Meet the Counselors: Anton Liljelund

Last up in our Meet the Counselors series is Anton Liljelund. He is joining us from Finland, making him the first Finn at Camp Spring Creek. With a love for meaningful conversation and his calm and dedicated demeanor, Anton is sure to be a valued asset at camp this summer.

Tell us a little about where you are from. If you have out-of-town visitors, where do you take them?
I am from a quite small Nordic country called Finland. I think some of the things worth doing here are to enjoy nature and the outdoors.

When it’s your turn to control the tunes in the camp van, what kind of music will we be listening to?
I tend to enjoy music written with a message in mind and that can be found in many different genres I don’t have a firm favorite.

What’s one thing campers would be surprised to learn about you? 
We have male conscription in Finland so I have served in the army for a year.

What can campers do to win your heart?
I enjoy lengthy discussions about a variety of subjects.

What should campers avoid doing around you?
Be respectful of others and I don’t think there is much you could do.

Ask me about the time I... went to Australia

If you were to invite three people to a dinner party, who would you invite?
Sokrates, Wittgenstein, Rousseau

What is your favorite book you've ever read?
The Wheel of Time series as a whole

Which Hogwarts House would the Sorting Hat place you in?
Ravenclaw 🦅

Meet the Counselors: Christine Ocran

To finish out our introduction of the girl’s counselors, we have Christine! Christine will be joining us from the UK and bringing a bright and bubbly personality to camp.

Tell us a little about where you are from! If you have out-of-town visitors, where do you take them?
I'm from London, UK. We use buses and trains to commute anywhere in the city. We are home to Buckingham Palace, where you will find the King’s Guards, dressed in red jackets and huge furry hats! I would take a visitor on a tour all over Central London! There is so much to see and soo many fun things to do, I couldn't just pick one.

When it’s your turn to control the tunes in the camp van, what kind of music will we be listening to?
Old Skool RnB or Afrobeats

What’s one thing campers would be surprised to learn about you? 
I play violin! (a little lol)

What can campers do to win your heart?
Being vocal and honest about any concerns they have.

What should campers avoid doing around you?
No bullying or disrespect is tolerated, please.

What’s something you’d like to teach the campers?
Anything that teaches them to be their most confident, unapologetic selves!

What is your proudest accomplishment?
I am able to do things on my own, without having to rely on others. If I'm hungry and no one is available to go out, I will definitely take myself out to that restaurant.

Ask me about the time I... went swimming in the sea on a school trip, got too overconfident, swam toward the deeper end and almost drowned.

Meet the Counselors: Clarrie Killkenny-Jones

Next up in our Meet the Counselors series is Clarrie from Australia. Clarrie’s connection to Camp Spring Creek started at Camp Dunnabeck where his mom worked as a counselor with our co-founder Steve. Having Clarrie at camp serves as proof that camp families stick together and we’re so excited to have the next generation at Camp Spring Creek.

Tell us a little about where you are from! If you have out-of-town visitors, where do you take them?
I’m from Melbourne Australia. During the week I’m in inner Melbourne and on weekends I’m in Mount Martha which is a small beach town with amazing beaches. If it was your first time at Mount Martha we would definitely have to go down to the beach and have a swim then jump off the nearby cliffs into the sea. Also if it’s your first time in Melbourne I would take visitors to the MCG Sports Stadium to watch a game of AFL (Australian rules football).

When it’s your turn to control the tunes in the camp van, what kind of music will we be listening to? OR: It's karaoke night, what song are you singing?
I’m in America!! I’d put on some Bruce Springsteen!

What’s one thing campers would be surprised to learn about you? 
I’m dyslexic!!

What can campers do to win your heart?
Always try your hardest - even if you don’t succeed (and if that doesn’t work bring me chocolate 😜).

What should campers avoid doing around you?
Putting other people down. Being negative.

What’s something you’d like to teach the campers?
Make the most of every day and be happy.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
My friendships and closeness with my family

Ask me about the time I... knocked myself out on a flying fox.

Which Hogwarts House would the Sorting Hat place you in?
Slytherin 🐍

Meet the Counselors: Rangi Harding

We have a great tradition of counselors from New Zealand here at Camp Spring Creek and they are always very popular! It’s been a few years since we’ve had a ‘kiwi’ at camp, so we’re excited that Rangi will be representing her country and sharing the Maori culture this summer!

Tell us a little about where you are from, 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 am from New Zealand or Aotearoa. It is my homeland and has been all I know for 18 years! I love showing people all the natural beauty of Aotearoa. This includes natural hot springs and beautiful lakes and rivers. Pretty much Pandora.

When it’s your turn to control the tunes in the camp van, what kind of music will we be listening to? OR: It's karaoke night, what song are you singing?
I listen to every genre of music, to be honest. Pop music, R&B, as well as DNB, are a few genres I would play in the camp van so that no one falls asleep lol.

What’s one thing campers would be surprised to learn about you? 
I absolutely HATE pickles. I don't even like the smell.

