I’m not going to lie- my biggest effort on the service learning front was done in blatant self-interest. I didn’t get hired to work at the Kennewick Parks and Rec Summer Fun Day Camp, so I volunteered (with the hopes of someday being paid).

It all worked out- by mid summer when parents were sick of their kids, and kids were sick of their parents, and the camp was over-kidded and under-staffed, I got paid at least a few days a week. And the last two months of the summer, when the craft lady had enough and called it quits, I was hired full time.

Until those momentous points in time though, I volunteered. 8am to 3pm out in the sun, with awesome kids. It was epic. 9-10 year olds make great friends- they thought my car was cool, and didn’t rub into too bad when they dominated me in dodge ball.

I’m pumped to get to work with kids again. I think they’re phenomenal people. A lot of the kids I worked with last summer (and will hopefully work with again next summer) we’re from underprivleleged, low-income families (the camp is run through the city, and offers a lot of scholarships). I was amazed by the way these kids dealt with split families and trials. And 9-1o year olds don’t see in terms of race, money.. it was refreshing.

Neat!