Want to know what it’s like to work at Eckerd? Listen to what other Outdoor Youth Counselors have to say:
Renee
“I want the opportunity to work with people – that’s the one thing I’ve always wanted in a job. I’m also going to use it as a stepping stone for grad school, to go into counseling. I think this is the best experience you can get – it’s around the clock, twenty-four hours a day. You’re helping counsel these girls into adulthood, so it’s a good stepping stone for myself and my future.”
Colleen
“There are a lot of real positive things about the job. One thing of course that I really enjoy is just the perks of being outdoors all the time. I think the wilderness is challenging for the kids and for the counselors – there’s a lot to learn out here. I love the environment for one thing, but also the kids… It’s so rewarding to see the changes that happen in the kids, and also to see as you build a relationship with them and see what you can pull out of the kid, to see them grow as you get to know them and work with them… It really becomes almost like a family environment with the kids and it’s just very rewarding to see what can happen with this program and the changes that occur in the kids.”
Ignacio
“If I were a recruiter I would tell them that if they want to change their life as well as the lives of others, and they have the will to do it, this is a good place to start. I don’t see other programs as well organized or as well constructed as this. And as you look around – you have people of all backgrounds, of many different groups, from all around the United States – and other countries too, so it’s great! You want to start something new – and you want to experience something new – this is the place to be.”
Shawn
“It definitely makes you feel good inside when you get to meet these kids. When you see them initially and they’re not always the angels that you would like them to be – but as you get to know them and as they begin to trust you, you develop a bond… and they become their kids. And it’s really gratifying to see they progress and do well and to see them in a situation where they would normally burst and get really angry and show it… they decide to funnel their frustrations in a different way. It’s really exciting to see people do that because then you know you’re making a difference. And you know, the group that’s making a difference; it’s not just me, it’s everyone, it’s the setting. And being a part of that is definitely very exciting.”
