day camps profile
Michael Pileggi , Columbus Centre Day Camps counsellor , is a shining example of what it means to be part of the Columbus Centre community .
From the day his mother enrolled him in the daycare program at 18 months old , Michael began a lifelong journey that has seen him progress from being an active and involved member of this community to a valued contributor , and now a leader for the next generation .
Once he was old enough , Michael begged his mother to place him in swimming lessons , summer camps and the Columbus Centre ’ s after-school soccer program . as a staff member , starting at age 17 . Since then , he has developed strong connections with longtime campers and families alike , and today is one of the most popular camp staff members .
When asked why he loves working at our camps , Michael simply states , “ Because it doesn ’ t feel like I ’ m working . I ’ m just having a lot of fun .”
If you come face-to-face with a tall , smiling young man at the Columbus Centre with a welcoming presence , there is a good chance it is Michael Pileggi . Odds are good as well that you will quickly understand why he best exemplifies what it means to grow up in a loving community .
By age 16 , he was a familiar face in the Columbus Centre , helping him gain a position at the Columbus Centre daycare . There , he helped out with the after-school program , feeding snacks to kids , playing games with them and helping them with homework .
“ It was clear to his supervisors that Michael truly loved working with kids , and in turn , the kids benefitted from his maturity and sense of humour ,” says Daniel Garfinkel , Villa Charities ’ Director of Camps .
Based on this experience , it was only a matter of time before Michael ended up joining the Columbus Centre Day Camps
ANNUAL REPORT
23