“I applied for the Youth Development Professional position, while still living in St. Louis, as I knew that I would be moving back to Wyoming and wanted to work with a different population than I had before. While having had experience working with youth, it had never been something as direct or everyday as the Boy & Girls Club. That summer of 2021, working with the past director, Scott, and coordinator Jenna was one of the best summers I can remember. The kids and staff were outside all summer, in the mountains at the lake, walking trails, outdoor pool and just all over Buffalo and the surrounding areas. It combined my love for being active with the kid’s imagination and curiosity. The relationships the staff built with the kids, and fulfilling the need in the Buffalo community for school-age activities in the summer and afterschool is such a special field, and I am so lucky to have moved into this position.”

“The biggest lesson I have learned is that each kid is unique. Each one is at a different learning level or social competency level, regardless of grade or age. In order for them to be successful, we meet them where they are at. I think the Boy & Girls Club has a special ability to do that, because of the large age range we serve, the programs we provide, and dedication of our staff.”

“In Buffalo, we have an amazing outdoor pool that we use multiple times a week in the summer. In order to go down the slide and swim in the deep-end, the kids have to pass a staff member’s swim test and the lifeguard’s swim test. It is so exciting and rewarding to see the kids when they pass the test and are able to swim with the big kids. It never ceases to amaze me how much of a sense of accomplishment it gives them and how proud they are to get the coveted yellow wrist band. I also get very excited for every kid that passes. It has even become a tradition that I will jump off the diving board when they pass the test! For me as a director, I see it as my job to give the kids the confidence that they can do hard things! Even something as small as a swim test can be such a boost to any kid’s heart. It gives me motivation to continue striving for their success in the best way possible.”