One of our newest staff members, Tylik, is not a new face in the Club. Tylik has been a Club member since he was five years old. He was recently enrolled in our teen employment and empowerment program, Project L.E.A.D. (Learning, Earning, and Advancing Dreams) and starting working this summer as a staff member. It has been great to see Tylik progress, and we are excited to hear about his experience.
How was it being on the “other side” as a staff member this summer instead of a participant in camp?
It was actually good to switch from being seen as a member to being recognized as a staff member after being here so many years. You definitely see things differently especially about what members do and the choices that they make. It was really good working with the staff and learning from them.
What was something you learned during the three-day staff training that prepared you for employment?
Something I learned during training was how to run activities and how to give the kids the energy that you have. When I was a member, I didn’t know what went into running different programs and activities. I thought that the staff were just coming up with things in the moment. I learned what went on in planning.
What was your favorite activity to supervise this summer?
My favorite activity was playing games with the kids in the gym, like freeze dance and dance battles. These activities had a hold on me because if I was a member I would want to do those things. When we would do them, I was having fun like I was still a member but at the same time I was working with the staff.
Tylik as a Club Member: Age 7
After your employment experience this summer, what do you think it takes to be a good staff member?
What I think is it takes listening skills and recognizing that everybody is not perfect. Kids will make mistakes. You just need to be a good person and treat everyone well and use your intelligence.
Any advice for the younger members now that you have moved up?
The advice that I would give to young members is don’t let anything get in your way. You have dreams to accomplish, go chase your dreams. Today, anybody can be anything. You just have to put your mind to it, do the work, and you will get there.
Tylik, what are your plans for the future?
My plans are to stay on the good path and always be directed to do the hard work and make sure that everything I do has a good consequence instead of a bad consequence. Only bad consequences can lead you down a bad path, so I will keep on doing good and staying on the good path.
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