For anyone who attended camp in 2022, Anthony will be a familiar face! This summer, Anthony is putting his art apron away and chanelling his creativity into tutoring. We’re thrilled that so many of our past staff are returning - many of them taking on new roles and getting to experience camp from different perspectives. We loved how involved Anthony got in the full summer camp experience and can only expect that he’ll still find the time to join our capture the flag games after his tutoring sessions.
Tell us where you’re from!
I grew up in Hendersonville, North Carolina. My dad is from Chihuahua, Mexico, and my mom grew up in Waynesville.
How did you become interested in tutoring and Orton-Gillingham?
I work for Asheville City Schools and first heard about the methodology from some of the tutors who came to our school. My wife became friends with a tutor who started working at Camp Spring Creek, and she is the one who introduced me to the camp.
What do you do during the school year?
I am a behavior specialist for Asheville City Schools. I work with students who have various disabilities and challenges to ensure that they are successful in the classroom.
What do you love most about working at camp?
Everything!!! The kids and staff are amazing, the location is beautiful, there is always something to do, and it's a great atmosphere.
What are some of your best memories from your first summer at camp?
The evening games that I volunteered to play, and getting to interact with the kids from different parts of the world.
What might campers be surprised to learn about you?
I was in the Air Force for 12 years as an aircraft mechanic. I was deployed and traveled a lot while I was in.
What made you want to return to Camp Spring Creek for a second summer?
The atmosphere is just relaxing, and it offers a disconnect from the outside world.
What are you looking forward to the most this summer?
Meeting the kids and watching them grow as readers.
You worked as our art teacher for your first summer and are now transitioning into a tutoring role. How do you anticipate your experience as a tutor will differ from being the art teacher?
Being a tutor is going to be more focused. Instead of having a class of 10 students, I am going to be one-on-one with a student. Each lesson is going to be tailored to that student and their growth. As the art teacher, I had group lessons and then gave the students the freedom to work on a project that they were passionate about.
What is your favorite book or series that you’ve read?
I have always been a fan of the older Star Wars books. I read them when I was a kid and still read them as an adult.
How would your closest friends describe you?
Outgoing and humorous, I always try to find a way to make people smile.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Enlisting in the Air Force and working with challenging students.
Ask me about the time I… anything, I literally have a story for everything and will be glad to share it with anyone.
What advice would you give a camper or staff member who is coming to camp for the first time?
It's a fun place to work and attend. I am so surprised that they are paying me to be there to talk, teach, and have fun with kids. Best job I ever had.