Meet Our Day Camp Team: Kris Shepard
Kris Shepard, one of the sage YMCA’s Day Camp Counselors, graduated from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (SMUMN) in 2021 with a Bachelor’s in English and a minor in leadership. Kris returned to SMUMN in 2022 for a Master’s in 2022.
Kris currently teaches English, coaches soccer, and announces football and basketball games at Burlington Central High School. This summer at the Y, Kris is looking forward to learning more, playing activities outside, field trips, developing genuine relationships with staff and campers, and having fun!
Q: Why did you choose to become a Counselor for the Y?
A: Honestly, I thought I was retired after four years in Elgin and Minnesota. I returned to have a fulfilling summer job that develops me as a human, leader, and servant. Plus, I get to throw dodgeballs as a job. I mean c’mon, how sweet is that?
Q: What do you like most about the work that the Y does?
A: You can see the real impact you have on the lives of campers who need the most love, support, and community.
Q: What’s one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
A: I’m 23 years old, not 17 like people assume, I’m deathly allergic to peanut butter, and I have a master’s degree.
Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be (and why)?
A: Superspeed, obviously! I have a costume of the Incredibles superhero outfit. I will wear it sometime.
Q: What’s the last song you listened to?
A: “Top Gun Anthem” by Harold Faltermeyer (Top Gun Soundtrack). Highkey, I love movie scores. I have a playlist of more than eight hours of just soundtracks from movies.
Q: What’s one thing on your bucket list?
A: To visit every NFL stadium. I have four down already!
Q: Anything else you want to share with us? We love random tidbits and facts!
A: I am insanely talented at Disney trivia. Like seriously, come at me. I play trivia games all the time. It’s like an unhealthy obsession. Also, I am a massive Minnesota Vikings fan! SKOL!
The YMCA of Metro Chicago believes in the power of play. We play for fun and for progress. Day Camp at the Y empowers Chicagoland youth to do mighty things — making friends, developing new skills, creating life-shaping experiences, and so much more!
Our experienced and talented counselors and staff are committed to making sure your camper experiences a full day of play, exploration, learning, and personal growth. Here at the Y, we want to show off our Day Camp team’s amazing talents and contributions to our community — and find even more talented, community-oriented individuals who want to work at the YMCA!