位国际露营者的经验

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在先前的博客中，我们讲述了如何判断您的孩子是否已经可以参加露营，并且指出了这取决于您孩子的特点和他的成熟度。一位母亲Christine说：“每个孩子都不同…每位母亲也不同…因此我认为我真的无法提供适用于所有情况的建议…”但是，Christine的12岁大的儿子已经可以参加露营——去年夏天他参加了瑞士的Camp Weequahic夏令营，在刚抵达时他并不认识那里的其他任何一位露营者！

Nicolas大多数时间在一家国际学校学习，并曾在瑞士学习英语，因此他拥有良好的沟通技巧，并且对于适应新文化并不感到担心。他先前还曾去过美国，在去年转到瑞士的学校之后，他的母亲希望他继续掌握流利的英语、亲身了解美国文化以及结交美国朋友。Christine说，很多美国露营地都在瑞士推广他们的计划，但是她没有关注这些，因为她“不希望Nicolas去美国后只是与其他法国小孩见面！！！”

Christine决定在网上寻找“真正的美国露营地”，并且花费了大量时间进行研究和对比。促使她作出最终决定的是Camp Weequahic网站及其视频剪辑，她被该露营地的浓厚家庭氛围所吸引。最终，她把儿子送去一个很远的地方，让他尝试不同的事情和积累新体验！由于Nicolas来自欧洲，因此三周的露营时间刚好合适——两周似乎太短，而四周对于首次跨越大西洋参加露营的小孩而言又似乎太长。

Nicolas与她的母亲一起前往了该营地，后来，在Weequahic的员工将他送至纽瓦克机场的飞机上之后，Nicolas独自返回了欧洲。Christine的两位侄女也都拥有愉快的美国露营体验，但是Christine认为，如果Nicolas独自去参加露营，他可以更加轻松地结交朋友和了解美国小孩——并且所有母亲都知道每个小孩都各不相同！Nicolas完全同意独自去参加露营，因为他对于美国文化有一些了解，并且会说英语，这给了他很多帮助。

在日内瓦，Nicolas与来自全球的学生建立了友谊，并且他也很好地培养了他母亲希望他具备的全球意识，但是美国之旅也增添了一种全新的跨文化意识。例如，露营地使Nicolas有时间与同龄美国人建立更深厚的关系，并拓展他的有关棒球比赛和传统的知识。他还体验了游客可能会错过的文化内容。Nicolas非常喜欢Camp Weequahic，以至于他还想再次参加，如今他正梦想着以培训顾问的身份返回营地。他的弟弟也迷上了露营，并且也希望参加露营！

不管露营者到多远的地方去露营，这段冒险经历会在很多方面拓展他们，并且为他们的个人发展带来显著帮助。露营者可以获得不同的旅行和个人之旅体验——在Nicolas的例子中，露营还使他的美式英语变得更加流利！

谢谢Christine和Nicolas分享他们的故事！

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Una esperienza di campeggio internazionale

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In un blog recente abbiamo discusso sul come ritenere se i vostri figli siano pronti o meno all’esperienza del campeggio, sottolineando come ciò, in effetti, dipenda dal loro carattere individuale e livello di maturità. Una mamma, Christine, la vede in questo modo: “Ogni bambino è diverso, come pure lo è ogni madre… non penso quindi di essere in grado di dare un consiglio valido per tutti”.  Tuttavia, il figlio di Christine (che ha 12 anni) era pronto ad affrontare l’esperienza del campeggio, così pronto che la scorsa estate è arrivato dalla Svizzera al  Camp Weequahic senza alcuna esperienza di campeggio pregressa!   

Nicholas aveva frequentato una scuola internazionale e studiato l’inglese in Svizzera e, in tal modo, ha potuto sviluppare le sue doti comunicative, con il risultato che si è sentito a suo agio quando si è trattato di adeguarsi ad una nuova cultura. Inoltre, egli si era già recato negli Stati Uniti e, dopo aver cambiato scuola lo scorso anno        -frequentandone una svizzera-, sua madre ha voluto che preservasse la sua capacità di esprimersi correttamente in inglese, apprendendo di persona gli aspetti della cultura americana e conoscendo nuovi amici negli USA. Christine ci riferisce che in America ci sono delle strutture di campeggio che promuovono i loro programmi in Svizzera, ma di non averle prese in considerazione, in quanto “non voleva mandare Nicholas negli Stati Uniti solo per incontrare altri ragazzini francesi!!!”     