What can campers do to win your heart?
Probably if they give me candy; instantly my favorite lol

What should campers avoid doing around you?
Probably don't eat pickles around me, not sure what else... just don't be naughty!!!

What’s something you’d like to teach the campers?
I would definitely love to teach the campers about my home and culture. These are two huge things that make me the person I am, and I can’t wait to share that.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
When I finally finished school, I am so proud of myself for not giving up!

Ask me about the time I... had to fly a plane for my 17th birthday.

If you were to invite three people (dead or alive, real or characters) to a dinner party, who would you invite?
Ruby Tui, Beyonce, and my Nana.

Which Hogwarts House did the Sorting Hat place you in?
Slytherin 🐍

Meet the Counselors: Rebecca Toohey

We’re delighted to introduce you all to Rebecca Toohey. Rebecca brings the luck of the Irish with her along with a fighting spirit. A self-proclaimed “Jack of all trades”, Rebecca will certainly fit in at camp and will share her many interests and skills with all of our campers.

Tell us a little about where you are from, 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 place called Lucan, which is a suburb in Dublin. It’s a very residential area with lots of schools and parks. If I had out of town visitors I would take them to Dublin City centre or go on a walk up the mountains or on the beach.

When it’s your turn to control the tunes in the camp van, what kind of music will we be listening to? OR: It's karaoke night, what song are you singing?
I like listening to all types of music from pop, country and musicals. My guilty pleasure is ABBA and whatever songs are popular on TikTok seem to be always stuck in my head.

What’s one thing campers would be surprised to learn about you? 
Campers would be surprised to know I have an identical twin sister, we’ve never spent anymore than a few days apart. So this will be a very new experience for me.

Dog or cat person?
I’m 100% a dog person. I have 5 dogs their names are Jake, Hollie, Olaf, Trudy and Charlie. As a family we have also fostered well over 50 dogs and given them new homes.

What can campers do to win your heart?
To win my heart campers just have to be themselves, have fun and not take themselves too seriously.

What is your proudest accomplishment
My proudest accomplishment is that I have represented Ireland in boxing. I did boxing for around 10 years where I got to travel to Sweden a couple times and got to represent both Dublin and Ireland.

Meet the Counselors: Peter Czene

We’re so excited that Peter Czene will be joining us this summer as a counselor! Adding to our list of firsts, Peter hails from Hungary, a country we have yet to have represented at Camp Spring Creek. Please join us in welcoming Peter!

Tell us a little about where you are from, 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 Hungary from a village but I live in Budapest. So in Budapest, we have a lot of things to see that are unmissable. Budapest is really famous for its thermal baths that are very unique in Europe and I think all over the world as well. The city is also amazing because the Danube divides it into two parts Buda and Pest and both sizes have many stunning sights. In Buda, if you go up to the hill you can see the whole Pest with all of the sights (Buda one too). You can find many cool museums like serious or looser which are interactive interesting entertaining and so on (for example museum of illusions and so on) but also a bunch of nice outdoor places like squares parks and castles’ park).

When it’s your turn to control the tunes in the camp van, what kind of music will we be listening to? OR: It's karaoke night, what song are you singing?
Most of the time I prefer pop songs where the singers are singing so you can do it as well but you are also able to dance and do more things to these kinds of music.

What’s one thing campers would be surprised to learn about you? 
Probably my nationality cause it’s just a small country and the flag is also similar to the Italian one so most of the time people think I’m from Italy.

What can campers do to win your heart?
Trust, listen, and be kind.

What should campers avoid doing around you?
Fighting, being disrespectful, and being impatient.

Which Hogwarts House did the Sorting Hat place you in?
Slytherin 🐍

Ask me about the time I... moved to Gran Canaria to live there for half a year without knowing anybody.

Meet the Counselors: Karen Garcia

Please give a warm camp welcome to Karen Garcia! Karen is joining us from Columbia, making her both our first Columbian counselor and our first South American counselor! Her bubbly personality and childlike energy will be contagious at camp this summer.

Tell us a little about where you are from. If you have out-of-town visitors, where do you take them?
I am from Bogotá, Colombia. It is a magnificent country in South America, it is very rich in fauna, and flora and we have lots of festivals. We love to dance, we are very expressive and we speak Spanish. If you come to my city, I would love to take you to Monserrate, a mountain with a temple, a beautiful view of the city, and delicious aguapanela and almohabana for the cold. Then I would take you downtown to learn about the history and try ajiaco, a traditional soup.

When it’s your turn to control the tunes in the camp van, what kind of music will we be listening to?
Hmmm, I have so many songs that I love in English. But I'm going to say Adele, Bruno Mars, Milky Chance, The Lumieers, Imagine Dragons and maybe Carito by Carlos Vives which is a tropical song made by a Colombian but it has some parts in English and it's amazing.

Dog or cat person?
I’m definitely a dog person; cats’ personalities confuse me haha. Actually, I have two dogs: Polly and Ramón.

What can campers do to win your heart?
To win my heart they would: 1) help me when I make some mistake in English 2) tell me stories about their life.

