Katherine Mercer

I coach at PHD Volleyball camps with players of various ages, from third grade to seniors in high school. PHD is a clinic-based club, meaning that it has sporadic camps instead of club volleyball teams that meet consistently. These camps occur during times like spring break or in preparation for girls' or boys' volleyball season. They also occasionally offer clinics for players once a week.

• Mentored and encouraged youth to develop strong work ethic by being positive role model and regularly practicing skills.
• Teach campers basic volleyball skills, such as passing, setting, hitting, and serving.
• Provided guidance to participants in order to help them develop their skills and achieve desired goals.
• Fostered a positive and motivational environment to boost team morale and cohesio

I have worked at Tenacre for the last two summers, and I am returning this summer. The day camp runs all summer and operates from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. As a counselor, I have to:

• Facilitated group problem-solving discussions to build positive relationships among campers.
• Helped participants enjoy activities while ensuring adherence to protocol.
• Implemented behavior management techniques, fostering a respectful and positive environment.
• Provided positive and authoritative approach to guiding behavior by using age-appropriate limits and choices.
• Recognized and implemented safety standards to minimize incidents or accidents.
• Provided emotional support to campers dealing with homesickness or other issues related to being away from home.
• Encouraged camper participation and engagement through enthusiastic leadership and role modeling.
• I have to ensure that campers change before and after swimming, and reapply sunscreen afterward.

• Organize and lead drills.
• Take player stats during games and practices.
• Set up and help make sure the game runs smoothly.
• Represented the volleyball program at various campus functions.

• Worked with other student ambassadors to organize programming to meet students' needs.
• I gave tours of Needham High School for new students, pointing out classrooms and detailing student life and activities.
• Supported new students by providing directional information and participating in orientation.
• Generated excitement for new students through presentations and sharing firsthand experiences.
• Provided peer advising and presentations for new students.

• Coached individuals between the ages of 11 and 13 on volleyball techniques.
• Showed athletes proper methods for hitting, passing, and serving the ball.
• Monitored the safety of training, individual exercises, and equipment usage to avoid sports injuries and damage to the facility.
• Encouraged team members to become stronger, more agile athletes, and more successful competitors through focus, effective training, and proper nutrition.
• Helped set up and break down the clinics.

My role was to assist the teacher in day-to-day activities, and ensure reliable child care.

• I followed the directions from my supervisor and completed the tasks within the appropriate timeframe.
• Offered support and assistance to kids.
• Helped with prep, setup, and breakdown of daily activities.

In the summer of 2020, many daycare providers and camps were shut down due to Covid-19, so a friend and I opened a home-based camp and babysitting service for the summer.

• Hired a group of counselors, and decided on the number of campers we could accommodate.
• Developed a website and an Instagram account for marketing.
• Co-managed team meetings to discuss scheduling, different types of activities we could offer, and how to handle snacks and lunch.
• Participated in activities with the kids, including playing various games, helping them with arts and crafts, giving them snacks, and always trying to make sure they were safe, having fun, and enjoying camp.
• Enforced discipline and policies to protect the safety of recreational activity participants.

• Supervised class participants, and enforced safety rules and regulations to prevent injury.
• Monitored activities in swimming areas to prevent accidents, and provide assistance to swimmers.
• Encouraged students to build confidence in and out of the water by making swimming fun.
• Enforced safety rules and procedures to minimize injuries.