Over the summer some of Limestone students have gone to various Camps over the summer so this is what varies amongst their various experiences
Sophomore Kyle Stearns worked at the Ingersoll Scout Reservation in London Mills. Stearns has attended the camp as a camper for the last three years. “Camp staff seems really fun,” said Stearns. He always looked up to the camp staff and has memories of their participation at the flag-raising ceremony and of staff vs adults water polo matches. He had a friend who worked on staff and enjoyed it. Stearns eagerly checked the website in anticipation of the application process. As a member of the staff, he served as a counselor in training. “The first week I worked at the pool, and I helped one of the counselors with the lifesaving badge. The second week, I worked in the kitchen. In week 3, I worked at the fish shack and helped with fishing and fly fishing. Week 4, I got to attend camp,” shared Stearns. Looking back, Stearns enjoyed the camaraderie of the camp staff and things he was able to do behind the scenes like participate in “night out” and interact with other staff members.
Senior Paige Inman worked at the Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association (HISRA) in Peoria. The camp pairs a mentor with a special needs camper. Inman has experience with this through her work with the Penguin Project and the LCHS unified program. She claimed that this camp was “really fun, I really enjoyed it and just getting to be around the kids.” As part of camp staff, Inman attended various field trips and community outings with campers. Several other LCHS students were also members of this camp staff. Inman says her favorite part of camp, “Field day was the best. We went to Dunlap and got together with the other groups. It was fun because everyone was together, and we didn’t get to see them every day.” Inman recommends others consider joining the HISRA summer staff. “You get to engage with the kids and you can just be you. They don’t judge.” LCHS students Lauren Harms, Sarah Sheckler, Dani Sloan, Makenna Hoogerwerf, Bella Horton, Sara Hopwood, and Taytum Whitby also worked at HISRA along with other recent LCHS graduates. Inman has continued to work for HISRA during the school year.
Sophomore Grant Kocher attended the Illinois Association of Junior High Student Council camp in Monticello where he was on the junior counselor staff. As a JC, Kocher guided campers on how to lead meetings and be strong leaders when they return to school in the fall. Kocher was in charge of a cabin which he themed with Pixar’s Cars. “I enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends with JCs from all over the state. It was so cool to play games with the campers and meet nice kids. They were really respectful and kind,” said Kocher of his experience. Kocher will apply again in the spring for camp staff. He hopes to be selected.