What should campers avoid doing around you?
They should avoid lying and talking badly about others.

What’s something you’d like to teach the campers?
I'd love to share my Colombian culture, my knowledge of other languages, and some games we play here.

Ask me about the time I... got drenched at a concert

Meet the Counselors: Henry Dunning

Next up in our Meet the Counselors: Henry Dunning! Henry is joining us from Northern England. When he’s not on the hockey pitch, he might be found hiking local trails or exploring the world on solo adventures. He loves working with kids of all ages and we know our campers are going to love getting to know him this summer!

Tell us a little about where you are from. If you have out-of-town visitors, where do you take them?

Carlisle is a small city in the North of England, there's not a lot of culture but once a month there is a big market which sells lots of different foods to try. Usually I would take out of town visitors to the Cathedral or Bitts Park.

It's karaoke night, what song are you singing?

It has to be Mr. Brightside by The Killers

What can campers do to win your heart?

Be willing to try all sorts of new foods.

If you were to invite three people to a dinner party, who would you invite?

Conor McGregor, Israel Adesanya and Kvothe

What is your proudest accomplishment?

That would definitely have to be going to Italy by myself for my first holiday.

Which Hogwarts House did the Sorting Hat place you in?

Ravenclaw!


Meet the Counselors: Naomi Fitzpatrick

We’re so excited to finally introduce you to our 2023 staff. We think we’ve put together a stellar team who are going to create the most magical summer at Camp Spring Creek. First up in our Meet the Counselors series: Naomi. This hard-working and down-to-earth lass is coming to us from Ireland. She’s ready to take on the summer after earning her Masters in Education and if we’re lucky, she may teach us a few Irish words!

Tell us a little about where you are from. If you have out-of-town visitors, where do you take them?

I live between a small village of Fore and Collinstown in Co. Westmeath Ireland. Both out in the middle of the countryside with plenty of things to do and see. Starting off with Fore, there are thousands of visitors every year visiting Fore Abbey which used to be a monastery for monks. Fore is known for “the seven wonders of fore”. These include “the water that flows uphills, the well without a source.” These 7 wonders are all linked to the history of the area and the monks that lived there. Collinstown then, it’s not as creative, however we have our lake, Lough Lene, which is a 5 minute walk of me.

What’s one thing campers would be surprised to learn about you?

I can Irish dance.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Walking 50 miles for charity 7 years running. This will be my first year to miss it since it started. I’m also proud to have graduated from college after 2 years of covid.

Which Hogwarts House did the Sorting Hat place you in?

Griffindor!

What can campers do to win your heart?

Be mannerly, say please and thank you, and respect others.

What should campers avoid doing around you?

Act rude towards their peers.

Ask me about the time I...

Drove for the first time.

Meet the Counselors: Leah Shifrel

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!

Meet the Counselors: Zuzanna Glica

If Zuzanna’s name sounds familiar, it probably is! We introduced you all to Zuzanna back in 2020 and we are so excited that she will be joining us after two years of pandemic postponing. She is bringing some Polish positivity and a fun-loving attitude. Read more about Zuzanna below.

Tell us a little bit about where you live and where you grew up.
I live in Milanowek, I grew up here too :) It's a small and very green town, known for fudges and strawberies.

Whatt do you do during the school year?
During the school year I work as a price specialist in a rail transport company. During my free time I usually read books, and spend time with family playing board games or watching films.

When it’s your turn to control the tunes in the camp van, what kind of music will we be listening to?
I can't choose only one kind of music 😃 It'll be a mix of everything from '70 till now.

If you were able to cook one meal for the campers this summer, what would it be?
I prefer making desserts, so it'd be cheesecake :)

What’s one thing campers would be surprised to learn about you?
I donate blood as often as I can :D So far I have donated 4.5 liters.

Morning person or night person? 
100% early bird 😃

How do your friends describe you?
Funny, hard-working optimist.

What can campers do to make you smile? 
Laugh :) it's contagious 

What advice would you give campers for being successful at camp?
Be yourself and have fun 😄

Meet the Counselors: Winston Toutain

We’ll have another familiar face at camp this summer: Winston Toutain. For those of you who weren’t around in 2013, 2014, or 2015, meet Winston. He’s a camp expert after spending 3 summers with us, and has many stories to share from his time as a camper. After living all over the world, he’s found his way back to North Carolina where he’s using his dyslexic thinking to study Computer Science at NC State. Find some pictures from when Winston was a camper down below.

Tell us a little bit about where you live and where you grew up. Where would you take an out-of-town visitor?
I’d say I’m from West Hartford Connecticut but, I have moved quite a lot throughout my childhood. I was originally born in Hamburg, Germany though I didn’t live there very long, and then moved to Chicago, Illinois. From there we moved to West Hartford, then to Randolph, New Jersey, then back to West Hartford, then to Lausanne, Switzerland, then back to West Hartford. It is the location I have spent the largest amount of my childhood and something about the town always pulled us back. West Hartford is a medium-sized town with a total population of around sixty-four thousand residents. Some of the things the town is known for is how it was the home of Noah Webster, a man who helped to pioneer the American education system and wrote books to teach children how to spell and read. West Hartford is also the home of the American School for the Deaf which is the oldest permanent school for the deaf in all of America but also the first school for children with disabilities anywhere in the western hemisphere. Some of my favorite locations in West Hartford that I frequent would be Blue Back Square along with the rest of the town center, the West-farms Mall area, and Bishops Corner.

