Globetrotter all set for summer at Mini U

This time last year, Chad Enns lived across the world, submerged in distant cultures and customs. The former Bisons track star shares more about Minu U’s culture, and how it made it easy for him to return and become a supervisor.

Who: Chad Enns.

Position at Mini U: Coach Supervisor.

Favourite Snack: 1) Pudding cups, 2) Welch’s fruit snacks, and 3) Nutri-Grain Bars (in that order).

Favourite Hobby: running and reading.

Nickname: Chauncy or Seif which was my nickname in Jordan.

How many summers have you worked at Mini U before this year? Just one! This is only my second summer.

What is the coach supervisor responsible? I’m mainly responsible for supporting all of the coaches that are running many of the sport camps such as hockey, basketball, and dodgeball. I’m making sure that the coaches all set, know what they’re doing, are oriented into the program, understand the big vision, and feel fully equipped for their summers.

What have you been up to since you last worked at Mini U in 2015?

In January of 2016 I pretty much traveled across the world. Everything aligned perfectly to travel, and it was something I had been thinking about for a long time. I traveled to Jordan and lived in the capital city Amman for two years. I spent my time there studying Arabic, volunteering, and teaching English.

How did you feel before your first day as a supervisor?

I don’t get nervous very often, but I was super nervous. I really didn’t know what the job would look like or if I was going to be capable. It was amazing coming in on that first day and seeing how supportive everyone was. The coordinators had our best interest in mind and made us feel so confident by telling us that we were picked for a reason and they were confident we were going to do a good job.

After a couple weeks of training and getting your feet wet, how are you feeling now?

I feel very excited for camps to start. I cannot wait for kids to come here. I’m also super excited for our coaching staff to arrive in a couple weeks. My partner Dale is crazy creative and he and I have been planning a ton of amazing training sessions to translate our message to them. I also feel a lot more confident in the job because of the training that we’ve participated in. The coordinators have provided us with a great sense of direction in where the summer will take us.

What is your favourite part about being a supervisor at Mini U?

Other than Spikeball at lunch, I love how creative we get to be in the position. We get handed a large task and were able to make it our own. I’ve never had a job that provides me with an opportunity to be creative like this one does. Everyone has a common goal in mind, but the way that we all aim to accomplish the big vision is so incredibly different. I feel like every day that I come into work I see something that inspires me no matter where I look in the room. Being around people who are so driven and so knowledgeable is amazing.

During your time at Mini U, has there been a moment that stands out to you in having a big impact on your life?

A lot of moments with children stick out to me. During my summer at Mini U in 2015, I quickly realized that kids are great at being genuine. They don’t hide emotions or hold back on sharing what they’re thinking. I think genuineness is something that people sometimes forget how to do when they grow up. Seeing kids be so genuine and honest inspired me to do the same with the people around me. With that being said, genuineness is a quality that you find quite easily at Mini U. Whether it’s the kids or the staff, no one is putting on a face. If people need support they’ll let you know, and if they want to give you a compliment they’ll give it to you.