Fully dive in if this is the course you will take. You only get out what you put into it.
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Child Counselor
July - September 2019 • Union Township, NJ
What I liked
I really liked being around kids all the time. In my own opinion, it really teaches you a lot about how to really raise them and take care of them. I liked how we were always told to be innovative and to do different activities with the kids.
What I wish was different
I wish there had more resources for us to use. At times, there were many rooms in the building we couldn't go to with the kids as there were board members in their offices who couldn't be disturbed. It would have been better if there were other places to take the kids to.
Advice
Be patient with the kids. Yet, at the same time, don't let them walk all over you. If they're being too rowdy, you have a right, as a counselor, to quiet them down. You have a right to put them in punishment. If a kid is acting up or talking back, take away their own privileges, no matter how upset they get. Always try to find a compromise between kids who are having conflicts. Never choose sides.
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Quality Improvement Intern
June - August 2017 • Atlanta, GA
What I liked
BGCA has some of the most intelligent and talented people that I have ever worked with. Their data walks and ignite talk presentations really change the way that you take in information and provide examples of how you can freshen up presentation content for class.
What I wish was different
I wish that this was a paid internship. Because this is not a paid internship, BGCA does not allow you to work beyond the internship requirement to avoid potential issue. They also do not allow volunteering at the national headquarters.
Advice
I would encourage anyone interested in doing non-profit work to apply here. BGCA is a lot larger than most non-profits so you get to see non-profit work in a big business setting.
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Youth Development Professional
January 2019 • Brimley, MI
What I liked
The youth and the closeness of the staff.
What I wish was different
The amount of gossip and miscommunication between staff.
Advice
Always smile and be professional even when you think kids aren’t around.
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After School Program
August 2017 • Cincinnati, OH
What I liked
Kids and Staff
What I wish was different
My onboarding process
Advice
Although it's an after-school program so the hours are not that long it is very daunting.
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Youth Development Professional
May - August 2019 • Meridian, ID
What I liked
Great work environment and team that worked together nicely.
