We’re excited to welcome May Hatmi as a girls’ counselor! May is coming to us from Israel, where has recently completed her military service. May brings lots of experience with children and an amazing positive attitude! She tells us more about herself below.
Tell us a little about where you are from, describing it for those who are likely never to have been there before.
I grew up and live in a city which is called Rehovot, Israel. It isn't such a big city and it's located not far away from Tel Aviv, which most people probably know. Rehovot is an amazing city and for those who are interested in science because we have the Weizmann Institute of Science where many impressive discoveries were made.
Tell us a little about your family.
I am almost 21 years old, the middle sister or a "sandwich girl" between one older sister who is 23 years old and one younger brother who is 15 years old. I live with my parents and with my younger brother in Israel and my older sister studies medicine in Europe. I had a dog for almost ten years (she died last year). Her name was Maple (like the syrup) and she was so cute and has been there with me and my family in so many points in our lives.
What do you do during the school year?
In Israel, after you graduate from high school, you need to serve two or three years in the Israeli Army, so a few months after I graduated, I joined the army and served as a dentist assistant for two years (girls serve two years and boys almost three). These two years were the most enriching and maturing experiences I've ever had. I met friends for life and I was exposed to exciting stories that got into my heart.
Have you worked with kids before?
During summer vacation when I was in high school, I worked as a counselor in a kindergarten summer camp. I did many amazing activities with the children. Also, I am a dancer and I was part of a dance ensemble. Part of the dance ensemble was to put on a dance performance at the end of each year. As a senior, me and the other seniors accompanied the first-grade children in a collaborative dance which was very fun and exciting.
Did you go to camp when you were a kid? What’s your best camp memory?
Yes, as a kid I went to many types of camps. My best memory of them (which probably will be a memory of every Israeli that went to camp as a kid) is getting chocolate milk and an empty bun for breakfast. It's kind of an Israeli tradition.
What do you like to do in your free time?
As I mentioned before, I am a dancer. During school, I was part of a dance ensemble and when I served in the army, I danced in every chance that I had whenever I had time. Also, I really love spending time with my friends wherever we go or whatever we because I always enjoy being with them. On Saturdays, I love travel to with my family. Israel is a beautiful country and has amazing views. I’ve travel with my family since I was very young. My favorite area is the north of Israel.
When it’s your turn to control the tunes in the camp van, what kind of music will we be listening to? : )
I love pop songs from all times, especially from the 2000's. My favorite ones are the quiet songs, but I listen almost everything. Also, I love soft rock such as Radiohead, Green Day and Queen.
What’s something you’d like to teach the campers?
I would be happy to teach them some of my dance moves. I perform modern dance, but I think I can find something that the campers will be connected to : ).
If you were able to cook one meal for the campers this summer, what would it be?
I would make them Shakshuka which is a traditional Israeli breakfast. It is eggs cooked in tomato sauce. I also love to add Bulgarian cheese on top.
What’s one thing campers would be surprised to learn about you?
As a high school student, I volunteered in MDA, which is the first aid organization of Israel. I was a first aid assistant and I was exposed to exciting cases and amazing life stories. I even got the chance to save life once. It felt so good to take part in a lifesaving organization.
What are your hopes for this summer?
I hope that my dream of being a part of an American summer camp will come true this summer and that I will take experiences and people with me for the rest of my life and meet new friends from all over the world. Also that I will show the best of my skills and will learn from the campers and the other counselors.
