Part Time Plans, Full Time Finish

Well, folks, it finally happened! I worked my last day of summer camp about a week and a half ago. Can you believe two whole months of summer came and went? It feels like just the other day I walked into camp for the first time and got paired up with my camper for a day of excitement and fun. Fast forward weeks of museum visits, pool days, park exploring & more, and I'm hanging up my counselor badge. It's crazy to think that summer camp flew by so fast, but in my mind, I hear "time flies when you're having fun" on repeat. Looking back on this summer, I can absolutely agree with that statement!

While I intentionally worked a part time schedule, I firmly believe it was a full-time experience all the way to the finish. I bonded with kids whose paths I would have never crossed otherwise. I gained more insight into the world of special education and direct, support professional work. I engaged with kids in a non-classroom setting and coincidentally filled my teacher cup. I also feel like I had my fair share of field trips just by taking kids to so many places in the community.

So what now, right? Well, I'll tell ya!

After I spent a weekend recovering from my summer camp stint, I then put my camp hat back on, however with a slightly different twist. I helped run our school's Kindergarten camp, which consisted of three days of skill preparation and readiness activities for kids needing extra exposure to "school before school." We had about 19 students, and I got to lead camp alongside two other Kindergarten teachers in my building. This soft launch into Kindergarten was so helpful for our littlest learners, and it definitely made me more excited for school to start! We had a great few days of building relationships and learning what school is all about. While it was only a few days, or a part time gig, it felt like a full time finish due to the impact it had on those kids. Not to mention, I gave myself time to work on my classroom for the upcoming year. Being ahead of the game is so satisfying, isn't it?

Along with K camp, I also just filled out my interest form for next year's summer camp, as I'm definitely intrigued by the opportunity to work as a camp counselor again. I loved working with so many incredible kids this summer, and I hope I can continue that in the future. Before I get to next summer, however, I have a bigger commitment. It rhymes with drool and starts with an S.

Want to know? It's SCHOOL!

We officially had our first teacher contract day this past Friday, however we have two more "teacher only" preparation days before students arrive on Wednesday for day 1. I know, I know, it's one thing on to the next! Let's keep the energy going, people!

Like I said earlier, I spent my summer in part time mode, yet I feel good knowing I had a full time finish. While all my responsibilities and obligations were part time, I put full time effort into each one, and felt accomplished upon their conclusion. However, some people may wonder why I enjoy filling my summer days with this part time experience. I can respect the curiosity, as I also wonder why I do it from time to time! I personally enjoy the part time plans, as it gives me just enough to do when I'm not teaching. It allows me to feel productive while also allowing me time to not be busy. It's a good balance in my book!

As I head back into teacher mode and kick start our next school year, I look back on this summer fondly and with an accomplished mindset. The satisfaction I feel about the work I did this summer fueled my fire for this upcoming school year. I look forward to taking that energy and pushing it out into another year of Kindergarten. Goodbye part-time plans, hello full time fun!

Sharing Perspective. Encouraging Perseverance.

~Kendall