What do you do during the school year?
During the school year I am a student at NC State. I am just finishing up my sophomore year and am majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Film Studies.

You came to Camp Spring Creek for three summers! What’s your best camp memory? 
Some of my best camp memories would be how in my third year the older campers were able to go on a camping trip for a few days. We had to hike up a mountain and even fetch our own water. At the time I wasn’t very fit, and the hike really challenged me, but I can remember how good it felt once it was all done. I also remember I believe it was my second year the theme was some sort of survival show and we had an event one night where you had to eat a bunch of gross food quickly, and man was it gross!

How do you think you'll be the same (or different) from your counselors when you were a camper?
After being there for three years I was able to notice how some of the more iconic trips and events are repeated each session and having already experienced them I’ll be in better shoes than the new counselors. Granted some of the counselors I had returned for more than one summer, so I’d say I’m in a similar boat as them already having experience with the different trips. I also know what it was like to be a camper and how things at the camp operate giving me a lot of know-how even before the camp starts.

What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy playing sports of any kind with friends though tennis is my go-to, going to the gym, and sailing our boat or working on repairs for it. I also like to play video games, binge Netflix, screen write, and recently read Manga.

Dog or cat person?
That’s a hard question so I’m just going to say both as I got both a dog and a cat.

What’s one thing campers would be surprised to learn about you?
How I used to be a camper, how I’m a certified scuba diver and sailor, and how I’m fluent in French. 

What’s something you’d like to teach the campers?
I’m definitely open to really anything, but if I had to only pick one it would be woodworking or outdoor sports.

What can campers do to make you smile? 
Just be themselves and feel comfortable and ready to turn what they have always seen as a disability into a strength they can be proud of.

What advice would you give campers for being successful at camp?
Try our best to take what the tutors are teaching you to heart and to have fun!

Meet the Counselors: Bethany Draycott

Next up in our Meet the Counselors series: Bethany Draycott! Bethany hails from Blackpool on the northwest coast of England. Her energetic spirit will bring a whole lot of fun to camp. She’s up for a summer of fun, trying lots of new things, and making memories to last a lifetime. Please welcome us in joining Bethany!

 
 

Tell us a little bit about where you live and where you grew up.
So I have always lived in Blackpool which is in the United Kingdom which is famous for the Blackpool Tower and Blackpool pleasure beach. I live with my mum and my two siblings and 3 cats. 

When it’s your turn to control the tunes in the camp van, what kind of music will we be listening to? : ) 
Sooo everyone that I’m friends with hates my music taste as it’s loaded with artists that aren’t as new such as Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson, and pink. I also love Disney channel music, give me a bit of Hannah Montana and I will be sorted. I also do know newer Disney music as well such as the music from the Descendants films. 

What do you do during the school year?
At the moment, I am working at Blackpool Pleasure Beach as a ride operator in the Nickelodeon land section. I enjoy this as it keeps me busy. 

What’s one thing campers would be surprised to learn about you? 
I am also dyslexic myself and I didn’t know until I was 19. I am now 22 and have a couple of years to learn about my dyslexia and find out what works for me. Another thing that I’m a bit scared to mention is that I know how to braid hair, so I will be expecting to be braiding hair a lot this summer which I’m happy to do. 

Dog or cat person?
So I like both but I’ve never had a dog so I can’t really speak much about them, I 100% want one though when I’m older. I have 3 cats and they’re called Maddie, Minnie, and Luna and I’m going to miss them so much this summer. 

How do your friends describe you?
I’ve got them to answer this and they said  “ Energetic, bubbly, small in height but a big personality” 
This is true, I’m always being told that I talk a mile a minute.

What can campers do to win your heart?
Just to be themselves and enjoy themselves this summer, and for them to know that if they need anything then I am here for them. 

What advice would you give campers for being successful at camp?
Just to try their best, that’s all I can ask for, and to give things a chance, as you will never know that you won’t like something if you don’t give it a try. 

What are your hopes for this summer? / What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I’m hoping that this will be the best summer that I’ve ever had and I’m looking forward to it so much, I am also looking forward to the weather in America as in the UK, it is nearly always cold and wet so it will make a nice change.

Meet the Counselors: Kyle Henry

We’re excited to introduce you to Kyle Henry from Australia! We’re thrilled to bring some more international counselors to Camp Spring Creek this summer. Kyle is sure to keep us all laughing this summer and his flair for the dramatics should make skit night a blast. Please join us in welcoming Kyle!

Tell us a little about where you are from, 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?
Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia. Top 3 things to visit in the city are the beaches, the Eureka tower, and the Queen Victoria market. Melbourne is super multicultural so there are so many great restaurants with cuisines from all around the world. We're known for our laneways throughout the city that are filled with awesome street art and hidden coffee shops, I don't drink coffee but apparently we have the best in the world.

