Lakehead students put on their teaching hats for Camp U
June 10, 2014 - Orillia, ON
A group of education students at Lakehead Orillia are taking advantage of a unique opportunity to hone their teaching skills by working as camp counsellors this summer at the University’s Camp U day camp.
Heading into its third year, the popular camp is offered for four weeks in July at the Orillia campus, and gives the students a chance to work hands-on with children ages 6-13.
Camp U Coordinator, Sami Pritchard, who will be entering her fourth year of Lakehead’s Education program in the fall, is looking forward to her third summer with Camp U.
“What better way to prepare for a career in teaching than to work for a summer camp,” said Pritchard. “Having the opportunity to come up with new and innovative ways to capture children’s attention will be so valuable and Camp U has helped me to develop these skills in an unconventional way.”
When asked what she looks forward to the most, Pritchard said it is the return of past campers.
“There is no better feeling than seeing a camper excited for another year of camp, and knowing the Camp U staff team had something to do with that, is extremely rewarding.”
Lakehead student Emily MacLennan is entering her first year as a camp counsellor at Camp U and cannot wait to increase a skill set that will help her in her future career. “I will be able to develop and strengthen my leadership skills and this experience will provide greater insight into what it will be like to be a teacher.”
MacLennan said she is looking forward to being able to practice some of the critical and quick thinking skills that have been emphasized throughout her Lakehead studies. “My education at Lakehead has prepared me to be a camp counsellor, because I feel that I now have the ability to approach and assess different situations through multiple perspectives.”
Students are not the only ones involved in the Camp U program. Professors also offer their expertise to the campers. Dr. Chris Murray, Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, is one of the participating professors, and appreciates the value of the Camp U to Lakehead students.
“Programs like this enable students of all ages to become part of life at Lakehead – first as campers, then as elementary and secondary school students visiting our campus through outreach programs, and then as Lakehead students, volunteers and employees – like this year's counsellors.”
Dr. Murray takes part in the popular Super Science camp week, where he introduces campers to astronomy and leads fun activities that test the campers’ engineering and physics skills.
Camp U runs from July 7 to August 1 and offers four different themed weeks: Camp U 101, Arts U, Super Science and Nuts for Nature. In addition to the hands-on learning activities at Camp U, campers also enjoy sports activities, a weekly trip to the beach, and for older campers (8 – 13 years), an overnight stay in the University residence.
On Tuesday, June 10, the University is hosting a Camp U Open House. This is an opportunity for campers and their parents to meet the staff and find out more about the various camp weeks. The Open House takes place from 6 to 8 pm at the Orillia campus, 500 University Avenue. Further details, including registration, can also be found online at lakeheadu.ca, or by contacting Sami Pritchard at orcampu@lakeheadu.ca.
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Lakehead Orillia’s Camp U coordinator, Sami Pritchard (l) along with Dr. Chris Murray, Assistant Professor, Sustainability Sciences, and Camp U volunteer; and fellow student and Camp U counsellor, Emily MacLennan.