TRADITIONS & CEREMONIES RFKC Director’s Enrichment, 2008 Becca C. Johnson, Ph.D.

RFKC, 2008 “Tradition, TRADITION!”

Becca C. Johnson, Ph.D.RFKC, 2008 Traditions & Ceremonies  Tradition: “the handing down of customs, practices, and beliefs that are valued by a particular culture”  Ceremony: “a formal event used to celebrate or solemnize something (such as a wedding, an official opening, or an anniversary); OR, a polite social gesture or ritual performed for the sake of convention.”  Convention: “the customary way in which things are done within a group”

Becca C. Johnson, Ph.D.RFKC, 2008 Traditions & Ceremonies My first Camp Director Position Chile RFKC

Becca C. Johnson, Ph.D.RFKC, 2008 The WHY of TRADITIONS  Provides a sense of familiarity  Gives a sense of predictability  Encourages feelings of security  Enhances knowing and minimizes ‘unknown’  Allows a view of a ‘stable’ world  Fosters the ability to ‘relax and enjoy’

Becca C. Johnson, Ph.D.RFKC, 2008 RFKC - Traditions and Ceremonies RFKC traditions: What makes RFKC RFKC? Staff commissioning; birthday party; photo albums; singing; Breakfast Club; Bible Time; royal treatment; de-centralized program (activity centers); Grandma & Grandpa; devotions;…

Becca C. Johnson, Ph.D.RFKC, 2008 RFKC - Traditions and Ceremonies Does your camp have any additional traditions? What makes your camp your camp? Polar bear swim; talent shows; certain songs; kids pray; kids help lead songs; awards (clean cabin; quiet cabin);… What NEW traditions might you want to add?

Becca C. Johnson, Ph.D.RFKC, 2008 CEREMONIES

Becca C. Johnson, Ph.D.RFKC, 2008 CEREMONIES SPORTS (Olympic Openings) POLITICS (Inaugurations) RELATIONSHIPS (Weddings/Anniversaries) MARKERS (anniversary, goals, religious, birth, funerals) WELCOMES (receiving troops, dignitaries, initiations)

Becca C. Johnson, Ph.D.RFKC, 2008 CEREMONIES HOW? Intentional! Simple vs Elaborate Casual vs Formal

Becca C. Johnson, Ph.D.RFKC, 2008 WELCOME! DEFINED:  received gladly & generously accepted or anticipated with delight and eagerness used to express a friendly or courteous greeting

Becca C. Johnson, Ph.D.RFKC, 2008 WELCOME! WELCOME - (Introductions- Initiations)  “official”  Speakers  Class/youth group  YWAM: NZ & USA  “Welcome” by ministry leader

Becca C. Johnson, Ph.D.RFKC, 2008 “WELCOME, WELCOME! We’re glad you’re here!” RFKC’s WONDERFUL WELCOME! “Ladies and Gentlemen, it brings me great pleasure to introduce to you, _____.” “We are glad you are here! YOU are wanted. You belong here. You are special.”

Becca C. Johnson, Ph.D.RFKC, 2008 “WELCOME, WELCOME! We’re glad you’re here!” Feelings: wanted, welcomed, sets tone of camp, ‘special’ people get official/royal welcomes; helps with healing of feeling unwanted.  How: simple or elaborate  When/Where: at bus or later  What: Signs, songs, ceremony

Becca C. Johnson, Ph.D.RFKC, 2008 RFKC CEREMONIES WELCOME Ceremony OPENING Ceremony GRADUATION ANNIVERSARY Other…

Becca C. Johnson, Ph.D.RFKC, 2008 The WHY of CEREMONIES  HONORS people, places, &/or things (events, accomplishments)  Create a sense of “specialness”  Acknowledge events, ‘markers’, accomplishments,…  Instills a sense of belonging & inclusion  Provides ‘initiation’, ‘closure’, & ‘recognition’  Enhances the ‘Royal treatment’

Becca C. Johnson, Ph.D.RFKC, 2008 A word about… SURPRISES !

Becca C. Johnson, Ph.D.RFKC, 2008 A word about… SURPRISES  Two main types  UNEXPECTED  ‘Complete’ surprise  EXPECTED  ‘Partial’ surprise  Pros & Cons of each?  Know WHEN is best for each!

Becca C. Johnson, Ph.D.RFKC, 2008 RFKC - Traditions and Ceremonies List RFKC ceremonies - that make RFKC RFKC? Welcome; graduation; staff & camp recognitions,…

Becca C. Johnson, Ph.D.RFKC, 2008 RFKC - Traditions and Ceremonies What are some of the SURPRISES (expected and unexpected) that you incorporate into YOUR camp?  Does your camp have any additional CEREMONIES?  Tree Planting (graduation?); Awards (swimming and/or activity; character;…); “Key” to the Camp; ‘Initiation’’;…  What NEW CEREMONIES do you want to include in your camp? OR, old ones you might want to ‘remodel’?

THANK YOU!! TRADITIONS & CEREMONIES Becca C. Johnson, Ph.D.