FOKUS Camps

Working as a guide at FOKUS Camps was one of the most dynamic teaching experiences I’ve ever had, and in a way it reinforced my ambition to become an educator. It gave me true pride in the path I have chosen for myself, and the type of experience I hope I can be a part of again. My first contact with FOKUS was in the summer of 2025, where over 8 weeks I was a camp guide (with the general responsibilities of one), but also in charge of planning and delivering English lessons to kids (ages 11-16) with varying levels of proficiency. Every week was a new group, so it required constant adaptation, both in terms of content and my own teaching style and methodology, as each group brought different strengths, interests, challenges, and overall dynamics.

My role went beyond just traditional teaching though, as that is not my style. I designed interactive, discussion based-lessons that focused on real-world topics such as media, climate change, social issues, and identity. My goal was to create an environment where students felt comfortable expressing their ideas, encouraging debate and discussion, creativity, and critical thinking rather than just pure language accuracy such as grammar and spelling. I used a very mixed model of Student-Led Learning, and a critical thinking approach to plan my lessons, organizing activities such as structured writing tasks and persuasive speaking exercises to creative storytelling, role-play, and project based learning. All of this whilst catering to the students, we also did lessons on their interests, where they would share what they want to learn, and I would adapt and create a lesson around them. Integrating their own passions into their learning proved to increase their motivation, engagement, and success with their learning and enjoyment.

One of the highlights in terms of my own personal professional development was learning how to read a classroom in a more traditional setting and adjust in real time. Some lessons required a more structured approach, whilst others were best done outside in nature, or through student input and discussion. This flexibility allowed me to better engage students and support their confidence in using English as a tool for communication and self expression, rather than just another academic subject you learn in school like maths or science.

On top of this, I worked on my classroom management and leadership skills, more specifically in maintaining student focus, energy, and inclusivity across the teaching blocks. Building a relationship with the students where I am not just another adult, but someone there to support and help them in their own learning journeys was critical, especially in a summer camp setting where learning is meant to be enjoyable, and not just a required part alongside all the other fun activities we did.

Besides the teaching section, I spent the entire day with the kids—morning circles, breakfast, outdoor or nightly activities—where their enjoyment of their week was dependent on myself and the other guides. Considering my background in public speaking, people management, and public speaking, oftentimes I would lead activities for the children. Capture the flag, scavenger hunts, forestry games, cake decoration, trivia nights, and even disco Fridays, and actively engaging and participating with all the campers.

I worked for 6 weeks in the normal FOKUS environment, and 2 weeks in their Sports camp, where the focus shifted from traditional fun camp activities to more sports oriented experiences such as volleyball, wacky Olympics, swimming, climbing, and more. Still, the English learning was a big aspect of this, and I found it to be the most rewarding part as well.

Overall FOKUS Camps reinforced my belief in student-centered, movement-based, and discussion-driven learning. This experience pushed me to become more adaptable, creative, and intentional as an educator, and as I mentioned before, confirmed my desire to work in environments that combine my passions. I developed a lot professionally, but also personally, and I hope the impact I have made through my teaching will foster the space for new learning within my students.