Our country and the world for that matter needs leaders more than ever before. It’s time for kids and young adults to get trained in leadership. Overnight Summer Camps tend to create children to be flexible problem solvers as well as learn to live with folks that are different. Summer Camps have long been known for their ability to promote skills that are life long. Included in these are: responsibility, independence, cooperation and teamwork, along with a willingness to try new things.
Since’96 we as the camp directors of Swift Nature Camp have intentionally been using our camps resources to promote positive personal growth and development . Our goal is to measure how campers and staff grow and developing as individuals during their stay at summer camp.
We pride ourselves on our one on one work with camp staff to ensure that they are aware that they not only need to keep safe but their job is to to encourage and assist campers in their own personal development and growth. Our daily meetings with staff is a time to check in and see how each camper is doing with the parents directives as well as the camps goals. We see ourselves as team mates with the parents of our campers.
Our older teens receive the chance to guide younger campers as well. This counselor in training program is designed to help teen engage in leadership and decision-making. Classes teach leadership skills as well as child development. Then they get to get out and see it works for them. These teen need to have desire to participate and lead others, without this desire they just become older campers. But for those who want to become better leaders in the future this is a great program.
Being a leader at camp means putting the needs of others before one’s needs is often a significant skill for teenagers. Staff young and old realize the importance of being physically and emotionally present for campers and enthusiastically participating in all activities. It is so important to motivating and encouraging the children to try new things and achieve their own goals.
Camps provide an opportunity to be role models and mentors to younger children. This is not only true for those staff members but also for campers. For many, this is the first time that they realize the natural power they have over others. They learn skills for group management and gaining respect and for teaching children new skills and encouraging them to try new things.
Overnight Summer Camp is full of fun! But, what makes camp so special is it provides the opportunity for kids, teens and young adults to practice and learn their leadership skills in a loving and supporting environment.
To learn more about selecting a Summer Camp visit summer camp advice a free website with loads of camp information.
About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift Nature Camp is a non-competitive, Overnight Summer Camp that offers a traditional summer camp for Boy and Girls. Campers enjoy Teen Adventure Camp trips along with in camp activities: Scuba, Sailing, Skiing and more.
categories: overnight summer camp,summer camp,adventure camp,leadership camp,counselor in training,Wisconsin summer camp,Illinois camp,science camp,kids camp,children’s summer camp,Teen Camp,kids,teen,education
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