Continuing with our series on this summer's counselors and staff members, we're pleased to introduce Samantha Fortner who will be our typing teacher this summer! "Typing teacher" doesn't quite encompass all that Samantha will be doing. She will be working with campers on their digital skills, including working on presentations in Powerpoint and other software programs. We caught up with Samantha to find out more about her.
Did you work at camp last summer, and if so, in what role?
Last summer I worked as a lifeguard at Brad Ragen Pool in Spruce Pine, NC, but I did visit camp on several occasions. I had the opportunity to participate in some weekend activities with campers, such as rollerskating and camp dances, and I ate dinner with the campers some nights.
What was your favorite thing about camp?
My favorite thing about camp was the sense of friendship and family I felt every time I visited. I always had a wonderful time at camp and made friends with campers and counselors from all over the world. I learned so much from engaging with those different than me and I can’t wait to rekindle old friendships and make new friendships this year! The camp food was also delicious and it was something I really looked forward too each time I visited. :)
You are finishing high school this year. Do you know where you'll be off to next summer? What do you think you'll major in?
I am hoping to attend Wake Forest University in the fall of 2017 where I will double major in Elementary Education and Spanish.
What do you like about working with kids?
Ever since I can remember, I have loved to teach. As soon as I started pre-school, it was my innate urge to help other kids when I saw them struggling. The “light bulb” I see go off in someone’s head when they comprehend a concept I have helped them learn has always thrilled me. Then as I grew older I realized the impact my teaching had on young children and I knew I wanted to teach children as a career. I love the fact that kids have such a desire and willingness to learn new things. I want to use my abilities as a teacher to impress upon children all the knowledge that I can.
Do you have siblings?
I have two older brothers, Nathan and Nicholas. Nathan is 40 and Nicholas is 35. They both graduated from Virginia Tech and now have children of their own that I love very much!
What can campers do to get on your good side? : )
All campers need to do to get on my good side is be kind to others and be willing to help. If they do these things, they will definitely be on my good side!
What would campers be surprised to hear about you?
Campers might be surprised to hear that I was once on a bowling team, but I’m still very bad at bowling.
What are your favorite hobbies?
I love to read, swim, run, hike, and be outdoors in my free time. Camp Spring Creek is the perfect place to do all of these things!!
You'll be doing some online work with kids. What are your favorite online games?
As a child, my favorite online games were Nancy Drew and Webkinz. Today, I love to play candy crush and 8 Ball Pool on the iPhone.
We know that Samantha will be a great addition to camp this summer. Please join us in welcoming her to the Camp Spring Creek family!
Samantha enjoying rollerskating with the campers last summer!