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Community Corner

FROM CAMPER TO COUNSELOR: WESTFIELD AREA Y LIT AND CIT CAMPS HELP BUILD LEADERS

Westfield Area Y Leaders in Training (LIT) and Counselors in Training (CIT) camps provide an environment for young teens to express themselves and try new activities.   The camps also serve as building blocks in the creation of future leaders.   

Corrine Barrow is a 19-year-old LIT camp counselor who started as an LIT camper at the age of 12.  As a camper, she learned about effective communication skills, trust, self-esteem, stress and anger management, responsibility, respect and teamwork, all while having fun.  She enjoyed the friendships she made and the skills she learned so much that when she aged out of being a summer camper, she decided she wanted to become a camp counselor. 

In 2011 Corrine became a counselor for the Y’s half-day Puddle Jumpers Camp for children ages 3-5 years old.  She enjoyed working with the children and watching them develop new skills while making new friends.  She served as a counselor for three summers.  

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This summer, Corinne was asked to serve as a counselor in the Y’s LIT Camp for youth entering grades 6-8.  Her world has come full circle.  Says Corinne, “I am so excited to have the opportunity to work with the middle school age children this summer.  We get to have group discussions, connect, participate in a wide range of activities and projects.  I also get to see friendships develop.”  With approximately 40 kids in the program Corrine adds, “the Y taught me to be responsible, to be a leader and to help the community as well as how to work with children of all ages.”  She is now enjoying helping campers develop the same leadership skills the Y taught her.     

Corrine is a Communication Major entering her sophomore year at Elon University in North Carolina.  She also enjoys swimming and was a member of the Westfield Area Y Aquaducks Synchronized Swim Team for 9 years.  The Aquaducks are an elite group of swimmers representing central New Jersey in competitions throughout the United States. 

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From camper to counselor, Corinne is just one example of the difference Y programs make in the development of leadership.   

The Y is for healthy living, youth development and social responsibility.  Visit www.westfieldynj.org to learn more about Westfield Area Y camps and programs. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.



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