Meet Our Day Camp Team: Jenn Stricker

Jenn Stricker, Early Learning Manager of the Buehler YMCA, was born and raised in Palatine, Illinois, and now she raises her family here. She has always had a passion for early learning and education and appreciates that education is constantly evolving and changing. Jenn is now continuing her education this summer at Northern Illinois University. She has been working at the Y for 16 years and loves how community and family-oriented it is.

Q: What is your favorite part of working at the YMCA? 

A: I love working at the Buehler Y because of the team and the families that I work with and see everyday.

Q: What is your favorite part about Day Camp at the Y? 

A: [My favorite part is when] you see the kiddos enjoying themselves, making new friends, and seeing returning campers now working as counselors.

Q: What is your favorite memory from Day Camp at the Y?

A: I like watching the gymnastic shows and the Buehler Y’s Talent Show and seeing the kiddos hard work that they planned and worked on all week and their faces showing all of what they have accomplished.

Q: What are you most proud of in your career so far? 

A: I am most proud of learning and growing with my team and being able to help families by creating a safe and warm learning environment for their children.

Q: What’s one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out? 

A: I have a 25 year old son who has graduated from Carthage and is now a Health and Wellness teacher and coach for high school basketball and football. And a 10 year old — yes, 14 years apart!

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be (and why)? 

A: Never ending energy to keep up with everyone and everything. I always say, “I’m tired of being tired”.

Q: What’s the last song you listened to? 

A: “Hills and Valleys” by Tauren Wells.

Q: What’s one thing on your bucket list? 

A: To visit Africa and go on a safari, and to visit Italy and see where my roots are.

The YMCA of Metro Chicago believes in the power of play. We play for fun and for progress. Day Camp at the Y empowers Chicagoland youth to do mighty things — making friends, developing new skills, creating life-shaping experiences, and so much more! 

Our experienced and talented counselors and staff are committed to making sure your camper experiences a full day of play, exploration, learning, and personal growth. Here at the Y, we want to show off our Day Camp team’s amazing talents and contributions to our community — and find even more talented, community-oriented individuals who want to work at the YMCA!