Tag: American summer camps

I Never Thought I Would…

July 3rd, 2014

It’s interesting how many times throughout the summer counselors are overheard beginning a sentence with the phrase ‘I never thought I would…’ Working at sleepaway camp is truly a collection of ‘I never thought I would…’ moments. All too often, those are also the remarks that speak for camp itself, because they’re epiphanies from the staff members themselves. Although the “I never thought I would…’ comments are as varied as the counselors, there are a few that consistently come up. From the mouths of the staff members themselves, ‘I never thought I would…’

Make so many new friends

Sure, I came to camp expecting to meet a few new people. But I’ve made dozens of friends this summer from all over the world. I feel closer to some of them than I do to people I’ve known for years. I never imagined that I could grow so close to someone in just a few weeks. I’ve wanted to travel abroad for years, but have been scared of going places where I didn’t know the language or the people. Now I can’t wait to go knowing that my new camp friends are going to be there waiting for me!

Be so enthusiastic about little things

One of the most awesome things about working at summer camp is that even the smallest of details are a big deal. The campers getexcited and I can’t help but feel it too. Going to our favorite activity during the day; getting ready for an evening activity; walking into a meal and seeing that it’s my favorite; telling silly knock-knock jokes in our cabin at night; and, in particular, those moments when I really connect with my campers.

Like working so hard

Camp is hard work! I start early in the morning and end late at night. It’s TOTALLY worth it though! I’ve never had so much fun in my life. Sometimes I forget that this is a job and I’m getting paid. So much happens in one day of camp. At night, I lay in bed and try to remember everything that happened during the day just because I don’t want to forget.  I’ve started keeping a journal of my days at camp. This winter, when it’s cold outside and I’m missing camp, I’m going to read it. I’m so glad I decided to work at camp instead of accept an internship. This is SO much better than an office! Now I know I want to spend the rest of my life working with kids.

Talk a camper through something difficult

There are a lot of activities at camp and some of them require courage—especially if you’re a kid. I can’t imagine having the guts to maneuver a ropes course thirty feet in the air when I was ten. I really admire so many of my campers for trying brave and adventurous activities. The best part is being able to give the ones who are a little scared that extra push that they need to take on the adventure. There is nothing more gratifying than a smile and a high-five from a camper who just did something they thought they never could and knowing that I helped them do it.

Live so much in the moment

At camp, it’s simultaneously easy and impossible to forget about how short my time here really is.Every day just flies by, which is also reminder that the end of camp is one day closer. I find myself really wishing that I could slow down time, and I’ve started making an extra effort every day to savor each and every moment of camp. Doing so has made me very conscious of how much time I spend in my everyday life planning and thinking ahead. It’s really nice to keep things in the now. I hope to apply my new focus on living in the moment when I return home at the end of the summer, and stop spending so much time thinking about tomorrow.

Become so attached to my campers

I never imagined that I could become so close to a group of kids. I came to camp to be their leader. But it’s so much more than that. It’s impossible not to be attached after spending so much time with them at activities, at meals, in the cabin and getting to know them one-on-one. It’s blows my mind to think that I’ve become so attuned to their individual personalities in such a short amount of time. The summer isn’t even over, and I already know that I’m going to miss them.

Catching up with James H. of the Camp Weequahic Woodshop

July 1st, 2014

Even though many campers anticipate sports and outdoor activities at Camp Weequahic, The Woodshop has become a very popular place at camp. Our woodshop is full of tools that enable our campers to build creative masterpieces, but one of the main reasons woodworking is so popular here is our talented and enthusiastic staff, including James H. We thought you’d like to know more about this great CW team member!

Camp Weequahic: Hi James, we’re so glad to talk to you today. You’ve done great work with us and we’d love to learn more about you and how you help make Camp Weequahic awesome. Please tell us a little about yourself.

James: I come from a small community back in Wales where I have lived all my life. I have two sisters that are older than me and I have always had a passion for sports (soccer and rugby) and teaching and leading my peers.  I’m lucky to be able to pursue my profession, carpentry, while doing everything else I love at CW.

