Project reflection and closure

I cannot believe that my SOS is officially over. It was such an amazing experience. Even though I have been a volunteer at Naples Equestrian Challenge for eight years I always enjoy going back and learn something each time I am there. 

My projects over the summer went great. Camp ran smoothly all 7 weeks, everyone had a good time, nobody got hurt and the kids always begged to come back for another week. All the tasks I was given as an intern turned out great. Missy always had a huge list for me to complete and the last day I was there she could think of no more jobs for me to do!! I am so glad I could help relieve some of the burden from her because she does so much to make the program run. 

This summer I started my SOS at NEC still being seen as that teen volunteer. By the end of the summer I am now seen more as an adult volunteer than as a teen volunteer.

Throughout the summer I took on more and more responsibility. As an intern I was doing lots of data entry. The program director was really happy because she usually cannot trust regular volunteers to do any of this because they mess it up. This is true. All of our volunteers try hard, but we have many that can’t alphabetize or make packets of information even with a model in front of them. I was entering numbers, statistics and information so that NEC could get a really important grant and so the instructors could know the levels and improvement scores of all their riders.

I went into the summer with a few goals. To run a safe and successful camp, make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities and to grow as a person. I know for a fact that I accomplished all of this and more.

I am so thankful to everyone who has influenced me this summer at NEC (including the riders and their families). I learned so much from all the staff and instructors there; Missy, Beth, Lea, Robin, Layne, Kim and Melissa. They all have their own unique qualities and way of doing things. This is great because I was able to witness all of this and I can bring back all these qualities and ideas to my CLA Hope Reins!!

Can't wait to see all of you :)

BLOVE