Leaders That go to Overnight Summer Camp
Our country and the world for that matter needs leaders more than ever before. It’s time for kids and young adults to get trained in leadership. Overnight Summer Camps tend to create children to be flexible problem solvers as well as learn to live with folks that are different. Summer Camps have long been known for their ability to promote skills that are life long. Included in these are: responsibility, independence, cooperation and teamwork, along with a willingness to try new things.
As summer camp director since’96 we know that the best directors are intentional in using their camps resources to promote specific aspects of positive personal development . It is because of this intentionality that we as camp professionals can see and measure how campers are growing and developing as individuals during their stay at camp.
At Swift Nature Camp we work one on one with camp staff to ensure that they realize that they have an obligation not only to keep children safe but to encourage and assist campers in their own personal development and growth. During daily staff meetings we check in with staff to see if they are on course with the parents directives as well as the camps goals.
Even our older teens have a chance to help and guide younger campers. A counselor in training program is designed to help teen engage in leadership and decision-making. Daily their class teaches leadership training along with child development. Then they get a chance to put into practice. For some this is their first time at a job and have a difficult role, since they just want fun. Others see this as a wonderful opportunity to better leaders in the future this is a great program.
For many the biggest difficulty is that being willing to give of themselves including the importance of being physically and emotionally present for campers. Enthusiastically participating in all activities creates a contagious atmosphere for all to enjoy. Leaders motivate and encourage others, these are all part of a great summer camp.
Role modeling and mentoring are 2 other skills that are important at camp. Everyone participates in this has this responsibility, for in a community as camp we all effect each other. For many, this is the first opportunity to engage with others and realize their people skills. The skills learned of group management, gaining respect and for teaching children are all skills these folk will cary with them for years.
Overnight Summer Camp provides a great time to be outside and playing but it is also a wonderful chance for campers, and staff to increase their own personal growth and development.
To learn more about selecting a Summer Camp visit summer camp advice a free website with loads of camp information.
About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift Nature Camp is a non-competitive, Overnight Summer Camp that offers a traditional summer camp for Boy and Girls. Campers enjoy Teen Adventure Camp trips along with in camp activities: Scuba, Sailing, Skiing and more.