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Hey there, campers! My name is Kelly, although I also answer to Kel, KelBelle, Kel-Kel, and Special K. I’m so excited to have the privilege of being a part of the magic at Camp Augusta yet again this summer! This will be my fifth summer back at Augusta, and I’ve played a few different roles in the past, including being a counselor for Manzanita 1 and the Equestrian Director for multiple summers. However, as many of you know, Brian and I are getting married at the end of July, and unfortunately we are not able to come for the full summer. But there’s still good news – I will be a counselor in Oak for session II! I am arriving June 26 and will stay until July 7. This will be a totally new experience for me, and I’m very much looking forward to being apart of Oak! I also can’t wait to shoot a flaming arrow again during the Fourth of July festivities!
Now for a little background information. I graduated in 2005 from the University of Washington with my BA in psychology and am starting a master’s program in Mental Health Counseling at Western Washington University in the fall. I’m currently working as a case manager at an out-patient mental health agency. The specific program I work in specializes in children with high-intensity mental health and behavioral needs who are at risk of psychiatric hospitalization. I love my job, and am excited that I get to spend my vacation time with even more children!
I am twenty-three years old and grew up in a small town in the San Juan Islands up in Washington state. In my free time, I enjoy horseback riding (my mustang, Sage, has been my baby for three years now), playing with my kitties (Mittens, Mila and Monkey) and my dog (Tiffany), scrap booking, listening to music and just hanging out with my friends. Some have described me as being a crazy hippie/cowgirl chick, and I rarely argue with that. I have a bubbly personality and am always smiling, laughing and am very optimistic. I am left handed, can play the clarinet, adore animals of all kinds, like singing in Spanish, and always love to have a good laugh!
I have been riding since I was seven years old. In fact, I first learned to ride at a horse camp and later became a counselor at that same camp for two summers! Some of the horses were even still there from when I was younger (they looked smaller but perhaps it was I who got bigger…) Anyway, I was one of those little kids who couldn’t learn enough about horses, whether it be from books or hands-on experience, and attending horse camp every spring and summer for five years. I love show jumping and western gaming events, and used to compete in 4-H. I taught horseback riding for seven years, both at camps and privately, and still continue to ride when I have time.
I am the oldest of four girls in my family and therefore was pretty much born into the “leadership role.” Ever since I was old enough to hold a job, I have always worked with children, whether it be babysitting, teaching horseback riding, teaching swim lessons, teaching preschool, or being a nanny.
As campers may already know, or will soon find out, camp is a magical place where exceptional friendships, life lessons and good old fashioned fun are all daily occurrences. I am delighted to have the opportunity to aid in the unfolding of children’s personalities, talents and abilities in hopes that they leave this summer with a feeling of belonging, self pride and a sense of achievement. I hope to leave children with the desire to always reach for the moon, because even if you miss, you will land among the stars! Eleanor Roosevelt once said that “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” -- I hope that all campers this summer will leave as professional dreamers. I am very much looking forward to having this opportunity for the fifth time!
And a few last thoughts -- What are the only animals that sleep with their shoes on? What animals have more “hands” than feet? Ask me when we meet!
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