RYLA Staff Applications

Haylee Wing

Gender – Female

Position(s) Applying For – Junior Counselor (Open to anyone who has attended RYLA as a camper)

Year Participated in RYLA – 2018

Times You’ve Served as Junior Counselor – 1

Home Phone – 308.920.0613

Work Phone – [695]

Cell Phone – [683]

College Phone –

E-mail – hw.hayleewing@gmail.com

City, State – Kearney, NE

School City, State – ,

Why do you want serve in the positions you’ve selected?

I want to serve as a JC to help guide others to explore who they are and what they are truly capable of. I want to be able to watch them grow and leave camp knowing they will make a difference. I want to serve as that counselor so that campers feel safe and comfortable enough to express what they might be going through. I want to help others experience an amazing week because the experience I had was life-changing, and I want to be a part of something so beautiful. I want to serve those around me so that when I leave, I feel like not only the campers made a difference, but I made a difference too.

How has your experience as RYLA participante impacted you?

I would be lying if I said I was thrilled about attending RYLA. The truth is, I was terrified. Growing up in foster care, you learn routines and do things that you are familiar with to keep you content. Driving up that winding road to the camp, I felt the opposite of content; I felt like I was going to spiral. As cliche as it may sound, when I walked up that beautiful building (where at the time, I didn’t know how much this place was going to change my life), I felt at home. I felt safe and calm, which are two things that don’t come easy for me. Immediately I could feel myself beginning to open up to new things and ideas, a feeling I hadn’t had before. Throughout the week, I began to notice myself change; I was more open and willing to try new things and meet new people. I slowly started to see who I wanted to be and what I wanted to accomplish, and I never stopped. I can 100% say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the experience and the people I met that week. Who would have thought that summer camp could change someone’s life so drastically? I look back at who I was before and feel upset that I didn’t get to experience RYLA sooner.

How do you feel you can contribute and grow RYLA?

I think I can contribute to RYLA by being who I am. I was in the same shoes as these campers were; I understood the feelings and thought going through their head. I could use that to help make sure they feel comfortable and safe at camp. I am very easygoing and easy to talk to. I never let anyone sit out; I have a big heart. I will love and care for these campers, leaving them knowing they can come to me no matter what. I am very bubbly and bright, so this could contribute by adding that extra spark of comfort and fun!

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