I started working at Summer at St. Bart’s Camp as a teenager in high school. It was my first official job, and it truly shaped my love for teaching and working with children. As the years went on, and I went to college, I continued working at the camp during the summer. The experience and knowledge that I gained working here each year helped me understand the different strengths and weaknesses of children in all realms. The fascinating counselors, who were teachers during the school year, had such a passion for their job, and I remember thinking, “I want to be just like that!”
My love for the St. Bart’s community grew even more when I began working at the Preschool. My childhood dream of becoming a teacher had finally come true! A few years later I had the opportunity to become the Summer Camp Director, and have held this position for the last three years.
Within the last three years we have altered the program to make it better each summer season! Being closed last summer due to the pandemic, we learned how vital summer camp is for our community. This year, parents were eager to sign up and explore the different themes we have set up for each week. This session starting July 6-July 16 is called Dinosaur Extravaganza! Campers will get the opportunity to learn about different dinosaurs while creating their own dinosaurs in a various number of art projects. Campers will also learn different dinosaur songs and games to keep the theme alive for two weeks!
What I love most about Summer Camp is that we are a camp that fits each child’s needs. Whether campers like to dance, play sports, sing, paint, color, read, or do yoga, we have a place for everyone!
As we all like to say here at Summer at St. Bart’s, “Summer Fun is Camp Fun!”
Effie Hanakis
Director of Summer Camp