A cold blast of air greets the campers and me as we walk inside from burning ninety-degree weather. The kids are told to have “marshmallow feet” and to “hold a bubble in your mouth” when we march up the stairs and into our classrooms. As cheerful yellow light from tall windows streams in, the smiling animal puppets and abstract finger paintings seem to welcome us to another day at the Morehead Planetarium. The kids simultaneously rush one side of the room, stuffing their small lunchboxes and backpacks into cubbies. Then (most of) the campers obediently go and sit on the blue carpet, ready to start the day.
As we learn about the sun, the planets, light, and heat, many questions and comments are blurted out followed with gentle reminders to raise their hands. This summer with my work at Morehead Planetarium, I recognized how much I enjoy the company of five and six-year-olds and what it means when people say volunteering is a two-way street.
Many say volunteering is a thankless job where one receives no compensation. I can drive home with a full heart, but not a full wallet and be a hundred percent okay with that.
While it is true I don’t get paid, the lessons learned, personal growth, and the involvement itself are rewards beyond compare. Having to supervise young kids for seven hours a day has really taught me how their tiny minds process information. I have also perfected the art of talking to kids and now know what words and phrases to use in varying situations; breaking up fights and teaching to share toys are all in a day’s work.
For example, at Morehead, the counselors had some problems with kids invading personal space. For countless times, I’ve had to use the phrase “keep your hands to yourself”, “ask before you touch”, and explain to a camper why they have to receive full permission before hugging someone else. It might seem superficial to the kids, but consent is an important life lesson that should stay with them as they get older. To be influential, even to very young lives, feels great.
Volunteering at the Morehead Planetarium was truly a transformative and gratifying experience I could not possibly find anywhere else. The atmosphere of togetherness, learning, and appreciation brought more purpose into my original summer plans. Before this summer, I had forgotten how unconditionally pure children were and how much I love teaching and being with young ones. To see lunches packed with love and kids launching themselves at parents during pickup time was an absolute joy.
Granted, there were days when I dragged myself out of bed and moments where my throat would hurt from projecting so much, but the end result was worth so much more. These days, many student volunteers sign up just to fulfill graduation requirements or to get it on their resume. They see this type of work as a chore when I see it as a privilege. I want to remind my peers that if you don’t enjoy the work you’re doing, try to volunteer at a place where their work aligns with your passions. Through a few simple weeks of volunteering, I feel deeply empowered to have made a difference for both the community and myself and I love it!