Invece, Christine ha deciso di andare alla ricerca su Internet di un vero e proprio “American camp”, impiegando in questa sua ricerca un sacco di tempo e mettendo a confronto le varie opzioni. Ciò che ha determinato la sua scelta finale è stato il sito di Camp Weequahic che, con le videoclip di presentazione, l’anno convinta sull’atmosfera familiare che caratterizza questa struttura di campeggio. In fin dei conti Christine stava per mandare suo figlio in un luogo lontano, dove avrebbe provato cose diverse e vissuto nuove esperienze! Dato che Nicholas sarebbe giunto dall’Europa, un programma di tre settimane sembrava quello ideale; due settimane sarebbero state troppe poche, mentre quattro un periodo di tempo troppo lungo per la prima esperienza di campeggio nell’altra sponda dell’Atlantico.         

Al Weequahic camp Nicholas è arrivato assieme a sua madre, mentre il viaggio di ritorno in Europa lo ha fatto da solo, dopo essere stato accompagnato al Newark Airport dal personale di Weequahic, il quale ha provveduto al suo imbarco. Pure le nipoti di Christine hanno vissuto una esperienza di campeggio entusiasmante negli Stati Uniti, ma Christine era del parere che Nicholas sarebbe stato più portato a farsi nuovi amici e a conoscere ragazzi americani se si fosse avventurato da solo -e ogni madre comprende il fatto che ogni bambino è diverso!. Nicholas era pienamente d’accordo sul fatto di partecipare al programma di campeggio da solo e, poiché parla l’inglese e ha un po’ di confidenza con la cultura americana, non ha avuto problemi.    

A Ginevra, Nicholas ha coltivato rapporti di amicizia con studenti di tutto il mondo e sua madre era già convinta di voler crescere suo figlio in modo che fosse in “sintonia con il mondo”. Tuttavia, l’esperienza negli Stati Uniti avrebbe rappresentato un nuovo livello di consapevolezza interculturale. Per esempio: il periodo del campeggio ha offerto a Nicholas la possibilità di sviluppare ulteriormente l’amicizia con ragazzini americani della sua età e di approfondire la sua conoscenza sul gioco e le tradizioni del baseball. Inoltre, egli ha potuto sperimentare i dettagli della cultura americana, una cosa che a un turista potrebbe sfuggire. A Nicholas il Camp Weequahic è talmente piaciuto che ci vuole tornare un’altra volta e ora sta sognando di partecipare come CIT (Counsellor in Training). Il suo fratellino minore si è fatto coinvolgere dalla “febbre da campeggio” e ora vuole partecipare al programma anche lui!          

Non ha importanza quanto lontano bisogna andare per vivere un’esperienza di campeggio, l’avventura si può vivere in svariati modi e contribuisce ad una adeguata formazione del carattere personale. Grazie alle esperienze vissute, coloro che partecipano ai programmi di campeggio ne escono più maturi e, nel caso di Nicholas, con una migliore conoscenza della lingua inglese!

 Un grazie di cuore a Christine e Nicholas per aver condiviso la loro esperienza!

Radio Reminiscing

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The other day as I was listening to the radio while driving down the road, in the blink of an eye, I was back in the Dining Room of Camp Starlight, surrounded by the voices, noises, and even the smells. I love it when those moments happen. Something as simple as one song can transform your mood, surroundings, and energy. Not only do we come across unexpected moments that return us to our summer home away from home, but those moments create excitement, buzz, and energy that I know I can’t shake. When times like that happen, I’ll find myself on the phone or computer reconnected to a long lost camp friend.

More importantly, those quick, unexpected instances make me want to return to camp as soon as I possibly can. I am reminded each time those moments happen why I fell in love with Camp Starlight, its campers, and staff twelve years ago.  I feel I am one of the fortunate; I have had the opportunity to experience camp, and I look forward to the next time I hear a song on the radio that sends me back.

What brings you back?

–Thanks to guest blogger Qynn, Camp Starlight Staff Member

Put on Your Bathing Suits, Goggles, and Sunblock–It’s Time to Swim!

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Almost every camper will name his or her waterfront area as one of the best parts of camp.  Many camps are built on lakes and their waterfronts play a crucial role during the summer, not only as a place for swimming but as a gathering place and the perfect backdrop for outdoor evening activities.  Learning to swim at summer camp is a rite of passage.  But learning to swim not only provides a great foundation for building camp memories of sunny days spent at the waterfront, it has lifelong benefits as well.  

