Experiential Learning Helped Gianna Salce ’21 Succeed as a Recreation Leader
By Damon Markiewicz
At a young age, Gianna Salce ’21, knew she craved helping others in need. Through the assistance of a friend, she was introduced to the Springfield College Recreation Industries and Therapeutic Recreation Management program as a way to explore her desire for service-learning. Learning how to adapt activities for those in need and allow them to participate in their own way, opened her eyes to a career she continues to love.
“Growing up around my grandmother, who is partially paralyzed, I enjoyed working with her as she practiced in-home therapy,” explained Salce. “We would work together to adapt materials so we could participate in activities together, such as coloring, bowling, and cooking.”
Now as the Recreation and Youth Services coordinator for Fairfield Parks and Recreation in Fairfield, Conn., she continues to practice the importance of service-learning. From Salce’s perspective, there is nothing more valuable than getting out into the community and working with people. Throughout the summer, Salce oversees an adapted summer camp program and applies the lessons she learned at Springfield College while working with camp families.
“The summer camp consists of participants ranging from kindergarten age, all the way up to 21 years old,” explained Salce. “Each session of summer camp runs for two weeks, with around 40 participants each. Once camp starts, as a staff, we welcome the campers and we get them started on their activities. I oversee a staff of 15 counselors and a camp director, who manages the day-to-day operations of camp.”
Prior to each session starting, Salce takes the extra step of finding out more about the camp families. It’s a crucial part of the process to assure that she is leading the best possible methods of service to others, a mission she embraced at Springfield College.
“I enjoy creating relationships with families in the community, and I love seeing familiar faces come back to programs season after season,” explained Salce. “Watching participants grow and learn through the programs we offer is what excites myself and our staff the most. The camp culture that we have is very entertaining. We are always making sure the camp families are the top priority. I attribute being able to establish this culture as a result of the lessons I learned as a student.”
During her time at the College, Salce was able to gain hands-on, experiential learning experiences through internships. These moments only enhanced what she was learning in the classroom.
“Getting that experience outside of the classroom was always stressed by our faculty,” explained Salce. “It always felt good applying the knowledge to real-life experiences, and being able to connect back. Getting hands-on experience also gives you the opportunity to really know if this job is what you want to do for your career. There are so many settings students can work, so being able to trial the setting before committing long-term was so valuable.”
During her senior year internship at the Institute of Living, an inpatient psychiatric facility in Hartford, Conn., Salce was assigned to create four skills-based programs for adult patients that included coping skills, leisure skills, expressive media, and communication skills. Also having a background as a dancer, Salce had a goal of using her choreography skills to create an inclusive cardio drumming class for the patients. This experience was a prime example of the creative opportunities that helped her feel fulfilled during her academic journey.
“When they launched my program at the Institute of Living, I felt so excited and accomplished to connect with patients on the unit,” expressed Salce. “It makes me feel so good knowing clinicians on the unit still use the workout to this day. I am so happy to have left my legacy at the hospital.”
And when looking back now at her time as a student, she is always looking to pay it forward and offer advice to the next generation of Recreation Industries and Therapeutic Recreation majors.
“Take risks, and step outside of your comfort zones,” is Salce’s advice to current students. “You can never ask too many questions, and always remember to thank those who helped you along the way. Springfield College prepares you to be the best person and professional you can be.”
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