CampHire Stories: Good Morning America (Faryn)
At CampHire, we believe camp is the best a summer job has to offer. And we’re here to prove it.
In our series “CampHire Stories,” we profile former camp staffers and the highly sought after careers that camp made possible for them.
Next up: Faryn Shiro, Producer at Good Morning America.
The download on Faryn: Faryn spent her summers at Camp Nokomis on Lake Winnipesaukee in NH. Faryn is the ultimate embodiment of the camp counselor spirit -- a bundle of energy, enthusiasm, and warmth. She is currently a producer for Good Morning America -- yes, you read that right, the morning show program watched by 3.6 million viewers each day. Faryn produces celebrity segments for one of the most popular shows on TV. She’s at the top of her game -- and she credits her days at camp for her ability to produce compelling morning TV.
Now for the good stuff --
“Those 2 months were the best times of my life.”
I am fully obsessed with camp. I used to say I live 10 for 2 with the whole year leading up to the 2 months at camp. Honestly, those 2 months were the best times of my life. I grew up going to a camp on an island in the middle of Lake Winnipesaukee (New Hampshire) called Camp Nokomis. The island was only accessible by boat and the camp ran a ferry, called the Bear Boat, to shuttle people back and forth. First-time campers would be super nervous on the boat ride to camp. It was always amazing to see the transformation when those same kids would be crying on the way home, not wanting to leave their new favorite place, Camp Nokomis.
I joke that I should have been a Camp Director and stayed at camp for the rest of my life. Camp is such a part of my identity -- I think about it all the time. I made my best friends there, and it played a big role in shaping my career, and ultimately who I am today. I truly miss it.
Photo courtesy of Merrimack Valley YMCA Camps
“As a producer, I use what I learned from camp to infuse creativity into my segments.”
At Good Morning America, I’m one of the producers behind the scenes wearing a headset. My job is to seek out compelling stories and bring them to life in ways that make our viewers feel something. I want people to have fun watching my segments, and tell their friends about it. As a producer, I use what I learned from camp to infuse creativity into my segments. A big part of Good Morning America is hearing someone’s story, and creating authentic connections with guests. I leverage similar tactics to engage celebrities that I did when getting to know my cabin, and hearing the stories campers had to share. The skills I learned from camp in creating open and safe spaces are the same skills I use today to bring energy and excitement to the show.
In 2018 we had the cast of The Jersey Shore on one morning. I knew this was a lively bunch that would be down for anything. I went fully into camp mode. I organized a “Gym, Tan, Laundry” challenge for the cast members to complete live on air!
Station #1: Complete 10 reps lifting a blowup barbell
Station #2: Open a complicated beach chair and lay in it
Station #3: Fold 5 pieces of laundry and yell “Ma, the laundry is ready!” (like Vinny in season 1)
Station #4: Race to the duck phone and scream “Cabs are here!”
This is exactly the type of game I would have put together for my cabin at camp. I used to find a trendy movie, song, or show and make a full game out of it that everyone would love- and I still get to that today. The segment was a huge it. The audience was laughing and it brought out the personalities of the cast in ways that just a sit down interview would not have.
“Camp is where I learned how to deal with chaos.”
My job can be intense and chaotic. My days start before 5:00 am and every day is filled with new challenges. A Zoom feed drops mid interview. A flight gets cancelled and a guest can’t make it. An unexpected thunderstorm ruins an outdoor set. Camp is where I learned how to deal with chaos. When you're in charge of 20 campers, you always have to have a plan B, a plan C, and even a plan D! They rely on you to act on the fly, and make things happen quickly. That’s one of the biggest skills I bring to my job today. Having had that experience from camp, it’s become a natural part of how I work. There is no challenge that is too difficult to find a solution for. You’re not allowed to just quit -- you have to find a way -- and camp is where I learned exactly how to do that.
Camp people thrive in a fast-paced environment. We are made for morning TV -- we’re weird, we’re silly, we’re fun. But being a camp counselor is HARD. It is a job. If someone can do it -- and like doing it, it shows they have real skill that not many people can say they have. At camp, we had a popular saying amongst staff -- “If not you, who?” If you see a nail sticking out of the floor, it is your job to fix it so no one gets hurt. If you see a kid crying, it is your job to comfort that child and help them feel better. Cause if not you, who? That is an especially important lesson for young professionals. It’s one of the biggest skills you can bring to your work, and having that mindset will make you standout. There is no job that is beneath you. Not everyone has that mentality, but it’s a defining characteristic of leadership.
“Don’t underestimate how robust the camp network is. It’s your golden ticket.”
I genuinely think camp prepares you for any career. Literally anything you want to do, you can learn those skills at camp. I am a strong believer in highlighting camp on your resume. I am privileged in that I get to interact with really successful people, and so often it comes up in conversation that they went to camp. My reaction is always “of course you did- that’s how you know how to get stuff done!” To get a job, you have to stand out. If by chance the person you are interviewing with went to camp, you have an instant connection. Don’t underestimate how robust the camp network is. It’s your golden ticket.
“Camp taught me that you can love your job.”
I strongly believe that everyone should go to camp. Either as a camper or as a staff member. It is an incredible, inclusive space. It is so much fun, and you learn so many important life skills. Thanks to camp I found a job where my daily tasks include calling around town to find giant candy canes, a spaghetti filled bounce house, and a life size rideable toy horse -- all on a few hours notice. I work extremely hard, but I still get to be silly and feel joy every single day.
Camp taught me that you can love your work. Because of camp, I knew I wanted to find a job that I would be passionate about, and love doing. With that mindset, I have been selective in choosing my career path, and I am grateful that camp helped shape who I am today.
Think camp might be a great place to jumpstart your career? Check out our open roles or email us at info@camphire.com to learn more.