March 11, 2025 Category: Fresh Air Fun Meet Fresh Air

Tasheema Walker: What It Means to Be a Camp Counselor

Tasheema Walker, a political science major from Long Island University, began her Fresh Air journey at Camp Hayden-Marks in 2017. “When I first applied to work at camp, I had never been to a sleepaway camp before. It took time to get used to my new role, but as the summer went on, I made meaningful connections with the campers and other counselors.” From there, she worked her way up to program specialist and eventually village leader.

Leaders to Look Up To

Camp counselors at The Fresh Air Fund are diverse leaders from across the country and world. They help campers experience new things and develop empathy, critical thinking and social skills. Counselors provide guidance and supervision of campers and participate in fun activities such as sports, hiking, swimming, archery and much more. The bonds built between campers and counselors are very special because counselors support each camper as they try new activities and develop goals during their camp experience.

Large group of camp counselors holding welcome signs, smiling, and cheering. — **Counselors welcome campers on their first day of camp. (The Fresh Air Fund/Kara Gildea)**

A Learning Opportunity

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned as a counselor is to have more confidence in myself,” Tasheema said.

To help counselors prepare for their time at camp, The Fresh Air Fund provides comprehensive orientations and training. Training topics include how to help campers with homesickness, behavioral management, safety matters and leadership techniques.

“I really like how structured camp is. You have a full schedule and lots of activities, and it’s teaching me how to be responsible and create a structure for my own life.” Counselors use the skills they develop to give campers reassurance, support and the confidence they need to try new activities like swimming in the lake or the ropes course.

Tasheema smiling and laughing with a camper while playing a game. — **Tasheema has many joyful memories from her time at Camp Hayden-Marks. (Allison Engkvist/The Fresh Air Fund)**

Special Connections

In addition to the skills built during orientation and training, counselors become role models and mentors for campers and develop leadership skills that can be applied to any future career.

“I love being around the kids. As the summer goes on, you make deep connections with the campers and other counselors. By the end you’re crying because you don’t want to leave. It’s a short time, but we get close. It’s a really special thing to be a part of.”