Of course, there are the much acclaimed physical and mental benefits of learning to swim that we all know.  It’s a great low impact exercise that is suitable for almost everyone, which makes it an ideal part of a regular fitness regime.  It’s also not age restrictive.  Rather, it’s an activity that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.  The fact that muscle strength is also greatly improved as a result of pushing oneself through the water goes without saying.

Swimming also improves coordination, emotional well being, concentration, and social skills.   In fact, it’s the largely social aspect of camping that likely makes it such a positive and popular part of the camping experience.  The relaxing atmosphere of a pool or waterfront area provides the perfect setting for children to let down their guards and enjoy the type of casual conversation that builds and strengthens friendships.  When combined with the sheer fun of the activity, it’s the perfect setting for building memories.

Camp waterfront locations are extremely active and full of almost endless possibilities for campers experiences.  There are often several activities taking place at once, which is why camp Waterfront areas are typically generously staffed with well trained, fully certified lifeguards who complete an extensive and rigorous training program prior to the start of camp.

The pool area is not merely a place for swim instruction at summer camp but fun activities such as  synchronized swimming competitions in which campers have fun using creativity and teamwork to choreograph a musical number that combines dancing and swimming.  Pool parties are popular evening activities at camp, complete with music and plenty of opportunity to socialize.    

Even more adventure can be found on larger lake areas that, in addition to swimming beaches, also often have water toys, such as trampolines, rock-its, and climbing rocks for campers to enjoy.   Since these areas require campers to pass a swim test prior to being able to use them, they provide fun and attainable goals for campers: first, to pass the test that allows them to swim to these special areas, then the challenge of climbing the wall or walking the plank.  Camps also incorporate their waterfront areas into their special event planning.  Water games and pirate themed treasure hunts are just a couple of ways that water play is used creatively in camp programs.

Swimming at camp takes on a new level of excitement when included in camp activities–such as decathlons, apache relays, and Olympics or Color Wars–that give campers the opportunity to use their swimming skills to rise to a challenge.  Many camps also compete in swim meets through their inter camp leagues.   Whether racing against other campers or a time clock, being able to apply their swimming instruction in an engaging way and seeing firsthand how they’ve improved has been a moment of pride for many a camper.

So the next time your child regales you with tales of the waterfront at his or her summer camp, remember that it’s not just summer memories that they’re gaining from their swimming experiences, but lifelong skills.

The History of Camp

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In today’s hyper-fast, multi-tasking world, one of the great attractions of camp is tradition. Each camp passes down its own stories and lore. Campers appreciate that they’re enjoying some of the same activities, in the same way, as campers before them have done for generations.

But few people realize just how much history the camp industry embodies.

The Gunnery CampThe first camp – called the Gunnery – was founded in 1861 in Washington, Connecticut. That’s right — camping is as old as the Civil War, and this year celebrates its 150th anniversary. Early campers enjoyed boating, fishing and trapping. It’s pretty impressive that two of those activities survive at camps, a century and a half later.

An 1876 camp was created to take « weakly boys » into the woods. We wouldn’t use those terms today – but camps still serve all kinds of children, in all kinds of ways. And we’re still in the woods.

Dinning Hall - Camp AgawamThe first YMCA camp was Dudley, in 1885. It’s still around – the longest continually operating camp in the United States. Scores of other camps date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

With over 100 camps – some dating back 100 years, welcoming scores of camping « generations » – Maine has long been one of camping’s most popular states.

Boasting crystal-clear lakes, pine forests, mountains and (don’t worry) moose, Maine is (like camping itself), « easy to get to, but very difficult to leave. »

Camping boomed nationally in the 1950s and 60s – along with much of post-war America. In 1948 the American Camping Association adopted Standards – the basis for ACA camp accreditation. There are currently 300 Standards for health, safety and programs. They’re recognized by courts and government regulators – a seal of approval for any camp to which parents entrust their most precious possessions.

Waterfront

The ACA was a pioneer in anti-discrimination resolutions. The first was adopted in 1950. Since then, the industry has continued to emphasize youth development. Camp directors constantly study research in areas like child and adolescent development, and risk prevention. They understand that positive experiences, strong relationships, challenging opportunities and solid personal values are vital to helping young people grow into healthy, caring and responsible adults.

Sailing

Frederick W. Gunn and his wife Abigail might not have used terms like those 150 years ago, when they founded The Gunnery Camp. But they intuitively understood the many benefits that camping provided. All of us in this important industry proudly honor the traditions of the past.

