As the summer gives its final hurrah and camps begin to wrap up their merriments, KWAG Counsellor Haley Jurynec sat down with co-workers and reflected on the impacts that they’ve made in their positions and the influence that camp has had on them. 

How did you find yourself in this position? What aspects of this program resonated with your personal or professional aspirations? 

Megan:
I have previous experience at summer art camps. I enjoy working with kids. I was hoping for a role where I'd be able to teach children and help them learn how to express their creativity.”  I hope to have a career where I can help people one-on-one, and working at camp gave me opportunities to further develop this skill.

Aaliyah:
I worked as a peer art tutor in the past, and this position allowed me to explore younger age ranges. I was able to learn new skills, apply my past experiences, and compare and contrast. I plan on pursuing a career in the arts, and I aspire to teach about the importance of artistic exploration.

Dide: 
I loved the focus of teaching kids art, and as someone who has been making art since a young age, I appreciated the opportunity to help them explore their potential so early on.

Haley:
I previously worked with CNIB teaching art and have a variety of experience working in camp settings, so I knew this position would be a great fit. One aspect that drew me in was the opportunity to gain a new understanding of the art world in a gallery setting. I have a passion for making art accessible, and as an aspiring arts educator, this was amazing for networking/professional development.

Can you describe an impactful moment you experienced with either a camper or yourself during your time at KWAG? 

Megan: 
I had the opportunity to work one-on-one with a camper who needed extra support. It was rewarding to help her participate in activities at her own pace. I developed problem-solving skills that I will be able to use in future roles.

Aaliyah:
Witnessing a child building their artistic skills was fulfilling. The best moments were when a kid was struggling and, by the end of the week, felt very confident. Problem-solving with children and building relationships are all skills I will be taking into the future.

Dide:
Teaching the campers how to hand-weave was a great experience. They were very patient with it, even though it was a challenging task for them, and the results were terrific!

Haley:
Each week, we host an art show where campers showcase the work they’ve produced. I felt so proud watching campers carefully write their labels, think about the positioning of their art, and eagerly anticipate their parents' arrival. Hearing all the parents talk about how happy their children would be when they came home made all the work we did worth it.  
                                                                             
KWAG has continued to offer young people opportunities to break into the arts. They are furthering their impact through the implementation of professional development workshops. 

Professional Development for Young Arts Workers:
Session 1: Sunday, 21 September
Session 2: Sunday, 28 September
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Free | No registration required

These youth-targeted events will focus on educating young people about the various sectors, positions, and pathways they can pursue in the arts, as well as on resume preparation, application processes, and interview techniques to enhance their hireability.

KWAG’s camp has offered meaningful growth opportunities not only for its campers but also for its staff.