SUMMER AT THE ACADEMY

Summerat the Academy

INSET: Callie Poole ’19 worked as a counselor for Ninja Warrior and other programs this summer.

OPPOSITE, FROM TOP

LEFT: Students had fun during Summer at the Academy 2022, participating in Flag Football; Ninja Warrior; Young People’s Theatre Program; and Swimming.

Well over a decade has passed since Callie Poole ’19 began having fun as a Summer at the Academy camper, but she still vividly recalls those youthful days. Callie started going to camps when she was 5 years old. An active child, she enjoyed the many various sports offerings. She loved when counselors encouraged her to do push-ups and other exercises, propelling her to get the most out of the activities.

“When the counselors hype you up, you feel so good,” Callie said.

Now a senior at Mary Washington University, Callie is scheduled to graduate this winter, a semester early. For the past several years, since she was in Upper School, she has been giving back to younger students as a Summer counselor.

This year’s Summer had more pep, for campers and counselors alike, as it offered a turn away from Covid disruptions. The pandemic canceled camp in 2020 and last year limited its length.

The most experienced counselor this year was Zach Minor ’18. Zach graduated from James Madison University in the spring and is now in graduate school at JMU. This summer was his seventh as a Summer counselor.

“It’s fun helping the kids throughout the day and accomplishing goals throughout the week,” he said.

Like Callie, Zach remembers his first camp, in seventh grade, a sports camp with Coach Rich Peccie. A talented basketball and football player, Zach was the biggest camper.

But what stood out more were the bonds Zach formed. He had just switched from public school to Norfolk Academy, and didn’t have a lot of friends at his new school. Yet he quickly connected with fellow campers, counselors, and even directors.

“Everyone was there to have fun and be active,” Zach said.

Both Callie and Zach are interested in teaching once they complete their studies. They’ve been working hard preparing — Zach has gained experience teaching in Harrisonburg schools while at JMU and Callie has helped in a variety of roles at Norfolk Academy during breaks from college.

They both also agree that serving as counselors has helped prepare them to be teachers. It has made them more comfortable interacting with students of all ages. And they’ve seen how valuable it is to take the time to connect with campers.

“Forming bonds and showing you care; that gives them more motivation,” Zach said, “which is going to

be huge in a classroom.” ◆