What our Staff are saying about thier

Summer Job experience at

YMCA Camp Marston & Raintree Ranch

The first time I went to camp was a great experience to grow as a person and to learn the meaning of responsibility, for I had to take care of children "on my own" and that was something I had never done before. Soon I realized that everyone felt the same way. After that we became pro´s and all of our fears went away.

I learned the meaning of "home away from home" because for me camp is a great big family that teaches you to care about yourself and specially about other’s!!

I think everyone has a "camp geek" inside, and once you release it, I can assure you that you won’t want to put it away ever again!!

I have been going to camp for a while now and most of my best and coolest experiences have happened there. Also some of the people I care for the most, are people that I met during my summer’s as YMCA staff!!

so don’t let this opportunity pass you by, I’ll bet you anything that you will have the time of your life!!

Danik (camper & Staff 99-07)

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I often think of my time at camp and the fun we all had...I would do it again every summer I had the chance!

Camp is a bubble-blowing, spirit-growing, ever-singing, bells-a-ringing, kids-laughing, power-napping, wall-climbing, perfect-timing, always-dancing, soul-enhancing, game-playing, wanna-be- staying, re-arranging, life-changing experience! DO IT!!

Love and bubbles,

Alison (Summer 2003)

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Camp Marston has been a second home to me as both a camper and staff. The experiences I have had, the people I have met and the memories I have made will stay with me for years to come. It's amazing how often I am able to use the songs, claps, skits, stories, and overall experience in my life since staffing in 2002.  Marston will always be a part of my life and a place that I will always keep close; both in my memories and my heart.

I'm just wrapping up my first year as a preschool teacher in LA and really, I use so many camp-y things every day.

The ketchup clap, Quick-draw, Frank's Screw for a Bellybutton story...

Alana (Camper & Staff 99-05)

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My experience at  YMCA Marston / Raintree gave me the opportunity to work with different kids from different backgrounds and abilities but all of us had something in common, We wanted to enjoy a summer camp the best possible way!!  

...indeed it was fantastic, I was able to experience a great summer developing skills that where very valuable for my degree, "Leisure Management". At YMCA Marston / Raintree I had the chance to work with professionals and experts in the field of the outdoors, which inspired me to return to Mexico YMCA Camohomila and develop a Mountain Bike Teens Program for the kids, teens and adults of the region. 

The opportunity to exchange different cultures between individuals is a gift that can’t be let pass.

YMCA summer camps rocks!!!!

Regards from Thailand,

Luis (Summer 04)

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 I think the main thing I found at camp is the way you realize how much of a big role you can play in everyone’s life, especially your own, all you have to do is get involved, and don't sit around waiting for other people to take you where you are going! That is what camp did for me anyway.

 Not only that, I am really looking forward to this year!

Morgan (Summer 01-07)

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The summer I spent at camp was truly the best summer of my life...it was also possibly the hardest but most rewarding work I have ever done.  I helped to build the kids trust in me and as a result I helped one kid in particular go back to an improved family life.

Camp helped me to grow in confidence in dealing with people.  My teamwork and leadership skills were challenged and strengthened.  I am now working as an Account Manager in London for a Logistics company.

The fondest memories are from the friends I made.

There are many that I now only have e-mail contact with due to living on a different continent to them but I have a best friend in Mireille.  She too is living and working in London and we try to meet up as often as possible.  I'm sure we will be great friends forever!

Kay (Summer 2001)

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During my years at Camp Marston I realized the absolute joy of helping others reach their potential. I had the pleasure to work with a number of amazing people from around the world who have become very good friends. Since returning back to Australia I have been able to have some of these amazing people in my home and share my world with them.

Before Marston I had never worked with children, now I manage a school camp and love giving students the chance to experience and explore their limitations.

Scotti (Staff  99- 2004)

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Apart from meeting and making friends with people from all over the world I think my time at camp allowed me to learn about myself. I discovered a lot about my personal strengths and weaknesses because at times we were really challenged and our strengths stood out. At other times I can reflect back and see how I might have handled situations differently thus exposing my weaknesses. I really grew as an individual and will never forget my experience at camp or the amazing friends I made. I will never forget some of the children I met and the hardships they endured in their young lives, some of them really touched my heart. 

Sarah (Summer 03) Third year medical student

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Becoming a Camp Counselor was something I have had on my To-Do-List for years, and I do not have any regrets about my decision. Yes the pay was little, the sun was hot, and the hours long, but what made it worth it, for me, was the impact I knew I was making on the kids. As I helped each camper develop the core values of the YMCA, I in turn was developing these values myself. Being honest, caring, responsible, and showing respect is something my employer really values and although I have always had a little bit of these values in me, after my experience at Y Camp, they are now fully implanted in me.

Sue  (Summer 04) Registered Nurse