Hi again!
So I thought these videos were really helpful, especially the one about campers’ parents. A few things I took away from the first video:
1. Initiate!! It’s SO easy to fall into lazy patterns where we think “oh there’s some free time, I’ll just lay in the grass until lunch.” Free time is essential, but like in the video, if there is a group of girls just sitting around think of a way to create a fun and engaging activity! We have to be the go-getters, the thinkers and initiaters because the girls won’t do all that on their own. And once they see us taking the initiative, they’ll start doing it too!
2. Language. Watch. Language. I plan to go on a “swear diet” at least a month before camp. It’s easy to swear if you hit your funny bone, stub your toe or make a mistake. It comes out, without you even realizing it! I like to use “sugar”, “holy bananas”, and “mother of pearl” if something goes wrong. “Holy bananas I forgot to bring my sunscreen again!” These are so funny and silly, hopefully it’ll catch on with the girls too.
After watching the second video, I realized how important it is for parents to feel secure about their child going to camp. It’s like their child is wandering into a great, unknown world where they have barely any control. For a parent, that can be terrifying. I believe Rockbrook sends parents newsletters and e-mails about the kids, and I think that’s great! I feel like I’m not just responsible for the camper, but for the parents as well. What kind of stories will their daughter tell about me after getting home? I need to make sure those are good stories, so parents feel safe bringing their child back to Rockbrook.
Does the staff get to meet parents at the beginning of each session? How involved are parents with the move in? I’d be happy to meet my girls’ moms and dads before third session.
TTFN!
Lindsey
