Stonybrook Spotlight: Shweta Bansil

Stonybrook Spotlight:  Counselor Shweta Bansil

Shweta Bansil makes Stonybrook Day Camp proud.  We are proud of her accomplishments and proud to have her on our staff.  She is an amazing person who brings such positive energy with her everywhere she goes.  She is incredibly sweet and thoughtful.  She is just a wonderful person and we thought you’d like to get to know her a little better.

Statistics on Shweta 

Age: 21

Town: Livingston, NJ

School: Recently graduated from George Washington University (GWU) with Bachelors in Science and she was accepted to Medical School at GWU.

History at Camp:  She started many years ago as a CIT

Hobbies:  She has been playing the flute since 4th grade and interestingly enough our Upper Camp Boys Director, Jim Hegedus, was her band teacher from 4th grade through HS.  She now plays in flute in the GWU Symphonic Orchestra.  

Favorite activities at home:  She also loves having with friends, going to movies, playing tennis, and most importantly ---spending time with family.

Other:  Shweta’s older sibling, Sapna, was at camp last year and she just finished her masters at Tufts University.  Although she would love to be back at camp Sapna is now an Occupational Therapist and has entered the real world!  Good for her, but Stonybrook loves and misses Sapna!

Shweta’s Favorite Camp Activities

When asked what she loves about camp, she answered, “I love coming back year after year and seeing how much the kids have changed and grown.  My very first Nursery group is now in the 4th grade any many are still at camp!” She remembers being in the baby pool with them and they would cling to her for dear life. She had to coax them into the water and play games just to get them going. Now she sees those same tots jumping off the dock into the deep waters of the big pool. They are all confident and independent kids.  “That is just awesome, and an amazing thing to see.”

Shweta’s Favorite Camp Memory

When asked about her favorite camp memory, it was tough but she replied, “There are so many but I will go with this one.  It was the the summer of 2008 with her group was the Monkeys. She was working another long time Stonybrook girl:  Melanie Ross. The reason it was so special?--I met my LIFE LONG best friend in Melanie.”  Friendships at camp are just special.   

Schweta’s Advice for New Counselors

When asked about her advice for new counselors, she replied, “It's can be a bit intimidating because you are entrusted with lots of responsibility.  Just know that you have a lot to learn but you can look to others for direction and examples.  Stonybrook will support you.  But at the same time don't be afraid to bring your own 2 cents to the table.  Everyone has potential and something to contribute that is positive for the children.”  So true.

Shweta’s Long Term Goals

When asked about her long-term goals, “ I would really like to go to Pediatric Medicine. I thinks being at camp has definitely helped me realize that I would love a career working with kids in the medical field.  I think it's what would get me out of bed in the morning.”  

And many of us parents at Stonybrook think she will be an amazing doctor.  Shweta, be sure to come back to the New Jersey area when you are all done with med school.  We promise you will be booked!  Stonybrook Day Camp loves Shweta Bansil!

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