What do you do during the school year?
I work in a primary school at the moment doing before and after school care. So I will make breakfast in the mornings and afternoon tea for the children I have in for the afternoon, set out art activities, play board games and go outside to run around and play games. It's great fun for the kids while they either wait for school to start or wait to get picked up. 

When it’s your turn to control the tunes in the camp van, what kind of music will we be listening to? 
Little bit of Aussie indie rock I reckon. 

If you were able to cook one meal for the campers this summer, what would it be?
Probably a lasagne, only ever got compliments for the meal, or tacos just because they're my favourite food. 

What’s one thing campers would be surprised to learn about you? 
I'm colourblind, so sometimes blues and purples mix together and yellows and green look the same. 

What are you most looking forward to this summer?
Most looking forward to meeting everyone! Hoping I can make lifelong friends and learn a bunch of new things.

How do your friends describe you?
Funny and Creative. 

What can campers do to make you smile? 
Honestly just being themselves! Anytime someone is really feeling themselves and in a super good mood I can't not smile, love when anyone, especially kids, tell me all about something they are passionate about.

What should they avoid doing around you?
Making noise while you eat is the only thing I truly don't like. 

What advice would you give campers for being successful at camp?
Give your all in anything you try! Always put your best foot forward, try new things, and never give up.

Meet the Counselors: Olivia Roach

Summer is approaching quickly and we’re all excited to have some life back at camp. We’ve got some amazing staff joining us this summer and we can’t wait for you to meet them. First up is Olivia Roach. This hard-working, fun-loving, outdoor enthusiast has a long history with Camp Spring Creek. We first knew her as a 10 year old camper who was full of energy and spunk. We’re so glad to have her back as a counselor this summer. Get to know more about Olivia below.

Tell us a little bit about where you live and where you grew up. Where would you take an out of town visitor?

I'm from Statesville NC, a small town north of Charlotte. I currently go to school in Kentucky. If anyone stops by Statesville we have to go to the Yellow Deli; it's a really cool sandwich shop with great food. Of course, I would take them for a hike around Lake Norman State Park. 

It’s your turn to control the tunes in the camp van, what kind of music will we listen to? 

I'm a die-hard Taylor Swift fan, so listening to her is necessary. Harry Styles is dropping a new album which will probably make the cut. I also listen to folk and acoustic. 

What’s your best camp memory?

I have so many great memories at camp, but I think my favorite was during swim classes. I love swimming, and when I would do diving games, I always had the best time. 

How do you think you'll be the same (or different) from your counselors?

I have the perspective of both a camper and a counselor. I honestly can relate to what the campers are going through during camp, which might make me a little different. 

What’s one thing campers would be surprised to learn about you?

When I get nervous, I talk with a slight British accent. 

Morning person or night person?

I'm more of a morning person. 

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy running, reading, and course watching Netflix. 

How do your friends describe you?

My friends say I'm fun-loving, goofy, and sarcastic. 

What should campers do to ‘get on your good side’?

I love jokes; the more, the merrier. 

What should they avoid doing around you? 

I don't particularly appreciate complaining, so just try to avoid doing it in general. 

What advice would you give campers for being successful at camp?

Camp is a great way to make friends. Make sure to make the best of it and try new things. Tutoring and study hall, try your best. 

Olivia making tie-die at camp

Olivia on an overnight hiking trip in 2015

A Day at Camp Spring Creek

Two-time camper Eleonore S. wrote this last summer to share what an average day is like for future and prospective campers.

A DAY AT CAMP SPRING CREEK

This is what a day at Camp Spring Creek looks like: 

In the morning, we wake up at 7:15 am to get dressed for the day. We have to clean our cabin to hopefully win room inspection.

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Afterward, we go downstairs to the dining hall where we have assigned seats. We then have a reading hour, followed by according to my schedule, typing class where we learn how to type without looking.

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Second period, I have woodshop. Then, according to me, this class is one of the best: swimming.

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After a short break for lunch, I go directly to art where Heidi, our art teacher, teaches us how to make all kinds of intricate and creative things. 

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Tutoring is next; it's great!

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For the last period, we get assigned to groups, in which we do different activities such as gaga ball, yoga, or even water polo. Next, we go to study hall to work on homework. After dinner we all have an evening activity that varies every day.

Finally, after a long nice day, we go to bed and wake up the next morning and repeat the previous day. 

Despite the busy schedule, all campers take on the mantle and accept the challenge.

Thank you to Eleonor for this report!

Thank you to Eleonor for this report!

Meet the Counselors: Zuzanna Glica

Summer is just around the corner! We are excited that our counseling staff is now complete and we can’t wait for you to meet them! First up is Zuzanna Glica. This hard-working, outdoor-loving counselor-to-be is coming to us from Poland. She brings her positive attitude and if we’re lucky, she’ll bring some of the sweet treats her hometown is famous for! : ) Zuzanna tells us a little more about herself below.

