During the course of any given day, there are hundreds of impactful moments that create a sense of comfort and happiness in a child’s life. Conversely, if the situation is not handled with empathy and compassion, the result can create a deep feeling of sadness and disconnect for a camper.
I try to impress upon the staff during our orientation period that while many may have considered internships in corporate offices, camp would provide the opportunity for them to be true leaders, motivators, and decision-makers. A leader does not always have to motivate the masses; a leader is also someone who can inspire and build confidence in one person during their time of need. My first words during the pre-season orientation are that it is my hope that our staff will treat each camper as if that camper’s parents were witnessing every interaction. With that simple premise in mind, I believe our staff has the moral fiber they need to succeed in this leadership role.
I witnessed a beautiful act of leadership this evening during the dinner meal. Tonight’s dessert was chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. Most of the boys at this particular table devoured their desserts. Yet, there was one little boy who showed no interest. His counselor picked up on the fact that one of his little boys was not having dessert and whispered into his ear: “why”? The little boy responded that he didn’t like chocolate, and that he wished the baker had made vanilla cake with vanilla frosting.
The counselor gently took his camper by the hand and led him into the kitchen, where the baker was still at work in his bake shop. He introduced the camper and explained that the little boy didn’t like chocolate, and was hoping there might be another option. Understanding the significance of the moment, the baker opened his walk-in refrigerator and rolled out a rack of baked goods. On one shelf sat a vanilla cake with strawberry frosting. The boy didn’t seem interested. Without missing a beat, the baker removed the cake, carefully sliced off the top layer with the strawberry frosting, and brought out a tub of vanilla frosting to decorate the plain vanilla cake just for him.
This little boy’s eyes lit up with excitement. After thanking the baker, the counselor and the little boy returned to the table where he was now enjoying his dessert, just as the others at the table had done.
Before diving into the dessert, the little camper looked up at his counselor with great admiration and appreciation to say “thank you.”
I believe acts like these are happening all over this campus every day; I just happened to witness one that will stay with me for a long time.
