Sterling Meetinghouse News

By Danielle Ray, Senior Reporter

Aili Bauman, 18, is taking on a new role this summer as part of the Sterling Recreation Department lake program staff.  

“I am thrilled to step up to the plate as Waterfront Director this year,” she said “When I got the news this spring from (Assistant Recreation Director) Shari (Gonsorcik) I was just ecstatic. I think knowing how to swim is such a valuable skill to have. I am looking forward to dedicating my time this summer to making camp a safe and fun place for the kids and counselors. It is my hope that I can help camp run as smoothly as possible and just be the best it can be and as normal as it can be given the current circumstances.”

A lifelong Sterling resident, Bauman herself attended lake camp growing up, from age eight to age 12. She was then a counselor-in-training for two years before transitioning to counselor. 

“I had such a blast,” she said. “It is such a great way to spend your summer. Going to camp and working at camp has helped me to break out of my shell and really grow as a person. As a counselor you get to be silly and have fun, but also know when it is time to be serious.”

The annual lake program at Lake Waushacum is a favorite among children, with games, crafts and of course swimming featured. The staff were able to hold camps last year with a limited number of participants per session and group. 

“We were luckily able to hold camp last summer and despite the regulations and restrictions, I felt that it went really well and we had a ton of fun,” Bauman said. “Shari has been an amazing help. She put signs all around the park last year with friendly socially distancing and COVID guideline reminders.”

Bauman said that although it wasn’t quite the same, she enjoyed being a part of the program last year as a counselor. 

“I definitely missed bear hugs and huddles on the beach, along with the surplus of kiddos that we usually have,” she said. “It was really weird for all of us, I mean you have groups of kids with masks on come running up to you and where they would usually tackle you with a group hug, they stop a few feet away. It was really hard to get used to limited physical contact and lack of facial expressions when the masks were on.”

Bauman said swim lessons are now separate from lake camp programs, and that she found that the kids who signed up for lessons “were really eager to learn.”

 “We were able to help the kids get comfortable in the water faster and get right into the lesson and games I had planned for that day,” she said. “I encourage kids to continue to sign up for swimming lessons this year.”

Bauman said one of her favorite aspects of lake camp is the annual talent show. 

“Everyone always supported each other to share special things about themselves and boost their confidence,” she said. “I remember singing ‘When I Was Your Man’ by Bruno Mars with my friend Molly and I was so nervous but, in the end, I was happy that I did it. It was probably one of the first times that I realized that music and singing was such a huge part of my life and something I wanted to pursue. I now love to encourage kids to take part in the talent show because no talent is too small if it is a big part of your life.”

Bauman said due to COVID-19 as well as school and life changes among staff they are looking to hire additional staff. She said she will be training the new staff, and that safety protocols have been updated to accommodate social distancing guidelines. 

“We now disinfect surfaces before and after every new group, wash or disinfect hands frequently, and wear facial coverings at all times except for in the water, during which we are extremely careful to remain socially distant,” Bauman said. 

Bauman said she gives a lot of credit to and wants to thank former longtime Sterling Recreation Department Director Kristen Dietel, who resigned earlier this year, for her role in ensuring lake camp continues to be such a resounding success.

“She shaped our camp into what it is today, and we were so lucky to have had as incredible a person as her to work with and under,” Bauman said. “I would also like to thank the families that are a part of our camp community. You guys keep us going and we are so grateful to have such awesome kids flowing through camp.”

Gonsorcik said Bauman is a valued staff member, and a great fit for her new position.  

“Aili has the respect of her peers and personal drive to succeed as this year’s waterfront director,” Gonsorcik said. “After working closely with past directors for two years, she is well-prepared for this coming season.”

Gonsorcik said registration for lake programs will begin a little later than usual this year due to the pandemic. 

“Everything is so fluid because of COVID-19,” she said. “Sterling Recreation will start registering programs in the middle of April. We will be posting on our Facebook page and emailing residents through our recreation software in an effort to keep everyone up to date. Residents of all ages should make sure they are signed up at SterlingRec.com to ensure they receive email updates.”

Bauman recently got accepted into Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she will be studying music with a major in songwriting beginning in the fall. Until then, she is happy to continue her mission to provide campers with a fun lake camp experience. 

“I am so excited to start lake camp this year!” she said. “I can’t wait to see all of the kiddos and friendly faces. ”For more information visit sterlingrec.com.