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Tell us a little about where you’re from. 

I live in Milanówek with my family. It’s small town about 30km from Warsaw–the capital city of Poland. Along with two other cities, Milanówek belongs to “Warsaw’s suburban Garden Tri-city.” Milanówek is famous for antique villas, trees, and something for those with a sweet tooth–delicious fudge!

What do you do during the school year? 

Currently, I’m studying transport at Warsaw University of Technology and working in PKP Intercity as office worker. 

Did you attend camp when you were a child?

I went to a few camps as a child. It was great time. Sometimes we went swimming, bike riding, or played games. Other times we went skiing and hiking. I tried a lot of new things and made friends.

How do your friends describe you?

As a nice, honest, hardworking and smiling person, for sure. They’ll certainly describe me as a workaholic, but in a good way because they know perfectly, that I just like working! And they know I’m always looking for a good side in every situation. 

What are your favourite outdoor games and activities? 

I like kayaking, walking with my dog, and hiking, but my favourite activities are bike riding and swimming. 

What are you looking forward to teaching the campers this summer?

I’d like to teach them how to work in a group and how to find fun in everyday situations.

What should campers do to ‘get on your good side’? 

I appreciate cooperation and a real smile–those are the most important things for me.

What’s your favourite food?

I don’t think that I can choose one dish. I like dumplings, spaghetti, pancakes, beetroot soup, and many, many, many others. 

What are your hopes for this summer? 

I really want to meet new people, contribute to our campers’ personal growth, and learn as much as I can.

What advice would you give campers for being successful at camp?

First of all, just be yourself. Smile a lot and have fun! Work hard and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Don’t worry to ask questions or share problems. Remember, we’ll be there for you!

Are you a Harry Potter fan? If so, which house would you be in? 

Oh yes! That was the first book series I read in English. The Sorting Hat would choose Hufflepuff for me, because of my diligence, tolerance, and justice. 

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Camper Blog Takeover, August Edition!

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Camp Spring Creek

by Peyton H.

I have completed three years at Camp Spring Creek. I plan to keep coming here until I am 15, which will be three more years. The experiences offered here are so important. You meet outstanding counselors and campers from all over the world. You make connections that last long after camp ends.The activities here never get old, at least for me. Every activity is scheduled at a certain time. You’ll have classes with some of the friends you are close to, and some that are new. In some classes you can choose what you want to do like in woodshop, for example, the teacher allows you to choose some of your projects. Some of the kids are making birdhouses while others are making chairs. You should always have a good mindset. If you think it’s going to be boring, you need to understand that there’s learning as well. If you think of it as a new experience then it is going to be fun. When I first came to the camp I was a negative thinker, and then I took a step back and looked at it in a new perspective. It changed my act. 

Tutoring is a new thing to some people. It will be boring at first, but it will get better. The first year I came here, I gained a lot of knowledge. But dyslexia still affected me and I would misspell words, and misread also. All dyslexics need is the right way of teaching. Dyslexia will stay with you your whole life, but you need to overcome it. At Camp Spring Creek, you are with other dyslexics. 

On the weekends everyone goes to do activities like tubing, roller skating, going to the lake, and hiking. These fun activities are to take a break from your regular schedule. I love the weekend trips because you can talk to your friends if you don’t have any classes with them. To wrap it up, I love Camp Spring Creek and I AM PROUD TO BE DYSLEXIC.

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Camp Spring Creek

by Ben

Here at Camp Spring Creek, kids with dyslexia come from all over the world to get help from certified Orton-Gillingham tutors to improve their reading and writing abilities. Camp also offers a great time with weekend activities such as whitewater rafting and caving. Camp also has day-to-day classes Monday-Friday, such as woodshop, art, and swimming. Also in your day is your hour of one-on-one tutoring and an hour of typing.

Sometimes someone will come to do something special, like this year Nathan came from D.C. to teach us film during the last half of our typing classes. Some of my favorite things at camp are reading hour Monday-Friday, and cabin time where you get an hour to an hour and a half to talk and play games with your fellow cabin mates. There is still plenty of time to make friends from other cabins, and to talk to counselors and tutors from around the world. Camp Spring Creek has been a valuable experience for me. I have learned a lot and gained a lot of great experiences in return. I would recommend it to kids with dyslexia if they need help learning. 

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My Best Week at Camp

by Baxter

My best week at camp was when Miss SueLing got here and when Nathan started teaching. After typing class, we do something really fun. We also had a lot of fun when we went roller skating. We got spending money that we could use on beverages, food, music, and stuff like that. We also got to stay there for a long time and me and Rohan had a lot of fun together. We also played tag while we were skating and that is all we did for the rest of the night.

While we went tubing on the river, me and Noah were searching for stuff in the river and whatever we found we put in Noah’s tube. The things we found include: wheels, the sole of a shoe, some really cook rocks and a lot of other stuff like that.

