YMCA After School Program 

(Counselor)

How is this internship helping me? Why is this course different from others?

This course sets itself apart from others because it is teaching you actual life-long skills that are useful towards success. I wanted to take this class so I would gain an opportunity that other students aren’t currently receiving and take in information that will help guide me towards the next step I decide to take for my future.

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What Does A Day In My Job Look Like?

For the YMCA after-school program, everyday varies. All of the counselors clock in at exactly 2:12, and we begin to start setting up the activities for the kids. The first thing we do is make sure all of the kids who walk into the cafeteria are getting checked in on our attendance sheets. These sheets go by grade, and usually I am the one checking in the kindergarteners. Once all of the kids are checked in and waiting at their table, we grab their attention to go over our core values. These are the skills and assets we want the kids to take in and reflect them onto their day to day lives. After core values are over, our normal routine begins. We have a list of options we provide to the kids for what they can do during our program. They can decide to play the games we have set out in the cafeteria, do the daily craft, eat a snack if it's their grade’s time, sit out with the counselor in the hallway, or play the group game activity we have planned either outside or in the gym (this depends on the weather that day). All counselors have a designated spot that they are supposed to be ranging from day to day. Sometimes we switch people around to different spots when necessary, but the biggest concern of ours is simply making sure all of the kids are in a safe environment. Whether I am in the cafeteria, outside, or in the gym, we want to engage in the activities until it is our time to leave. As each child starts to get picked up and leave, I make sure to say goodbye to them as they walk out the door. All of the counselors communicate over walkie talkies, so once it is time for us to leave work, the counselor up front managing the parents will let us know and we will clock out. 

How Has This Class Helped Me?

This class has helped provide me information on many different topics helpful to my job experience. I have learned not only how to thoroughly and effectively improve at my job, but also how to efficiently work towards my long term goals I have set for myself.

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I Love My Job So Much!!