In this photo, my kids are participating in the “follow the leader” drill we do at least once per session at Piers Park. This relates to my job because it is showcasing how much they’ve learned by individually taking over each task available.
My experience at Piers Park has been enlightening. Coming in on my first day, I was so nervous about messing up, and being wrong. However, it is all the mistakes that have helped me grow as an instructor this summer. It has also been rewarding to see my hard work pay off when the kids are having a good time, but also being knowledgeable about sailing. Overall, my first year as an instructor has been very successful, and I cannot wait to do it again next year!
One value I teach my students is that you have to work together to succeed when it comes to sailing, and that fun is earned after focus. This makes the entire teaching/learning experience easier for everyone. The point of sailing camp is to have fun and learn to sail, but it’s good to make sure that your kids will pay attention when you, or another person, are giving a lesson. Also, working together makes the sailing process go smoother, and more enjoyable! Therefore, values I teach my students are to work together, and that focus comes before fun.
The positive impact I see in my students is the most rewarding part of the job by far. It can sometimes be hectic and stressful to control kids in serious situations, but it’s such a refresher when everyone is happy and has an understanding of sailing by the end of the session. The positive impact I see is that this cluster of kids becomes friends at the end, and someone they can always say hi to if they ever see them around. Also, the kids wanting to come back to sail after, and tell other people to come to Piers Park for sailing.
Some of my favorite parts of the program at Piers Park include the Science of Sailing program, and The Camp Harbor View program. I really enjoy the science of sailing program, because it gives the kids a new look at sailing. It teaches kids about the marine life and debris in the harbor, the physics of how wind catches a sail, and gives the kids a better understanding of sailing. I also like the Camp Harbor View program because it gives the opportunity for kids to get away from the city and have a really good four weeks. The kids get fed, play sports, learn, dance, sail, and swim.
My goal for school this year is to finish with high honors, while maintaining my social life and sports/clubs well. My goal for work is to become a bit more involved within the Piers Park community, and to start working more next summer!
–Declan Donovan
