One of the things that I always loved about working in the theatre is that everyone has the same goal. Yes, each departments specific goals might seem different... but in the end, everyone wants a successful production. Each persons definition of success is slightly different, but everyone has the goal of a successful production.
Camp isn't much different.
This year at camp had challenges, like every week of camp does.
But every-time I took a step back and watched these campers I was thrilled.
I was thrilled to see a camper return to camp and try many things that he had not tried the year before.
Last year this camper was always at each activity, but he was hesitant to really get involved. this year it was like a different person has arrived at camp. At our first campfire he jumped RIGHT in at every song. When it came times to go to the giant swing and the high ropes course, he tackled every challenge. To see the look on his mother's face when she picked him up told me that ... yes, we had succeeded in a successful week of camp for this camper. This camper challenged himself, pushed himself to do things he had never tried before. More importantly, he felt safe enough to take those challenges with us.
When the bus arrived at camp and the campers came barreling out the door one camper stood out to me. She certainly wasn't sure about all of us singing and dancing in our witch costumes. One of my favorite moments of camp was walking past her bunk and hearing giggling. She was sitting on her bed putting make-up on another camper. After dinner they were giglingg again trying to figure out how to use an eyelash curler.
We had 2 campers with mobility issues. Both of them used crutches to get around. one would think these would be the campers that needed the most assistance. Aside from buggy rides..... these two campers were some of our most independant campers of the group. During our water fight I was with one of these girls. I assumed she would need extra assistance. For your information, if you ever encounter this camper with water balloon, you will lose.... she WILL get you with the balloon.
Our other camper was no different. She wanted to go down the slip and slide. This was something she needed assistance with. So she sat down and two counselors made sure she could get down the slip and slide. this same camper was up and dancing more than others at our all camp dance.
Sitting back and watching our campers just have fun and enjoy themselves was THE best part of the week.
Seeing older campers take initiative to help with younger campers made my heart explode.
Hearing campers choose their names for when they are counselors helps me see the camp of the future.
I have so many other thoughts, and I may find time to write them down in the coming weeks. right now I am trying to get used to a quiet house, no slamming doors, not wearing a name badge, responding to my actual name, and not having all of my meals made for me.
Oh, in case you are curious.... washing cottage cheese out of your hair IS as gross as it sounds.
