Camp Takajo’s founder, Morty Goldman, used to say that you could have a magnificent facility, but your camp’s reputation is only as good as its staff. I take incredible pride in the men and women we have hired to live and work with your boys.
While experience working with children is clearly a valuable asset during the recruiting process, we are far more interested in hiring morally and ethically sound people who understand and embrace the importance of being a role model to others. I believe that in order to become a good person, you need to observe a good person.
In the first week of camp, I have been amazed at the warmth, empathy, and compassion these young men and women have provided your children. Today, I watched a counselor work with a child for forty-five minutes until he mastered the technique necessary to get up on water skis. As the child grew more frustrated, the counselor grew more patient. As the camper finally emerged from the lake, the counselor rejoiced like a proud parent.
I walked by the baseball field and witnessed a counselor working with a camper on his pitching technique; squatting behind home plate, the counselor made positive suggestions and offered words of encouragement as he helped this boy with his pitching motion. In every corner of this camp there are counselors doing their best to make a difference in your child’s life.
During our staff orientation, I approached our counselors for the first time and told them one simple statement that I hope will remain with them throughout their experience at camp. I suggested they go through their day working with your child, behaving as if you were witnessing that interaction. I am proud of the role models we have at Camp Takajo.
