Can’t stop thinking..

♥ I should be sleeping. Instead, I am tap, tap, tapping away at the computer because I don’t want to give up on my second home, which is Davern. I was laying in bed thinking about applying to be an integration counsellor and why that wasn’t ideal because of my Friday morning commitment, when it occurred to me that they could use someone to coordinate all things integration! I got up and started writing an email to Vanessa with the intention of selling her on the idea. Maybe it’s a terrible idea and she’ll have to flat out tell me that she doesn’t want me at Davern this summer- but at least then I would know what the real deal is. Who knows, maybe she’ll like it? 

whatever. I’m looking for more opinions, please and thank you. Here’s what I’ve got.

Hey Vanessa, 

I’m sorry I never did all you back after our conversation. My phone had cut out and only moments later I received news that my cousin had been in a car accident and had passed away that morning. I was taking some time to digest all the information.  

I’ve been thinking about Davern a lot in the past few days.  I’ve heard from people who are returning and they tell me all about how excited they are and how they can’t wait until the summer comes. As happy as I am for them, I am also hurt. Vanessa, I’m not ready to give up on Davern. Maybe you’re thinking I should walk away now, but I feel like I have to give it another shot. 

I understand why I am not a suitable candidate for the Assistant Director position, and I accept that. I think that there are some strengths that I have that would be perfect for something else though. I know you’ve got a full resource team, and maybe you already have someone to over-see Integration, but if you don’t, I would like to apply to be that person.  I could be responsible for working directly with the integration counsellors and campers /volunteers and making sure that their days were scheduled and their needs were met. I could give time off to the integration counsellors and work with them and the person they are supporting by participating in activities with them. Now that Davern has separated from Reach For The Rainbow, you might benefit from having a person to help collect information about the participants from the families or the new organization you’re going to be working with. I can even help create a database with this information for the future should these campers choose to return.  In addition to this, I could be an extra set of hands when needed.  I’m imagining it like a cross between an integration counsellor and resource.  

I understand that it isn’t in the budget to create another position, but to be honest- I’m not wanting to return to Davern because of the money.  That being said, I can’t afford to simply volunteer (or else I would) but I don’t need an extravagant salary and would be willing to take whatever you think you could afford. I would even apply to simply be an integration counsellor, but as I had mentioned in my original application, I still have a 4 hour commitment on Friday mornings that I would need to fulfill and leaving a camper or cabin almost every week may be disruptive. What I am envisioning and proposing is a position that I feel could be very positive and valuable.   

Have I sold you on it yet? I can keep going… 

I would also potentially be able to participate in cabin group activities that integration campers are in- and when they book something like the rock wall or vertical playground, they wouldn’t need to worry about having a resource member there to belay them because I would be able to do that for them! Also, should someone be having a difficult time with a participant, I could offer assistance daily, and even accompany them on their scheduled overnight. 

That’s all I’ve got so far. i’m thinking about adding in that I have a reference from my current supervisor and maybe also adding in something about how important Davern is for me. yadda yadda.
I want it to be professional enough that she takes it seriously, but camp is not a formal place and Vanessa and I are not strangers, which is why there are casual and even cheeky lines in there like "have I sold you yet? I can keep going" .

I need to go to bed now. I have to go to a funeral in the morning.