Jason McDermott: Scholar, Clinician, and Educator

I have been coming to Manitou for the past three years. Before attending camp, I wasn’t sure what residential summer camps entailed! We don’t have them in Scotland. While not in Maine I reside in Glasgow, Scotland where I have lived my whole life.

I have always had a passion for working with children and young people and making a positive difference. I first started volunteering for a children’s charity when I was 15 and have been working with children ever since. Over the past seven years, I have worked for some third sector charities to support disadvantaged children and young people.

Through volunteering at Experience Camps, a one-week bereavement camp for children who have lost a parent or sibling, I found a passion for working with kids therapeutically.

Since that first experience, I have started a journey to become a child therapist. I am working towards completing a Post Graduate Qualification in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and hoping to start a Master’s degree in September.

As part of my studies, I engage in a clinical placement within Strathclyde University based in Glasgow providing support and one to one counseling to students struggling with mental health problems.

Over the past two years, I have also worked within schools delivering educational wellbeing programs providing a bespoke program supporting children’s mental health.

Manitou is by far one of the most magical places and a highlight to my year!

RECOMMEND MANITOU

The 2019 staff hiring season is almost complete! We are still searching for people who can teach Mountain Biking, Sailing, and assist at the ropes course. Do you know someone who will be a terrific addition to our team? Forward them this post and tell them to apply.