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Book Summary: Peter and the Starcatchers

by Ellis

Peter and the Starcatchers is another version of Peter Pan. In this book, Peter is in an orphanage-type place, but gets put on a boat called the Never Land. Peter meets a girl, Molly, who is a Starcatcher in training (of course, Peter doesn’t know this yet). After Peter finds out about Molly and who else is after  the starstuff (to use it in a bad way), Peter and Molly end up having to get a trunk full of starstuff away from the feared pirate Captain Stache and the not-as-feared pirate Captain Slank. Peter, the other orphans, Molly and a nice sailor named Alf get stranded on an island full of the Mollusks people (the people who have been on the island from the beginning).

In the end, Peter gets the ability to fly forever and with that gift comes a cost. Peter will stay a young boy forever Molly and her dad (who got to the island with the other Starcatchers) get the trunk safely aboard a ship because of Peter’s heroic acts of bravery.

Peter ends up staying on the island because he feels that he doesn’t fit in where everyone else is going (England). 

Peter said that he can’t be his true self when he is in England, but can on the island of the Mollusks. After Peter decides to stay, the rest of the orphans want to stay, too, because Peter was the leader in the group and they are family, so everyone else goes back to England with one final goodbye. 

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Tubing on the River

by Hailey

Yesterday at Camp Spring Creek, we went tubing down the river. Going down the river was peaceful until my friends and I got stuck in a tree. But after that it got really fun. My friends started flipping others tubes, and then mine.

 Some people swam with out a tube for a while then got back on the tubes. I flipped Galen and Eliana over. I did swim a little, but I kept hitting rocks in my side. I now have a bruise from one rock that really hurt, but it’s alright. After a while we started to relax but then Eliana and Melanie lost their tubes, so we had to get them. Then someone deflated my tube, and so I did it back. All of our tubes ended up deflated. When we got out at our destination, we got in trouble for deflating them, but it was worth it. 

Camper Blog Takeover!

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My Experience at Camp So Far

By Gus

I got out of school on May 24th. The first weekend I packed to go to Hawaii. My family and I took three plane rides to Hawaii. That’s ten hours of plane riding. After many boring hours, we arrived in Hawaii, which looks a lot like Florida at first glance. We rode back to America after 7 days in paradise. I only had 16 days until I was to go to this camp, so all that I did was tell everyone about my trip, went to a couple of movies, hanging out with friends, and rearranged my room. My mom and I drove to the camp and stayed at a hotel. We also went to the Alien Festival and got some diamonds. When I first arrived here I was a little scared, but it's ok now. I have had a lot of fun so far in my third week out of my four-week session here. 

Two weeks ago, I thought camp was going to be like school but with different activities. But that's not what it's like. On the weekends we do a bunch of fun stuff like hiking to a waterfall, playing in Bakersville, having campfires, camping, roller skating, fishing, and much more. And on Sundays we have a slide show of all the photos we've taken over the week.

During the weekdays, it's also fun. You get to bond with peers and make more friends and every night after dinner we do something new and fun. Some of the daily activities are fun, too, like woodworking, art, swimming and outdoors. The food is great and we have three meals per day. The tutoring here is better in helping my dyslexia than most places I have been to. For my first year at this camp,  I love it. We take busses to everywhere we go and we listen to great music from the past. We have a dance near the end of the camp and I’ve heard it’s the best part of the camp and I can't wait for it. I've made many friends so far and hope to make more. CAMP SPRING CREEK ROCKS. 

Camp Spring Creek

by Olivia

Camp Spring Creek is amazing! It is so transformational. I came here my first year when I was 8 years old. Then I wasn’t even reading at a kindergarten level in third grade. Now I am 11 years old and excelling in reading, writing, and school. I have A’s in every class including English and Latin. Camp really changed me for the best. I’ve made so many friends here that I am still in contact with even if they live in different places.

The staff here are great. The counselors are outstanding! They encourage you, support you, and make you laugh. Camp makes you confident, and not afraid to be different, stand up for yourself and others, and dream big. I used to not think I was smart enough to dream, but now I want to be a New York Times best- selling author of two novels not including the one I want to write before I’m 14.

Camp is wonderful. We do relaxing things and adventurous ones. We float down rivers in tubes, we go water skiing. We go camping and we go fishing. Tutoring is great. My tutor, Ishani, is making learning fun and interesting. Sometimes we stand and sometimes me sit. She changes it every day. We do all sorts of activities in everything every day. Camp Spring Creek is life changing. It changed me for the best.

Camp Spring Creek, 2019

by Jackson

“Jackson, you’re going to Camp Spring Creek.”

“What? That’s not fair. I don’t want to go.”

 Three Weeks later (On a plane to Charlotte, NC)

 “So, Jackson, are you excited for camp?” asks Dad.

“Nooo, I don’t want to go. Do I have to go?”

 Three Days Later

I was there all by myself at first. I tried to stay to myself, but I just couldn’t. I’m too social for that. I could never stay to myself for a whole month. I had to make friends and quickly before people started grouping up and I got left out. I made friends pretty quickly. I am a likable person and I was like the cool guy overnight.

