From Campers to Leaders in Elmhurst Park District

For some, childhood experiences in local park district programs become treasured memories. For others, those moments go a step further—shaping the course of their lives. That is the case for Jennifer Diamond, now the clubhouse supervisor at Sugar Creek Golf Course, and Josh Stembridge, a counselor at Funseekers Summer Camp. Both grew up participating in Elmhurst Park District activities, and both have now returned, bringing their stories full circle as they inspire a new generation.

Josh, a senior studying kinesiology at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, recalls Funseekers Summer Camp as one of the highlights of his youth. One memory stands out: a mini carnival organized by the counselors, complete with a dunk tank that gave campers the chance to send their counselors into the water. That sense of fun and connection stayed with him, influencing his decision to come back as a counselor this year. While he admits to having first-day nerves, he quickly found his footing once he earned the trust of his campers. Now, he injects his own creativity into the program, introducing games like “Everybody’s It,” which he loved as a camper, and finds reward in seeing today’s children enjoy them just as much. Over time, he has developed a deeper appreciation for the patience and kindness of the counselors who once guided him, recognizing how small gestures—like greeting each child—can make a lasting difference.

Jennifer’s connection to Sugar Creek Golf Course also began in childhood, when she asked to join a golf camp. That early introduction sparked a fascination with the game that shaped her career path. As a camper and later a counselor, she discovered the joy of helping new players experience the thrill of a perfect shot. Her passion led to a college internship in Pennsylvania, where she designed and led a golf program, and eventually to roles at Evanston Golf Club and Bettinardi Golf, where she learned to build putters, wedges, and irons. Returning to Sugar Creek this spring as clubhouse supervisor, she now applies years of industry experience while continuing to foster community and share her enthusiasm for the sport. Many of the friendships she formed at camp have lasted to this day, a testament to the sense of belonging those programs fostered.

Together, Jennifer and Josh embody the long-term impact park district programs can have—building skills, shaping careers, and strengthening community ties. Their journeys from campers to leaders illustrate how positive childhood experiences can echo through the years, inspiring others just as they were once inspired.