After just nine days working at the GIAC, I’m surprised at how “settled in” I already feel. I finally figured out which keys unlock which doors, I’ve answered a few phone calls, and yesterday I only had to ask once where to find something! I know gaining more and more independence will be critical as the summer goes on and I navigate the GIAC’s summer camp, educational programs, board meetings, and so much more.

But before I write about how I gained confidence in my role at the GIAC this week, I also learned a lesson in taking accountability when I unfortunately missed the Fellows’ Learning Session on Nonprofit Career Paths due to no one’s fault but my own. I’m still having a hard time with this because I am fully committed to and grateful for the opportunity to be here this summer, and I recognize that missing an important session or event that other people have worked hard to put together does not send that message of commitment and gratitude. Transparency and openness are really important values of mine, and so I’ve realized that all I can do in situations like this where I messed up is to be honest, sincere, and not make that same mistake again. I’m hoping that I can grow in forgiving myself and giving myself room to be accountable throughout this summer, because this will certainly not be the last time in my life I mess up.

So, having that said, this week was full of new opportunities to see what the GIAC does in our communities. On Sunday, we hosted an art show featuring the work of a local photographer, and we had about fifty to sixty people all show up. Along with another staff member, my main role was to help serve light snacks and wine, but in doing so I had some pleasant conversations with the attendees. By the end of the show, about twenty people were all sitting in our lounge area and chatting away, and it warmed my heart to see the GIAC as a place that people can connect and re-connect.

Since Monday morning, the GIAC has been incredibly busy and I have really seen how the staff here have each other’s backs. One of our educators had her baby a month earlier than expected this week, so now we are down to five full-time staff members for the rest of the summer. Next week begins our two-week summer camp, and so everyone has been running around to get ready for that and take on some additional roles in our educator’s absence. I’ve been filling the hummingbird feeders this week because that was something she always did, and otherwise I have spent much of my spare time at the GIAC preparing for camp by searching for supplies, ordering and picking up books, planning activities, going over emergency procedures, and more.

In the midst of all the planning and organizing going on, the GIAC also hosted five educational programs this week. I got to lead an indoor scavenger hunt on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, and then I helped out with a fun game about bird migration today! It was really fun to work with different age groups and think about different ways to present the information to them, and I gained a lot of confidence in my leading and educating skills after just a few sessions. Today, I also got to help out with a Scouts of America program towards the Scouts’ achievement of their Environmental Science badges. We conducted experiments on air, soil, and water pollution while also going on a hike and a scavenger hunt. The Scouts had a lot of energy and enthusiasm, and I had a great time doing science with them!

So overall, week 2 was a busy but exciting week full of new experiences and seeing the GIAC’s impact throughout our communities and among people of all ages! I’m really looking forward to all the fun, nature-themed activities at camp next week, such as making our own suncatchers, playing a turtle conservation game, and finding as many birds as our eyes can see!

Have a great weekend, everyone! (:

Kenzie