Archive for August, 2010

Off to Camp Again

Posted on August 6, 2010. Filed under: personal |

As I gear up for “Tween” camp this next week, I am wondering how I can make this week go smoother than last week.  Unfortunately, we had to send some girls home from camp last week for behaviour issues.  It was too bad because we really wanted them to stay, but it was getting to the point where they wouldn’t listen no matter what we did.

The Young Teen camp was aged 13-15 and I understand that at that point in life, it is more likely that you will challenge authority and that friends are more important than leadership, but I couldn’t believe the resistance we faced in most areas of camp.  One of the things I try and do as a cabin leader is start off the week with some cabin building activities.  I usually get them to make themselves a little mailbox and then we have secret camptas (santas) where they write an encouraging note or drop some candy into their mailbox throughout the week.  I have found that this is a nice way to get to know some of the other campers in your cabin even if you are not friends with them.

My problem is what to do when it is clear campers are not enjoying themselves.  Camp is only a week long, and if they are not engaged by one of the three skills THEY chose, the wide games, beach time, or constant activity, I don’t know how to help them enjoy themselves.  As cabin leaders, we try our best to break through cliques and really connect with the campers one on one, but it just didn’t happen with some of the girls this week.

All I know is that as I go back to camp again this week, I am going to try my best to encourage these young campers and build relationships with them.  I am going to try and have fun, but be firm when needed.  All that said, all I can really do is pray that we have a good week and trust that the kids that are coming to camp this week want to be there.  I guess I will have to wait and see!