Camp Summerfun
My Role
As the Owner and Camp Director of Camp Summerfun, I was responsible for every aspect of the camp's operation from June 2015 to August 2018. I founded the camp and designed its structure, creating unique daily themes and activities that were both educational and engaging for children aged 5-12. My role involved planning and organizing creative programs, such as "Around the World Week," where children were immersed in diverse cultures through crafts, games, and interactive learning. I utilized my skills in leadership, creativity, and organization to ensure the camp ran smoothly and provided a fun, educational experience for every child.
What did I do?
1
Planning and Organizing Activities
I meticulously designed and organized daily themed activities, such as “Around the World Week,” where children participated in cultural exploration through hands-on crafts, international games, storytelling, and themed lessons. This involved researching different cultures, creating lesson plans, and coordinating the materials needed for each activity to ensure a dynamic and educational experience.
2
Vendor and Stakeholder Communication
I managed the overall day-to-day operations of the camp, ensuring that all activities ran smoothly and that the camp environment was safe and enjoyable. I was responsible for addressing any behavioral or medical concerns, and communicating with parents as needed. I also played a key role in fostering a positive and supportive camp culture, ensuring that every child felt valued, safe, and engaged throughout their camp experience.
3
Agenda and Schedule Management
I leveraged my creativity to develop immersive, engaging, and educational programs that aligned with the camp’s weekly themes. This included designing unique games, arts and crafts projects, and group activities that fostered teamwork, problem-solving, and skill development.
When did I do it?
I offered Camp Summerfun during the summer months of June-August 2015-2018.
What I've learned
This role was a pivotal introduction to the world of experience design and helped shape my career aspirations during my formative years. At 16, 17, and 18, I was still exploring my interests, and this job allowed me to tap into my creativity to design engaging and educational experiences for children.
I gained firsthand insight into the effort required to plan events and structure a full day of summer camp to keep 10 children entertained and engaged. The experience taught me the importance of balancing fun with learning and the immense satisfaction of seeing others enjoy and benefit from what I had created.
Most importantly, I discovered my passion for creating meaningful experiences and learned foundational principles of event and experience design that continue to guide me today.
Experience Design Principles Used
Design Thinking Method
I applied the design thinking method to brainstorm and develop creative ideas for my campers each week. This approach allowed me to empathize with their needs, prototype engaging activities, and refine my plans to ensure every experience was fun, educational, and tailored to their interests.
Intentional Design
I applied intentional design to create activities that were not only engaging but also meaningful and tailored to the unique interests and needs of the campers. By carefully considering their preferences and developmental levels, I ensured that each activity offered a blend of fun and learning. My goal was to create experiences that left a lasting impact, fostering creativity, curiosity, and enjoyment.
Storytelling
I introduced the theme of the day to the children with enthusiasm and engaging storytelling, setting the tone for an immersive experience. By creating a sense of excitement and curiosity, I helped the children feel fully connected to the activities I had planned, allowing them to engage with the theme on a deeper level and making each day memorable and enjoyable.