Camp’s fun and camaraderie often lead us to call it “magical.” But the real magic of camp is how people discover who they are there. As summer staff, you are undoubtedly aware of the activities, traditions, and bonding that happen in camp, but the lessons shared herein are illustrations of what can happen because of camp.
Make the Effort to Participate and Lead by Example.
My camp journey began through simple curiosity and just a 15-minute walk down to the local rec center to be something called a camp “helper.” During my first week I hung back and watched others play ping pong and kickball. Programming was limited; I was bored, and so were the campers. About the time I was questioning my decision to work at day camp, we took a field trip to the county fair. As my group walked around, we passed a Hi-Striker, a carnival game where you test your strength by using a sledgehammer to strike the target with enough force to ring the bell with a ball. I turned to my campers and said, “I think I can ring the bell,” and did so, encouraging them to try their luck as well. Before long, all the kids got involved and enjoyed the challenge. The momentum created by this bonding experience carried on back at the rec center. The campers became a playful, imaginative team. From then on, I made sure to interact with my group, because I learned the power of leading by example. It takes extra effort to do this, but it builds trust and increases group productivity.
Find Common Ground to Promote Acceptance.
Finding a place to belong is a fundamental part of camp, but cliques exist even at camp, and gaining a sense of belonging can be challenging if you are considered an outsider. Coming into a camp where you don’t know anyone can be very intimidating and requires flexibility, good communication skills, courage, and a willingness to seek support. My first experience in a resident camp was in Massachusetts, and being from Virginia immediately made me an outcast. One of the first people I met was another outcast from Texas, so we had a little southern bonding, but it took a while to be accepted by everyone else. Being athletic helped to bridge the geographic gap. Some well-timed baskets and a few no-look passes in the first half of a staff basketball game helped me to navigate my feeling of not belonging. By the game’s second half my skills and teamwork had superseded my accent, clothes, and southern expressions. Pregame social omissions quickly gave way to light conversation and, soon after, total acceptance. Finding common ground with others in any new situation is crucial for relationship building.
Believe in the Power of Who You Are and What You Represent.
The famous folk singer Peter Yarrow, of Peter, Paul, and Mary, was launching an anti-bullying campaign called Operation Respect and asked the American Camp Association for help. I responded to the request and eventually joined a group of highly influential people who gathered to hear about the innovative project. During our first meeting we went around the room and introduced ourselves. Person after person stated their title, advanced degrees, and who they represented. One was more impressive than the next. After each person spoke, everyone in the room nodded their heads as if to acknowledge their purpose for being there. I was feeling very intimidated and was unsure what to say. But when my turn finally came, I said, “Hi, I’m Greg, and I represent summer camps. Who here has ever been to camp?” The room erupted with stories and smiles that transcended time. It was a roar of happiness and a reminder that there is a camp for everyone, and we all have a role to play. The memories of camp became the universal truth that the group bonded over, and everyone from that moment on referred to me as “Mr. Camp.”
Volunteering Is a Great Way to Contribute Ideas and Gain Perspective.
One of the first professional invitations I ever received was from my local ACA section to attend a board meeting. I did, and that led to more than 30 years of serving on sectional, regional, and national boards. Volunteering for various positions allowed me to exchange ideas with some of the most visionary camp leaders from around the country. These meetings often included stakeholders who were associated with our industry but not directly involved in it. I worked with people in other youth development industries, helped to write state law, did segments on TV and radio, and chaired the Second International Camping Congress in Washington, DC. The power of saying yes when asked has given me a lifetime of experiences far beyond the boundaries of camp. It has provided me with a sense of purpose, increased confidence, and a way to give back to the community.
People Are Never Bigger Than the Message.
Because of camp I was asked to attend a youth development summit featuring famed UCLA coach John Wooden, Hollywood TV/movie star Tom Selleck, and several prominent congresspeople. Everybody was there to discuss the importance of character development in youth programs, and it was quite the spectacle of VIP power. At camp, you too will be someone of importance to your campers. And you will have your own opportunity to help others understand the power of attitude, actions, and words.
You probably chose to work at camp this summer to have fun, make friends, learn skills or to be a part of a special experience with like-minded people. But, along the way, camp can also provide you with ample opportunity for personal growth and development. Your camp experiences will be different from mine, but they’ll no doubt be just as valuable in providing skills and knowledge you can keep in your life toolbox to use down the road.
Greg Cronin, MPA, CCD, CPRP, was a camp director for over 30 years and has been training staff since the early 1980s. He is a nationally known conference speaker, consultant, staff trainer, author, former American Camp Association National Board member, standards visitor, and corporate trainer with more than 200 clients nationwide. Greg has trained thousands of camp staff on youth development and leadership. He has appeared on TV, radio, and Capitol Hill as a spokesperson for the camp experience and is a frequent contributor to Camping Magazine. Greg is featured in ACA’s By the Expert book series with chapters on leadership and staff training. To book Greg for staff orientations, training, and workshops, please call 703-395-6661 or email [email protected].
