I went home this weekend for the first time in a month. Even before camp started, I'd planned to go home this weekend. It was my roommate's birthday and also my best friend's bachelorette party. But in light of the craziness of the past week, I was feeling hesitant about leaving. It's not that I didn't trust my staff or think they were completely capable of making sure things went accordingly. But being the person with whom 100% of the responsibility lies, I was feeling a bit anxious.
The camp nurse, head cook and my dad spent the week counseling me. They all felt very strongly that it was important for me to live my life and not give everything up just because I am at camp. It is difficult to find that balance, and I have been very dedicated to this job. But in the end, I knew I needed to go home.
It was difficult to leave and so I spent the entire three hour drive stressed out, whether I'd made the right decision or not. But then I got home and before I was even in the door, my roommate was hugging me and welcoming me home. And it was SO nice to be home. I love love love being home (have I mentioned how much I love my city and my house?!).
And then the whirlwind began.
4:30- arrive home, chat with roommate, drop stuff in dining room, shower, dry hair, get dressed in real clothes and heals.
5pm- leave for the theater
My roommates and I saw 42nd Street at the dinner theater. It was FABULOUS. I watched half of it with my hands over my mouth in awe. Tap dancing rocks my world.
We got home around 11pm, and I CRASHED into bed.
On Saturday, my roommate was in an inline skate race, so we were all up and out the door by 7:15am (so much for sleeping in!). She came in second and I was happy I got to see her race. Afterwards, we went to 15 different places in a marathon of errand running. We went to Target, the bank, the grocery store, bakery, and on and on... We got home at 2ish, and cleaned the house, put out food, made up party games and got everything ready. Then we both took showers, got dressed in pretty outfits, did out hair and napped on the couch as we waited for guests to arrive.
The bachelorette party was fabulous. We had appetizers and pina coladas and played games. Then we went out to dinner at a restaurant with dueling pianos. I spent the whole night singing and dancing and having a blast with my best friend.
Sunday morning, we woke up and went to an early movie (Sex in the City) and then I packed and drove back to camp. It was a weekend packed full of fun and I loved every second of it. There were several times I was so exhausted I was almost dizzy, but coffee kept me going and I wouldn't have missed any of it.
When I got back to camp, I was happy to hear everything had gone smoothly and everyone was doing fine. Now it is Family Camp, which is very calm and quite, so I have the week to catch up on important things I've been putting off during the craziness of camp. Life is good.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Jello
"Have you ever had a giant jello fight with big buckets of jello that you get to throw at each other?"
That was my opening line at the 50 schools and churches I visited this year while recruiting for camp. And after I would say it, the kids would cheer and get excited, because, well, that's about the coolest sounding thing, um, ever! This week was "Ooey Gooey Week", so when the kids arrived to camp on Monday, they all wanted to know when the jello fight would be. I think next year I might just pelt them with jello the second they step off the bus.
Jello fight was a concept given to me by my old boss, and she is the greatest person alive and a great camp person, so I figured it was a solid idea. However, I have never actually hosted a jello fight, so I will admit, I wasn't completely, 100% sure what to do.
I had the cooks order 2 cases of jello (which makes 25 gallons). I found some plastic tubs, and on Monday afternoon, me and two of my staff made jello. It seemed simple. The huge walk in refrigerator in the kitchen was REALLY full of jello, but the cook was really nice about it and I figured we were set.
Wrong. Unfortunately we didn't realize we hadn't really stirred it enough. If seemed fine, but later, making the second batch, I would think the same thing, and then stick my hands in it, only to realize there was still a layer of undissolved jello at the bottom. But I didn't know it the first time around, so when the jello hadn't solidified by Tuesday morning, I was panicked. I had the cook order me another two cases, but they weren't supposed to arrive until Thursday afternoon. I was hoping the jello would be fine by then (nope).
All week long, every single kid asked me (sometimes two or three times) when the jello fight would be. They could not contain their excitement, and I was absolutely sick about it. I would smile and be excited too, but deep down I was terrified because I had 25 gallons of liquid, and I wasn't sure what to do. I have never felt so much pressure or stressed out about such a random thing. But I really didn't want to let down all of the kids and I was so afraid I might.
Thursday afternoon, 3pm, the second order of jello arrived. By this point, I'd put the other stuff in the freezer, because, well, if nothing else, we'd have a slushy fight. The cook and I made 25 more gallons of jello at warp speed, I said a prayer, and went back to work. Jello fight scheduled for 8pm.
The second batch worked perfectly and I was relieved. At 7:30, myself and two of my counselors loaded the truck with tubs of jello and drove it to the field. We made boundaries with cones and then spread out all of the buckets. We broke the frozen jello slush into softer slush, which actually worked just fine in the end.
The kids came down to the field in their bathing suits and old tee shirts. They took off their shoes and I had them sit in a circle as I went over the rules. The nurse and my dad(my photographers for the evening) were off limits. Anyone who got near them with jello was automatically out. The few kids on the side of the field not participating, also off limits. Safety, boundaries, etc. I told them not to touch the jello until I blew the whistle, but get into position. The energy on the field was powerful and I could feel the excitement as if it were a thick blanket. Once the kids were positioned, I counted to three, blew my whistle and watched as 85 kids and 15 counselors dove in and jello started flying. I don't think there are any words that can possibly do it justice, but I watched, frozen in the moment for a solid minute, my hands over my mouth in awe, before I jumped in and started throwing as well.
I work at camp because I believe in it and want to make a difference and blah blah blah... But I also work at camp because there is no where else I have ever been that allows you to be a kid again by putting you in situations that you completely lose yourself in the moment. All of my staff were kids again, laughing and screaming and covered in jello. It was pure joy, fun, innocent, happiness. It was amazing.
In the end, I blew the whistle, and we sent all of the kids to the lake to jump in and swim, fully clothed. The water was warm and everyone was sticky and hot. It was refreshing and wonderful to jump in and clean off. Later, I hosed down the field and washed out the buckets, and breathed a sigh of relief that everything worked. Such a great day!
My New Best Friend
Call number 15 with the crying parent from Monday. We've also been emailing pretty steadily throughout each day. I find myself taking extra photos of her child to make sure he is on the website looking happy and even emailing her every now and then just to check in. Indulgent, maybe, but she's also become a challenge that I'm thoroughly enjoying. I want to win her over, I want her to be completely converted. I want her to be blown away by her child's experience and then go out and tell everyone she knows. And I want her to love me, so I take every phone call as another opportunity to win her over. I probably have to get over that, but for now, she's my challenge.
I work at camp because I am an idealist. I am genuinely here because I want to make a difference in people's lives. I know I know, corny. My mom would roll her eyes and tell me to go get my Master's Degree and make some money stepping on little people. But I believe I can help people and I am committed to each child that walks through the door. I want each child to have an amazing experience. At dinner, you can frequently find me making peanut butter sandwichs for kids that don't like what is being served. Throughout the day, I don't hesitate to drop everything to change a child's schedule if it makes them happy. And when I ask them how things are going and they say "ok" I really care when I ask, "well, what could I do to make it better?" Often kids respond with something like, "camp should have jet-packs for every kid" or "kids should be given all the pop they want". But when they have real suggestions, I don't hesitate to make changes/additions.
I want every parent of our campers to know how much we care for their children and just how great this camp is. And so I think I have embraced this challenging parent because she is providing me with a personal opportunity to do just that. And, really, at this point, I look forward to her calls because we've become buddies, and it's a nice break in my day to have a nice chat.
I work at camp because I am an idealist. I am genuinely here because I want to make a difference in people's lives. I know I know, corny. My mom would roll her eyes and tell me to go get my Master's Degree and make some money stepping on little people. But I believe I can help people and I am committed to each child that walks through the door. I want each child to have an amazing experience. At dinner, you can frequently find me making peanut butter sandwichs for kids that don't like what is being served. Throughout the day, I don't hesitate to drop everything to change a child's schedule if it makes them happy. And when I ask them how things are going and they say "ok" I really care when I ask, "well, what could I do to make it better?" Often kids respond with something like, "camp should have jet-packs for every kid" or "kids should be given all the pop they want". But when they have real suggestions, I don't hesitate to make changes/additions.
I want every parent of our campers to know how much we care for their children and just how great this camp is. And so I think I have embraced this challenging parent because she is providing me with a personal opportunity to do just that. And, really, at this point, I look forward to her calls because we've become buddies, and it's a nice break in my day to have a nice chat.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Graham Crackers
Last night I got to bed at 10:30! That was SEVERAL hours earlier than I've been to bed in weeks! I was thrilled.
In the basement of my house is the staff lounge and each night, 3-4 staff have the whole evening (until about midnight) off. They usually spend it reading, doing laundry, watching movies, or relaxing, so I usually have a house full of people. It wasn't unusual to hear people talking last night, although I usually sleep through it. But last night at 11:30, I heard, "she's asleep? Can we wake her up? How long has she been asleep? I don't know, what do you think? Should we just knock?"
I wasn't sure what day or time it was or where I was or what was going on, but I was up and dressed and answering my door before they decided to knock. One of my counselors, K, was standing outside my door and two 9 year olds were on the porch. I told him to bring them inside because there was a CLOUD of mosquitoes practically carrying them away. My house is at the far far end of camp. Campers are not allowed past the health center, which is 100 feet away, so being in this area of camp, in the dark, at almost midnight was probably exciting/scary.
