Working at a summer camp as a media director was the reset I needed after getting laid off from a job I loved

My first summer camp experience as a teenager was just two weeks, but the memories have stuck with me.

I recall spending hours in the hot sun at a cheer camp in New Jersey learning new stunts and routines before heading back to our cabins to bond with my fellow cheerleaders. The late night talks and gossip across from each other's bunk beds were plentiful and made me feel like I was around my sisters rather than classmates.

I would've never guessed I'd be returning to a camp setting at 35, this time as an on-site media director. But it turns out that the camaraderie, bright smiles from campers, the state of euphoria I felt after my dance performance in the counselor showcase, and even the shared bunks, are just what I needed to reset after a career setback.

I was in a much different place a year ago

I spent most of my early career on the East Coast in New York and New Jersey where I was born and raised. At 31, a major entertainment media job led me to pack up my Jersey City apartment and relocate to Los Angeles.

When I think back to where I was this time last year professionally, I've done a complete 180. I was spending hours in the newsroom, working on trending entertainment stories and red carpet interviews. I had a career that many people dream about.

Though any business is bound to have some ebbs and flows, I can't say I was expecting my job to end so abruptly. I felt a pit in my stomach when I got the call in July 2024 that my role wouldn't be continuing on for the new season.

A new opportunity caught my eye

I soon took on a short-term contract role as a digital marketing instructor facilitating coursework for high school seniors to help them get ready for their professional lives. The job, in hindsight, might've prepared me for what was to come.

Then, a good friend of mine posted about a month-long summer gig at a sleepaway camp about a two-hour drive outside of New York City on Instagram; she had landed a job there, too. I was intrigued, excited about the opportunity to live and work in a new environment, and applied the same day.

Taking on a new challenge was exciting

In my role as the camp's media director, it was my job to manage all content — videos and pictures — taken of campers to share with their families and on the camp's social media pages.

I also taught a content creation class to eager 9- and 12 -year-olds, that helped remind me what I've always loved about storytelling.

Aside from the work, I was also living in a completely different environment than I was used to. When it came to camp-style living, I admit I was a bit nervous at first, especially since I hadn't had a roommate in over five years. The staff cabin, which housed about 20 people, included one large and small kitchen, hallways long enough to roller skate in (yes, I sure did), a lounge area, front patio, and bedrooms for two set up with bunk beds.

My good friend who let me know about the role was my roommate. Aside from our different schedules, we made the most out of bunking together. One late night even turned into a dance rehearsal for the counselor showcase.

The author, shown here after performing at the camp's closing ceremony, said the work she did this summer allowed her to have a fresh outlook on her future. Courtesy of Kayla Clough

Getting out of my element was what I needed for a fresh outlook

This new adventure allowed me to take a step back, take a deep breath, and embrace a much needed reset.

Each day started with birds chirping outside of my window, fresh air as soon as I stepped outside, breathtaking views of tall trees, and access to a lake and expansive trails.

The extended amount of time spent away from home forced me to connect with my younger self allowing me to feel inspired once again by the things that make me tick. I now know I want to continue to evolve my skillset as a producer.

I'm ready for my next step

I didn't expect to cry happy tears while on the job, but during one of the closing programs, a camper told me how grateful he was to me for capturing so many fun moments on camera for him and his family to enjoy.

Working at a summer camp wasn't on my 2025 bingo card or how I intended to pivot in my career, but a unique experience like this one is surely one I'll never forget, as it has made me feel more inspired than I have been in a while.

Since camp ended, I've poured my creativity into finding outlets for freelance writing, voice acting, public relations, and volunteer work. Next, my goal is to establish more clients as a media consultant and to create a pipeline for young people. I can't wait to get started.