Kacie Kosbab

Responsibilities

During my summer enrichment internship at Orchard Place, I worked with youth ages 10–17 in a recreational therapy setting. I led themed weekly activities, such as art and craft projects, STEM experiments, and outdoor games. My responsibilities included planning and facilitating activities like slime-making, water balloon baseball, melted crayon art, and popsicle stick crafts. I also encouraged participation, created a fun and safe environment, and built connections with the youth. Each week brought new themes and opportunities to engage the group in creative ways.

Accomplishments

My greatest accomplishment was seeing the youth get genuinely excited about the activities I led. Many started off hesitant but became more engaged when they saw the creativity and fun involved. I took pride in adapting projects to different interests and abilities so everyone could participate. One of my favorite moments was during “Stem Week” when a group used teamwork and communication to finish a marshmallow tower and proudly displayed their work. Those small successes showed me the impact of making activities both meaningful and enjoyable.

Learning experience

One of the biggest lessons I learned was how important it is to be flexible and adjust plans on the spot. Not every activity went exactly as intended, but adapting to the group’s energy and needs made the experience smoother for everyone. I also learned how much small interactions and encouragement can boost participation and confidence in youth. Creativity was key to keeping activities fresh and engaging. This taught me that in a recreational therapy setting, the experience and connection matter as much as the final outcome.

What advice would you give?

Be open to trying new ideas and activities, even if you’re unsure how they’ll go. The more energy and enthusiasm you bring, the more people will respond. Don’t be afraid to adapt an activity/experience on the fly because it can lead to unexpected successes. Build rapport with people early, because strong connections make participation easier to encourage. And most importantly, remember that the goal is to create a positive, memorable experience for the people you work with.