Meet YMCA Counselor: Skyler G.
Skyler Genazzi is a familiar face at the Missoula Family YMCA. For the past couple of summers, Skyler has served as a camp counselor and helped campers create life-long memories in Music Camp and Junior Survival Camp.
“I’m pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music education,” said Skyler. “I applied to work as a Y camp counselor because it seemed like a great way to have a fun summer while learning about classroom management. It’s been an ideal job that’s allowed me to gain a lot of good experience.”
Skyler was finishing up his last semester at the University of Montana when the Missoula Y started its emergency childcare. He immediately reached out to director Eli Catton and offered to lend a hand.
Over the last three weeks, Skyler has worked alongside other Y counselors to care for children of first responders and medical workers. In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Y’s emergency childcare sites have limited group size. Not only does the smaller group size allow for a safer environment, it also allows counselors to opportunity to focus on the individual needs of each child.
“Since emergency childcare started, we’ve watched reading levels jump and math skills increase,” said Skyler. “We’re able to help kids with their homework, learn new games, and make all sorts of neat crafts.”
Skyler has also had the chance to share his love of music. Every day, he and Counselor Rory bring in instruments for the kids to learn about.
“We’ve brought in ukuleles, trumpets, and horns,” he said. “One of the kids was interested in learning more about the piano, so Rory brought in a keyboard for him to try out.”
The group has also tried their hand at making their own instruments, such as shakers, bucket drums, and castanets. For many of the children, this is their first time exploring the wide world of music.
“Over the last semester, I’ve taken classes around classroom management and, as an emergency childcare counselor, I’m getting to immediately apply what I’ve learned,” said Skyler. “The last few weeks have been an incredible experience that have allowed me to develop my skills as a teacher and connect with children of all ages, all while supporting Missoula’s essential service workforce.”
This story was originally published in April 2020.