As the summer camping season opens and young men and women on staff spend long hours day and night this week to prepare the facilities, train new staff and review their program plans, I spent a few moments this morning reflecting on what incredible opportunities the Scouting program provides. It’s easy to see and understand how the campers benefit as they romp through the woods, dive off the raft, build fires, cook cobblers and so much more. The wealth of opportunities summer camp provides them is an amazing list of skills from all of the program areas;
- Scoutcraft
camping, cooking, pioneering, etc. - Handicraft
Leatherworking, woodcarving, basketry, etc. - Waterfront
Swimming, lifesaving, canoeing, rowing, etc. - Ecology/Conservation
Environmental science, forestry, fish & wildlife conservation, etc.
Equally important is that they learn independence. They are away from mom and dad for a week and they learn how to take care of themselves. It’s their responsibility to make sure they complete the requirements for their badges . They are the ones that have to make sure they get to the right program area on time. They must learn to take care of the personal gear for a whole week. Of course the boy’s adult leaders help by prodding and counseling them. But ultimately the boy’s must achieve their accomplishments on their own. And that’s one of the biggest lessons they learn by attending summer camp. They are responsible for their own success. Yes. It’s easy to see how summer camp is a great experience for campers.
But what sometimes gets lost in the shuffle is the awesome experience summer camp provides for the staff. I always tell folks that working as a counselor at Owasippe was the best job I ever had. Young men and women who dedicate their summers for the chance to work at camp come away with an experience and set of skills that are a notch above what they gained as a camper. You are part of a team that’s building a program for hundreds of campers. You must work as a team or it simply wont work. If a fellow staff member needs a helping hand, you jump in without a second thought. The days are long and the job continues well into the night. You are “on the job” at all times. You’re spending your days teaching others skills and knowledge that they’ll put to use as the grow. You are part of their growing process, aiding in their maturity. And you’re giving them memories to last a lifetime.
I can still recall the wonder in a young boy’s eyes when I handed in a frog to hold in hands for the very first time in his life. At the time I was just having a good time and enjoying what I was doing. Now I realize that because of my efforts I may have had a positive influence dozens of young boys. And the leadership skills and team building skills I gained as being a committed member of camp staff have given me tools that have lasted a lifetime. And in the process I met and worked with some great people and as a result I have camaraderie with my former fellow staff members that has lasted a lifetime.
Yes, summer camp is about to open this week and lives will be changed… for the better.