One of the camper's was complaining of heart pain. "Heart pain" at camp can mean anything from homesick to scared to stomach pain to bug bites... It could have been anything. K wasn't sure if they were allowed to wake up the nurse and I told him, that, yes, he can, but since they were already here, I'll try to fix it. I offered both boys some graham crackers and water. They sat on the couch for a while, and both were interested to know that not everyone at camp stays in cabins. After a while, the camper with the sore heart seemed a little better and I asked how he was feeling. "Pretty good" he said. So I told them if the pain came back to go to the nurse, but otherwise, I would check on him this morning.
He's as good as new today, so I guess the graham crackers worked. You can now add "heart specialist" onto my job description.
In the basement of my house is the staff lounge and each night, 3-4 staff have the whole evening (until about midnight) off. They usually spend it reading, doing laundry, watching movies, or relaxing, so I usually have a house full of people. It wasn't unusual to hear people talking last night, although I usually sleep through it. But last night at 11:30, I heard, "she's asleep? Can we wake her up? How long has she been asleep? I don't know, what do you think? Should we just knock?"
I wasn't sure what day or time it was or where I was or what was going on, but I was up and dressed and answering my door before they decided to knock. One of my counselors, K, was standing outside my door and two 9 year olds were on the porch. I told him to bring them inside because there was a CLOUD of mosquitoes practically carrying them away. My house is at the far far end of camp. Campers are not allowed past the health center, which is 100 feet away, so being in this area of camp, in the dark, at almost midnight was probably exciting/scary.
One of the camper's was complaining of heart pain. "Heart pain" at camp can mean anything from homesick to scared to stomach pain to bug bites... It could have been anything. K wasn't sure if they were allowed to wake up the nurse and I told him, that, yes, he can, but since they were already here, I'll try to fix it. I offered both boys some graham crackers and water. They sat on the couch for a while, and both were interested to know that not everyone at camp stays in cabins. After a while, the camper with the sore heart seemed a little better and I asked how he was feeling. "Pretty good" he said. So I told them if the pain came back to go to the nurse, but otherwise, I would check on him this morning.
He's as good as new today, so I guess the graham crackers worked. You can now add "heart specialist" onto my job description.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
First Day on the Job
Yesterday, our second week of campers arrived just as I was answering a never ending stream of phone calls from board members. They were being supportive, but it was still a pain in the neck because I had to keep running off so I could speak privately, so as parents were arriving, and buses were unloading kids, and staff were running crazy trying to finish up last minute cabin set up and such, I was little help, which was stressful because I wanted to be there, greeting parents, answering questions, etc.
Once the phone finally calmed down, I was confronted by the most high maintenance parent I've yet to meet (and this is my 9th summer, so I've met a lot of parents). She had a few concerns, one being that her 8 year old had two international counselors (she was concerned about the language barrier, although both are from London, so I assured her their English was fine). And then she burst into tears. And then grandma burst into tears. And then grandpa got choked up and I was standing there with three crying adults and a mortified 8 year old who was whining, "you're the only parent still here." I spent a good deal of time calming her down and assuring her that we would take care of her child. She wanted to know where all of the adults were (um, hello, Interim Exec), and I assured her we were a young but very qualified staff. She eventually left, still slightly hysterical, but at least away from me.
At lunch, the head cook let me know that one of the kitchen crew girls has an attitude and she needed me to meet with her. And as she said that, a child vomited all over the floor next to the lunch line. I was dry heaving while cleaning up, so my dad took over. After lunch, I met with the head cook and a VERY hostile 18 year old. I wanted to smack her, but instead I did my best impression of a grown up and explained the concept of professionalism and not screaming at co-workers. I was patient and later, our head cook told me she was impressed. I think the 18 year old is going to quit, because she didn't completely get it, but I was proud of myself for being a really good Interim Executive (by the way, that hasn't gotten old yet, so, yes, I am going to repeat it a lot).
After lunch, the crying parent (I gave her my cell and email) called to let me know she was back and could she just have a few more minutes of my time. So I spent the next 45 minutes on an extended camp tour, providing more counseling and calming her and the grandparents down. I think it worked because after that, she left with a smile instead of sobbing. I have since spoken to her 3 times on the phone, and she's doing much better. Her kid, meanwhile, is absolutely content and told me, "she worries too much". Uh huh, to say the least.
After that, the board member who was sent to check up on me/show support (and also to pack my boss's stuff) arrived. I really appreciated the fact that they wanted me to know I wasn't alone and I understood why they needed to send someone. But it was just more time away from me doing what I was supposed to be doing. I helped her pack and took her around camp. None of my staff knew who she was or why she was here, and I was a little stressed to be entertaining her in the middle of the crazy day, but she was wonderful and it really did make me feel supported having her here.
I spent the rest of the day scurrying around, from this to that. And then at praise and worship time, I took the staff and made the announcement that our boss had quit. Some were un-phased, one congratulated me on my promotion, and there were a few who have known him a long time, and they took it hard. I know it was hard for them to be surprised, and the answer of "resigned for personal reasons" is hard to deal with when they had just seen him that morning and he was happy and busy. So I let them cry and hug and stay away from campers for a while. I told them they could come and talk to me and that everything was going to work out.
Meanwhile, the guy who fixes boats came to meet with me (word had already spread, I think from our head cook, into town and he already knew). We talked about the cost of fixing some of our boats and he gave me some advice and at the end, he shook my hand, and I think officially welcomed me into being in charge, because he said, "alright kid, it's you. I'll be in touch, but you're calling the shots." Um... thanks I guess...
By 10pm, I finally started on schedules and at that point the three crying counselors had moved from staring out at the lake to in the chapel, one playing piano and the others staring off. By that time, I'd pretty much reached the end of my sympathy. He's not dead, and the melodramatic heartache was just too much after such a day. I wanted to go in and tell them to suck it up and move on and deal. Instead, I went in, and patiently had a conversation about how, sometimes bad things happen in life, but with time, it works out for the best. And it's probably good that he is with his family and it might seem weird or bad now, he will be happier eventually. They were struggling with the fact that he didn't say goodbye, it was so abrupt, that I had no answers to give them. I know that not knowing is difficult, for them, but there's also not much I can do about it.
It was a difficult conversation for me, because I am so angry at him. I wanted to yell at them not to cry, because he's a jerk who had crazy mood swings, and the reason he's gone is because he was selfish and hurt this camp with his poor choices. And now I am left alone to lead crying counselors, to clean up his messes and to be nice the whole time. I didn't yell, I was patient, and when they finally calmed down and were ready to go back to their groups, I was so relieved, because I made it through the whole night patiently and with strength and maturity. I whined to myself as I worked on schedules until 1am, but to everyone else, I was calm, cool and collected.
When I finally got into my room to collapse into bed, I realized that the carpet had tiny ants EVERYWHERE and that made me laugh (because after a day like that, what else can you do?). I sucked them up in the vacuum and went to bed. Day one as Interim Executive Director complete. Holy Cow.
Once the phone finally calmed down, I was confronted by the most high maintenance parent I've yet to meet (and this is my 9th summer, so I've met a lot of parents). She had a few concerns, one being that her 8 year old had two international counselors (she was concerned about the language barrier, although both are from London, so I assured her their English was fine). And then she burst into tears. And then grandma burst into tears. And then grandpa got choked up and I was standing there with three crying adults and a mortified 8 year old who was whining, "you're the only parent still here." I spent a good deal of time calming her down and assuring her that we would take care of her child. She wanted to know where all of the adults were (um, hello, Interim Exec), and I assured her we were a young but very qualified staff. She eventually left, still slightly hysterical, but at least away from me.
At lunch, the head cook let me know that one of the kitchen crew girls has an attitude and she needed me to meet with her. And as she said that, a child vomited all over the floor next to the lunch line. I was dry heaving while cleaning up, so my dad took over. After lunch, I met with the head cook and a VERY hostile 18 year old. I wanted to smack her, but instead I did my best impression of a grown up and explained the concept of professionalism and not screaming at co-workers. I was patient and later, our head cook told me she was impressed. I think the 18 year old is going to quit, because she didn't completely get it, but I was proud of myself for being a really good Interim Executive (by the way, that hasn't gotten old yet, so, yes, I am going to repeat it a lot).
After lunch, the crying parent (I gave her my cell and email) called to let me know she was back and could she just have a few more minutes of my time. So I spent the next 45 minutes on an extended camp tour, providing more counseling and calming her and the grandparents down. I think it worked because after that, she left with a smile instead of sobbing. I have since spoken to her 3 times on the phone, and she's doing much better. Her kid, meanwhile, is absolutely content and told me, "she worries too much". Uh huh, to say the least.
After that, the board member who was sent to check up on me/show support (and also to pack my boss's stuff) arrived. I really appreciated the fact that they wanted me to know I wasn't alone and I understood why they needed to send someone. But it was just more time away from me doing what I was supposed to be doing. I helped her pack and took her around camp. None of my staff knew who she was or why she was here, and I was a little stressed to be entertaining her in the middle of the crazy day, but she was wonderful and it really did make me feel supported having her here.
