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Saludos de Denver! My name is Erin, and I am so excited to spend my first summer at Camp Augusta! I am 25 years old—and on my way to graduate school at the University of Oregon to study Counseling Psychology. Before I really grow up, though, I have decided to fulfill a life-long dream to be a camp counselor. I value camp as an oasis from the pressures of life—a time to learn about one another and ourselves in a healthy and low-stress environment. Working with kids is another passion of mine; I can’t wait to meet all of you!
I originally hail from Oklahoma, and grew up the youngest of four. We are a very close family, although now we are spread across the world- Indiana, Colorado, Oklahoma and Germany. I graduated from the University of Tulsa with a BA in psychology. After college, I spent a year in Duran, Ecuador with a volunteer program. As a volunteer, I taught PE, English and ran an after-school program. The kids were the best part of my year—they were living examples of how to take care of one another, live in the moment, and overcome all odds. In Duran, I also lived in an intentional community (that means we had lots of discussions about how we were going to live) and tried to live simply. I was challenged beyond what I thought I was capable of, but am grateful for who I have become.
These past two years I have lived in Denver and worked at a family resource center doing social work with immigrants. I also do research on community gardens at the University of Colorado Denver. I love my work—although again it is challenging. I love learning about new cultures and practicing Spanish. In both of my jobs, I like the emphasis on prevention—be it helping kids be engaged in their education or helping communities build awareness of healthy eating through creating access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables.
Some of my favorite experiences working with kids have been as a lifeguard and swimming lesson teacher for three years in high school and college. I have also co-facilitated groups for adolescents-one for grieving kids and one for kids with at-risk behaviors. Most of my hands-on experience came during my year in Ecuador, where my days were entirely filled with kids. I also get plenty of kid time with my three nephews of whom I’m positive you will hear a lot about!
In my spare time, I enjoy running, scuba diving, riding my bike, volunteering with a refugee family, the local music scene, independent and foreign films and the outdoors. I try to relish the simple and natural things in the world—the company of friends, a clear and starry night sky, the warm afternoon sun, or the smell of a campfire. Something tells me that there will be many of these moments at Camp Augusta.
I look forward to spending part of our summers together; I hope that together we can support each other through all the fun and games and challenge ourselves to take risks and completely be ourselves. I have found in my life that I feel most at peace when I am myself. I can’t wait to take part in all the silly Camp Augusta activities, as well. The oatmeal fights, capture the flag, and crazy canoeing are particularly appealing.
I hope that you all had a great school year and are ready for your best summer yet at Camp Augusta. Hasta pronto!
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