I often see the role of camp director in a similar fashion as being the coach of a team. There are times when I hire a counselor to work with a certain age level camper or teach a specific activity, only to discover he may be more effective in a different area in camp. Just yesterday, I felt it necessary to move a counselor to another cabin and was confronted by his bunkmates. Clearly, I can appreciate the bonds that can form in such a short amount of time and recognize that these moves can be met with disappointment.
Trying to explain to a group of young men that there is a bigger picture and a greater need sometimes falls on deaf ears. Nevertheless, these are life lessons, and it is important to spend the time letting our boys know that their opinions matter, that their voices are heard, and that we have their best interests at heart. While a few of the boys made a passionate plea to keep their buddy, I asked them to view this decision not only from their perspective, but from the perspective of the camp. It was at that moment I could see that some of the boys were able to understand the bigger picture.
One of the campers remarked, “We have spent the last seven years at camp, always felt safe, happy, and cared for. If Jeff feels that this is in the best interest of the camp, then we should respect the decision and embrace the move.”
Life lessons are not always learned on a playing field.
Arch Ideal: Loyalty
- Today in Junior Camp, the boys had inter-camp competition from breakfast until dinner. The Greens traveled to Camp Winaukee this morning to play, and the Greys stayed here at Camp Takajo to host the Winaukee boys.
- The Senior Intermediates took their Little Trip today. They went out of camp for a movie and dinner. The Senior Okeechobee campers went to the Maine Mall, bowling, and then out to the movies, as well.
- Tonight for dinner, we had our second cookout of the summer. Everyone gets barbecue burgers, chips, and fun food while spending time together as a combined camp.
