Last night I came on camp for the first time in… well… a while. It was heartbreaking to see our camp offices silent and empty. It’s discouraging to see our “summer staff wall” still unfinished — though we have been using a virtual version to pray for our summer team throughout our stay-at-home experience.
I’ll be honest, it made me sad to look out across empty activity fields thought should be the setting for staff training and think about the experiences that will be missed (or at least delayed) for the amazing young adults who have committed to serving with us at camp this summer.
And, while it’s true that the camp experience is powerful and vitally important for the youth and families we serve… we know it’s also true that it can be a life-changing experience for the staff who don their Chaco’s and staff t-shirts day in and day out to provide that experience.
So… in honor of those who will… and those who may not… serve at summer camps this year, here are six things we all learned from working at camp:
- We can all just get along.
When we move in to the neighboring bunk and spend every hour of every day together, we realize that we are more alike than we are different. And, we realize that, even though there are differences, we can learn to get along.
Probably the best book I can think of that will inspire us to get along is Love Does, by Bob Goff… if you haven’t read it, now’s the time. - Everyone needs a nap.
When staff people work hard and campers play hard, everyone gets tired… and sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is rest. It’s ok.
For me, the temptation at camp is to run… from here to there… all around… from one thing to another… but I am learning to walk. - S’mores are better with two marshmallows.
They’re also more messy. But sometimes it’s important to get messy, and go a little overboard… and we have to give ourselves permission to do both.
Here’s a fun recipe book for s’mores… and one that’s a little more gourmet. - Rules without relationships lead to rebellion.
We cannot simply expect people to do what we ask if we are not willing to enter their world… and let them enter ours. Also, when we genuinely know people, we are more likely to know what kind of guidance they need to be successful. - The enthusiasm of the group will never surpass the enthusiasm of the leader.
It’s obvious in a cabin group: when the counselor is positive about the experience, so will their campers be. The leader has the power to create the culture and define the experience. - I can do this.
The activities we do at camp are designed to be hard but achievable. When we practice succeeding, we get used to the idea that we can do this.
And you can too. One way is to join our team at Eagle Village… check out our current job postings here.
Here’s some other articles that you might enjoy…
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Six camp activities to do at home.
Whether you’re a kid who can’t wait to go to summer camp, or an adult that just needs to get out of the house… here are some ideas… six camp-inspired activities you can do at home. [read now…]
What can I do?
Six ways to support your camp.
Here are six practical steps you can take today to show the staff and leadership at your favorite camp that you care. [read now…]