My colleagues and I will not be here 150 years from now to carry them on.

But we’re confident our successors – and our camps – will.

Sincerely,
Jeffrey
Guest Blogger and former Maine camper and counselor

*Historical photos courtesy of the American Camp Association – www.acacamps.org

Sparking Creativity through Campfire

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One of the most endearing and sacred parts of summer camp is the campfire.  More than just wood lit with a match, it’s an intimate part of the camping experience that goes far beyond simply sitting around a fire.  Each camp has a set of traditions uniquely connected to the campfire experience and, to campers, each tradition is significant, demanding reverence.  The campfire is the very place where many children recall the moment when their camp transformed from “a camp” to “their camp”, where fellow campers and counselors become family while singing songs, roasting s’mores, and engaging in campfire activities.   So intricate is the campfire to the summer camp experience that even former Disney CEO Michael Eisner has reflected on its importance in making him who he is:

« Simply consider the lessons I was taught by the campfire…every time the rich
reward was the same as we simply sat and enjoyed our consuming creation. And, there
was one aspect in particular that never failed to intrigue me, and that was the process of seeing the single small flame of the match spread to the kindling and then the twigs and then the smaller branches and finally the larger logs. It didn’t dawn on me until years later, but this was the perfect metaphor for the creative process…Years later, I found myself running a network television division and then a movie studio and now an entire entertainment company. But, much of the success I’ve achieved can be traced to the direct and metaphorical lessons I learned in building those campfires.”

To some, to assign such significance to fire may seem a bit of a stretch.  But to anyone who has attended camp, it’s not only believable but apt.  Beyond Eisner’s metaphor, the campfire is symbolic of camp, and represents the bonding between campers and nature.  Campfires instantly evoke feelings of togetherness and promote an atmosphere of being together in an intimate setting that is unique to the people who are present.  Many camps hold opening and closing campfires to welcome campers and immerse them in the camping experience and to help them say goodbye at the end of the summer.  At the beginning of the summer, the flames represent the birth of a new summer.  Opening campfires often include some sort of ritual that introduces an idea or process that can be re-visited throughout the summer, such as setting goals for the summer or some sort of introduction and bonding activity with camp “siblings”.  The meaning of the flames, however, transforms at the end of the summer. The burning of a closing campfire represents the end of the season.  It’s a way to give the summer a proper and respectful send off.  Campfires held throughout the summer supplement overnight camping trips and special events.

To say that the campfire breeds creativity is not only accurate, but understated.  The various representations and meanings that the actual fire itself takes on helps campers learn to look at the same thing from different angles, a crucial aspect of honing creative thought and learning to think “outside the box”, which is essential to developing good problem solving skills.  When considered from this perspective, it’s not at all difficult to imagine a CEO of one of the world’s largest companies crediting much of his success to his camp experiences, specifically to the campfire.  In fact, it provides insight about the significance of camp and how the lessons learned there can be carried throughout life.

Giving Back: The Spirit of Camp Community

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American author Mitch Albom has noted, “The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning. »  Community is a big part of camping and is a core value often emphasized through community service, peer mentoring within camp, and special programs created to help older campers maneuver through their teen years.   For many campers, the spirit of community that they learn to embrace at summer camp becomes a passion that remains with them throughout life.  A large percentage of professionals in the camping industry began their camping careers as campers whose passion for camp and community has lead them to lend their time and resources to organizations dedicated to providing opportunities for everyone to be able to attend camp.

SCOPE (Summer Camp Opportunities Provide and Edge) is one such organization.  Since 1991, SCOPE has sent more than 15,000 children from low income families to summer camp through the generous donations of individuals, corporations, and foundations that share a mutual belief in the long reaching effects of summer camp.

David Miller, Owner/Director of Camp Starlight in Northeastern Pennsylvania, is one such individual.  Miller will emcee the annual SCOPE benefit event, which raises money to send underprivileged children to camp, on April 6t.   Over 200 attendees are expected at this year’s event.  Miller says that he and his wife Allison have always believed that it’s very important to give back to the camp community.  Miller attended camp as a child.  It was there that his dream of someday owning a summer camp was formed.  It became a reality in 1999 with his purchase of Starlight, which is the summer home to 260 girls and 260 boys each summer, and has been featured in Forbes Magazine as one of the premiere summer camps in the nation.