I spent the rest of the day scurrying around, from this to that. And then at praise and worship time, I took the staff and made the announcement that our boss had quit. Some were un-phased, one congratulated me on my promotion, and there were a few who have known him a long time, and they took it hard. I know it was hard for them to be surprised, and the answer of "resigned for personal reasons" is hard to deal with when they had just seen him that morning and he was happy and busy. So I let them cry and hug and stay away from campers for a while. I told them they could come and talk to me and that everything was going to work out.
Meanwhile, the guy who fixes boats came to meet with me (word had already spread, I think from our head cook, into town and he already knew). We talked about the cost of fixing some of our boats and he gave me some advice and at the end, he shook my hand, and I think officially welcomed me into being in charge, because he said, "alright kid, it's you. I'll be in touch, but you're calling the shots." Um... thanks I guess...
By 10pm, I finally started on schedules and at that point the three crying counselors had moved from staring out at the lake to in the chapel, one playing piano and the others staring off. By that time, I'd pretty much reached the end of my sympathy. He's not dead, and the melodramatic heartache was just too much after such a day. I wanted to go in and tell them to suck it up and move on and deal. Instead, I went in, and patiently had a conversation about how, sometimes bad things happen in life, but with time, it works out for the best. And it's probably good that he is with his family and it might seem weird or bad now, he will be happier eventually. They were struggling with the fact that he didn't say goodbye, it was so abrupt, that I had no answers to give them. I know that not knowing is difficult, for them, but there's also not much I can do about it.
It was a difficult conversation for me, because I am so angry at him. I wanted to yell at them not to cry, because he's a jerk who had crazy mood swings, and the reason he's gone is because he was selfish and hurt this camp with his poor choices. And now I am left alone to lead crying counselors, to clean up his messes and to be nice the whole time. I didn't yell, I was patient, and when they finally calmed down and were ready to go back to their groups, I was so relieved, because I made it through the whole night patiently and with strength and maturity. I whined to myself as I worked on schedules until 1am, but to everyone else, I was calm, cool and collected.
When I finally got into my room to collapse into bed, I realized that the carpet had tiny ants EVERYWHERE and that made me laugh (because after a day like that, what else can you do?). I sucked them up in the vacuum and went to bed. Day one as Interim Executive Director complete. Holy Cow.
Monday, June 23, 2008
And the Adventure Begins Anew...
My boss resigned today. "Personal reasons."
Uh huh.
Up until 2 weeks ago, I adored him. I thought we would be lifelong friends. I was excited to be at camp together. And then all of a sudden, he started having major mood swings. One minute he'd be nice, bringing me pop and joking around. The next he would be telling me how I get nothing done and he does everything and storming from the room. He became verbally abusive and it was hurtful, but more than that, I felt shock and disbelief. No one has EVER treated me in that way.
So I decided to quit. I called the office manager and let her know what was going on. He has been verbally abusing her for months now, and I think this was just the final straw. She decided to call the board. Since I had already decided to quit, I figured, I might as well go out with a bang, and when they called to talk to me, I gave them about 15 specific examples of crazy things he'd done. But it was the questions they asked me that surprised me the most. They have been through this with him before (I'm the fourth person in this position in 3 years, and our office manager is also the fourth in 3 years in her position) and it was almost as if they were expecting it. Upon further investigation, it also came out that there were some inconsistencies with financials, and that there was $11,000 worth of charges to the casino on the company credit card...
So as of last Wednesday, I knew he was going to be fired. And so each time he lashed out at me last week, I smiled and took it, knowing, he would be gone soon. He had no idea what was going on. This morning, I was a nervous wreck. I was waiting to hear from the board (he'd called me last night to let me know he had a quick meeting and would be up to camp early today- I knew better). Finally, one of the board members called me to let me know she was on her way up to camp to pack his stuff and show support. She didn't give me any details, so I was still not sure what was going on. After her, another board member called to show his support, but still no details. Finally, the Board President called to let me know he'd asked for and received my boss's letter of resignation. Whew.
I am now the interim Executive Director. I received a significant pay raise and I'm running the show. Not too shabby for a 26 year old. I have three months to prove that I can do this full time and earn this position permanently. And it will be a nice opportunity for me to try it out and see if I even want it. It is a bit overwhelming, but also kind of exciting. I have spent a considerable amount of time repeating over and over, Rainman style, "everything is going to be okay, everything is going to be okay." And I believe it is.
So, here begins my adventure... think of me...
Uh huh.
Up until 2 weeks ago, I adored him. I thought we would be lifelong friends. I was excited to be at camp together. And then all of a sudden, he started having major mood swings. One minute he'd be nice, bringing me pop and joking around. The next he would be telling me how I get nothing done and he does everything and storming from the room. He became verbally abusive and it was hurtful, but more than that, I felt shock and disbelief. No one has EVER treated me in that way.
So I decided to quit. I called the office manager and let her know what was going on. He has been verbally abusing her for months now, and I think this was just the final straw. She decided to call the board. Since I had already decided to quit, I figured, I might as well go out with a bang, and when they called to talk to me, I gave them about 15 specific examples of crazy things he'd done. But it was the questions they asked me that surprised me the most. They have been through this with him before (I'm the fourth person in this position in 3 years, and our office manager is also the fourth in 3 years in her position) and it was almost as if they were expecting it. Upon further investigation, it also came out that there were some inconsistencies with financials, and that there was $11,000 worth of charges to the casino on the company credit card...
So as of last Wednesday, I knew he was going to be fired. And so each time he lashed out at me last week, I smiled and took it, knowing, he would be gone soon. He had no idea what was going on. This morning, I was a nervous wreck. I was waiting to hear from the board (he'd called me last night to let me know he had a quick meeting and would be up to camp early today- I knew better). Finally, one of the board members called me to let me know she was on her way up to camp to pack his stuff and show support. She didn't give me any details, so I was still not sure what was going on. After her, another board member called to show his support, but still no details. Finally, the Board President called to let me know he'd asked for and received my boss's letter of resignation. Whew.
I am now the interim Executive Director. I received a significant pay raise and I'm running the show. Not too shabby for a 26 year old. I have three months to prove that I can do this full time and earn this position permanently. And it will be a nice opportunity for me to try it out and see if I even want it. It is a bit overwhelming, but also kind of exciting. I have spent a considerable amount of time repeating over and over, Rainman style, "everything is going to be okay, everything is going to be okay." And I believe it is.
So, here begins my adventure... think of me...
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Teamwork
8 kayaks and 2 canoes- almost the whole staff decided to paddle to an island in the middle of the lake for a picnic today. It's a BIG lake, but the water was only slightly ripply and the sun was shining. But when we got out of our bay, the water was choppy like the ocean (Ive been sea kayaking in the ocean, so I feel capable of making this judgement). I was just yelling at everyone to stay closer together in case anyone tipped, and then one of the canoes tipped. Four of the kayaks were already out of sight, but the other canoe was close to the tipped canoe and four of us in kayaks were not far away.
Swamping a canoe aways seems fun, but when it actually happens int he middle of the choppy lake, it's actually really difficult to get the water out of and get back into. The other canoe and the four of us in kayaks all connected together to make a stable raft and then we got the tipped canoe perpendicular with the canoe so we could pop it upon top of our raft and get the water out. Once we did that, we connected the new canoe to our raft and let the two people climb in. It all went very smoothly and I wasn't worried about anyone's safety. Mostly, it was just a good team building activity, because the group worked very well together.
After the rescue, we continued on to the island, which wasn't exactly the sandy beach paradise I'd imagined, more of a thick forest, but it was very nice. Not a bad afternoon actually.
Swamping a canoe aways seems fun, but when it actually happens int he middle of the choppy lake, it's actually really difficult to get the water out of and get back into. The other canoe and the four of us in kayaks all connected together to make a stable raft and then we got the tipped canoe perpendicular with the canoe so we could pop it upon top of our raft and get the water out. Once we did that, we connected the new canoe to our raft and let the two people climb in. It all went very smoothly and I wasn't worried about anyone's safety. Mostly, it was just a good team building activity, because the group worked very well together.
After the rescue, we continued on to the island, which wasn't exactly the sandy beach paradise I'd imagined, more of a thick forest, but it was very nice. Not a bad afternoon actually.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
One Week Down
I was up and out of my house at 5:45 this morning. We were supposed to have an award ceremony at breakfast this morning, but I didn't have any awards yet. So I got up early to do them. Except that my printer is broken and my boss had his computer locked. I didn't know the password. So I had to change breakfast award ceremony to later, which made me feel like a bit of a failure, but it eventually worked out. We were also having a closing day ceremony for the parents and I didn't know how it was supposed to go, just that I was supposed to get up in front of all of them. Between the printing situation and the lack of preparation, I was a complete wreck. The worst part about being a wreck here is that I have to smile and be confident and sure and sing songs and be kind. I can't just freak out. Which means in addition to freaking out on the inside, I'm acting on the outside. Being professional sucks.
Anyway, I figured out how to print and got the newspaper printed and copied in the nick of time, some awards created, and then parents arrived and, in the midst of my internal mental breakdown, as always, surprised myself with the professional, happy, calm, cool, eloquent words that came flying out of my mouth. I held it together, looked like i knew what I was doing and eventually, we got everyone on the bus or into cars, and I survived. I didn't cry, I didn't die. And I think I fooled almost everyone into believing that I'm confident and calm in the midst of a million things going on.
