Good - Substitute Teacher Camp Lokanda Employee Review

Amazing experience. Build great relationship with the campers and kids. Owners work really hard to make sure everything is great. Supervisors definitely listen and care.

Some long days, but the hard work is worth it.

Working at Camp Lokanda has genuinely been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of my life. It’s such a warm and nurturing environment, where the owners and directors, Ronen and Dana, along with the Campus Leaders (Jaime, Josh, Stacey, Dave, and Courtney), truly care about you as a person, not just an employee. They are genuinely invested in helping you succeed, take on more leadership roles, and grow both professionally and personally. From day one, I felt like I was joining a supportive, positive community that cares deeply about both its staff and its campers. A Typical Day at Work: A typical day at Camp Lokanda is definitely not a 9-5 job, but it's totally worth it. You typically start around 7:45 am and finish up around 9:30 pm, with breaks throughout the day. Every day is different and filled with exciting activities, so it never gets boring! As a staff member, you're always on your toes—leading activities, supervising campers, or working with your team to keep everything running smoothly. It can get busy, but there's always a sense of purpose. We always say, “The days are long, but the weeks are short”—the first few days might feel like forever, but once you figure out the routine, meet new friends, and get comfortable, the summer flies by! The mornings start with a team meeting, breakfast, clean-up, and three instructional periods. The afternoons are filled with electives and fun special events. Evenings are packed with group activities like campfires, talent shows, silent discos, and game nights. It’s a non-stop, high-energy environment, but in the best way possible! What I Learned: I learned so much at Camp Lokanda—way more than I expected! I developed essential leadership and communication skills, especially in working with kids. I also gained tons of experience in conflict resolution, problem-solving, and adaptability. These skills have been super helpful in my personal and academic life too. Working here taught me how to be a better team player, manage time efficiently, and build long-lasting relationships with both campers and staff members. It was an incredible growth opportunity. Management: The management at Camp Lokanda is outstanding. They’re incredibly supportive and approachable, and you can tell that they truly care about the success and well-being of their staff. From the moment I arrived, I felt supported, and the feedback and guidance I received helped me grow in my role. The expectations are clear, and there’s always someone available if you need help or advice. The training and orientation are thorough, which made me feel prepared and confident. The camp’s focus on creating a safe, inclusive, and positive environment really stood out, and it made my job so much easier and more enjoyable. Workplace Culture: The culture at Camp Lokanda is one of collaboration, kindness, and enthusiasm. It’s such a positive and supportive atmosphere, where everyone, from the directors to the counselors, works together to create an unforgettable experience for the campers. The staff camaraderie is incredible; everyone is there to help each other succeed. Whether it’s sharing tips for handling challenging situations or celebrating a camper’s success, the camp environment is all about teamwork, respect, and fun. It truly feels like a community, not just a workplace. The Most Enjoyable Part of the Job: The best part of the job has to be the relationships you build with the campers. Seeing their growth, helping them overcome challenges, and knowing that you made their summer special is incredibly rewarding. Plus, the variety of activities you get to lead is awesome! Whether you’re playing sports, teaching a new skill, or just hanging out by the lake, there's always something exciting going on. And of course, the friendships you form with other staff members are some of the most memorable parts of the experience. Overall, Camp Lokanda is an amazing place to work. It’s a perfect mix of hard work, personal growth, and a lot of fun. If you’re looking for a meaningful summer job where you can make a real impact and grow as a person, I would highly recommend Camp Lokanda!

The Hardest Part of the Job: Like any job, there are challenges at Camp Lokanda. The hardest part for me was finding the balance between putting in the energy needed to take care of the campers while also taking care of myself. The job can be physically demanding, especially during busy activities, and maintaining your energy levels and enthusiasm throughout the day can be tough. But the support from your fellow staff members and the sense of fulfillment you get from working with the kids makes it all worth it.