An unforgettable summer

Spending the summer as a counselor at a sports sleepaway camp 1,000 miles from home is not every college student’s dream internship, but for University of Dayton sophomore Matias Salemi, it was the best decision he ever made. 

“When else can I take a risk and work in Maine for a guaranteed unforgettable summer?” he said.

As a sport management and business administration major, Salemi thrives in dynamic, challenging environments where every day brings something new. Salemi feels drawn to organizations that channel employee passion into purpose.

“It doesn’t matter if I’m the CEO or the dishwasher,” said Salemi (who at one point did work as a dishwasher). “I’m buying into the company’s mission and giving my all.”

Salemi is no stranger to the hustle required to succeed. His first job at 13 was going door-to-door with a sponge and bucket to advertise his car-washing business to neighbors. In his first year at UD, his work ethic carried into his job at The Chill, a division of UD’s student-run Flyer Enterprises. He earned the Flyer Enterprises’ spring 2025 True Blue Scholarship, recognizing his commitment to Flyer Enterprises' values of sparking innovation, taking ownership, grit, collaboration and inclusion.

“To be recognized for going the extra mile on the day-to-day is extremely validating,” said Salemi.

When searching for his first summer internship in college, Salemi turned to Handshake, the online service used by UD Career Services to connect students, alumni and employers. With a wide variety of opportunities and user-friendly filter options, it was a no-brainer for Salemi. 

“People don’t believe me when I say I found success on Handshake, but it works,” said Salemi.

That’s where he found Camp Caribou, a family-owned boys summer camp in Maine. During the interview process, Salemi immediately felt drawn to the camp’s energy and enthusiasm and joined their team as a basketball counselor.

“The thought of working with kids was intimidating at first,” he recalled. “You have to earn their respect and trust, especially as the new guy.”

Despite being the new guy at a camp founded on legacy, Salemi stood out as a dedicated employee. Two days into orientation, he was asked to transition into a unit leader role, ensuring the campers felt supported by maintaining positive relationships between campers and counselors. Salemi was honest about the self-doubt he felt taking on this new position, sharing that he didn’t have any idea how to do this new job.

It was Bobby Lerman, a second-generation director in the Camp Caribou family, who reminded Salemi that he was hired for a reason and was trusted to take on this new role because of his hard work. Salemi looked to Lerman as a role model for his inspiring commitment to the campers and employees; Lerman often was the first to wake up and arrive at camp and the last to leave, always being available for assistance and advice.

“That conversation encouraged me to lean on others for support, especially when they have so clearly invested in my success,” said Salemi.

With a new drive, Salemi embraced the camp motto of creating “unforgettable summers.” On the parents’ showcase day halfway through the summer, parents shared the letters their kids wrote to them throughout the summer, telling stories about all the fun they were having at camp with Salemi as their counselor.

“The campers might not tell you directly, but when their parents thank you for all the fun their kids are having at camp, that’s when you know you’re doing a great job,” said Salemi.

The love from the campers proved to be a constant source of motivation and gratification in the job, and the new friendships built with fellow counselors from all over the world provided a new perspective on working with a diverse group of people united by the same goal.

“I can look back at all that we accomplished throughout the summer with a newfound professional and personal confidence,” said Salemi.

Looking ahead, Salemi wants to continue taking big risks and exploring new opportunities. With all the love and memories from his summer with the Camp Caribou family, he’s ready to take the lessons he learned into future avenues.

“You’ve got to go get the opportunity,” he suggested. “Don’t wait for the opportunity to come to you, because it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.”