I held a staff debrief and braced myself as I asked everyone to tell me what we can fix and do better for next week. I was expecting to have my ass handed to me, but instead, I got a lot of encouragement and the few things people suggested weren't things I did wrong, rather, new ideas or creative changes. It was a wonderful meeting.
Because of budget cuts, we no longer have a cleaning staff, so after a crazy, exhausting week, my staff and I jumped right into cleaning bathrooms and mopping floors. Not a good way to end the week (I had to plunge a very clogged toilet), but necessary and we finished quickly. Now we are all relaxing. We have the rest of today and tomorrow to recover and be ready to jump back into things on Monday with the new groups of campers.
I have a million things I want to do for camp, but I also want to read a book, call all of my patient friends and family whose calls I missed all week, lay around, watch Real World online... the list goes on.
The first week is over. Whew. I feel like I was hit by a truck... in a good way... but still, I'm drained. I'm exhausted and still slightly overwhelmed and really happy with how the first week went, but also really emotionally drained, because living out your dream can sometimes be really intense. I have also learned what the word humility means. I knew the definition before this week, but I have LEARNED what it means to be humble over and over again.
I am in charge, but I am new, and therefore, I don't always know how everything goes, yet, I have to be the leader. Which means I spent a fair amount of the week smiling and saying, "oh, really. Okay, well I will fix that for next time." Or, I would corner the veteran staff and ask them a million questions about how last year worked, which made me feel like a failure, because, shouldn't I just know everything? But I think everyone is cool with the fact that I don't know, but I am TRYING. Sometimes effort and good intentions go a long way. Now I just need to learn to be more kind and patient with myself and not beat myself up for not being perfect.
Also, in my defense, I'm not as big of an idiot as I appeared, it's just that my boss didn't exactly tell me everything, or he would tell me his version and then the returning staff would tell me the actual version. But I had to be professional and humbly admit to all of my mistakes, even though I wanted to stomp and pout and say, "ugh! His fault, he didn't tell me!" But I didn't.
My wonderfully sweet Assistant Director was so helpful and encouraging all week, which I was thankful for every moment. He told me I was doing a good job and that while I may feel like a crazy idiot, it's mostly behind the scenes and other people don't notice every little flaw. He is a very genuine, wonderful person, so his compliment meant a lot to me.
Next week will be easier because I will know what to expect and the staff will be more prepared too, so I'm eager for that. Also, for as critical as I am of myself, I have to say, the first week was WONDERFUL. The kids were all safe, happy and always looked like they were having fun. The staff was creative and enthusiastic, patient and flexible, helpful and positive. They are a dream to work with. There were so many moments that I looked around at them and was filled with pride. They are such kind and loving people, and they are all here because they love kids.
It was a crazy week, but also wonderful and I know this is what I am meant to be doing. So I guess if after all the scrambling and stress, at the end of the week the kids and staff were safe and happy and I still love my job, so I can call week 1 a success!
Anyway, I figured out how to print and got the newspaper printed and copied in the nick of time, some awards created, and then parents arrived and, in the midst of my internal mental breakdown, as always, surprised myself with the professional, happy, calm, cool, eloquent words that came flying out of my mouth. I held it together, looked like i knew what I was doing and eventually, we got everyone on the bus or into cars, and I survived. I didn't cry, I didn't die. And I think I fooled almost everyone into believing that I'm confident and calm in the midst of a million things going on.
I held a staff debrief and braced myself as I asked everyone to tell me what we can fix and do better for next week. I was expecting to have my ass handed to me, but instead, I got a lot of encouragement and the few things people suggested weren't things I did wrong, rather, new ideas or creative changes. It was a wonderful meeting.
Because of budget cuts, we no longer have a cleaning staff, so after a crazy, exhausting week, my staff and I jumped right into cleaning bathrooms and mopping floors. Not a good way to end the week (I had to plunge a very clogged toilet), but necessary and we finished quickly. Now we are all relaxing. We have the rest of today and tomorrow to recover and be ready to jump back into things on Monday with the new groups of campers.
I have a million things I want to do for camp, but I also want to read a book, call all of my patient friends and family whose calls I missed all week, lay around, watch Real World online... the list goes on.
The first week is over. Whew. I feel like I was hit by a truck... in a good way... but still, I'm drained. I'm exhausted and still slightly overwhelmed and really happy with how the first week went, but also really emotionally drained, because living out your dream can sometimes be really intense. I have also learned what the word humility means. I knew the definition before this week, but I have LEARNED what it means to be humble over and over again.
I am in charge, but I am new, and therefore, I don't always know how everything goes, yet, I have to be the leader. Which means I spent a fair amount of the week smiling and saying, "oh, really. Okay, well I will fix that for next time." Or, I would corner the veteran staff and ask them a million questions about how last year worked, which made me feel like a failure, because, shouldn't I just know everything? But I think everyone is cool with the fact that I don't know, but I am TRYING. Sometimes effort and good intentions go a long way. Now I just need to learn to be more kind and patient with myself and not beat myself up for not being perfect.
Also, in my defense, I'm not as big of an idiot as I appeared, it's just that my boss didn't exactly tell me everything, or he would tell me his version and then the returning staff would tell me the actual version. But I had to be professional and humbly admit to all of my mistakes, even though I wanted to stomp and pout and say, "ugh! His fault, he didn't tell me!" But I didn't.
My wonderfully sweet Assistant Director was so helpful and encouraging all week, which I was thankful for every moment. He told me I was doing a good job and that while I may feel like a crazy idiot, it's mostly behind the scenes and other people don't notice every little flaw. He is a very genuine, wonderful person, so his compliment meant a lot to me.
Next week will be easier because I will know what to expect and the staff will be more prepared too, so I'm eager for that. Also, for as critical as I am of myself, I have to say, the first week was WONDERFUL. The kids were all safe, happy and always looked like they were having fun. The staff was creative and enthusiastic, patient and flexible, helpful and positive. They are a dream to work with. There were so many moments that I looked around at them and was filled with pride. They are such kind and loving people, and they are all here because they love kids.
It was a crazy week, but also wonderful and I know this is what I am meant to be doing. So I guess if after all the scrambling and stress, at the end of the week the kids and staff were safe and happy and I still love my job, so I can call week 1 a success!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Sometimes I Rock
I haven't changed the schedules from last year, and yet, on a regular basis, I hear, "oh, this is different from last year!" So you can imagine my surprise when I split counselors into groups to plan out the weekly dance and all of the returning counselors were excited/surprised, instead of being helpful and telling me what they did last year. Even though I copied the old schedules, apparently dances never actually happened.
Anyway, each dance has a committee, except this week, because there wasn't enough staff, and no one wanted to go first. So I was the dance committee this week. Except that I forgot/was super busy and didn't plan anything until dinner. No one knew that, so I scrambled in secret and had a decent plan. We moved all of the dining hall tables against the walls and rolled out the red carpet I'd bought a month ago. I hung giant foil stars and I hooked up our new speakers to J's laptop with music on it. I put out some lemonade and then shrugged my shoulders and said, "I guess we'll see how this goes."
So fun. So so incredibly fun. All of the kids and staff were dancing and singing along and bouncing around. Little kids, big kids, even the awkward kids eventually joined in. It was pure fun. No one complained, no one got into trouble, every single person was happy and laughing and having a blast. At one point, everyone had their arms around each other in a giant kick line. And at the end of the dance, one of the 8th grade girls walked by me and said, "thanks for putting this together, it was awesome." 13 year olds don't frequently give feedback such as that, and she was being completely sincere, so I was really thrilled.
Anyway, each dance has a committee, except this week, because there wasn't enough staff, and no one wanted to go first. So I was the dance committee this week. Except that I forgot/was super busy and didn't plan anything until dinner. No one knew that, so I scrambled in secret and had a decent plan. We moved all of the dining hall tables against the walls and rolled out the red carpet I'd bought a month ago. I hung giant foil stars and I hooked up our new speakers to J's laptop with music on it. I put out some lemonade and then shrugged my shoulders and said, "I guess we'll see how this goes."
So fun. So so incredibly fun. All of the kids and staff were dancing and singing along and bouncing around. Little kids, big kids, even the awkward kids eventually joined in. It was pure fun. No one complained, no one got into trouble, every single person was happy and laughing and having a blast. At one point, everyone had their arms around each other in a giant kick line. And at the end of the dance, one of the 8th grade girls walked by me and said, "thanks for putting this together, it was awesome." 13 year olds don't frequently give feedback such as that, and she was being completely sincere, so I was really thrilled.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Cosmopolitan Girl in the Woods
My best friend X is a true cosmopolitan girl. She owns 200 pairs of shoes and she always accessorizes. She used to live in New York and she is always in a trendy outfit. She worked at camp with me for 3 summers, so there is a little granola in her somewhere. But her granola comes in a coordinated china bowl with a doily under it.
X was here for the first three days of camp. I wanted her to come visit and see the camp at some point this summer- I hadn't planned on it being at THE craziest time of camp, but we needed to get our new van from our office to here, and it just so happened her mom was out of town and driving through this area on her way home, so it all worked out. I was relieved to have the van up at camp and that job checked off my list, and I was thrilled to have my best friend here to support me as I ran around like a crazy person.
