So I've worked at a summer camp for at risk youth from foster and group homes for the past three summers, this will be my fourth summer there. During the school year I work at a youth club and one of the kids that I've worked with at camp goes to the school that we rent space from. She comes by every other day to say hi and today she gave me one of her grad photos.
I've watched her grow up and it's crazy to think that she's already 17! She told me a bunch of sweet stuff about how I helped her get through some tough stuff. It was so nice! It makes me realize how much I love my work. :vanora_cry:
Forums General Chit-Chat Yooooo
@nyreen: That is super sweet! And I'm certain it's extra true. I went to schools for kids with mental health problems that couldn't go to regular public schools due to various issues. When you're in any way at risk or in a tough spot, the people who truly help you are insanely important and become irreplaceable memories and people overall. <3
@nyreen: What an awesome and rewarding experience! I hope you have many more like it! 
Its always so nice to see gratitude in children.
Its always so nice to see gratitude in children.
@nyreen: Did you have to go to any special school to work with at risk youth, or was it more of an on the job training experience? I used to work along side developmentally disabled citizens and I discovered my passion is helping people, but all the jobs available where I might be working with the developmentally disabled want me to have a better education or the ability to drive. I'm envious of you right now, share your secrets!
@Glume: No, the camp I work at hired me without prior experience and no education in the field. They actually do a week of pre-camp activities that include getting first aid certified and meeting with a variety if specialists that tell you what to do in certain situations, how to spot things, etc.
I also volunteered at a youth center for a year after working at the camp.
Because of the camp job and volunteering at the center, I was able to get the job at the youth club. I do want to go back to school for special counseling next year!
I also volunteered at a youth center for a year after working at the camp.
Because of the camp job and volunteering at the center, I was able to get the job at the youth club. I do want to go back to school for special counseling next year!
@nyreen: Way to go my friend, that sounds like an awesome setup you worked your way into. I'm proud of ya :p
@Glume: It took some time but I'm happy. You can try finding local youth centers, clubs and other establishment volunteer at. Volunteer in your spare time and try to get into a summer camp. I work at a sleepaway camp but a daycamp job would be great too. My partner and his brother also got hired at daycamps without prior experience.
@SirLionelNigelConrad: haha I didn't know what to make it! :vanora_xd:
@Juneberry: Wow, going there must have been an experience. It's great that something like that exists to provide care for folks. Honestly I try to be the supportive, kind and attentive adult that I needed growing up.
@Saeyra: I've had this before! A lot of the kids I work with have never had anyone give them a chance to do anything and they've long been dismissed as trouble makers, etc. ^^ They're all good kids, they deserve a chance.
@Juneberry: Wow, going there must have been an experience. It's great that something like that exists to provide care for folks. Honestly I try to be the supportive, kind and attentive adult that I needed growing up.
@Saeyra: I've had this before! A lot of the kids I work with have never had anyone give them a chance to do anything and they've long been dismissed as trouble makers, etc. ^^ They're all good kids, they deserve a chance.
@nyreen: Well keep sharing these stories, who knows, you might inspire more people to become social workers. And maybe this world will become a little brighter for those kids.
Always ping me please.
@Saeyra: Aaaa I hope so! It's really true when people say that kids are the future. * u*
call me grem
they/them
they/them
You must be logged in to post
Login now to reply
Don't have an account? Sign up for free!
Having you as a Voltie would be awesome.