Sam is a counselor in 5-8 for 5th and 6th grade boys.
How long have you been with SEP?
This is my first year.
What made you want to work here?
Between my junior and senior years of high school I attended a summer residential Governor's School for month and had a great experience. When my mom showed me the application for SEP I read the description and wanted to give that same experience of acceptance for being smart to these kids.
What's your special topic?
I'm teaching a special topic called "Bridge Building: A Case Study of the Engineering Process." In the class we learn about how problem solving works in engineering using an imagined scenario of needing to cross a river. We then learn about the forces at work and what causes bridges to fail. After identifying the six different types of bridges the students then get a chance to build their own bridge using popsicle sticks and glue. They only get a certain amount of materials. The winner is chosen based on the strongest, most efficient use of materials, in the same way that an engineering group earns a contract based on their design.
What's your favorite part of camp, and why?
My favorite part of camp is watching the kids light up when you strike a topic that they are really passionate about. Asking one question and then having the campers talk and talk and talk with each other about sports or candy or a funny story is really rewarding.
What's your hall theme?
I decorated each door with a Pokeball and Pokemon type. On my door is Pikachu and a Master ball, to show that I'm truly a Pokemon master and they can learn a lot about strategy from me. Somehow during one meal we picked the name for our group as the Fat Nuggets. I don't know how it came about, but they all wanted that name so it stuck.
Do you prefer eating at O-Hill or St. Anne's?
St. Anne's. Because coffee.
What's something about you someone might not expect if they didn't know you well?
Something people might not expect about me is that I'm truly an old man. I love wearing house slippers, doing crosswords, going to bed early, and playing Bridge with senior citizens.
When you first started working here, what's something that surprised you?
When I first started working here it amazed me how the kids take to the counselors when we're acting weird, and just seeing the campers open up once we show it's ok to be silly.
What's a funny story that's happened at camp so far?
The other night the other counselors and I were sitting talking with some campers during quiet time and discovered we have a self-proclaimed ladies' man on the floor who has some 7th grade and even some 8th grade girls giggling in groups as he walks around.
What do you think is the most difficult part of the job?
The hardest part of the job is probably keeping a high energy level when we're short on sleep and keeping the campers spirits high during lulls in the day or while waiting for an activity to start.
What do you know about gifted education?
As far as gifted education goes, I think it's important for these students to stay engaged and challenged in class. They need to feel like the information is just out of their grasp at first glance but if they apply themselves to it and actively try to understand, then they can find their interpretation of it. These are going to be the future researchers, leaders, and doctors in the world and we need kids to practice that individual attempt at mastering the world around them to progress as a civilization.
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