Having my best friend here was excellent on many levels. First of all, now when I call her with fun stories about counselors or camp, she can imagine it because she was actually here. She, like my mother, commented, "it's like a real 'camp' camp. Like the Parent Trap." I'm glad she will be able to fully appreciate my stories. Second of all, I could process and vent to her without worrying about being a strong leader or professional. So, yes, I stomped my foot and whined a few times and yes, she was nice about it.
Another exceptional thing about having her here was that I could leave her in the train wreck of a camp store and tell her to organize and clean the whole place and come back 3 hours later to the PERFECT working camp store of my dreams. She did that several times with several projects and didn't complain at all. She also stood by my side and helped me learn to drive a pontoon at the last second before taking a group of kids out on the lake. When kids go tubing, we put the whole group on the pontoon and then 2 at a time, they get to hop out into the lake and tube behind the speedboat. So in addition to learning to drive the boat, she got to drag wet children back onto the pontoon, getting soaking wet in the process, despite the fact that she is afraid of water and (her words, not mine) "doesn't do boats".
Now I owe her my first born, or at least a week of scrubbing desks in her third grade classroom in September, but it was worth it because she did a spectacular job. In addition to the big projects she did for me, several times, I would be in the middle of a small project and have to step out and deal with something else, and when I did that, she would continue entering things into the computer or organizing camper mail or whatever I was doing. She also took the initiative to do something she saw that needed to be done and also did it well. Oh, and while doing all of this, she interacted with children in the most respectful, engaging way. She was helpful and kind, but firm and able to get kids to follow the rules. She has been a teacher for three years, so yes, she has a little more training than my 19 year old counselors, but it was still refreshing to have someone besides just myself who knows how to work with kids without teaching them new swear words (as one of my counselors did today).
I was tempted to lock her in a cabin somewhere and tell her mom I had no idea where she was. I need her to be here all summer, but she's planning a wedding for July and needs to be home. Whatever. Wedding schmedding. Summer vacation laying by her pool or being dirty, bug sprayed and rained on at camp with me. It seems like an obvious choice, but I had to let the cosmopolitan girl go back to the city. It was SOOOOOOOOOOO nice having her here though. Seriously, she is the best best best.
X was here for the first three days of camp. I wanted her to come visit and see the camp at some point this summer- I hadn't planned on it being at THE craziest time of camp, but we needed to get our new van from our office to here, and it just so happened her mom was out of town and driving through this area on her way home, so it all worked out. I was relieved to have the van up at camp and that job checked off my list, and I was thrilled to have my best friend here to support me as I ran around like a crazy person.
Having my best friend here was excellent on many levels. First of all, now when I call her with fun stories about counselors or camp, she can imagine it because she was actually here. She, like my mother, commented, "it's like a real 'camp' camp. Like the Parent Trap." I'm glad she will be able to fully appreciate my stories. Second of all, I could process and vent to her without worrying about being a strong leader or professional. So, yes, I stomped my foot and whined a few times and yes, she was nice about it.
Another exceptional thing about having her here was that I could leave her in the train wreck of a camp store and tell her to organize and clean the whole place and come back 3 hours later to the PERFECT working camp store of my dreams. She did that several times with several projects and didn't complain at all. She also stood by my side and helped me learn to drive a pontoon at the last second before taking a group of kids out on the lake. When kids go tubing, we put the whole group on the pontoon and then 2 at a time, they get to hop out into the lake and tube behind the speedboat. So in addition to learning to drive the boat, she got to drag wet children back onto the pontoon, getting soaking wet in the process, despite the fact that she is afraid of water and (her words, not mine) "doesn't do boats".
Now I owe her my first born, or at least a week of scrubbing desks in her third grade classroom in September, but it was worth it because she did a spectacular job. In addition to the big projects she did for me, several times, I would be in the middle of a small project and have to step out and deal with something else, and when I did that, she would continue entering things into the computer or organizing camper mail or whatever I was doing. She also took the initiative to do something she saw that needed to be done and also did it well. Oh, and while doing all of this, she interacted with children in the most respectful, engaging way. She was helpful and kind, but firm and able to get kids to follow the rules. She has been a teacher for three years, so yes, she has a little more training than my 19 year old counselors, but it was still refreshing to have someone besides just myself who knows how to work with kids without teaching them new swear words (as one of my counselors did today).
I was tempted to lock her in a cabin somewhere and tell her mom I had no idea where she was. I need her to be here all summer, but she's planning a wedding for July and needs to be home. Whatever. Wedding schmedding. Summer vacation laying by her pool or being dirty, bug sprayed and rained on at camp with me. It seems like an obvious choice, but I had to let the cosmopolitan girl go back to the city. It was SOOOOOOOOOOO nice having her here though. Seriously, she is the best best best.
A Day in the Life... Continued...
5:30pm- dinner
6:00pm- get groups started with all-camp capture the flag
6:15pm- run to the fire pit to start setting up campfire for tonight.
7:15pm- get after-hours call from home office (that's weird, doesn't the office close at like,
4pm?). Talk on the phone while hauling wood. Almost drop phone in fire.
7:45pm Silently mouth directions of what we are doing to the counselors who have just arrived to campfire with with groups.
8pm- nurse asks me to take sick camper to get his stuff from his cabin so he can spend the night in the health center.
8:01-(sick kid sitting next to me on the golf cart)- get walkie talkie call that one of the bathroom toilets is overflowing.
8:06- scramble around camp looking for box of tissues for health center (why don't we have any of those?), stop by office to see boss sitting with two crying counselors, let him know toilet is overflowing.
8:07- boss delegates said problem to me.
8:08- find tissues, drop them in health center, RUN to bathroom, attempt to find shut off valve for toilet (swear as I step in ankle deep toilet water), find shut off valve. Start sweeping toilet water out of bathroom.
8:45pm- check on groups as they get ready for bed. Kids are RUNNING wild. Step in to organize silent game.
9:25pm- go with difficult group to help counselor during evening devotions.
10:00pm- boss walkie talkie to let me know he's plunged the toilet and clearly saved the day.
10:35pm- give boss credit for being such an amazing guy while swearing uncontrollably in my head.
11:00pm- check email. Ask boss about next week's staffing situation, since we have twice as many kids and seemingly no game plan. No answers.
11:30pm- sit with one of the crying counselors from earlier and talk to her about her day.
12am- go to bed.
6:00pm- get groups started with all-camp capture the flag
6:15pm- run to the fire pit to start setting up campfire for tonight.
7:15pm- get after-hours call from home office (that's weird, doesn't the office close at like,
4pm?). Talk on the phone while hauling wood. Almost drop phone in fire.
7:45pm Silently mouth directions of what we are doing to the counselors who have just arrived to campfire with with groups.
8pm- nurse asks me to take sick camper to get his stuff from his cabin so he can spend the night in the health center.
8:01-(sick kid sitting next to me on the golf cart)- get walkie talkie call that one of the bathroom toilets is overflowing.
8:06- scramble around camp looking for box of tissues for health center (why don't we have any of those?), stop by office to see boss sitting with two crying counselors, let him know toilet is overflowing.
8:07- boss delegates said problem to me.
8:08- find tissues, drop them in health center, RUN to bathroom, attempt to find shut off valve for toilet (swear as I step in ankle deep toilet water), find shut off valve. Start sweeping toilet water out of bathroom.
8:45pm- check on groups as they get ready for bed. Kids are RUNNING wild. Step in to organize silent game.
9:25pm- go with difficult group to help counselor during evening devotions.
10:00pm- boss walkie talkie to let me know he's plunged the toilet and clearly saved the day.
10:35pm- give boss credit for being such an amazing guy while swearing uncontrollably in my head.
11:00pm- check email. Ask boss about next week's staffing situation, since we have twice as many kids and seemingly no game plan. No answers.
11:30pm- sit with one of the crying counselors from earlier and talk to her about her day.
12am- go to bed.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
A Day in the LIfe...
6:15am- Wake up, get ready
6:35am- scramble around, type random things, make photocopies, check email, scramble around, manage to get dirty.
7:15am- flag raising followed by morning prayer
7:45am- breakfast
8:35am- groups divide into first program area. I scramble around making sure kids are going where they need to be, counselors are going where they need to be. Kids decide they need to switch activities, kids arguing, kids going to the nurse, I scramble around.
Then I spend the majority of my day scrambling around some more. The camp store still wasn't fully organized until Tuesday afternoon and it took a lot of work to get it there. There was an emergency in art because all of the plaster stars kids were making were breaking and I had to drop everything and figure out how to fix the plaster. After ten minutes, I was covered in white powder and white pasty substance, but the stars were fixed (sorta).
Today I was in the middle of a project when we my favorite counselor came in to let me know her cabin was going tubing, but didn't have a person to drive the pontoon (Boss drives the speedboat with the lifeguard, pulling the tube, someone follows behind with the other 10 kids on the pontoon). I don't know how to drive a pontoon, so I had to learn right then and there and then spend the next hour doing my best not to have a boating accident (while smiling and chatting with the campers).
I have mediated a few arguments, led a very loud a fabulous round of group songs last night, spent four hours writing schedules on Monday night, washed a few loads of tie dye tee shirts, and a multitude of other interesting things.
