EP09: Living on Both Sides - From Camper to Leadership Team & the Learnings Along the Way

Lucy Kohara's first camping experience with Avid4 Adventure in 2018 completely transformed her life, influencing her interests and shaping who she has become. A few years after her initial experience, she came back as a counselor. This summer, she's excited to take on the role of a support specialist, merging her love for the outdoors with her psychology studies in college. In the latest episode of The Avid Adventurer, Lucille shares unforgettable camp memories with host Dave Secunda, from her time as both a camper and a counselor. She recalls a moment so perfect, she describes it as heavenly.

As a camp leader, she quickly became a popular and trusted confidante, encouraging campers to express themselves and their identities freely, helping them through homesickness and never giving up on them even when they resisted. She insists, though, that as much as they may learn from her, she learns just as much from them.

 

Campers and fellow counselors, they’re all just friends—even family. Learn why disconnecting from social media is key to their connecting with each other, both during their sessions at Camp Blue Sky and beyond. Hear Lucille share anecdotes about some of her standout campers and the lessons they’ve taught her. 

 

Quotes

• “When my parents first sent me to camp, at first I thought, ‘Oh, My God, this is going to be the worst thing in the entire world. But it totally changed my outlook on life, changed the things that I liked to do and the person I am now.” (2:53 | Lucille Kohara) 
• “I just remember thinking, ‘This is exactly what I would picture heaven to be like, this is what I hope heaven is like. If I die one day, this is what I hope I come back to. It was so surreal.” (14:38 | Lucille Kohara)
• “It felt so good knowing that there were so many people who felt like my presence and my support were beneficial to them. I can’t wait to see all those kids this summer because I’m so excited to see how they’ve grown, but I also just can’t wait to help support kids in that same way, whatever special support they may need.” (21:24 | Lucille Kohara)
• “The kids are a lot smarter than you think and they definitely have a lot more self-actualization. They’re very self-aware, sometimes. And it can be difficult to express yourself when you feel so different, but how can we celebrate those differences, and how can we show our kids that you don’t need to surround yourself with people who identify exactly the same as you?” (27:39 | Lucille Kohara) 

 

Links

Connect with Lucille Kohara:

Instagram: lucy.kohara

 

Connect with Avid4 Adventure:

Avid4 Adventure website: www.avid4.com

Avid4 on Instagram: @avid4adventure

Avid4 Adventure on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avid4adventure

Email the host:  podcast@avid4.com 

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm