The YMCA of Lincoln thrives because of its remarkable people. We are immensely grateful for our dedicated staff, who make the Y an exceptional place to serve our community each and every day. Continue reading to meet one of our incredible team members:
Megan Kneifl
YMCA Camp Kitaki Associate Executive Director
How long have you been with the YMCA of Lincoln, and what other roles/position have you held?
I’ve been with the YMCA of Lincoln in some capacity for 11 years - 6 years as a part-time camp counselor and seasonal supervisor, and this is my 5th year in a full-time capacity. Since joining the team full-time, I’ve overseen Outdoor Education and Registration, then later on Campouts and Family Camps in my Program Director role. I then accepted my current position as Associate Executive Director where I support the camp team while overseeing camp-led Adult & Family Programming.
How did your journey with the Y get started, and what initially drew you to the organization?
I grew up in a small town where the nearest Y was an hour away, so my Y journey didn’t start until my freshman year of college. I saw the Camp Kitaki Wrangler position posted on a job board- I loved working with horses and kids, so it made a perfect fit. I figured it would be a one-off cool summer job- I was seasonal at Camp Kitaki for six years, and then a Program Coordinator at Camp Fitch YMCA in Pennsylvania. After my work there I became the Camp Director at Triangle Y Camp through the Minot Family YMCA in North Dakota before returning home to Nebraska and YMCA Camp Kitaki.
At first, working at Camp Kitaki drew me to the organization- it was my introduction to the Y, and made me feel like I became the best version of myself. Throughout my time I learned more about working for the Y as an organization, and about the incredible, lifelong impact the Y has on staff and participants.
What makes the YMCA of Lincoln different than other places you’ve worked?
The YMCA of Lincoln is a well-supported and growth-focused organization, and Camp Kitaki is a piece of that puzzle. My first few summers working at camp taught me how to become the person I wanted to be, and my work in the Y has prepared me to make that impact on the world around me. Every Y Association is different, and serves an important role in the community they serve. I’m proud to say that when we tell people we’re the best, in my experience that’s true!
What's the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is getting to see the kids and staff grow, year-by-year, and sometimes moment-by-moment. I find incredible joy in helping people of all ages develop the coping skills to navigate life, and to host discussions on how we bring the good we create back into the world with us. To get to do so while in the sand at the lake or while hiking a green, leafy trail is absolutely a bonus.
What is one of your favorite memories working at the Y?
There are so many incredible memories to choose from! Last year I hosted our Women’s Wellness Weekend retreat, and gave the Morning Inspiration. Afterward the group that attended sat on benches in our outdoor chapel space, surrounded by a forest in spring, discussing how we as women show up in our world. Some individuals shared worries, and others were quick to support them, unprompted. Others shared memories of the moments that grew them into being the confident and inspiring people they are. It was a truly beautiful time of sharing and vulnerability- I love the moments that bring us together and help us lift each other up.
What’s the best advice you've ever received?
Some of the best advice I’ve ever received is to begin with the end in mind, and to set habits now that will help you get there. At camp we are incredibly intentional in how we structure our time and activities- it may look like a lot of fun in the sun (and it is!) but rarely does the impact we make come together organically. There are many small steps that create the life-changing impact Camp Kitaki achieves, and knowing our end goal helps us guide that journey. Setting the habits helps hold us accountable.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I’m a bit of a yapper and an open book, so I’m never afraid to share fun facts! I’m an avid hobby collector, and love to learn new skills. I own a motorcycle, and my longest-lasting bucket list goal is to learn how to Scuba dive!
Thank you, Megan, for an incredible 5 years at the YMCA of Lincoln! We look forward to seeing the wonderful things you will achieve in the future.