Alyssa Porter
5-MINUTE FRIDAYS INSTRUCTOR - Day Camp Focus
What camps have you worked at?
Camp Ledgewood (Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio)
The Great Lakes Science Center's day camps
All-City Arts (Cleveland Metropolitan School District) Day Camp
Chautauqua Institution
Why is working at summer camp important to you?
In our daily lives, kids and young adults have so few opportunities to take risks in a supportive environment, be independent, and learn the skills needed for building strong relationships. Camps are one of the few places where this still happens and is core to the industry. I believe that in order to address society's most complex problems, we need places and programs that value this work - camps, rec programs, museums, and parks.
Who is a camp leader you look up to and why?
Long before I had the opportunity to call him a friend, Travis Allison. For many years and especially early in my career, I have admired the way that he approaches supporting camps as a community.
What was the first time you were noticed and appreciated by an adult that wasn't your parent?
The first time I remember this happening was when a teacher took a real interest in my writing when I was only 6 or 7 years old. She recognized my desire to tell stories and that allowed me the chance to see that I could connect with others through words when nothing else really made sense.
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of camp?
Writing, crafting - whatever hyper fixation craft I am on at that moment, exploring with my kiddo, and playing games.
What are you passionate about (besides summer camp)?
Mental health advocacy, the arts, and local politics
What is something that not a lot of people know about you?
My great-uncle is considered one of the world's top bowling coaches.
What was your act in your camp's talent show?
We didn't have talent shows at the camps I grew up at but I would jump into any impromptu opportunity to perform - I love acting and theatre.
What's your favourite meal at camp?
The Friday buffet of whatever happens to be leftover at the end of the week.
Check out Alyssa on 5-Minute Fridays