CIT, VIP, LA spotlight

Spotlight on CIT Manny Gaudron

Y Camp has some great people who have joined us this summer who are often overlooked. They’re our Counselors in Training (CITs), Leader Assistants (LAs) and Volunteers in Progress (VIPs). All three groups do so much here on camp. From helping out the kitchen staff, to leading camp songs, to guiding trail rides and more, they’re always up for a new challenge.

Manny Gaudron has been a VIP in past years and began his CIT training in June of this year. He started here as a mini-camper and is now just a few steps away from applying to be a Y Camp Leader.

Manny says that the key lesson he’s learned so far this summer is that the five most important things about Y Camp are the kids, the kids, the kids, the kids, the kids. He put that into action when he worked with a cabin of mini campers last week. One camper in his cabin was upset about camping outside for the night. Manny asked him if he wanted to talk it out for a bit. He focused all his attention on the situation and talked through the problem. He says the camper cheered up and enjoyed the rest of the night after their chat.

“The hardest part has been keeping up with every kid's needs and questions,” Manny says. “But the most rewarding part is the smiles on their faces and watching them have fun. It's great to see these kids enjoy the place I’ve loved so much as I've grown up.”