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 Overnight 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.
Since 1996 we have been camp directors at Swift Nature Camp. We have always been intentional in using our camps resources to promote positive personal growth and development . It is because of this intentionality that we can see and measure how campers and staff are growing and developing as individuals during their stay at summer 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.
For our older teens we give them an opportunity to guide campers as well. This counselor in training program is designed to help older teen engage in leadership and decision-making within their camp groups and for the camp as a whole. Daily they have classes that teach leadership skills as well as child development. Then they get to get out and give it a whack and see it really works for them. For some of these teen they just want a continuation of their own camp days but for others they see how this will benefit them in the real world and help them become better leaders in the future.
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.
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 selecting a Summer Camp visit summer camp advice a free website with loads of camp information.
Since 1996 we have been camp directors at Swift Nature Camp. We have always been intentional in using our camps resources to promote positive personal growth and development . It is because of this intentionality that we can see and measure how campers and staff are growing and developing as individuals during their stay at summer 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.
For our older teens we give them an opportunity to guide campers as well. This counselor in training program is designed to help older teen engage in leadership and decision-making within their camp groups and for the camp as a whole. Daily they have classes that teach leadership skills as well as child development. Then they get to get out and give it a whack and see it really works for them. For some of these teen they just want a continuation of their own camp days but for others they see how this will benefit them in the real world and help them become better leaders in the future.
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.
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 selecting a Summer Camp visit summer camp advice a free website with loads of camp information.
About the Author:
About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift Nature Camp is a non-competitive, Minnesota Summer Camps that offers a traditional camp programs for Boy and Girls. Campers enjoy Teen Adventure Camp trips along with in camp activities like Scuba, Sailing, Skiing and more.
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