People sometimes ask me what I do in a day. I have no idea. I scramble around in a swirl of children and laughter and sunshine and craziness. I have a long "to do list" that I carry around for the moments I have in between surprises. But for the most part I just listen to my walkie talkie and respond to whatever is going on right at the moment. I try to do everything while smiling. And I try to do everything I can to help the campers and counselors feel loved and cared for and listened to and valued. It isn't always easy, but it's very interesting and I LOVE it.
6:35am- scramble around, type random things, make photocopies, check email, scramble around, manage to get dirty.
7:15am- flag raising followed by morning prayer
7:45am- breakfast
8:35am- groups divide into first program area. I scramble around making sure kids are going where they need to be, counselors are going where they need to be. Kids decide they need to switch activities, kids arguing, kids going to the nurse, I scramble around.
Then I spend the majority of my day scrambling around some more. The camp store still wasn't fully organized until Tuesday afternoon and it took a lot of work to get it there. There was an emergency in art because all of the plaster stars kids were making were breaking and I had to drop everything and figure out how to fix the plaster. After ten minutes, I was covered in white powder and white pasty substance, but the stars were fixed (sorta).
Today I was in the middle of a project when we my favorite counselor came in to let me know her cabin was going tubing, but didn't have a person to drive the pontoon (Boss drives the speedboat with the lifeguard, pulling the tube, someone follows behind with the other 10 kids on the pontoon). I don't know how to drive a pontoon, so I had to learn right then and there and then spend the next hour doing my best not to have a boating accident (while smiling and chatting with the campers).
I have mediated a few arguments, led a very loud a fabulous round of group songs last night, spent four hours writing schedules on Monday night, washed a few loads of tie dye tee shirts, and a multitude of other interesting things.
People sometimes ask me what I do in a day. I have no idea. I scramble around in a swirl of children and laughter and sunshine and craziness. I have a long "to do list" that I carry around for the moments I have in between surprises. But for the most part I just listen to my walkie talkie and respond to whatever is going on right at the moment. I try to do everything while smiling. And I try to do everything I can to help the campers and counselors feel loved and cared for and listened to and valued. It isn't always easy, but it's very interesting and I LOVE it.
Monday, June 16, 2008
First Day!
The campers are finally here!!! There was so much excitement in the air this morning as we all scrambled around doing last minute things. Before the kids arrived, the whole staff circled on the field and practiced some last minute songs and games. And then the kids came!! The first car to pull up had 4 kids in it and the entire staff rushed the car. It was really cute, but probably a bit overwhelming to the parents and kids. But I was impressed by my staff. The people assigned to take luggage took their luggage and the people assigned to greet greeted. It was very well done.
The bus arrived around 11 and although it is a very small week (only 53 campers total), the camp spirit was strong and I was filled with an indescribable excitement. It was a comfort to know that even though this is my ninth summer, I still get the same feeling every time a busload of kids arrives for the beginning of a week.
We started with some songs and silly games and then all of the counselors called off their campers names and spent some time doing icebreakers and name games. I DISTINCTLY remember the first morning of the first day of being a counselor nine years ago, because I have never before and never since, been quite as terrified as I was that day. I was 18, had little experience with kids and there were 10 tiny kids looking at me wanting to know what we were going to do. I was trying to be confident and excited, but all I could think was, "ohmygosh, what have I gotten myself into. I have NO IDEA what I'm doing." Obviously it worked out, because here I am all this time later, but I could see that look on several counselor's faces and it made me smile and want to hug all of them and tell them it gets easier. I didn't. They will figure it out.
After icebreakers, we had lunch and then groups moved into their cabins. After moving in, they spent the rest of their day going from program area to program area taking a tour. There were no major problems and campers and counselors all seemed to be happy and doing well.
Right about the time that they were on tour, my best friend X arrived to camp. She was driving a huge 15 passenger van full of donations that we have been trying to get to camp for a month. I was happy to have the van here, but ELATED to have her here. I wanted her to see camp and I wanted to be able to share this great day with my best friend. I think I was even more excited when she pulled up than when the kids did.
She and I took a tour of camp, unloaded the van, and then hung out with kids and groups until dinner. After dinner, she and I worked for about 4 hours writing out schedules for kids and groups. Campers each get to sign up for 4 activity choices, so we had to coordinate who was going where, when and which counselors were leading it. Then we had to do the same thing with the activities each cabin signed up for. It was a huge project. I love to schedule (I know that's the nerdiest thing on the planet, but we all have our "thing"), and eventually, I will be able to do it quickly and smoothly. But this time around, it required some figuring out. I couldn't have been happier to have her here. When the two of us get together, our brains just seem to click together and everything makes sense.
So camp has begun and life is good and I can't wait to see the rest of the week unfold.
The bus arrived around 11 and although it is a very small week (only 53 campers total), the camp spirit was strong and I was filled with an indescribable excitement. It was a comfort to know that even though this is my ninth summer, I still get the same feeling every time a busload of kids arrives for the beginning of a week.
We started with some songs and silly games and then all of the counselors called off their campers names and spent some time doing icebreakers and name games. I DISTINCTLY remember the first morning of the first day of being a counselor nine years ago, because I have never before and never since, been quite as terrified as I was that day. I was 18, had little experience with kids and there were 10 tiny kids looking at me wanting to know what we were going to do. I was trying to be confident and excited, but all I could think was, "ohmygosh, what have I gotten myself into. I have NO IDEA what I'm doing." Obviously it worked out, because here I am all this time later, but I could see that look on several counselor's faces and it made me smile and want to hug all of them and tell them it gets easier. I didn't. They will figure it out.
After icebreakers, we had lunch and then groups moved into their cabins. After moving in, they spent the rest of their day going from program area to program area taking a tour. There were no major problems and campers and counselors all seemed to be happy and doing well.
Right about the time that they were on tour, my best friend X arrived to camp. She was driving a huge 15 passenger van full of donations that we have been trying to get to camp for a month. I was happy to have the van here, but ELATED to have her here. I wanted her to see camp and I wanted to be able to share this great day with my best friend. I think I was even more excited when she pulled up than when the kids did.
She and I took a tour of camp, unloaded the van, and then hung out with kids and groups until dinner. After dinner, she and I worked for about 4 hours writing out schedules for kids and groups. Campers each get to sign up for 4 activity choices, so we had to coordinate who was going where, when and which counselors were leading it. Then we had to do the same thing with the activities each cabin signed up for. It was a huge project. I love to schedule (I know that's the nerdiest thing on the planet, but we all have our "thing"), and eventually, I will be able to do it quickly and smoothly. But this time around, it required some figuring out. I couldn't have been happier to have her here. When the two of us get together, our brains just seem to click together and everything makes sense.
So camp has begun and life is good and I can't wait to see the rest of the week unfold.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
A Little Help From My Friends
Working at camp is the most fun, hilarious, exciting experience and I can't think of anything I would rather do. Sometimes it is frustrating or overwhelming, and yes, I've been known to yell and whine and rant and rave. But I feel like I am the luckiest person alive to be able to do this every day.
It seems like every day I find myself thinking, "this is definitely the best part of this job" over and over again. But today, I think I figured out the best best part. Best.
The best part of this job is that you learn just how many people care about you and are there to help you. I like to do things myself and tend to bite off more than I can chew. And I usually try to deal with it myself. But the sheer magnitude of this job makes that IMPOSSIBLE. It isn't easy to ask for help, but it's been a humbling and empowering experience to learn just that.
Here are some of the highlights of people who have filled my heart with warmth by their generosity of time, energy and love (I know, I know, kind of drippy sickening sweet, but seriously, it's so true).
-My dad, who has worked at an inhuman pace, trying to fix and build and get this camp in working order.
-My mom, who always calls to check in, let's me vent, and often offers to come and help me, even though she's 2 hours away. I know that she genuinely means it and that if I ever said, "yes, please come" she would drop everything and be here.
-My best friend X, who is coming to camp tomorrow, on literally the CRAZIEST day of my entire year to follow me around as I mumble to myself and make demands like, "go do this really boring, dirty awful job for a really long time by yourself" and she will be nice and helpful and calm me down the whole time.
-My dear friend M, who shares the camp part of my heart, who, despite running a camp of her own, calls to check on me and let me vent for long hours. And who shares my passion for camp like no one else can.
-My roommates, who are taking care of my house, my bills, the details of my life, and loving me even though I am not there to help them with any of it.
-The Camp Office Administrator, who works harder than she has to to make my life easier, camp run more smoothly and also spends long phone calls listening to me vent. I am positive my head would fly off without her.
-My FAVORITE staff S (I know I'm not supposed to have favorites, but seriously, this girl is the BEST), who is literally the most calming, peaceful soul i have ever met. She constantly takes things off my "to do" list without being asked, making me want to burst into tears of gratitude and hug her all the time. She let's me process things out loud and is always willing to help and is literally the 20 year old version of X, here at camp.
-The Assistant Program Director, who is literally the nicest man I have ever met and offers his help and kindness all the time. I have never met anyone as nice and it is so refreshing.
-All of the staff here. They have all been so helpful and positive and hardworking and flexible. I couldn't dream up better people to be surrounded by.
-All of the people who have sent me letters and care packages, read my blog, collected supplies to donate, and been supportive of me as I have taken on this crazy job. It means a great deal to me, even though I don't say it nearly enough.
