Summer Camp Veterans Share Their Journeys

Since the Summer Program launched five years ago, a group of faculty has remained involved from the beginning. Overlake PE Instructor and Coach, Mike Hufstader, is one of the veterans. Each summer he’s taught a variety of different classes, from a design and engineering camp to sports announcing. This year he’s reinventing the wheel again and trying another new hands-on course. “I’m really excited for Wilderness Survival camp. I grew up camping, playing in the woods, and just loved being outdoors. Wilderness Survival teaches kids essential outdoor skills; making fires, cooking, building shelters, etc. It’s going to be a lot fun.”

And after all isn’t that what summer camp is all about, fun? Certainly, that’s what Hufstader remembers from his days as a camper. “When I was a kid, I grew up going to camp every summer and it was the greatest time. There were great role models for me to look up to and I got to learn a lot of cool new things that weren’t on my radar. As I got older, I became a camp counselor and it was one of my favorite jobs. I got to be with kids in a fun, low key, learning environment. I believe that is one of the big reasons why I became a teacher.”

Growing in that model you could say is Overlake alum, Julia Noble (’17), a current sophomore studying Psychology at the University of Vermont. Noble has been involved with the Summer Program for several years now, first as a camp counselor and now in a new role as faculty. “I am very excited for my new role as a teacher. I am honored to shadow and work alongside some of the very same teachers I had while attending Overlake. I have looked up to so many and know I still have a lot to learn from them. I’m looking forward to designing lessons and activities and know I will be supported by the experts around me.

Hufstader is one such expert who will be helping Noble along the way as a mentor. “Mike was one of my soccer coaches during my junior and senior years at Overlake. Our goalie had graduated the previous year and our team needed one, so I decided to give it my best effort. Mike trained me with drills and tactical advice. He strengthened my confidence on the field and supported me all the way through to our state championship win my senior year. I value his advice and look up to his coaching and teaching style. I am excited to continue to learn from Mike in my new position as a teacher.”

“As an athlete, Julia was a very hard worker, a great leader, and selfless teammate,” remembers Hufstader. “Those same traits apply to her teaching style as well. She has been such an asset to the summer program for many years. Her kind and compassionate demeanor help her connect to every kid that comes on campus. I can’t wait to see her lead her own camps now, she is going to be great!”

Beyond stable, familiar faces at Overlake’s Summer Program, is a one-of-a-kind campus that the campers get to experience in the beautiful summer months. “The Overlake Summer Camp Program takes advantage of the stunning campus,” explains Noble. “The trails, classrooms, theater, athletic fields, gyms, and grassy areas allow for a wide range of camps that can be offered. There really is something for everyone.”

To check out the variety of camps being offered this summer, be sure to visit the program online at www.overlake.org/summer.