Sayer Kobersmith just graduated from high school, and his summer is completely booked. Currently, he’s traveling across Alaska, RV-camping with his family, and seeing sights most only dream of. But when he returns, part of his summer will be serving as a counselor for three weeks at Camp AJ. 

“Camp is something that is really good for my mental health, especially with the stress of recently graduating,” said Kobersmith, who will be a counselor for boys aged 9-11. This will be his tenth year at Camp AJ; attending for eight summers since age 9 and working for two additional summers. 

“Camp AJ had a big impact on me, and I’m looking forward to working with that same age group,” said Kobersmith, who graduated with honors from Berea Community High School in Berea, Kentucky in May. “The community they have [at AJ] is very positive; you’re encouraged to be yourself and accepting of others.” 

Kobersmith was born in Alaska where his parents met and lived for a while. When he returns to Kentucky, he’ll intern with The Lexington Theatre Company as an assistant stagehand for their production of Chicago in August and attend orientation for his freshman year of college.

The 18-year-old will attend York College of Pennsylvania this fall to major in Audio Production and Entrepreneurship. His internship at Eastern Kentucky University’s Center for the Arts as a stagehand technician helped prepare him for his future career. 

“I’m interested in doing sound for concerts and theater,” Kobersmith added. “I’m excited to be able to learn stuff that’s more tailored to me and my interests, that’s what I miss about homeschooling.”

He was homeschooled from first grade through the end of his freshman year. “I had social interaction as a homeschooler,” he said. “But camp was good for me because there is such a diverse set of people there, from the counselors to the campers. I learned to see people through a different lens.” 

Kobersmith concluded, “Camp helped me with my general outlook and my mindset to be more willing to try new things, and I found that I really like helping people. It’s a part of who I am, and I plan to come back each summer to volunteer.” 

Story by Shannon Holbrook.