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Kyla Winacott
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Kyla Winacott, a second year Arts student, had an exceptional summer. In fact, it was a life-changing experience and it all started when she was placed at Camp Potlatch.
As a Camp Counsellor, Kyla was responsible for leading a group of adversely challenged children in a wilderness environment to perform outdoor activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and rock climbing. Her work was diverse and challenging from first aid, to mentor, to teacher, to role model, and to being a friend. Nevertheless, her main duties were ensuring the children were safe, happy, and well entertained. Throughout Kyla's various interactions, she knew she had made a positive impact on each child she guided, taught, and encouraged.
Kyla praised the Co-op staff as very helpful and positive. "There were moments when I was losing my enthusiasm during my application process, but the staff helped change that. My faculty advisor kept in touch with me throughout the summer. The best advice I got from her was to set realistic goals and to keep a journal recording my progress."
Kyla described her Co-op experience as a life-changing event. "Camp Potlatch gave me wisdom, strength, survival skills, new friends, and mostly joy. I am more confident, patient, organized, and happy. I now have a more positive attitude and find the good nature in everyone. For each new task I learned, I overcame fears and personal challenges. Being at a wilderness camp also enriched me with hard skills such as bear scares, outdoor cooking, and all weather survival. In addition, working with children from different backgrounds kept me enlightened, encouraged, and learning throughout the summer. Above all, the hard and soft skills that I have learned will guide me through my journey towards elementary school teaching. I was validated over and over again that I would be a great teacher."
