GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

YMCA camp offers many of the same benefits of a traditional camp, such as new experiences, skill building, a sense of community, and lasting friendships. However, the Y’s passionate summer day camp team makes Y camp second to none. Every day, our energetic summer camp crew works hard to give camp participants an unforgettable summer.  And, behind every great team, are great leaders.

Fearlessly leading the C.W. Avery Family YMCA’s Valley View summer day camp program, you will find Childcare Director Kassandra Lepe (pictured right) and Childcare Manager Jenna Nelson (pictured left.)

With the start of camp just a few days away, Kassandra and Jenna’s amazing team of camp counselors are eager to welcome kids to camp at Oak View Elementary School in Bolingbrook and Hermansen Elementary School in Romeoville. Get to know more about them in the Q&A below.

Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Kassandra: I grew up in Plainfield most of my life and attended Plainfield Central High School. I began my Y journey as a Kid Zone counselor before eventually moving on to the role of site supervisor, while I obtained certification as a Registered Behavior Technician. In 2023, I transitioned into the role of Childcare Director and I can’t be more excited to be working with Jenna and this amazing group of counselors this summer!

Jenna: I grew up as a typical 90’s kid in Darien, Illinois with my brother, playing baseball in the backyard and doing flips at gymnastics class at my local YMCA. I have been with the C.W. Avery Family YMCA going on 5 years now. I started as a Kid Zone counselor in 2019, transitioning into camp during the summer. When our partnership with Valley View School District 365U was initiated, I got involved as a site supervisor, stepping into the role of Childcare Manager shortly thereafter, and have been loving every minute since!

Q: Why do you have a passion for youth development work?

Kassandra: By creating a sense of purpose, we can empower our youth to unlock their full potential and become individuals ready to tackle life’s challenges, thus creating the future leaders of America. Working alongside the Valley View School District has shown me that together everything is achievable.

Jenna: I grew up as the third oldest of 20 cousins and was always the go-to babysitter for all of the neighborhood kids, so I have been surrounded by kids my entire life. I always get such joy out of seeing them grow, learn, and develop their own personalities and hobbies. There is something special about each age group that makes my heart happy.

Q: What do you think makes YMCA summer day camp a special experience for kids? 

Kassandra: Our camps focus on helping kids create new friendships, make memories, and develop skills all within a structured environment. This allows the children to develop at their own pace while experiencing the joy of being a kid.

Jenna: YMCA Day Camp is truly the highlight of the year! Between character development lessons, crafts, science experiments, and all the fun we have on our field trips, our campers create memories and build core values that they will carry with them forever.

Q: With summer camp right around the corner, what are some of the most exciting activities you have planned?

Kassandra: I am so excited to have the campers visit Medieval Times, create beautiful art, and expand their knowledge with STEM activities!

Jenna: I have so many favorites! If I had to pick just a few, I’d say I love our yearly camp tradition of tie-dying shirts, our much anticipated campers vs. counselors challenge days, and my favorite field trips of the summer – swimming at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA!

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do outside of the Y?

Kassandra: I enjoy coaching the Plainfield High School rugby team, playing rugby for the Will County Morrigans, and enjoying a cup of Dunkin’ coffee!

Jenna: You can usually find me looking for my lost ball on the golf course, losing myself reading a new book, or losing track of time making new art.

To learn more about Valley View Summer Day Camp, click here.