From Camper to Counselor: Meet Camp Sunny’s Becca Stewart
One of our favorite things about serving Gainesville families for 35+ years is the fact that lots of Sun Country kids come back to work here when they get older! This is especially true for Camp Sunny summer camp, where we have several current counselors who were Camp Sunny campers once upon a time.
Today we’re chatting with one of those campers-turned-counselors, Becca Stewart. Summer camps are where lifelong memories are made, and for Becca, Camp Sunny wasn’t just a childhood experience—it became a pivotal part of her story.
From an eight-year-old Camp Sunny camper to now having worked at Sun Country Sports for three years, Becca’s journey from camper to counselor is a testament to the magic of summer camps and the incredible influence they can have on young lives.
Working now as a Head Counselor in our FUNrichment After-School and Camp Sunny camp programs (plus as a part-time Ninja coach!), keep reading for a closer look into Becca’s experience, her thoughts on what makes Sun Country summer camp so special, and how the Camp Sunny spirit continues for kids and counselors alike.
Q&A with Becca Stewart: Head Counselor at Camp Sunny Summer Camp
Q: How old were you when you first attended Camp Sunny, and do you remember how you felt coming here for the very first time?
A: I was around 8 years old when I first signed up for the Camp Sunny Gymnastics specialty camp program. I remember being very nervous but also excited because I loved gymnastics as a kid.
Q: What was your favorite activity or tradition as a camper? Why was it special to you?
A: Personally, I loved the trampoline when I first started here because it’s super bouncy and I never got to use one that big anywhere else.
Q: Were there any counselors who left a lasting impression on you when you were a camper? What made them so memorable?
A: I don’t remember my counselors’ names from when I was younger, but I remember I had a great gymnastics coach who was always caring and so supportive of me when I was scared to perform my skills.
Q: How has Camp Sunny changed since you were a camper, and how has it stayed the same?
A: It feels like it has changed a lot, not just in the physical stuff around the building, but also the atmosphere. I love working here and being a part of something that is filled with laughter throughout the day.
Q: Any new additions to camp that you wish had been there when you were a camper?
A: I love the Fun Walls rotation (2024’s WOW Factor) because that is brand new to our facility and I would have loved climbing those when I was a kid.
Q: What inspired you to come back as a counselor?
A: I was a rising sophomore in college when I decided to work as a camp counselor at Sun Country. I had previous experience working with kids at a musical theater camp in high school, and I wanted to work somewhere fun for the summer.
Q: How do you think your experiences as a camper have influenced the kind of counselor you are today?
A: Growing up, I went to a lot of different summer camps, and one thing that really affected the way I am as a counselor is always listening and hearing the kids. I remember feeling really overlooked and looked down upon as a kid. so I wanted to make sure that each and every kid has someone in their corner cheering them on no matter what.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of being a Camp Sunny counselor?
A: The most rewarding part of this job is seeing the kids light up and smile when they see you. It always makes me feel 10 times better every day when a kid comes up to me or shouts, “Ms. Becca!!!!” and it always makes me know I’m making an impact for them when they’re excited to have me in their group.
Q: If you had to describe Camp Sunny in three words, what would they be?
A: Camp Sunny in three words would be Exciting, Energetic, and Fun.
Q: Any advice for young campers who might want to come back as counselors one day?
A: I will always say stay true to yourself and make sure you’re ready to make a difference in kids’ lives.
Register Now for Camp Sunny Summer Camp
Becca’s story is just one example of how Camp Sunny nurtures not only campers but future leaders. Whether your child dreams of mastering a back handspring at a Gymnastics specialty camp or scaling the Fun Walls during a regular camp daily rotation, Camp Sunny is the place where they can explore, grow, and shine.
Registration is now open, so save a spot for your kiddo to have the Camp Sunny experience—where each day is exciting, energetic, and fun. Who knows? They might just return someday as a counselor with their own story to tell!
