Say hello to Chelsea, one of our amazing counselors joining Camp Spring Creek this summer! Traveling all the way from South Africa, Chelsea brings a love for adventure, the outdoors, and working with kids. She’s excited to spend her summer swimming, trying new things, and making unforgettable memories with campers and staff.
Tell us a little about your hometown, describing it for those who are likely never to have been there before. If you have out-of-town visitors, where do you take them?
I’m from a small valley in South Africa surrounded by mountains and many beautiful beaches. Fish Hoek has a calm, family friendly beach on False Bay where people actually swim. Simon’s Town adds history and charm with cafes, a working harbor, and the penguins at Boulders Beach. Kommetjie, on the Atlantic side, is wilder long, quiet beaches, good surf, and the iconic Slangkop Lighthouse. With visitors, it’s simple beach walk in Fish Hoek, penguins and coffee in Simon’s Town, then sunset in Kommetjie.
What do you do for work/studies?
I just finished high school at the end of last year. I started coaching water polo at the beginning of this year working with kids from about 7 to 13 years old.
What would campers be surprised to learn about you?
That I was named after the football team Chelsea by my dad’s best friend.
What is an experience you're looking forward to, or something that you're hoping happens this summer?
I’m really looking forward long days outside, swimming, trying new things, and ending with late night laughs in the cabin. Working with the children and helping them grow. Mostly, I just hope it’s one of those summers where the little moments turn into the best memories.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Your greatest weapon is your mind. Train it to see opportunities, not obstacles.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
The Amalfi coast in Italy, I would explore every street, try new foods and spend most of the day at the beach or on a boat with my best friend Holly.
What advice would you give a camper who’s nervous about their first day?
That it’s normal to feel nervous on day one. I would also remind them that everyone else is new too, even if they don’t show it. Encourage them to try things, be themselves, and give it a day or two it gets way easier once they settle in. If something feels off, talking to a counselor really helps.
If you were to invite three people (dead or alive, real or characters) to a dinner party, who would you invite?
Paul Walker, Spider Man and Shrek
What's one of your biggest passions that you hope to share with the campers and staff at Camp Spring Creek?
My biggest passion is water polo. I have so much love and appreciation for the sport and would love to share that with the campers and staff.
Ask me about the time I... went sky diving for my 18th birthday.
