PlanetBravo is proud to highlight the astounding talents of our gifted instructors. We pride ourselves on selecting our year-round staff from our rigorous summer teaching schedule. We base selections on teachers’ work ethic, rapport with students, multiple skills on and off technology, and of course, their ability to teach!

This season, we highlight Manuel “Batmanuel” Reynolds. Manuel has been with PlanetBravo since 2018, when he joined us in our summer camp. Prior to that, Manuel was a military man, serving in the United States Navy from 2011 to 2013 in Groton Connecticut and Norfolk Virginia. Since joining us, Manuel has been an integral part of our camp and school year programs. He’s a staple in our after-school program as well. We love this teacher so much, and we hope you enjoy getting to know him now.

Danny P.: Manuel! You are known as one of the kindest, funniest teachers we have on staff. Your love of life comes through in everything you do, and it’s inspirational to the kids and staff with whom you work. Where do you find your joy?


Manuel: Thank you. I would say a lot of my joy comes from my family and friends. I have two kids a daughter named Abigail and a son named Malcolm.

Danny P.: How has being a dad impacted your role as a teacher? What do you bring into the classroom from your dad life?


Manuel: My daughter is 5 going on 13 so I never know what the day is going to be like and my son is 18 months and full of happiness and energy. So I’ve learned to embrace the unexpected and have fun with the chaos.

Danny P.: What a perfect way to describe life as a tech teacher during this time. And I must ask…. Does any of your military experience play a role in how you approach your work as an educator?

Manuel: Yes, but that’s classified. :p I think working with so many different people, in so many different types of environments made it so I can never really predict what’s going to happen all the time, but you learn to roll with the punches. You may have a plan, and it can be a great plan, but then curve balls may come towards you. The power might go out due to weather, or internet may just be in and out.

Danny P.: During our summer camp, you are known to show individualized care for each camper. You make strong relationships with the staff and even the camper’s families. We’ve gotten emails asking what courses you are teaching each summer just so they can take those classes. What’s your secret?


Manuel: Well first thing I do is… and after the campers and I lead the coup against Waffle, nap time for all! Wait… that’s the wrong plan. Haha, what?! I don’t know anything about a coup to institute hammocks and nap time. Just kidding. I love what I do and I think I’m just a big silly kid at heart. So if that means wearing an Elsa outfit to make someone laugh for a BravoBlog (thank you again you three campers), jumping into a four square challenge because I lost at dodgeball, dancing to the Carly Rae Jepsen power hour (I think there’s only one song from her in that playlist, but the name is what’s important), or a discussion on how Ben Affleck may be the best live-action Batman, it’s what I love about my job.

Danny P.: Where do you get your tech skills?


Manuel: I’ve grown up with a love for computers and technology, trying to learn whenever the opportunity became available. From various jobs where I picked up skills from watching others close to me and asking questions, to hanging out with friends.

Danny P.: Do you have a favorite technical subject to teach whether in summer camp or during the school year?


Manuel: I think it would have to be a tie between Blender and Clickteam fusion. I’ve seen some really cool things made by students and professionals using Blender, and I love rpgs (role playing games). With clickteam fusion I love seeing the imagination the students have when they are creating games.

Danny P.: How do you connect with campers or students who are not as technically savvy?


Manuel: I try to find something they can relate their knowledge to and try to find that connection. Sometimes it works, sometimes it takes a couple of tries, but we get there.

Danny P.: What makes your day as a technology teacher?


Manuel: I love that moment when something clicks for a student, when they are working on a project and struggling either to find an idea or understand the concept we are working on. Then all of a sudden, “Big badda boom” the joy that comes across their face when they finally understand/are able to accomplish what they were working on. Also during the summer time, I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to work with.

Danny P.: What do you think is so important about learning these forms of technology? What should parents do to motivate their children to explore tech?


Manuel: I feel like these things are a great way to challenge your mind and push yourself to learn things that you may not have known you love. There’s a great sense of accomplishment you feel when you are able to create something fun and challenging. You learn to work together, to work alone and follow directions, also to think outside of the box and create something that is yours.