Camp Champions Blog

Three years ago, I gave a TEDx talk in San Antonio. After they selected the speakers, they required that we attend a session to coach us on how to make the talk the most engaging. 

OK, I know I have already written blogs for today and tomorrow, but a camp mom sent me a link to an article about college and depression.

For the past 23 years, I have worked as a summer camp professional.  As a child, camp was one of the definitive developmental experiences of my life. As a camp director, I have seen three week camp sessions or even short two week camp sessions become transformative to a child. When I applied to graduate school, I wrote about my time at overnight camp as a seminal experience.

Every year, there is a new “thing”. One year, it may be gimme caps. Another year, polyester shirts from Wal-Mart with animals (wolves, eagles, cats, etc) printed on them will be the rage. I have seen striped, knee-high athletic socks and rolled up t-shirt sleeves.

Being a camp counselor or camp director is a special calling.  I am convinced that few jobs provide as rich an opportunity to impact the lives of children. It is also full of laughter and community and love.

One of our long-time camp families was touring this session.  As we walked around and talked about old times and new improvements, we came upon Jeff, Harlem, Song and Bob.  They were enjoying a chat during treat time. The chat was a tad hard to understand. It was in Mandarin.

This summer we got some exciting news. Leah Ma’am and Robbie Sir will be having a baby!

When I was a camper and counselor (before the earth cooled), my favorite part of camp was cabin time.  Sure, I loved the activities, but I treasured the shared jokes, the card games and the late-night discussions.

I feel a need to brag on Susie Ma’am. She spent Thursday in Austin meeting with the Extended Learning Opportunity Council (ELOC).  The ELOC is a committee created the Texas Legislature to study non-school education environments.  The Texas Secretary of Education personally appointed each of the 13 members to represent various education and enrichment offerings, ranging from Boys and Girls Clubs to service organizations to camps.

Every now and then, you get a lovely surprise. Yesterday was such a day.