We reckon being a Monitor on a Superweek is probably one of the best ever ways to spend your summer, and on top of all that – it looks great on your CV too! We spoke to staff from training courses throughout the years to find out why the ATE training course really made their CV shine.
A Leader
“It does not matter if you consider yourself a leader or not, the moment the children arrived and somebody tells them they’re in your group –you become become a friend, role model, and the relationship you can build with them is brilliantly different to any they’ve had before. It is amazing how quickly monitors learn how to take on this role and own it, and the way children talk about their monitors when they leave is a testament to what great leaders they are.”
“The areas of self knowledge, assertiveness, leadership and co-operation were brilliantly drawn together in a course which was more effective than any professional development training I have done since.” Alison N.
A Team Player
“Monitors are also some of the best team players you will ever meet. They have learned that they cannot do it all on their own and that the best product is produced when you have a team working on it. In a camp setting, you need all different personality types to build and deliver a week that appeals to each and every child.”
Responsible
“I can’t think of anything that carries a greater degree of responsibility than being given the care of someone else’s child. A lot of time, attention and careful thought is given to safety, physical and emotional well-being and the many things that a Monitor can do to make sure that each child in their team feels safe, well cared for and valued.” – Lead Instructor
A life-long learner
“In this kind of role, staff learn to approach every situation in life with an “I want to learn more” attitude.”
“Going on the ATE training course was easily the best decision I have made for myself, possibly ever. I learned new things every day, both about how to actually do the job of being a Monitor, and about myself too.” – Trainee, 2014
A Bob-The-Builder attitude
“Can we fix it? Yes we can. Working in this kind of setting develops initiative, flexibility, creative thinking, resilience and the ability to problem-solve. In this kind of role staff very quickly learn that as far as their group is concerned, THEY are the “go-to” person. Whilst we have lots of plans up our sleeves, at the drop of a hat circumstances might change – imagine heading out for swimming outdoors and all of a sudden you spot thunder and lightning. If you think you’ve experienced intimidating before,try standing in front of 50 children who are expecting to have the most fun they have ever had in their lives. Say it with me now: can we fix it? Yes we can.”
A good communicator
“In the work they do with ATE and from their training, our staff learn to communicate well with children, parents, and other members of staff as well as occasionally having to interact with the general public. It means having to be sensitive, discreet, and socially aware.”
“I think the benefits to young adults are wide reaching. I have loved the chance to take on responsibilities but in a supportive environment.” Kate J
A solid work ethic
“it is very difficult to explain to someone who has never been a monitor how hard (and simultaneously brilliant) this job really is, but monitors have little time off but always have a smile on their face.”
“It was possibly one of the busiest weeks of my life but also one of the best” – Trainee, 2012
A lot of Fun
“Superweeks provide young people with a non-judgmental space where they can have fun and be a little silly without fear of being an outcast.”
“Some of the best memories I have are from working with ATE, it made me so much more confident and I’ve met some really inspiring people” – Angela K
“All I wanted to do, was do it all over again. ATE was one of the best experiences of my life.” – Trainee, 2013
Confidence
“Not only have I grown and developed such confidence from the training and working on summer camps, but I don’t think I have ever seen so many happy, happy people in one place.” Katie L, Primary Teacher.
Empathy
“ATE has provided me with a vast range of skills which I regularly use in my life as a teacher such as the ability to empathize with children of all ages and all backgrounds. Every time I work with ATE it always amazes me how empathetic all of the staff are and this is something the organisation actively nurtures and encourages.”
Social responsibility, and an awareness of ‘the big picture’
“What volunteering can offer you is a chance to experience things you might not otherwise have the opportunity to take part in through employment. It also lets you be involved with something that you’re genuinely passionate about”