Meet Ben Petrosky

Introducing Ben Petrosky

If your kids were in summer camp this year or have taken swim lessons with us in the past, you may already know and love Ben Petrosky, our new Children’s Program Coordinator!

 

Years at Samena: 15…. 15!!! 

About Ben: 

Washington born and raised.  I love the Pacific Northwest. I got my Computer Science Degree from Bellevue College in 2022.  I worked with the Boys & Girls Club for over a year and spent my time in Aquatics keeping kids safe as a lifeguard, teaching swimming lessons, & leading the Junior Lifeguards camp.  My favorite levels to teach were L1 – L3, because of the milestone of side breathing. 

What are you most excited about taking on in your new role as Children’s Program Coordinator? 

I first came to Children’s Programs to help out in any way I could this past summer.  Then I found I really enjoyed the variety of problem solving I was doing and felt like I was really filling a need. I love the balance of structure and creativity that is expected of me. 

I am most excited about providing comfort in the consistency and structure of the program, and, within that structure, plan and execute creative fun activities that make the kids, parents, and staff excited to come to Samena. The roller coaster of working with kids is a fun ride. 

What drew you to working with children/why is it important to you? 

What drew me to working with children as a lifeguard and swim instructor was how proud the kids were as they developed their swimming skills and knowing the role I played in helping them get there.  What keeps me working with children is the laughter. 

I believe kids should stay kids as long as they can, and I like playing a role in guiding their growth through childhood. 

What is your favorite part of B&A/Summer Camps/etc? 

My favorite part of Before and After Care is our STEAM activities, where we run a fun learning game, experiment, or craft, and the kids’ curiosity and engagement really come out.  My favorite part about Summer Camps is all the time spent outside with the kids.  The field, playground, pool… I love it all.  

What do you want people to know about Samena’s Children’s Programs? 

All of us working in Children’s genuinely want our programs and activities to fill the children with core memories.    

Anything else you’d like to share about yourself? 

I have abandoned sides of the cat vs dog debate.  I am passionately in the middle.