Next up in the Meet the Counselors series is Leah Shifrel. We always say that once you’ve joined our camp family you’re with us forever, and nothing makes that feel more true than when we get a call from a past camper wanting to join our summer staff. Leah came to camp for multiple summers over ten years ago! We’re excited to have her bubbly personality at camp this summer. Find some pictures from Leah’s time at camp at the bottom of this post.
Tell us a little bit about where you live and where you grew up. If you have out-of-town visitors, where do you take them?
I currently live in Philadelphia! I love the city especially because it’s so lively and young. You can also walk from one part of the city to the next which I love! If I could take a visitor to one place it would be to walk around old city (where the founding fathers were) and get the famous Franklin Fountain Ice Cream (I love sweet things).
I am originally from Brooklyn NYC! If I could take a visitor to one place in New York I would bring them to Soho because I LOVE shopping with friends!
What are you studying at university?
I am studying Acting with a focus on film and TV at Temple University!
When it’s your turn to control the tunes in the camp van, what kind of music will we be listening to? : )
We will certainly be turning on Taylor Swift (big Swiftie) I also have recently been getting into country music! Besides my girl Taylor, my favorite artists are The Lumineers, Vance Joy, Kacey Musgraves, and vampire weekend!
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I am looking forward to being in nature (I am usually always in a city) and doing some outdoor activities! I can’t wait to be back where I went to camp! I am also so excited for being a mentor to so many kids who are very similar to who I was at camp!
What’s one thing campers would be surprised to learn about you?
One thing that would surprise you is I’m in a sorority (Alpha Xi Delta) and I’m also the Vice President for sisterhood and service for all sororities on my campus! Yes, I love leadership :)
Morning person or night person?
I am a night person; I am very energetic at night (but I can’t wait to wake up bright and early with everyone and start the day)
You came to camp as a camper over 10 years ago! How do you think you'll be the same (or different) from your counselors?
I think some ways that I’ll be like my counselors when I was at camp are being very caring and creating a safe space! I also want to help push my campers to love to learn while having so much fun!
What's one memory from camp that sticks out the most in your mind?
Not a specific memory but more a feeling. I really struggled with my dyslexia before attending camp. Both socially and emotionally! I felt like I was the only one going through this. Until I arrived at Camp Spring Creek, everything changed. I made some amazing friends and had the support I needed. I remember Susie’s pep talks very well! It’s the community that changed how I look at my disability!
What should campers do to ‘get on your good side’?
Be kind to each other! The best way to get on my good side is to be nice! Your fellow campers are possibly some lifelong friends and it’s worth treating everyone how you would want to be treated
What should they avoid doing around you?
My campers should avoid complaining! I am totally here for you if you have a hard time with the work, don’t like an activity, or even get homesick, but just come to me and try not to complain and create a negative environment!
What advice would you give campers for being successful at camp?
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Try new things, this could be trying a new stroke in the pool, trying a new kind of arts and crafts, or something a bit more challenging like reading a book you never thought you could!