I don't know if it is possible to send out enough "thank you" cards, emails of appreciation, gifts of chocolate, and gratitude. But I am aware that the universe has provided me with an absurd amount of blessings and I must live every moment of every day being appreciative and working to pass along those blessings to those around me.
It seems like every day I find myself thinking, "this is definitely the best part of this job" over and over again. But today, I think I figured out the best best part. Best.
The best part of this job is that you learn just how many people care about you and are there to help you. I like to do things myself and tend to bite off more than I can chew. And I usually try to deal with it myself. But the sheer magnitude of this job makes that IMPOSSIBLE. It isn't easy to ask for help, but it's been a humbling and empowering experience to learn just that.
Here are some of the highlights of people who have filled my heart with warmth by their generosity of time, energy and love (I know, I know, kind of drippy sickening sweet, but seriously, it's so true).
-My dad, who has worked at an inhuman pace, trying to fix and build and get this camp in working order.
-My mom, who always calls to check in, let's me vent, and often offers to come and help me, even though she's 2 hours away. I know that she genuinely means it and that if I ever said, "yes, please come" she would drop everything and be here.
-My best friend X, who is coming to camp tomorrow, on literally the CRAZIEST day of my entire year to follow me around as I mumble to myself and make demands like, "go do this really boring, dirty awful job for a really long time by yourself" and she will be nice and helpful and calm me down the whole time.
-My dear friend M, who shares the camp part of my heart, who, despite running a camp of her own, calls to check on me and let me vent for long hours. And who shares my passion for camp like no one else can.
-My roommates, who are taking care of my house, my bills, the details of my life, and loving me even though I am not there to help them with any of it.
-The Camp Office Administrator, who works harder than she has to to make my life easier, camp run more smoothly and also spends long phone calls listening to me vent. I am positive my head would fly off without her.
-My FAVORITE staff S (I know I'm not supposed to have favorites, but seriously, this girl is the BEST), who is literally the most calming, peaceful soul i have ever met. She constantly takes things off my "to do" list without being asked, making me want to burst into tears of gratitude and hug her all the time. She let's me process things out loud and is always willing to help and is literally the 20 year old version of X, here at camp.
-The Assistant Program Director, who is literally the nicest man I have ever met and offers his help and kindness all the time. I have never met anyone as nice and it is so refreshing.
-All of the staff here. They have all been so helpful and positive and hardworking and flexible. I couldn't dream up better people to be surrounded by.
-All of the people who have sent me letters and care packages, read my blog, collected supplies to donate, and been supportive of me as I have taken on this crazy job. It means a great deal to me, even though I don't say it nearly enough.
I don't know if it is possible to send out enough "thank you" cards, emails of appreciation, gifts of chocolate, and gratitude. But I am aware that the universe has provided me with an absurd amount of blessings and I must live every moment of every day being appreciative and working to pass along those blessings to those around me.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Optional Fun Day
A few months ago, I told my roommates that I wanted a foreign exchange student. They laughed at me because, apparently, 26 year olds are supposed to spend their time going out and having fun, and my desire was more along the lines of a soccer mom. Fine. I will wait until I'm middle aged to have all the fun.
I have to remember to be careful what I throw out into the universe, because often, things I wish for come true and then I learn the hard way that sometimes my ideas are a little, um, big (to say the least). But now I have 6 international counselors and I'm definitely enjoying the experience.
I was excited to be able to explain what a s'more was and then be there as they enjoyed their first taste. I was glad I got to be part of their first hotdish meal, first experience with vicious mosquitoes and I love having long discussions about the differences between the way we do things and the way they do things at home. I like learning from them and I like teaching them about our culture. So we can call this idea a success.
Anyway, today was the first weekend that all of the staff have been at camp. After planning every minute of every day this week, you'd think they would have been sick of me. But I planned an"optional fun" day field trip into a nearby bigger city. We took the whole van load of staff about an hour and half away. We stopped at Target (just about everyone needed alarm clocks, bug spray, snacks, etc.) and then to the nearby park/pier for dinner, ice cream, and walking by the water. It was a gloriously nice day, sunny and warm and everyone had a lot of fun. It was very nice to spend time with staff without giving directions or being responsible. It was wonderful to enjoy each other's company, relax and have a fun day.
I enjoy these people more each day and I am very blessed to be able to spend my summer in the company of such an exceptional group of people. I still miss home from time to time. I miss my roommates and family and friends and house and all of the everyday stuff, but camp has definitely become home and I am so happy I am here.
I have to remember to be careful what I throw out into the universe, because often, things I wish for come true and then I learn the hard way that sometimes my ideas are a little, um, big (to say the least). But now I have 6 international counselors and I'm definitely enjoying the experience.
I was excited to be able to explain what a s'more was and then be there as they enjoyed their first taste. I was glad I got to be part of their first hotdish meal, first experience with vicious mosquitoes and I love having long discussions about the differences between the way we do things and the way they do things at home. I like learning from them and I like teaching them about our culture. So we can call this idea a success.
Anyway, today was the first weekend that all of the staff have been at camp. After planning every minute of every day this week, you'd think they would have been sick of me. But I planned an"optional fun" day field trip into a nearby bigger city. We took the whole van load of staff about an hour and half away. We stopped at Target (just about everyone needed alarm clocks, bug spray, snacks, etc.) and then to the nearby park/pier for dinner, ice cream, and walking by the water. It was a gloriously nice day, sunny and warm and everyone had a lot of fun. It was very nice to spend time with staff without giving directions or being responsible. It was wonderful to enjoy each other's company, relax and have a fun day.
I enjoy these people more each day and I am very blessed to be able to spend my summer in the company of such an exceptional group of people. I still miss home from time to time. I miss my roommates and family and friends and house and all of the everyday stuff, but camp has definitely become home and I am so happy I am here.
What a Week
A very successful week of training has come to a close. Saturday- Friday, we were up and working by 7am and finished up each night by 8 or 9pm. I am EXHAUSTED. But I am confident that my staff know as much as I can teach them about teaching kids activities, behavior management, policies, procedures, etc. We also had a LOT of fun doing skits and dances and songs and games. We also completed a lot of service projects like clearing out brush and cleaning boats.
I could not be more excited about the staff that are working here this summer. Yesterday I asked my boss when the cameras were coming to film our reality show because we have such a cast of characters. They are camp people, through and through. No one tried to be "too cool" when we were doing silly activities. And everyone was willing to pitch in and help with every dirty, hard project. I was constantly impressed by their creative ideas and enthusiasm.
They are an exceptional group of people and I am thrilled to be working with them this summer.
In addition to the hectic week with staff, I also got to spend a lot of time with my dad. He was busy with his own camp projects like building shelves and fixing docks and bulldozing the beach, but in between, we sat at the dining hall together and I caught rides from him as he drove from one end of camp to the other (One of the rides was me sitting in the bucket of the bulldozer, which was a new and interesting experience in transportation). It was nice to have him here to vent to, and to laugh with and share this journey I am just beginning.
I was eager to have my dad here at camp, because he can do almost anything and he is the hardest worker I know. This camp is a diamond in the rough, but it's REALLY rough (in my worst moments this week I referred to it as "this stupid crap-hole camp"). I believe that within a year or two, it will be a PREMIER camp, and I look forward to being here for that. But until then, there's a lot that needs to be fixed. And so I'm glad my dad is here to lead that. I expected that he would have a lot of good ideas and take charge with all of the projects that needed to be done. What I didn't expect is that he would become such a beloved member of the camp community so quickly. But as he worked with counselors launching boats and painting buildings and helping them fix things as they worked, I heard over and over how funny he is and how great he is. I already knew that, but it was an interesting and wonderful experience to see everyone else pick up on that.
When I asked the counselors to get into groups and draw their ideal counselor (adding a big smile to represent happiness and a fanny pack to represent preparedness), one of the groups added my dad's camouflage hat to represent "outdoorsyness and handiness like him". They also have decided to include him in the video commercial I asked them to create. I look forward to seeing that.
It was fun to see my dad get excited about making camp a better place. We are located on an island and he is passionate that we need to "claim the beachfront" with big signs and a "Camp Flag" to "fly our colors" (his words, not mine). It made me really happy to see him be so committed to and excited about this place that I have grown to love in such a short time.
The best moment of my week was late Thursday night. It was after training and I was sitting in my office finishing up some work. My dad came running in and told me I had to go with him. We ran down to the beach and stood on the dock. It was dark, but there was a full moon, slightly windy but warm, no bugs and completely silent as all the counselors were watching a movie inside. The sky was completely clear, except for across the lake, where there was a HUGE cloud that had lightening shooting out of it like I have never seen before. It was the most exceptional thing I have seen in a LONG time and I was speechless as we stood together and watched the most amazing natural light show I've ever seen. It was the most perfect moment I have had at camp and I was so happy to be sharing it with my dad. I wish I had brought my camera or a video camera, because you can't even imagine how amazing it was, but I'm also happy I was able to just stand there, fully absorbed in the moment.
It was a good week. I'm excited for campers to come.
