you are or where you are from, on girls side you have a place and are welcomed with open arms by our campers. They LOVE getting to know their new counselors.
If you weren't in your current role at IHC, what other camp role would you love to do?
Hannah
Lifeguard - I love spending time down by the pool and waterfront area at camp. We have the most epic water slide and the kids have the best time messing around in the water :)
Jerrica
Outdoor Adventure/Outpost Tripping! Love facilitating in the ropes course and taking campers on overnight trips to rock climb, swim and hike!
Julianna
This is a hard one. It would be fun to be an in-bunk counselor again. I love what I do now having the opportunity to work with more campers and staff!
What's one piece of advice would you give to someone looking to apply to work at summer camp?
Jerrica
Apply early! Our girls side general counselor role is one of the most sought after positions at camp. We want you to be yourself and show your love for kids.
Julianna
Go for it! It is an amazing, once in a lifetime experience. It will be the hardest job you will ever love!
Hannah
Just go for it and dive in head first, even if you are nervous or having second thoughts, just go for it! It's an incredible opportunity and everyone is in the same boat. Camp brings like minded people together and creates a safe space for you to just be you! You’ll be amazed by the impact the camp experience will have on you. I was blown away by it!
What is your favorite event during the 7 week summer and why?
Hannah
Olympics for sure, Blue & White battle it out, head to head for 3 days and the atmosphere is electric. What's not to love?? You are kitted out head to toe in your team color each day from colored tutus, headbands and whistles. This camp tradition is amazing and I was so impressed with this event during my first summer, it has lots of special surprises to look forward to.
Julianna
Campfire! It is definitely my favorite part of the week. It was my favorite time as a camper and that is still true today. Being able to see the whole camp come together is the best.
Jerrica
Survivor! It’s amazing to see campers work together and complete crazy tasks, it’s not a typical event that kids get to do very often, I love that it happens at IHC.
In what way has summer camp helped you in life?
Hannah
Camp IHC gave me the confidence to be unapologetically me! At camp you are stripped back from the comforts you are used to at home, phones, makeup and social media. Which pushes you to connect with people you never imagined you would connect with and reveals who you truly are as a person. Each summer it reveals a little bit more about myself and it helped me figure out the person who I want to be.
Julianna
Camp IHC has been a part of my life since I was 8 years old. It served different roles from when I was a camper to now. It has always been my happy place! When I was younger, I was shy and camp taught my confidence and how to be carefree. As a staff member and now a leadership team member, it has helped me grow as a person both professionally and personally more than I could ever imagine. It also solidified my passion for working with children “when I grew up”. It's hard to put into just a few sentences!
Lastly, what is your favorite summer camp meal?
Hannah
Milk & Cookies.. If this even counts as a meal lol. Chocolate milk and cookies… every day! . It doesn't get much better than that! 🍪
Jerrica
Taco Tuesday! 🌮
Julianna
Easy. Dino Nuggies (or nuggets) and Fries!
