The 2024 Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy summer camp program was the most successful in school history. From art camp to sports camp, every program either sold out or exceeded capacity.
For the past 20 years, FSHA has offered summer camps for incoming and prospective students. Originally, only sports and engineering camps were offered, but over the past two years a series of arts, science, and French classes have been integrated into the summer curriculum. Additionally, the length of the summer program grew from just two weeks to five.
Considering all these new programs and an overflow of campers, a question might cross your mind: who was there to supervise and interact with the campers while they spent their days learning and living it up on the Hill? Alongside staff, a total of 60 student volunteer counselors worked throughout the five weeks of camp.
Ms. Leslie Miller, science department chair and the director of the summer program, described this past summer to be a “complete success.”
“There was a more formalized way of recruiting girls to volunteer at camp through community newsletters, and better communication” Ms. Miller said.
For the volunteers, this was more than just a way of helping out – it was a way to develop leadership experience, one that came with many responsibilities and lessons learned along the way.
The French camp in particular offered great opportunity for counselors. Lindsay Harahan ‘25 and Isabelle Risha ‘24 led the camp and taught the campers about French history, art, and language acquisition. The program was very interactive, as it included a field trip to the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, where campers explored paintings and sculptures of renowned French artists.
Art camp, which offers courses in theater, ceramics and dance carries special significance.
“In the arts we see a very high percentage of the girls doing that program that actually apply and attend FSHA,” said Ms. Miller.
Lauren Cabatuando ‘25, described her experience as a returning sports camp counselor as “rewarding.”
“I’ve always loved spending time with little kids, so when the opportunity to become a camp counselor arose, I didn’t hesitate and applied immediately,” she said.
Lauren and many other volunteers watched between sixty to seventy campers weekly.
“Little kids have an incredible amount of energy that never seems to run out. No matter what sports we played, they always dove in with enthusiasm,” Lauren said.
Well, what’s an average day for a counselor like?
“When the kids first arrive, we start by playing the kid’s favorite songs and having a huge dance party. After that, we move into two different sports activities before taking a break. The break usually consists of juice and a piece of fruit. Once the break is over, we head down to the pool, where the kids enjoy free swimming. After pool time, it’s lunch. Following lunch, we have a big group activity, which can range from dodgeball to link tag. Finally, after all the fun, the day comes to an end,” Lauren explained.
After a long day of playing games like basketball, kickball, indoor hockey and volleyball, all the campers were tired from all the fun and so were the counselors, but their help doesn’t go unacknowledged.
During last September’s back-to-school assembly, all the volunteers not only were recognized for their efforts and time given, they also got a pin that shows their service to their community. In February 2025, applications will open to become a summer camp counselor for all programs. Giving your time can make a difference and will create an unforgettable experience for campers. Who knows, you may be the reason they become future Tologs!
