AN UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER WITH KIDSAnh Nguyen

.WHAT WAS IT? Just Us Kids Outdoors is is a free summer half-day camp organized by the Richmond Parks and Recreation. JUKO includes outdoor games, arts and crafts, field trips, swimming, and so much more! JUKO counselors work in teams of two or three, supervise the kids, hold games and play with them.

MY INITIAL CHALLENGEJUKO requires skills very different from my familiar experience. It took me a while to get used to the physical demand of JUKO and to learn about the way children think.

FUN AND EASY

Playing with kids Weekly fieldtripsRelaxing

atmosphere

Standing nearly 8 hours/dayEmergencies Kids in bad mood

DEMANDING AND HARD

REFLECTIONS A major part of JUKO is about adapting to ever-changing moods of the children. One day, they call you ‘best friend,’ and the very next day, they may throw tantrum at you. Being a counselor requires balancing tolerance and discipline, flexibility and consistence. As you begin to gain trust from the children, listen to their songs and swing to the sky with them, you somehow unlock the forgotten door back to childhood. As you gradually develop your own style, you realize that being a counselor or a leader is simply about cultivating your fullest self.

Being a JUKO counselor