Nyla Burston grew up in our Parks & Recreation programs and is now a busy sophomore at West Chester University. She is majoring in Media and Cultures and shares her talent for acting through the university’s theater shows. You can also find her regularly contributing to the entertainment report on WCU Studios, the campus news TV channel.
As a second grader in 2013, Nyla started her Summer Camp journey attending camp for six years. She received a positive foundation through camp and wanted to give back to young kids, so with the encouragement of Sarah Hiner’s mom, Michelle, she applied to become a counselor. In fact, her sister, Sienna, also became a camper turned counselor – a camp dynamic duo!
Nyla has many fond memories from Lamplight Camp including her counselors, Jillian and Kevin, who energetically played outdoor Pac-Man. She’s grateful to have made new friendships with students from other schools like Bishop McDevitt and Cumberland Valley, especially on field trips to Dutch Wonderland and the Dutch Apple Theater. Another notable benefit is that parents, like her own, feel supported knowing their kids are safe over the summer months.
Further, Nyla gained valuable leadership skills through her camp counselor position such as being responsible, punctual, and organized. She developed solid people skills enabling her to stay calm and resolve differences when facing challenges. Most importantly, Nyla discovered that being a good listener helps mend hearts. For example, when a young camper shared his love of dinosaurs and she took interest, they built a bond where he later shared life stories that needed support. We’re over the top proud of Nyla’s contributions to Summer Camp and her personal accomplishments as a young adult.
