Volunteer Spotlight: Caitlin Chow-Ise
Describe your volunteer activity with San Rafael?
I am a sophomore at San Rafael High School and a fun fact about me is that I am one of the youngest students in the class of 2019! This past summer, I worked at summer camps headed by the City of San Rafael. Over the 4 weeks, I was a counselor at Cooking Camp (ages 5-12), Camp Lemonade (ages 3-5), and Kindergarten Camp at Sun Valley.
Why did you choose to volunteer for San Rafael?
The Community Center’s staff gave me endless support and I wanted to pay it back by working at camps. I enjoyed every aspect of my volunteer work.
What do you enjoy most about your volunteer work?
Knowing that the kids looked up to me was pretty rewarding.
What accomplishment are you most proud of as a volunteer?
Looking back, I really improved my time management skills as a volunteer. Almost every day, I would have camps in the morning, and a few hours later I had rehearsal for “RENT” at the community center. For a lucky two weeks, I didn’t have to bike to rehearsal because I was already at the community center!
What other volunteer activities do you do?
I have been active in San Rafael Young Performers Theatre at the B Street Community Center since 2011, when I did my first show. Since then, I have been in about ten musicals with the company, and I have been a member of the tech crew for four plays.
What do you suggest to those considering volunteering with the City?
To anyone who is considering volunteering with the City, do it. It is a fun learning experience, and what else would you be doing in the mornings? Plus, when it comes time to apply for colleges and programs, having community service experience makes you look that much better than everyone else.
In a few words, describe your volunteer experience.
My experience as a volunteer this summer was full of surprises and very fun!
Rochelle Grechman-Dibley, Senior Recreation Supervisor for San Rafael Community Services shares about Caitlin:
I have known Caitlin since she was seven years old, when she attended our afterschool classes at Sun Valley Elementary School. She started performing in theatrical performances with San Rafael Young Performers’ Theatre and North Bay Repertory Company in 2011.
This year Caitlin and I worked out a deal where she would volunteer to work at some of our Camps for four weeks, and I would consider that a trade for her theatre tuition. She worked in three different camps over the summer. Every person she worked with absolutely loved working with her! She auditioned for and received one of the show leads “Maureen” in RENT: The Concert. She was amazing! She worked so hard, and was so helpful; I wouldn’t hesitate to hire her next summer, if she is crazy enough to join us! I am so happy for her to have this recognition. She is a part of our Community Services family now and we are all so proud of her!
