Staff in the Spotlight

Getting to Know Ryan Wicks

Name: Ryan Wicks

Where are you from: Moorpark, CA

Years at I.S.: Summer 2016 will be my first

Why did you decide to work at camp this summer?

Through the years I have always heard that summer camps were a great, fun way to spend your summer. A lot of my friends have previously worked at camps, as well as my dad when he was my age, so I decided to try it out and I can’t wait!

What are you looking to learn this summer from being a counselor?

This summer I am hoping to learn more leadership and communication skills.  I know the camp environment will be a great place to practice these skills and develop them further. I am also looking forward to learning about my fellow co-workers and the kids who I will be leading.   Learning more about New York will be awesome too – I’ve never been!!

How are you looking to impact your children this summer?

I have always had positive experiences at the summer camps I attended as a child. Whether it was a camp similar to Iroquois Springs, or the daily basketball camps I attended, I always had a great time. I want to be able give back to the younger generations and allow them to have the same, if not better, experiences than I had.

As we are now in April, how are you feeling about the summer?  

Honestly, I am a little nervous for camp just because I’m in a new place with new people. However, I’m sure that will change really quickly as we all grow closer through the summer, and that’s what I’m excited for. I can’t wait to meet new people and share the unforgettable memories that this summer will create.

Tell us an interesting fact/story about yourself?

I grew up hiking with my dad in the Sierra Nevada mountains and last summer I led a group of my friends on the same hike.  None of them had been before and they put all of their trust in me to get them prepared and lead them.  It was awesome!! I love making memories that will last a lifetime and cannot wait for all the great memories I create at camp.