Special to the Town Crier
Ask any child what his or her favorite memory from camp is and you're sure to hear a litany of the wonderful experiences of the youth's time. For some, it's the friendships that are born and nurtured over the years, others will highlight the camp adventures - the activities that challenged them and that they were able to overcome. And, others still will identify a counselor who made them feel special and loved.
Stories about camp often focus on the experience for the kids. But there's an important group that takes the back seat - the camp owners, counselors, administrative staff and even the kitchen crew. These folks dedicate their time and energy, oftentimes year-round, so that kids will enjoy a rich and rewarding experience at their camp. But what motivates them to fill their summers creating activities for hundreds of kids ranging in ages from 4-16?
When members of the Western Association of Independent Camps (WAIC) were asked why they were in camping, their answers varied but carried one theme. WAIC members cited carrying on the legacy of a unique American tradition, one that is based on trust and respect and helping young people, as a key reason for their involvement in camp.
One camp owner said that he received joy in seeing kids return to his camp year after year and watching their growth. And, he believes that their camp experience has contributed to that growth. Another owner, a schoolteacher, said that he was involved in camp because it's a lot like teaching - that the camp experience helps molds young people's lives. Yet another said that through the camp experience, he is able to work with kids in a different environment that allows for more experiential learning.
In addition to the learning and personal growth that children experience at camp, the owners enjoy the relationships and sense of family that is created through the camp experience. Here are a few stories that demonstrate why camp is more than just a business for camp owners, counselors and other staff.
Camp sing along: Picture yourself as a camp owner or counselor (wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with your camp logo) who opens the door for the pizza delivery person. Now, imagine your surprise when the delivery person bursts into song - your camp song. The delivery person had attended your camp as a youth - and remembered you and the camp song! But singing is not reserved for pizza deliveries. Hospitals also get in on the act. One nurse broke into a camp song during the birth of her former counselor's child.
It's in the family: One owner bought the camp that he attended as a youth. Twenty-five years later, he is seeing his and his friends' children living out many of the same experiences that he enjoyed as a child at summer camp. For one couple, rather than allow the camp that their children attended to close its doors, they decided to buy the camp and continue to offer the camp experience to hundreds of other children each year.
Friendships: One owner indicated that she is still best friends with another girl whom she met at camp when she was young. And, another met her future husband at camp.
Parents' appreciation: The parents of one child thanked the camp owners for the 17 years of top-quality, enriching experiences (from camper to counselor) that the camp offered to their daughter. The special words were given at the daughter's wedding to which the camp owners had been invited.
The camp owners and counselors find warm memories and special moments throughout the year that keep them coming back year after year.
For more information on camps in your area, call (800) 787-WAIC (9242) for a free brochure. The brochure is filled with the listing of more than 45 camps, including day and residential programs, and lists many of the activities that each camp offers.
McRoberts wrote this piece on behalf of the Western Association of Independent Camps.