First came seating assignments, but little did I know, I got lucky. I had two of the nicest people at camp at my table.Jose and Abby are the chefs at camp. They are the best. They cook three meals a day for around 50 people for eight weeks. Now, that is amazing if I’ve ever seen it. And it’s not cafeteria food where they just plop stuff on your plate. This is like when your grandmother cooks Thanksgiving and you eat as much as possible and you are about to pass out from too much food. Me, Abby, and Jose are all friends. That’s why on Sunday I get extra ice cream. That’s why Jose and Abby are the two best people at camp. 

Dyslexia and Camp

by Jake

Dyslexia is a  general term for disorders that involve difficulty in learning to read or interpret words, letters, and other symbols, but that does not affect general intelligence. This is the definition of dyslexia, but this does not define me or anyone. Muhammad Ali, Walt Disney, Steven Spielberg, Agatha Christie, Cher, Jim Carrey all  have dyslexia, but has this stopped them in their fame? No, it hasn't. Just because they learn differently and think differently doesn't mean one can define them by this one term! My name is Jake, and I have dyslexia. Although I have dyslexia and although I have trouble reading and spelling, there are places for people like me or possibly you to correct your skills. These places are all over the country, but the one place that people come from all over the world is in Bakersville NC.  This camp is called Camp Spring Creek. 

Life at Camp

by Lauchlin

My name is Lauchlin, and I also go to Camp Spring Creek. It is a great camp to learn and play. They have one-to-one tutoring, art and crafts, typing, swimming, wood shop, and outdoors. The tutors help you with your spelling and reading. In arts and crafts we do a different project every week. In typing we do the ABC’s with our eyes closed. In swimming we learn different techniques needed to improve our hand-to-eye coordination. In woodshop we make boxes, trophies, and other objects. Woodshop also helps us in math and measuring. When we have outdoors, it is fun for us and it helps our relationship with the other campers and nature. We also go on crazy field trips.  During our weekend time, we get to do different fun and challenging activities like roller skating, and tubing. We get to do things that challenge us mentally and physically which makes us very happy. 

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Book Reviews

by Emma

Some of the books that I have enjoyed are Stolen Girl, A Whole New World, and A Sucky Love Story. I enjoyed the book Stolen Girl because it was about someone who lived during WWII, and I find those stories very interesting and educational. I enjoyed the book A Whole New World because it was an alternate version of The Little Mermaid. I love Disney and I loved hearing a new story that was very exciting. I enjoyed the book A Sucky Love Story was a true story about a girl who got in an abusive relationship, and it's about her survival. I enjoy nonfiction books a lot, so I was very interested in the book.

Meet the Counselors: Daisy Lee

We’re so excited to introduce you to Daisy Lee, joining us from the UK! When she’s not on the tennis court, she might be found at the beach, exploring the world, or curled up with a good book. She loves working with kids of all ages and we know our campers are going to love getting to know her this summer!

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Tell us a little bit about where you live and where you grew up.

I grew up in a small village in the countryside in Norfolk, England with my parents and two sisters where I developed my love for the beach. I also attended a convent school for 11 years, for my sins. : ) 

What do you do during the school year? 

When I was 18, I moved to Chester and attended the University of Chester to study Psychology. On completing this, I moved to Winchester to study Sport and Exercise Psychology at the university there. This year, I am having a delayed gap year to travel and gain work experience. I started in Sri Lanka in March of this year. Alongside this, I waitress and tennis coach children from the ages of four years upwards.

How would your friends describe your personality? 

I’m not sure, but hopefully fun-loving with a healthy dose of conscientiousness and competitiveness. 

 What do you like to do in your free time? 

I love spending time with my friends and family whether it is at home or on holiday. I also love art and all sports but particularly tennis, which I have been playing since I was about 5 years old. Reading is also a passion of mine with this quote by George R. R. Martin being one that has stuck with me.

             “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies… The man who never reads lives only one.”

What’s something campers would be surprised to find out about you?

I might take a little while to get to know and understand my British sense of humor, but when you do hopefully, we will all leave with abs from laughing! Also, I can play the drums but stereotypically, probably don’t look like I should.

What’s a game or skill you’re excited about sharing with campers this summer? 

 Although I don’t think tennis is part of Camp Spring Creek I’m excited to share knowledge of the sport I love especially with Wimbledon happening while we’re at camp.

What can campers do to make you smile? 

Work hard and play hard, have a laugh and embrace all of the opportunities you have.

What should they avoid doing around you? What is your favorite outdoor activity? 

Both bickering and confrontation I dislike, so the less of this the better. I wouldn’t say I have one outdoor activity that is my favorite. I love to try new things—from hiking mountains to cliff jumping, I will give it all a go.

What advice can you give to campers to have a great summer away from home? 

Bring something that reminds you of home-everyone gets homesick at some point. But also have a go at everything because there’s no harm in trying, and this is a great way to meet and make new friends. Also, if you’re struggling never be afraid to come and let us know. We’re probably not as scary as we look.

What are your hopes for this summer?

For this to be a summer I never forget in the best possible way (sorry for the cliché)!