Staff Spotlight: Kyle Van Laar

Kyle is a Day Camp Shannon institution.  Both campers and staff alike look forward to seeing his welcoming smile and find out what fun he has in store every morning at drop off. Not only is Kyle passionate about Day Camp and the work he does here, but he is training to be a teacher because he loves working with young people and their families in the community too. He is known for giving 100% to Day Camp theme days so watch out for his amazing costumes around camp!

 

How long have you been coming to Camp Mason?

I was a camper for 5 years. Then I will have worked at camp for 4 years including this coming summer. I was always a day camper and counselor, always day camp!

 

Why do you keep coming back?

Those times as a camper were my best times and I always knew I wanted to come back again and again. I applied too late five years ago (to be a counselor) and missed the deadline. All the jobs had been filled and it was so sad. I always wanted to work to camp to give kids the same experience I had as a kid. After working at camp I realized how amazing it is and it made me switch my major from business to teaching so I can impact more kids. It’s a really cool place.

 

 

What advice would you give to a camper coming to Mason for the first time?

Don’t be afraid to be you because the most amazing thing about camp is how accepting everyone is. We accept and like everyone’s quirks. Even if you think you’re weird, we will probably like that about you.

 

 

What is something you learned at camp that has been useful in the rest of your life, perhaps at school or at home?

Professionally, it made me want to be a teacher. Camp taught me how to best treat others based on their different needs and circumstances. I learned how to talk to young kids so that they understand what’s going on. Camp taught me how to connect with people personally too. I am much better at addressing different situations and solving problems because of camp.


If you had to sum up camp in one sentence what would you say?

I’m going to need some time to think about that. It’s not easy. Ok let’s try,

“Camp Mason – a place to be yourself and not care who sees.”

Yeah, I like that one. Keep that one.

 

 

What is your favorite camp activity?

That’s a tough one. I have a favorite one to play with day camp – capture the flag. Day campers love that game so much and it’s crazy and fun to run around with them for that game. I don’t know why they love it so much but they do! My favorite activity to run is anything new because lots of day campers come for a long time and know a lot of the activities really well. When we play something new they get excited and want to try it so it’s really fun to lead. New stuff is really fun to try.

 

Finally, the most important question of them all: grilled cheese or tacos?

Grilled cheese, in a heartbeat.

 

Thanks Kyle! We’re so glad that you continue to spend your summers at Camp Mason.

 

Day Camp Shannon is YMCA Camp Mason’s day camp program. It runs from Monday to Friday for eight weeks each summer for campers finishing grades K-6. Day campers try out all kind of typical camp activities and some others that are unique to day camp. Day Campers are able to try out off-site trips, take advantage of swimming lessons at no extra cost, and opt to take horseback riding lessons at a small additional fee.