Summer Camp Improves a Child’s Leadership
Our country and the world for that matter needs leaders more than ever before. It’s time for kids and young adults to get trained in leadership. Overnight Summer Camps tend to create children to be flexible problem solvers as well as learn to live with folks that are different. Summer Camps have long been known for their ability to promote skills that are life long. Included in these are: responsibility, independence, cooperation and teamwork, along with a willingness to try new things.
As summer camp director since 1996 we know that the best directors are intentional in using their camps resources to promote specific aspects of positive personal development . It is because of this intentionality that we as camp professionals can see and measure how campers are growing and developing as individuals during their stay at camp.
At Swift Nature Camp we work one on one with camp staff to ensure that they realize that they have an obligation not only to keep children safe but to encourage and assist campers in their own personal development and growth. During daily staff meetings we check in with staff to see if they are on course with the parents directives as well as the camps goals.
Our older teens receive the chance to guide younger campers as well. This counselor in training program is designed to help teen engage in leadership and decision-making. Classes teach leadership skills as well as child development. Then they get to get out and see it works for them. These teen need to have desire to participate and lead others, without this desire they just become older campers. But for those who want to become better leaders in the future this is a great program.
Camp is a place that requires boat loads of energy and many find it difficult too give both physically and emotionally all the time. Participating enthusiastically in all activities helps to creates a contagious atmosphere that makes all of a camp fun. Leaders Know how to motivate and encourage, two things taught at summer camp.
Role modeling and mentoring are 2 other skills that are important at camp. Everyone participates in this has this responsibility, for in a community as camp we all effect each other. For many, this is the first opportunity to engage with others and realize their people skills. The skills learned of group management, gaining respect and for teaching children are all skills these folk will carry with them for years.
Overnight Summer Camp is full of fun! But, what makes camp so special is it provides the opportunity for kids, teens and young adults to practice and learn their leadership skills in a loving and supporting environment.
To learn more about finding the right Summer Camp, visit Summer Camp Advice a free website with loads of camp information.
About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift Nature Camp is a non-competitive, Minnesota Summer Camp that offers a traditional camp programs for Boy and Girls. Campers enjoy Teen Adventure Camp trips along with in camp activities like Scuba, Sailing, Skiing and more.
Swift Nature Camp, a noncompetitive, Minnesota Summer Camp that is a traditional Children?s Summer Camp program for Boy and Girls ages 6-15. We specialize in Teen Summer Camp programs as well as camp for those for kids First Time at Camp. www.swiftnaturecamp.com
