Staff in the Spotlight

Getting to Know Ravon Carrillo

Name: Ravon Carrillo

Where are you from: Middletown, NY

Years at I.S.: 2

What have you been doing since camp ended last summer?
Since camp has ended, I’ve been doing my student teaching in New York City and finishing up my last semester of college.  That’s basically all my life has revolved around in the past couple months, but I have found a new love for the city and some incredible places to eat.

What is your favorite memory from the summer?
This is by far the hardest question but if I had to pick one, it would be the first rainy day at camp.  I was kind of bummed that we wouldn’t be outside, but this was the day I really got to connect with my campers and co-counselors.  We all just stayed in the bunk for the entire day playing card games, throwing a ball around, talking, laughing, and just having a good time.

What did you learn from your experience last summer?
After the summer, I learned how important it is to put my full effort into every activity I did with my campers.  If you give your all into something, it’s contagious and other people will want to follow.  I was able to use this idea as a teacher and it helped get my students fully engaged in my lessons.

What are you looking forward to most about next summer?
I have such high expectation for camp this coming summer.  I can’t wait to see how much all my campers have grown over the year, reuniting with returning staff, and meeting the new staff coming in.  More importantly I can’t wait for the chance to make more amazing memories.

What advice do you have for staff who are going to be at Iroquois Springs for the first time this summer?
If I can give one piece of advice for first time staff, it would be to enjoy every moment presented to you, because before you know it the summer will be over.  Take time to appreciate the little things and the people around you.  Make sure you’re all in for every activity, skit, game, or just conversation with your campers.  Time flies when you’re having fun and Iroquois Springs is no exception to that.