Camp Weequahic: Camp Weequahic is a fantastic place to integrate those interests. You seem to love helping kids. What other experiences have you had working with kids before your time at Camp Weequahic?

James: Since I was 16 I have been coaching social and fitness to a local under 9’s soccer team in my community. Plus when I was in School I used to teach woodworking to younger kids. Also, when I was at camp last year, working with our campers was a great joy.

Camp Weequahic: The campers definitely connect well with you. What does it mean to you to work at camp?

James: Camp means everything to me, for the friendships, the experience, but most of all for the FAMILY we create by the end of the summer. It’s amazing how everybody feels at home here in such a short period of time; that’s what camp means to me.

Camp Weequahic: Camp is a great time to make connections with others and grow individually. What are some of your goals for the summer?

James: Some of my goals would definitely be to step up and be more of a leader, to help my DH out with activities. Also to be sure I am a role model to the kids and to make sure that woodworking will be one of the ‘’HOT-SPOTS’’ at camp!

Camp Weequahic: Those are admirable goals and I’m sure this year will be one of our best summers yet. What is your favorite camp activity?

James: WOODSHOP! Camp has many different activities that I thoroughly enjoy, so I am going to say that I enjoy nearly everything.

Camp Weequahic: Lastly, tell us a fun fact about you.

James: One fun fact about me would have to be that I am a people’s person. I can get along and introduce myself to anyone. It is definitely one of my strong points.

Camp Weequahic: Thanks so much James, and we’re thrilled you’re back with us for another summer!

Why Summer Camp Is More Important Now Than Ever

June 28th, 2014

As the digital age in which we live seems to be accelerating, it’s easy to dismiss traditions that are not technology focused, such as summer camp. There is an argument to be made, however, for why summer camp is more important than ever for that very reason. There is a lot to be said for effort. While technology has done much to simplify our lives and make life more efficient than ever, it requires less and less effort from users. Increasingly, people are shying away from tasks that can’t be accomplished within a few keystrokes. Effort, however, not only requires certain qualities, it facilitates them as well. Effort requires energy. Energy, by definition, is the mental or physical strength that allows individuals to accomplish goals. Without physical or mental strength, energy cannot be generated. Without energy, there cannot be effort. Without effort, goals cannot be achieved. There are several very strong keywords to success linked together in those few sentences: effort, energy, strength, goals, accomplishment. At the very least, there is an implied relationship in the linking of these words. In such a sense, using technology to “accomplish” goals is merely a façade. In essence, users are not “accomplishing” anything. They’re merely led through a series of tasks to something that has already been completed for them in order to make their lives easier.

In “unplugging,” summer camp essentially provides campers with the opportunity to control the outcome of their summer by requiring legitimate effort to accomplish goals. Perfecting a tennis serve cannot be done with a few clicks of a mouse. Pressing the “Return” key won’t finish a ceramics project. Communicating with friends is more than logging into an Instagram account. Campers must engage in their camp environment.

When given a challenge at summer camp, they can’t simply skip to the head of the class by typing a search into Google. They must apply their knowledge to come up with a solution. When solving a problem involves more than one camper, they must communicate in order to ultimately come to a consensus about which solution is the best and why. In short, they must apply themselves. Application of oneself not only requires, effort, energy, and strength, it generates them. Campers see firsthand the rewards of hard work. They not only learn how to legitimately achieve goals but to set them as well. They gain a better understanding of the reality of achievement. It requires work, a sharp mind, and the ability to communicate—lifelong skills that form the foundation for success.

Beyond the mental agility that children gain from summer camp, there is the literal aspect of activity. Children move around at camp…all day. It’s very easy in a technology laden world, where so many aspects of daily life have become virtual, to be complacent. The human body naturally preserves energy whenever possible. Summer camp showcases the payoff of physical effort on a daily basis by producing tangible results of campers’ efforts through sports instruction and competition as well as hobby programs. Camper self-confidence grows as the products of effort are realized.

Summer camp is not merely a break from technology for campers. It’s a reminder that life is best realized outside of technology.