He first became involved with SCOPE seven years ago as a member of the dinner committee.   He says that he believes, “that a summer camp experience is very important to children from all socio-economical households.  Giving underprivileged children the opportunity to leave the inner city for a portion of the summer helps in their social, physical and emotional development.”  Each year, SCOPE sends 1600+ children to summer camp through corporate sponsorship, blind donations, individual contributions, and fundraising events such such as the one Miller will host.

If you’re interested in providing summer camp opportunities for underprivileged children, would like to learn more about SCOPE, or would simply like to donate, please visit http://scope-ny.org/

Childhood Obesity Part II: Balancing Nutrition and a Healthy Lifestyle

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In the first part of this blog series, we discussed the benefits of physical activity at camp.  There are underlying advantages to this that directly relate to nutritional habits.  Research shows that that the more time children spend doing passive activities such as watching television, sitting at a computer, or playing video games, the more likely they are to overeat.  The reason for this is simple.  A sedentary lifestyle leads to boredom.  Nutritionists assert that lack of activity mars a child’s ability to determine the difference between boredom and hunger.  Unfortunately, according to dietician Jennifer Thomas, the increased amount of free time and lack of structure that often come with summer break make children particularly vulnerable to tedium and excessive food consumption.  Says Thomas, “A child can pick up 5 to 10 pounds over the course of a summer, so it’s important to recognize the difference between boredom and hunger. »

Concern about the obesity crisis has sprung to the forefront of the camping industry.  Cedric Bryant, Ph.D. and Chief Scientist for The American Council on Excercise, was a keynote speaker at the 2011 American Camp Association’s (ACA) National Conference, attended by thousands of camp professionals.  In his address, Dr. Bryant discussed the growing issue of obesity and praised the ability of summer camp  to transform poor habits through exercise.  Most traditional summer camps offer children a healthy mix of hobbies and athletics.   Camp staff members encourage campers to participate in everything that’s offered to them, even that which they might not necessarily do or try at home.

There is also something to be said for the fact that many summer camp activities, including dining, are scheduled into a child’s day and carried out in a group setting.  Access to food is limited throughout campus, and eating is typically not permitted in bunks.  Quite simply, obtaining food at camp is not as easy as walking into the pantry or opening the refrigerator on a whim for lack of something better to do.  New research has established many benefits to family meals.  One potentially underrated advantage is that dining as a unit may keep consumption in check by limiting what nutritionists call the “eating area”, the combination of time and space in which eating occurs.  “This strategy can help determine if they [children] are really hungry or just bored,” says Thomas.  Meals at summer camp are held at specific times in a designated place—usually a dining or mess hall—and campers dine together, often with their bunkmates.  Counselors supervise, insuring that everyone receives food and reporting any changes in a camper’s eating patterns.

The four day 2011 ACA conference also featured  seminars that addressed issues such as how to  work together to improve the overall health and nutrition of campers, understanding the relationship between nutrition and wellness and using that knowledge to help campers be high achievers through healthy bodies and minds, and adding healthy options to dining room menus, particularly for those campers who require special diets.

Indeed, though many camps are constantly striving to improve in these areas, the notions  introduced in these seminars are not new.  Meals served by most summer camps are carefully planned and balanced in accordance with USDA recommendations.  Many camps also encourage their campers to make healthy choices at mealtimes by providing several fruit options in the morning and salad bars at lunch and dinner.  Vegetarian alternatives are typically available and, increasingly, more attention is being given to rising nutritional challenges such as diabetic or gluten free diets.
All of this is enough to make summer camp worth considering as a combatant to the type of lackadaisical lifestyle that leads to pooreating habits and, possibly, obesity.

Summer Camp: Curbing Childhood Obesity

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With the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that nearly 1 in 5 children between the ages of 6 and 19 is obese, it has become imperative that we, as parents, make as much effort to set our children up for success in establishing proper food habits, just as we would in other areas of their lives.  Three primary causes consistently cited for childhood obesity are lack of physical activity, an unbalanced diet and overeating.  An often overlooked benefit to summer camp is the significant impact it has in curbing childhood obesity by promoting an active lifestyle and healthy eating practices.  In this multi-part series, we will examine the efforts being made by summer camps to battle poor diet and exercise.

