I grew up going to camps in the summer. Family camp, horse camp, leadership camp; I can’t imagine a summer without it. When you’ve been to a lot of different camps, you notice a lot of similarities that create the “camp environment.”
While every camp has qualities that make it unique, this summer I’m working at a camp with a different atmosphere than what I’ve previously experienced. This summer, I’m working at a small camp that focuses on helping troubled teens work through behavioral challenges. Because this camp has a slightly different demographic than many of the camps I’ve been to, I couldn’t help but notice some qualities that deviate from the typical camp atmosphere.
1. Loud obnoxious songs are typically sung at meals-but not here
One of the most fun parts about camp is screaming nonsense songs throughout the week. These can occur around the campfire, to and from activities, and during meal times. What I discovered was that while some of the kids enjoy screaming these songs, for others it’s a nightmare, especially within a small space like the cafeteria. The noise is overwhelming, and can often lead to these kids acting out.
2. Sensory needs are common
A good portion of our campers are hyperactive. Some need tools such as stress balls or coloring materials to help them sit still during campfires, while some need weighted blankets and breaks from the group when there is too much sensory input from the world around them. At this camp, we’re intentional about providing these tools so that they can better manage their environment.
3. Extra vigilance about physical touch
Unfortunately, some of our kids have a history of sexual or physical abuse. This means that some kids don’t know how to use physical touch appropriately, especially with their peers. Sometimes certain touch can trigger bad memories, so while there are times some kids just need a hug, we have to make sure that they are minimal, especially between campers.
4. Activities are intentional
At this camp, activities are more than just ways to burn energy and make fun memories. We facilitate team building activities that can be stressful so kids can learn healthy conflict management. The climbing wall and high ropes course are physically challenging, but we encourage the campers to think of a challenge they want to overcome in their lives and think through how they would do that as they climb.
5. Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork
Here, the week isn’t over when the campers are gone; it’s over when the reports are in. Because many of our kids are at camp because they’re working on certain behaviors, a major part of our job as camp counselors is to take note of how they did during the week –strengths, as well as how they still need to improve. This means that Friday is paperwork day, which is atypical to most camps.
6. Kids don’t get sent home
One of the biggest things that sets this camp apart from others is that the kids can’t do anything that gets them sent home. The campers may get into physical altercations, but that doesn’t deter us. We work with the kids to help them learn how to better manage their behaviors in the future. We love every kid and try to show them that they are not their mistakes. They have the opportunity to improve their lives by recognizing their problems and learning how to make better decisions in the future.
In general, camp has the power to change lives and every camp has a different way of doing that. This summer, I have the privilege of being a part of a place that caters to the needs of kids that other camps don’t have the resources to help.
It is so different from every other camp I’ve been to in my life, but I wouldn’t trade this summer for the world. Through every frustration, lack of sleep, and stressful moment, I know that I am a part of something great that has the power to create an impact in a child’s life. For me, I couldn’t ask for a better way to spend my summer, and I don’t regret a single moment.
