Today more than ever before, our country and the world for that matter needs leaders that can make a difference. Kids and young adults who attend Summer Camp tend to be flexible problem solvers and learn to live with folks that are different from themselves. Traditional Summer Camps have long been known for their ability to promote life long learnables. These include: responsibility, independence, cooperation and teamwork, a willingness to try new things and much more.
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.
We pride ourselves on our one on one work with camp staff to ensure that they are aware that they not only need to keep safe but their job is to to encourage and assist campers in their own personal development and growth. Our daily meetings with staff is a time to check in and see how each camper is doing with the parents directives as well as the camps goals. We see ourselves as team mates with the parents of our campers.
Our older teens receive the chance to guide younger campers as well. This counselor in training program is designed to help teen engage in leadership and decision-making. Classes teach leadership skills as well as child development. Then they get to get out and see it works for them. These teen need to have desire to participate and lead others, without this desire they just become older campers. But for those who want to become 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 is what we all do at camp. Staff to campers and older campers to younger campers. For many, this opportunity to engage with others and realize the natural power over others. The skills learned of group management, gaining respect and for teaching children new skills carry with these young children for years to come.
Yes, summer camp is a wonderful time to be outside and playing but it is also a wonderful opportunity campers, and staff alike to increase their personal growth and development.
To learn more about finding the right Summer Camp, visit Summer Camp Advice a free website with loads of camp information. - 31963
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.
We pride ourselves on our one on one work with camp staff to ensure that they are aware that they not only need to keep safe but their job is to to encourage and assist campers in their own personal development and growth. Our daily meetings with staff is a time to check in and see how each camper is doing with the parents directives as well as the camps goals. We see ourselves as team mates with the parents of our campers.
Our older teens receive the chance to guide younger campers as well. This counselor in training program is designed to help teen engage in leadership and decision-making. Classes teach leadership skills as well as child development. Then they get to get out and see it works for them. These teen need to have desire to participate and lead others, without this desire they just become older campers. But for those who want to become 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 is what we all do at camp. Staff to campers and older campers to younger campers. For many, this opportunity to engage with others and realize the natural power over others. The skills learned of group management, gaining respect and for teaching children new skills carry with these young children for years to come.
Yes, summer camp is a wonderful time to be outside and playing but it is also a wonderful opportunity campers, and staff alike to increase their personal growth and development.
To learn more about finding the right Summer Camp, visit Summer Camp Advice a free website with loads of camp information. - 31963
About the Author:
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.
