I am writing a letter of recommendation for Arissa who worked at Kennolyn’s Day Camp during the summers of 2005, 2006, 2007, and a few weeks in 2008. The camp started in 1946 and enjoys the reputation as one of the top camps in the United States. Children ages 5-14 attend 1-9 week sessions from 9am-4:30pm Monday through Friday where they participate in a variety of activities ranging from archery to riding to horse back climbing.
Arissa has been one of our Ropes Specialists at the Day Camp for four summers now. Right from the first day of training in 2005, she embraced our philosophy and fit very well into our program. While some counselors paid lip service, Arissa’s dedication shown through her actions. Her campers ranged from 3rd - 8th grade, she always kept them excited and motivated throughout each session. She was not only a positive model for her campers but for her fellow staff members. She built strong rapport quickly and easily managed and redirected camper misbehavior. She frequently pulled from her own resources and experience to come up with engaging activities, which her campers loved. When she or the group did face an obstacle, her solutions were thoughtful and well delivered.
I know that Arissa is very capable of creating a nurturing environment where the critical thinking and social skills of youth will flourish. I believe she will be highly effective at any organization due to the many strengths she has shown while working at Kennolyn. She has the intangible skills that cannot be taught. Whatever “it” is, she has it. Any organization should consider them-selves lucky to have Arissa.
