For many, park district programs offer unforgettable childhood memories. But for some, those memories also help shape their futures.
Jennifer Diamond, Sugar Creek Golf Course’s Clubhouse Supervisor, and Josh Stembridge, Funseekers Summer Camp Counselor, both grew up participating in programs at the Elmhurst Park District and Sugar Creek Golf Course. Now, they have returned as staff members, bringing their stories full circle as they guide and inspire the next generation.
Returning to Summer Camp
For Josh, a senior in Kinesiology at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, Funseekers Summer Camp was a highlight of childhood.
“My favorite memory as a Funseekers camper was when all of the counselors put together a mini carnival,” he said.
A dunk tank at the carnival gave campers the chance to test their throwing skills. Josh recalls the excitement of stepping up to throw and hitting the bullseye, successfully dunking a camp counselor.
Memorable moments like that stuck with him and influenced his decision to return as a Funseekers Camp Counselor this year. He was also interested in the position because of the chance it offered to give back to the community. It was programs like Funseekers that helped push him in the right direction as a child, showing him ways to be respectful and have fun.
Josh admitted to some first day jitters when camp season began.
“I know first impressions are a big deal with kids. Once I gained their trust and approval, I felt more comfortable being myself.”
Now, he brings his own energy and creativity to camp, including introducing this generation of campers to one of the games he enjoyed most as a camper, Everybody’s It.
“It was extremely rewarding to see the kids enjoy the activity just as much as I had when I was a camper,” he said.
Reflecting on his role, Josh now has a deeper appreciation for the patience and empathy counselors had for himself and his fellow campers.
“Simply acknowledging each individual camper with a hello or goodbye can make a huge difference.”
Finding a career on the greens
Jennifer joined Sugar Creek Golf Course this spring as Clubhouse Supervisor, but this wasn’t her first experience with the course. Her journey began as a child when she asked to join golf camp. It was there that her fascination with the game began to grow, launching a career path she’s pursued ever since.
Her early experiences as a camper and later as a camp counselor at Sugar Creek were transformational.
“Watching new golfers learn the game and then seeing the look on their faces when they hit a good shot is priceless, just pure excitement,” she said. “That made me want to continue my life in the golf world.”
Jennifer’s enthusiasm led to a college internship at a Pennsylvania camp where she created and ran their golf program. From there, she built her golf industry experience, most recently at Evanston Golf Club and then Bettinardi Golf, where she learned how to build putters, wedges and irons.
Now, back where it all began, Jennifer is looking forward to making an impact.
“It has been great so far, and I’m learning so much every day. It’s a job that keeps you moving and on your toes,” she said. “I love helping people, and I can talk about golf for hours so working in the golf industry is for sure where I belong.”
Even now, her favorite memories tie back to the community and friendships she made when first learning the game.
“The friends I made while working the camp, I still talk to some of them today,” she says. “It was great finding others who love the game as much as I do.”
Jennifer and Josh are brilliant examples of how park district programs can influence not only a career path but a deeper connection to the community. Their stories show how these childhood experiences can inspire the next generation, just as they were once inspired themselves.
If you’re interested in getting into a career in parks and recreation, visit epd.org/jobs to learn more about available opportunities.
