Every story starts somewhere – Teagan’s begins as a six-year-old walking into summer camp at Vivo (then Cardel Place) for the very first time.
She remembers feeling nervous. Many kids do. It was that familiar mix of excitement and uncertainty — new faces, new routines, a whole week away from the familiar. But those nerves didn’t last long. “I remember being nervous and not knowing what to expect,” she says. “but I was also really excited because it looked like so much fun”
What started as a first-time thing one summer quickly became a tradition. Year after year, camp at Vivo became something Teagan looked forward to – not just for the activities, but for how it made her feel. “I started to come out of my shell and feel more comfortable trying new things,” she shares.
That’s the quiet magic of spaces designed for belonging. They don’t just fill time – they build confidence.
So, when it came time to look for a summer job years later, the choice felt natural. Teagan applied to become a summer camp leader at Vivo — stepping into the very role that had once shaped her.
Camp leaders gain meaningful work experience, but for Teagan, it was more than that. She saw the role as a way to test the waters – literally and figuratively – with plans to pursue a future in health and education. “I wanted to get into health and education as a career, but I wanted to be sure it was the right fit,” she explains. “So much of what a leader does – especially at a recreation centre – helps prepare you for that.”
And it did.
Leading groups of energetic campers strengthened her confidence, communication skills, and sense of responsibility. But more importantly, it deepened her understanding of what truly matters. “My goal is that every kid has fun, feels included, and doesn’t stress about fitting in,” she says. “When a kid starts the week unsure and ends it feeling more relaxed and confident – that really sticks with me.”
Working as a camp leader didn’t just prepare Teagan for the workforce. It allowed her to pass on what she once received: encouragement, belonging, and a positive and personal connection to healthy living.
Now an adult, Teagan is pursuing a path in the health and education sector – a passion she traces back to her early years at Vivo. “I probably wouldn’t have ended up with the same passion for health that I have now,” she reflects. “Places like Vivo give kids something positive to do and a place to feel comfortable and try new things.”
And that’s exactly why community spaces matter.
Vivo isn’t just a facility. It is a launching pad. It is a confidence-builder. Vivo is where nervous six-year-olds become capable leaders.
From camper to camp leader, we are honoured to have been alongside Teagen, every step of the way. Raising healthier generations is a long-term commitment – and it can start with something as simple as a week at summer camp.
Become a Camp Leader today – we are hiring for summer camp now!
Summer Camp Registration is open! Don’t miss out on confidence-building, friend-making, good times at Vivo’s Summer Camp.
