I had the opportunity to work for FVSRA through their Summer Day Camp program, at Camp Shining…read moreStars, for 3 summers. At the beginning, this was a great experience where I was able to apply my field work in special education. It was a privilege to meet so many amazing campers and their families and take part in the outstanding progress that they all made. Unfortunately, this past summer myself and 2 other counselors had some significant leadership and safety concerns about the director, who was the lead staff member at this site. Her being someone else that works in the field of special education, this was extremely frustrating and upsetting. When asked for ideas of things to do at camp, myself and those other counselors provided multiple new ideas that would provide the campers new opportunities and learning experiences. A lot of these ideas were free too, which is great for the small budget we are allowed. All but one of these were not approved- which was the Bake Sale, and our director took no part in planning or facilitating the process. Nonetheless, I was glad that we pursued this happening because it ended up being one of the best days for so many campers. She addressed all of the counselors by saying, "when I say something you all will do it", which was sad to see for some of the staff members new to camp. When we had a sub staff come in, she actually asked, "is she always like that?", in regards to the director. She spent most mornings sitting on the countertop using her personal phone, even though she is provided a camp phone- which is against one of the FVSRA policies that all other counselors followed. During times when campers became dysregulated and occasionally physically aggressive, the director relied on another counselor (who will now not be returning either) to use the training that was provided and address the situation. She did not quickly respond or take lead in this area, which was only frustrating because Fox Valley does not provide this training to all of its staff. When these issues were brought up to staff at the office, they decided that it was in the best interest of the campers to keep this director, so I am not sure how high up leadership and safety, as well as following policies, are in FVSRA's priorities for their staff. Multiple emails and follow up communications had to be done for me and another counselor to even get a response from the office, which reflects poorly on a company I previously viewed as great professionals. The counselors at Shining Stars were not able to complete the director evaluation this summer, which we have done previously, and office staff showed up to our site less than 3 times all summer, so I am not sure how thoroughly if at all the director was evaluated. To parents of the amazing campers currently and in the future, be cautious that what you are signing up for seems great on the outside but is not really giving your child everything that they deserve. They are getting rid of the staff members that work directly with them, build relationships, and are passionate about being their advocates. Aside from the director, the FVSRA website promotes that campers at this site would "fulfill certain rotating responsibilities such as line leaders, lunch clean-up and team leaders", which is completely false and did not happen once in the 3 summers I was there. To anyone working, or considering working, through the FVSRA program, at this site specifically, speak up when you are being treated unfairly and maybe something will eventually be changed. I would be happy to give anyone interested or concerned about these matters more information, do not hesitate to reach out. I will greatly miss all of the campers and truly hope that drastic changes will be made for their sake. Thank you to all of the parents who gave me the chance to meet their kids! They changed my life for the best.
