MAGICAL PLACE
Maria Rothenberg, Camp Counsellor
For some, it’s hard to understand what drives a camp counsellor to return year
after year. We wake up every morning at 7 a.m. and barely pause until 10 p.m.,
when our campers go to sleep. Our days are a frenzy of planning, problem
solving and teaching.
As a former camper, I can tell you without hesitation that camp is a magical
place. As a counsellor, I have a new appreciation of that magic, knowing what
goes into creating it. As staff members, we always have some idea of how an ac-
FRIENDSHIP & LEADERSHIP tivity will go, but the enthusiasm and creativity of our campers ensure that the re-
Josh Keller, 14, Camper sults will go beyond anything we could have imagined.
At my camp, they teach you a lot of new For me, however, the most magical moments at any camp are the small, day-
skills and considering I just went into to-day moments, during which we all have a chance to reflect on ourselves and
high school, I learned a lot about friend- on the people around us. The magic lives in the bedtime programs under the
ship and leadership. stars and the free times spent in discussion. The magic also allows us to relax
Considering the atmosphere, camp can fully, to let our guard down, knowing that we’re safe, knowing that we can be
teach you a lot about being active. Lead- ridiculous and silly and still be loved. It allows an entire cabin — counsellors
ership camp was an amazing experience included — to spend five straight minutes doubled over in laughter. It allows an
for me. For example, one activity at camp entire camp to stage a fake wedding for two counsellors, with everyone from
is called the Ice Wall, where you have to the youngest girls to the oldest boys contributing something interesting and
climb a wall with the help of another unique.
person. You have to make these decisions We take it for granted that adolescence is a difficult time. Sometimes,
with other people and you have to depend though, as a society we forget that this does not imply something negative about
on these people to help you get to the top. teenagers themselves. I spend the summer in awe of their talents, their ideas and
At camp, they also teach you how to their compassion. This past summer, my campers taught me about everything
persevere and how to set goals for your- from competitive dance to making movies. They are eager to learn as well,
self: what effective goals are, the differ- both from each other and from staff members.
ence between realistic and unrealistic This is why I — and other staff members — choose to return each summer.
goals and how to achieve these goals. Our days are busy, but they are full of inquiry and discovery. I cannot wait to
Camp is amazing — it’s just such a see what my campers learn next summer, what they teach each other and what
great experience and I love it. Going to they teach me. I cannot wait to see what will make them laugh and what will
camp is a way of knowing you can do bring out their silliness. I cannot wait for those first few hours of camp, when
things on your own instead of always the campers transform from total strangers to close friends before our eyes.
having to depend on your parents.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
Debra Healey, Camp Parent
Camp has helped me by offering my son, who has Asperger’s (a
form of autism), a place especially for him. This gave me peace
of mind knowing he would be accommodated and understood.
My favourite camp memories were when my partner, my
great nephew, my son and I went to camp for a family respite
weekend. Everything was provided for us, including meals, ac-
tivities and time for my partner and me to do our own thing
without the kids. The kids loved the rock-climbing wall and
they talked my partner and me into scaling the wall as well.
I’ve learned from camp that my son takes on leadership roles.
This was a proud “mama moment” for me. My son thoroughly
enjoyed his stay and made great friends with his counsellors.
Camp has impacted my son by making him overcome his
challenges of not liking the unknown and going away with com-
e
plete strangers. He rose above it and gained strength and con-
o-W
fidence. Camp has been both wonderful and positive for my
son, and I am very appreciative of all the opportunities my son
has had while at camp.
Camp Mini-Y
Photos:
Canada Camps for Parents January 2010 Edition 7
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