Meet the Tutors: Becky Chambers

Becky is new to our Camp Spring Creek family this year, but brings years of experience not only as a tutor, but also as the parent of a dyslexic child. She’s live all over the place and will surely share a plethora of stories from her time hopping between the east and west coasts.

Tell us about where you’re from! 
I grew up in Northern California where it is flat and hot, then I joined the Coast Guard, married another Coastie, and bounced between the coasts for 25 years.  My kids say they are from Alaska!  We lived in Sitka, Juneau, Connecticut, Ketchikan, Kodiak, and Seattle before settling in Northern Virginia a few years ago.

How did you become interested in tutoring and Orton-Gillingham?
My youngest son is dyslexic!  When I saw how much OG helped him learn and grow, I wanted to get trained and be part of the team for other kids. I also love that it's an area where I can keep learning- there is always something new to discover about our language.

What might campers be surprised to learn about you?
I live in a rural area and we have goats, chickens, and rabbits.

What made you want to spend your summer at Camp Spring Creek?
I went to training at Camp Spring Creek in March, and it was amazing to spend a week learning with people who are so passionate about this work.  The property is gorgeous and it looks like everyone has so much fun.  I'm really excited to grow my skills, get to know new people, and help kids have an awesome summer. 

What are you looking forward to the most this summer? 
I am looking forward to becoming part of the community at camp.  It will be my first time at summer camp, ever!

What do you do during the school year?
I am a private literacy tutor.  

What are some of your most memorable moments as a teacher?
I love it when a kid makes a crazy connection between two ideas that I never would have thought about.  I learn from my students every day.

What is your favorite book or series that you’ve read?
My favorite book is The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, and my favorite series is Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan. 

How would your closest friends describe you?
I asked a few friends and they said calm, helpful, smart, kind, patient, fun and hardworking. 

What is your proudest accomplishment?
Raising my three kids to be good humans!

How do you like to spend your free time?
I love spending time with all of our animals, getting outdoors, reading,  knitting socks, and quilting.  I also play flute in my local community band. 

Ask me about the time I was captain of a ship in Alaska!