Part I.  Physical Activity

Beyond traditional summer camp sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, roller hockey and gymnastics, many camps are increasingly focusing on the development of extensive programs for such popular fitness activities as spin, running, weights, zumba, yoga and the martial arts.  The instant popularity of these programs suggests that children have a natural interest in exercise and will engage in it of their own accord in the absence of many of the daily distractions that promote a more lethargic lifestyle but are not readily available at summer camp, such as computers, video game systems and television.  The ability to participate in fitness programs as a form of fun also encourages campers to approach such activities with an open mind rather than as something forced on them and that is only done out of necessity.  

Some camps are also experimenting with nutrition programs that merge cooking and fitness activities.  Such programs teach campers how to plan healthy meals and snacks and then prepare them.  Cooking programs are among the most popular at summer camp.  To merge them with nutrition is a clever way to demonstrate the importance of using discretion in choosing what we eat and consuming it in moderation.  In the past, the idea of “diet,” as in depriving oneself of necessary nutrients, has been cited as a contributing factor in the growth of eating disorders and yo-yo dieting.

For those who question the lasting effects of fitness and nutritional habits adapted at summer camp, statistics indicate that they won’t be going away anytime soon.  According to the American Camp Association, more than half of children who pursue a new interest at camp will continue pursuing that interest once they return home.

Up next, part II.  Balancing Nutrition and a Healthy Lifestyle

A Summer Full of Adventure

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Few people think of finding a summer job while bundled in scarves, coats, and gloves as they attempt to maneuver roadways and college campuses after the latest snowfall.  However, whether 2011 is the first time you’re considering a summer camp position or you’re a seasoned veteran, February is exactly the time to start the process of securing summer employment, if you haven’t already done so.  Many camps attend campus recruiting fairs in order to assemble the perfect staff.  So why should you attend one of these fairs or complete an online application now?  To begin with, a camp job is definitely fun, but also a lot of work…so be prepared! Where else can you get paid to play all day while building valuable job skills? Whether you work in a specific area and focus on a sport, activity or hobby you love or you work as a counselor who travels from activity to activity with campers, your day is full of exciting challenges and a probably even a few surprises, both of which will develop your problem-solving, critical thinking, and negotiation skills.

If you like working with children and aspire to a career in a field such as education, sports training, psychology or sociology, then you already have another reason to work at a camp.  Camp is an excellent place to gain valuable experience and is impressive on a resume.  Although camp seems lighthearted–and it is in many ways–working at camp requires a lot of responsibility, flexibility, and adaptability, all of which are very valuable characteristics sought by employers.   Each day guarantees new challenges, many of them unexpected.  Summer camp is often organized chaos.  Yes, there is always a plan in place, but the unexpected is also inevitable.  While this may seem scary the first couple days, it also brings an excitement and satisfaction that delivering pizzas or serving food (or even working at an investment bank)  never could.  Working at camp also requires a lot of communication and interpersonal interaction, two more transferrable skills that are highly valued by employers.  At camp, you must effectively co-exist with your campers, co-counselors, and other staff members to be successful.   You will also be able to tell future employers that you worked with people from all over the world and from many different socio-economic backgrounds.  That you’ve overcome cultural, language, and social obstacles with others tells recruiters that diversity is not something you fear, but rather embrace.

Working at summer camp can also be very healthy for your bank account.  You won’t become Donald Trump spending your summers at camp. However; camps provide housing and food in addition to a salary. It’s possible to live virtually expense-free for a couple of months.  Many summer camp counselors take home all or most of their salaries at the end of the summer.

Finally, you will form lifelong friendships at camp.  You may arrive alone and nervous in June, but you will leave in August with literally hundreds of friends from all over the world.  Two months may not seem like a long time, but when one lives and works in close proximity with co-workers, it’s more than sufficient to form bonds that ordinarily would take years.  There are always  tears on the last day of camp, not only when saying goodbye to your campers, who will have secured a special place in your heart forever, but to co-workers—the ones you know you will see again as well as the ones you know you will not.  Regardless, the world will seem like a much smaller place to you.

Though it may seem early to begin planning such a special adventure with so many possibilities, building a successful camp staff not only requires individuals who possess all of the qualities previously mentioned, it requires finding the right mix of personalities and talents.  Such an endeavor, of course, takes time.  Camp recruiters review literally thousands of applications each year and speak with hundreds of candidates to find those who are the best fit for their camp’s atmosphere, philosophy and program.  Starting your job search while the ground is still white and the tree branches still bare provides you with the advantage of a larger pool of positions from which to choose.  By April, most camps have nearly completed their hiring and only difficult to fill or highly specialized roles remain.

So, after a winter of wading through piles of snow, are you ready for a summer full of adventure?