The 3 Life Changers of Summer Camp Curt “Moose” Jackson

An Austrian

The 3 Life Changers of Camp Environment Firsts Relationships

The 3 Life Changers of Camp ENVIRONMENT

Environment Physical Property Activities Layout Safety Working Condition Cleanliness Whimsy

Environment VS.

Environment – Physical Property Working Condition Program Supplies Restrooms Dining Hall Cabins Vehicles Waterfront Pool Walkie Talkies Overnight Gear Nature Center

Environment VS.

Environment – Physical Property Cleanliness Program Supplies Restrooms Dining Hall Cabins Vehicles Waterfront Pool Behind buildings

Environment VS.

Environment – Physical Property Whimsy Camp Signs Cabin Names Dining Hall Special Events Apparel Camp Store

Environment – Physical Property

Environment – Physical Property

Environment – Physical Property

Environment Organization Signing In Down Time Dining Hall Activity Sessions Nurse’s Station

Environment Staff Smiling Attentive Fun Teamwork Supportive Take Initiative Don’t Appear to be Stressed Out Do as I Do

Environment VS.

Environment Culture Respect Traditions Camp Names Recycle and Reuse Unplugged Love of Art and Nature Everyone Tries Their Best Supportive and Encouraging Environment Celebrating Camper Accomplishments Empowering

Environment Program (activities, events, and everything in between) Fun Safe Memorable Exciting Colorful Positive Magical Happiest Place on Earth

Environment How can the camp environment change lives? As adults former campers will appreciate the organization, cleanliness, culture of camp. It can help develop imagination, positive and creative thinking. A love of the outdoors. Empowerment Campers are more open to change. Ropes Staff Nature

The 3 Life Changers of Camp FIRSTS

Firsts Activities Community Teachable Moments Relationships Feeling a Part of a Group Feeling Emotionally Safe Experiencing Nature Being Away from Home/Family

Firsts Activities Archery Catching a Fish Riding a Horse Acting Deep End of Pool Kayaking/Sailing Rock Climbing

Firsts Community Feeling Safe in a Group Bonding Connecting with Others Dining Etiquette Community Showers Sleeping and Living with Others Respecting Others in a Close Community

Firsts Teachable Moments Wildlife/Nature When we as adults make mistakes we can admit and apologize Consequences

Firsts Team building Debriefing Leadership Teamwork Being heard

Firsts Other Receiving applause Making a touchdown Hearing a well told story Off of a diving board

The 3 Life Changers of Camp RELATIONSHIPS

Relationships Camper to Camper Staff to Camper

Relationships Camper to Camper Shared Interests Kindness Making Friends (#1 reason kids come back to camp) Think about when you went to a new school. Making new friends can be scary. Help campers make friends with lots of icebreakers and questions (favorite movie).

Relationships Staff to Camper Listening (kids need to be heard and appreciated) Supportive Moral Fun Understanding Positive Engaging A Teacher Role model / mentor Don't have a favorite

Relationships Dog Whisperer - Be the Pack Leader

Relationships Dog Whisperer - Be the Pack Leader Calm-Assertive Leadership Not Passive Not Aggressive Setting rules, boundaries and limitations Exercise, discipline, affection Protect your pack Boredom = possible trouble

Set Goals / Change Lives To have every camper make two good friends To not allow any teasing To encourage each camper in my group at least once per day. To engage each and every camper of my group daily To applaud my campers daily To be a Pack Leader To look for positive values - in Dodgeball a kid gets hit and goes out without being told (honesty/fair play), a kid blocks a ball from hitting another (protection/community)

Training Staff Spend time training your staff to think of themselves as mentors with the power to change lives. Have them look for teachable moments. Have them find out what activities are new to each camper so they can make sure that experience is awesome. Have them look at camp through different lenses: New Camper Return Camper Parent Director Be an example

The 3 Life Changers of Camp Environment Firsts Relationships

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Enjoy Your Summer!