For some children, Asbury Woods provides their first summer camp experience. As an educator, there’s nothing like watching a child try something new. Observing first-time experiences is what attracted Millcreek teacher, Anna Yashinki, to Asbury Woods for the summer.
“For many of these campers, it may be the first time they have observed some of these creatures in nature, and getting to experience this with them and be witness to their awe and excitement is truly rewarding,” said Anna.
Anna, an eighth-grade teacher at James S. Wilson Middle School, was hired as a summer camp staff member. “Anna brings a wonderful combination of skills that makes her a perfect fit for our camp program at Asbury Woods. She has a deep passion for and connection with nature and the outdoors that she is excited to share with children,” said education director, Kelley Lang.
Anna graduated from Clarion University of PA with her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and Special Education in 2013 and graduated from Westminster College with a Masters in School Counseling in 2019. She was born in Missoula, Montana, but has spent most of her life in Titusville, Pennsylvania.
Teaching others is a family affair. Anna grew up watching her father work with children with disabilities. She, too, wanted to impact youth with hands-on activities and positive learning experiences.
Anna is no stranger to Asbury Woods. She has hiked, and cross-country skied the trails before and even had a chance to visit with her eighth-grade class last school year. She shares her love of teaching and enthusiasm for nature with our campers, especially our first-time campers.
Some of the incredible first-time moments Anna shared with students include seeing a black rat snake in the field on the way to Buttermilk Falls, catching crayfish in Walnut Creek, observing a fishing spider on a log, and watching a baby snapping turtle swim.