Our team believes we help children grow in meaningful and important ways. Children who come to camp learn skills that help them thrive later in life.

Sounds serious, eh?  A person who does that should dress like a professional, right?  Perhaps not.

The people in this picture are Leah Ma’am (Girls Director), Robbie Sir (Activity Director), Susie Ma’am and yours truly.  Yep – this group has 3.5 advanced degrees between us (Leah finishes her masters in a year).  And this is our business attire.

But as I think about it, I realize this is wonderful.  Sometimes we think that growth must entail struggle.  People tell us “no pain, no gain”.  We assume that things that are fun or taste good or entertain us are bad for us.

In most cases, this is true.  A huge piece of cheesecake is not full of nutrients.  Too many pieces of cheesecake can lead to excess weight and health challenges.

But summer camp is different.  Camp is fun, but it is also growth. 

The challenges and struggles are there (trying new things, being away from home, living with new people, etc), but the experience is positive, silly, uplifting and splashed with joy.  The fun and joy disguise the challenges.  Campers do not realize they build confidence, develop independence, hone social skills and learn new skills.

Camp is like cheesecake that gives you ripped abs and lowers your cholesterol. 

Perhaps it is the fun that has led people to underappreciate summer camp for so many year.  One of my goals is to help parents understand how a committed camp can be part of the development of their children. 

Even if it means wearing a tiger suit to work.

Steve Sir

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