Meet Chelsea Sillar, who participated in the Summit Program in 2012-13 and is now a primary school teacher.
Why did you join the Summit Program?
I graduated from school and had gone straight to university to do a Bachelor in Education (Primary). I loved my degree but during my first two years of study, I found myself volunteering for CRU Holiday Camps and fell in love with the idea of sharing Jesus with kids of all ages. After some encouragement from a leader on camp, I decided to put my studies on hold to check out the ministry training program.
What was one of the highlights of working in the Summit team?
Only one? That’s difficult! A definite highlight for me was seeing God at work. As a Summit trainee, you are immersed in an incredibly unique mission opportunity to share the love of God with thousands of school-aged students every year through camps. I saw prayers answered daily and students wrestling with their understanding of God and the world. Another highlight was definitely the Summit team itself; spending days and nights regularly with each other allows you to build deep relationships quickly – they really do become your family.
How did the Summit Program equip you for your current line of work?
My time at Summit grew my interpersonal skills, which as a teacher, has allowed me to build strong relationships with students of all ages in a short amount of time. Interacting with different students each time, all with individual personalities and requirements taught me a variety of behaviour management skills. The structure of camps equipped me with time-management skills, which are fundamental in the classroom. The nature of being a camp leader grew my ability to be creative and energetic in front of large groups of children (even when I’m tired!). In short, I’m a better leader and teacher, thanks to my time at Summit.
