Huntington Woods Rec Center Welcomes Intern

Bridget Brown is not a person who sits still, and she likes it that way.

“While growing up in Huntington Woods,” the 20-year-old Central Michigan University student said, “I was a member of the Huntington Woods swim team for 15 years, fruit camp counselor for five and a member of the Huntington Woods Teen Council (HWTC) for seven years. I began getting involved with the group called Wood Strivers, which was a group of young teens volunteering at various events and programs in our community.”

The Wood Strivers later became the Huntington Woods Teen Council.

Now in her third year at CMU, Brown continues to keep busy studying recreation, parks and leisure services administration with a concentration in community recreation and a minor in event management. It is a field that fits her well, said Colette Nutton, recreation supervisor at the .

“Bridget is amazing and a perfect fit for the field of recreation,” she said. “She is very comfortable in most any situation, she rolls with whatever comes her way, she has great ideas and always has a smile on her face.”

This week, she's back in her hometown to begin the first of two internships. For 15 consecutive weeks starting Monday, her main task will be to work as director of Camp Watermelon, one of the city's fruit-themed summer camps. She also will be involved in Fourth of July events, concerts in the park and other programs.

"I will be learning all the behind-the-scenes information that goes into running a recreation center," she said.

Nutton said she is excited to have Brown working for Parks and Rec again.

“She has done a lot of work here at the (Huntington Woods Parks and Recreation Department), from being a participant herself to a strong leader in Teen Council and an intern here when she was at .” 

Also on the agenda: Brown will volunteer May 19-22 at the Michigan Victory Games at Michigan State University. The Michigan Victory Games provides an opportunity for athletes with physical disabilities to compete against their peers in organized sports. The games have qualified many participants to compete in the Paralympics, World Games and National Sports Festival.

Nutton said the Teen Council has supported the games for several years.

“I have always heard amazing things about the event, and I am excited to finally see it in full action,” Brown said. “The four-day event will give me insight on a whole another side of recreation.”

Brown is a dedicated student who is focused on her field of study and continues to take on leadership roles with enthusiasm. But her community is never far from her mind. Read what the Berkley High School graduate has to say about growing up in the Woods and the advice she has for graduating seniors:

Huntington Woods-Berkley Patch: What is your favorite thing about growing up in Huntington Woods?

Bridget Brown: My favorite thing about growing up in Huntington Woods is that it is such a close community. Walking down the street, you know you will run into someone you know. Everyone is always so supportive. It is like you have hundreds of aunts and uncles always cheering you on. Huntington Woods also provides so many opportunities to get involved. I love attending all the events, especially the Fourth of July parade. I do not think I have ever missed one, and I have been lucky to have been in most of them, as well.

Huntington Woods-Berkley Patch: How did you get involved with the Teen Council?

Brown: I joined with my older sister when the council was lucky if 10 people showed up to a meeting. I progressed my way up into more rewarding positions, such as fundraising chair and also council manager. Throughout the seven years, I saw amazing changes in the program.

Meetings are now full of eager teens wanting to make a difference in the community. Sixty or more teens come to the rec center for meetings on the first and third Thursday of every month. They have the opportunity to attend the  Michigan Youth Symposium every year, which gives them an opportunity to meet with other teens in similar councils. It also gives the HWTC a chance to meet new people and to see what other communities are doing.
Huntington Woods-Berkley Patch: How is college life?

Brown: College life is rewarding and challenging at the same time. It is definitely a shock to be on your own at first, but after my third year, I finally think I am getting a hang of paying bills. I never knew how stressful it can be. I give my parents a lot of credit! It can also be difficult to manage your time wisely. Always having friends around can be difficult but a ton of fun! The library is a great place to go if you really need to get away. I have made so many amazing friends, it is really going to be difficult to leave. I have been living with two of my roommates for my entire college experience, and they have become so much more than just roommates.

Huntington Woods-Berkley Patch: Do you miss home?

Brown: There are times that school gets stressful that I wish I could just be home, but going away to school was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have been able to make so many new relationships in and outside the recreation world. I was given the opportunity to volunteer at the Michigan Recreation and Parks Association Conference this past March and met so many friends and professionals.

I still come home to work various events through the Huntington Woods Recreation Center and have returned every summer as a camp counselor. It is nice to be able to spend an entire summer in my home community. It always feels like I never left. The rec center has always been my home away from home.

Huntington Woods-Berkley Patch: What has been your most interesting course and why?

Brown: In my sophomore year, I had a class called Recreation Programming. The class was broken up into groups of five people. Our assignment was to plan an event to raise money for a charity of our choosing. The group members were all random with various backgrounds. Our professor helped us through the process but also left a lot of it up for us learn on our own. We had to fundraise all the money we needed to run our program. We finally decided to go with a six-on-six coed volleyball tournament to be held at the Student Activity Center. The profits all benefited the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. It was challenging to try and plan an event while also having to do things for other classes, but at the end we had a very successful event and raised about $500 for our charity. It was nice not to just have to sit in a classroom and be lectured.

Huntington Woods-Berkley Patch: What advice would you give the BHS graduating class?

Brown: My advice for the BHS graduating class is not hold back. Join as many groups as possible and be involved in what you enjoy. There are so many amazing opportunities out there, and you do not have to do what your friends are doing. Step outside of your comfort area and make new friends. Challenge yourself and do not think about what other people may think of you.