1. September 30, 2011
Letter of Recommendation
Thomas Farnan Campitelli
To Whom It May Concern:
Thomas successfully completed his summer work as a camp counsellor at Camp Winnebago, one of
America’s most highly regarded summer camps. We demand an exceptionally high quality of
performance and last summer, Thomas made significant contributions as Senior Bunk Counsellor,
Swim Instructor and Lifeguard.
Camp counsellors require specific skills and characteristics to flourish and Thomas exemplified such
qualities. As one of the Senior Lodge Counsellors, Thomas had responsibility of overseeing a group of
15 year old campers. The unique nature of the position requires one’s constant awareness and vigilance
as it is not ‘just a job’ but rather a 24 hour, 7 days a week commitment. It is a role that requires only the
best of one’s character and role modelling qualities. Counsellors’ beds are in the same sleeping quarters
as the boys, they share meals, living space and bathrooms; essentially devoting themselves to the boys’
well being. They are required to maintain cleanliness and order, promoting a harmonious environment
for the boys. Being under the watchful eye of highly impressionable young men is an act of balancing
discipline amongst the boys whilst commanding their respect. I was humbled by Tom’s ability to do so.
One is not in a position of teacher or friend but rather a mentor. In fact, at Camp Winnebago we
acknowledge this with the title Youth Development Professional, in Tom’s case I believe this is much
deserved.
Counsellors are given the freedom to decide how to spend their free time; whether with the boys or
apart, where they may access their computers, watch television and socialise with other counsellors. I
commend Tom in that he spent the majority of his time with the campers. His choice reaped rewards as
Tom’s relationships with the campers and staff flourished as Tom displayed his natural abilities to
listen and create strong relationships.
As a qualified lifeguard and swim instructor, Thomas lifeguarded and taught swimming six hours each
day. As a lifeguard, the campers were broken up in 30-minute blocks where they would have access to
the entire swim dock area, including a high dive, a water slide, the quad and the swimming pool.
Generally this entailed closely watching 25-30 kids at a time with 5 other lifeguards. He demonstrated
a level headed approach to the potentially stressful situations and no matter the weather was
consistently responsible and reliable.
The teaching element was broken up into six consecutive 30-minute brackets, with campers being in
groups relative to their age and ability. Tom proved capable of teaching young men no matter their skill
level. He presented his swimmers with methodical lessons that were structured and designed in a way
that taught them diving and the four major strokes with confidence and precision. He demonstrated
natural flair in teaching the kids, utilizing his natural ability to communicate as well as his
organizational skills and many of his students showed marked improvement throughout the summer.
There are a myriad of daily activities in camp life that are rotated to ensure the entire experience is
memorable as it is directly focused on the enjoyment for the boys. Camping trips, musical
performances, plays, socials, celebrating festivals & holidays, camp fires, outdoor cooking and trip
days are all part of experience of camp. Thomas participated in these activities with great enthusiasm,
leadership and dedication. I hope he will return to camp in the future and I highly recommend him in
any future employment he decides to pursue.
Sincerely,
Andy Lilienthal