I could not be more excited about the staff that are working here this summer. Yesterday I asked my boss when the cameras were coming to film our reality show because we have such a cast of characters. They are camp people, through and through. No one tried to be "too cool" when we were doing silly activities. And everyone was willing to pitch in and help with every dirty, hard project. I was constantly impressed by their creative ideas and enthusiasm.
They are an exceptional group of people and I am thrilled to be working with them this summer.
In addition to the hectic week with staff, I also got to spend a lot of time with my dad. He was busy with his own camp projects like building shelves and fixing docks and bulldozing the beach, but in between, we sat at the dining hall together and I caught rides from him as he drove from one end of camp to the other (One of the rides was me sitting in the bucket of the bulldozer, which was a new and interesting experience in transportation). It was nice to have him here to vent to, and to laugh with and share this journey I am just beginning.
I was eager to have my dad here at camp, because he can do almost anything and he is the hardest worker I know. This camp is a diamond in the rough, but it's REALLY rough (in my worst moments this week I referred to it as "this stupid crap-hole camp"). I believe that within a year or two, it will be a PREMIER camp, and I look forward to being here for that. But until then, there's a lot that needs to be fixed. And so I'm glad my dad is here to lead that. I expected that he would have a lot of good ideas and take charge with all of the projects that needed to be done. What I didn't expect is that he would become such a beloved member of the camp community so quickly. But as he worked with counselors launching boats and painting buildings and helping them fix things as they worked, I heard over and over how funny he is and how great he is. I already knew that, but it was an interesting and wonderful experience to see everyone else pick up on that.
When I asked the counselors to get into groups and draw their ideal counselor (adding a big smile to represent happiness and a fanny pack to represent preparedness), one of the groups added my dad's camouflage hat to represent "outdoorsyness and handiness like him". They also have decided to include him in the video commercial I asked them to create. I look forward to seeing that.
It was fun to see my dad get excited about making camp a better place. We are located on an island and he is passionate that we need to "claim the beachfront" with big signs and a "Camp Flag" to "fly our colors" (his words, not mine). It made me really happy to see him be so committed to and excited about this place that I have grown to love in such a short time.
The best moment of my week was late Thursday night. It was after training and I was sitting in my office finishing up some work. My dad came running in and told me I had to go with him. We ran down to the beach and stood on the dock. It was dark, but there was a full moon, slightly windy but warm, no bugs and completely silent as all the counselors were watching a movie inside. The sky was completely clear, except for across the lake, where there was a HUGE cloud that had lightening shooting out of it like I have never seen before. It was the most exceptional thing I have seen in a LONG time and I was speechless as we stood together and watched the most amazing natural light show I've ever seen. It was the most perfect moment I have had at camp and I was so happy to be sharing it with my dad. I wish I had brought my camera or a video camera, because you can't even imagine how amazing it was, but I'm also happy I was able to just stand there, fully absorbed in the moment.
It was a good week. I'm excited for campers to come.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Boss
I know that you're not supposed to love your boss. Unfortunately, the first two bosses I had, I LOVED. I idolized them. Dave was a camp guy through and through. He is the reason I am a Camp Director. And then I worked for Katie, who had camp in her blood and always did everything for the good of the program and the kids. Both of them were such hard workers, willing to drop everything and help with whatever needed to be done. They were never "too important" or "too busy" for anything and they both taught me the importance of leading by example. I have tried very hard to always do everything with a "what would Katie do" style. When I first worked for her, I was young and immature but I learned a lot. Someday I would like to work for her again and show her that I was paying attention and that I have grown and that she had a profound impact on me. I feel so luck to have had both of them in my life.
I do not idolize my new boss. He's a nice person. He has a lot of good qualities. But I question his ability to supervise staff. He spends a lot of time talking about what needs to be done, but not a lot of time actually doing things. This was a recent conversation that we had:
him- "I bought some big jugs of laundry detergent. I put them in my house. We need to put two of them in your house."
me (in my head)- so walk them over there, it's like, 10 feet away.
me- "okay"
That interaction sums him up completely. He always has something better, more important to do. And he likes to say, "we need to get this done" but he's not usually the one to do it. I realize that as the boss, there's a lot to do and other, more pressing matters to attend to. But my other bosses weren't like that. They didn't try to act like they were too good to do things. And so that's what I do with my staff. Do I want to clean bathrooms and haul wood? Um, no. But I do it, because that's what Katie and Dave would have done. Because that's what it takes to lead people.
He's a good guy, don't get me wrong. I enjoy working for him most of the time. But I also want to shake him by the shoulders, well, every day. I guess that's all part of life.
I do not idolize my new boss. He's a nice person. He has a lot of good qualities. But I question his ability to supervise staff. He spends a lot of time talking about what needs to be done, but not a lot of time actually doing things. This was a recent conversation that we had:
him- "I bought some big jugs of laundry detergent. I put them in my house. We need to put two of them in your house."
me (in my head)- so walk them over there, it's like, 10 feet away.
me- "okay"
That interaction sums him up completely. He always has something better, more important to do. And he likes to say, "we need to get this done" but he's not usually the one to do it. I realize that as the boss, there's a lot to do and other, more pressing matters to attend to. But my other bosses weren't like that. They didn't try to act like they were too good to do things. And so that's what I do with my staff. Do I want to clean bathrooms and haul wood? Um, no. But I do it, because that's what Katie and Dave would have done. Because that's what it takes to lead people.
He's a good guy, don't get me wrong. I enjoy working for him most of the time. But I also want to shake him by the shoulders, well, every day. I guess that's all part of life.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
A Quick Update
Camp training is going well. My staff are AWESOME. They are super funny and creative and have positive attitudes about everything. They genuinely seem to care about camp and our upcoming campers. You can't teach someone any of those qualities, so it's exciting to see that I am good at interviewing.
The mosquitoes are bigger than I have ever seen before and travel in thick swarms. It's practically biblical. Our international counselors are a bit unsure of what to think about it, but are doing their best (considering that most are covered in red, itchy welts- welcome to America...).
My dad is still here, working hard and providing me with support and strength just by being here. He has done so much in such a short time, I don't know where we would be without him. Tonight he joined my staff and I at the campfire. It's been a long time since I've seen my dad laugh as hard as he did when some of us posed the challenge that you can't eat 6 saltine crackers in a minute and several guys tried. Did you know that you can't eat 6 saltine crackers in a minute? It's absolutely impossible. About 5 of the counselors tried. And failed. And it was hilarious. You probably had to be there, but I laughed harder at my dad who was just quietly giggling as he watched. It is wonderful to share this experience with him.
And... best news ever... wait for it... my favorite little cousin emailed me today to let me know that she is coming to camp! She's about 8 years old now, but I knew from the minute she was born she would be my favorite. And she is. And I couldn't be more excited and thrilled she is coming. I have tried to imagine her as I've been planing activities and training staff and preparing camp. It helps keep me going, because that kid is awesome and she deserves perfection. And now she's actually coming! I'm so excited.
So all in all, despite some itchy ankles, my life is awesome.... And I found my duck (see previous entry)- life is great.
The mosquitoes are bigger than I have ever seen before and travel in thick swarms. It's practically biblical. Our international counselors are a bit unsure of what to think about it, but are doing their best (considering that most are covered in red, itchy welts- welcome to America...).
My dad is still here, working hard and providing me with support and strength just by being here. He has done so much in such a short time, I don't know where we would be without him. Tonight he joined my staff and I at the campfire. It's been a long time since I've seen my dad laugh as hard as he did when some of us posed the challenge that you can't eat 6 saltine crackers in a minute and several guys tried. Did you know that you can't eat 6 saltine crackers in a minute? It's absolutely impossible. About 5 of the counselors tried. And failed. And it was hilarious. You probably had to be there, but I laughed harder at my dad who was just quietly giggling as he watched. It is wonderful to share this experience with him.
And... best news ever... wait for it... my favorite little cousin emailed me today to let me know that she is coming to camp! She's about 8 years old now, but I knew from the minute she was born she would be my favorite. And she is. And I couldn't be more excited and thrilled she is coming. I have tried to imagine her as I've been planing activities and training staff and preparing camp. It helps keep me going, because that kid is awesome and she deserves perfection. And now she's actually coming! I'm so excited.
So all in all, despite some itchy ankles, my life is awesome.... And I found my duck (see previous entry)- life is great.
Mystery Solved
I found my duck frozen in a cup in the freezer. I don't remember leaving it there. But at least I know where it is...
Monday, June 9, 2008
Ducks Continued...
"Nat- if you ever want to see your duck ever again... leave a typed apology note in the mail box in 12pt font. No type-o's & in century gothic! If there are errors the duck gets it! -Anonymous- Note must be there by 10pm. Bring gloves."
I didn't start this duck stealing thing, but I did start the ransom note thing, so I guess I shouldn't have been surprised to find this posted to my door this afternoon. I haven't decided what my next play is. I am very amused though, I love this kinda thing.
I didn't start this duck stealing thing, but I did start the ransom note thing, so I guess I shouldn't have been surprised to find this posted to my door this afternoon. I haven't decided what my next play is. I am very amused though, I love this kinda thing.
Ducks in a Row
Yesterday at training I gave all of the counselors small rubber ducks. They are expected to have their duck with them at all times throughout training. Periodically, anyone can shout "duck check" and everyone has to hold their ducks up. If you don't have your duck, you have to sing and dance and then run and get it. It's not exactly punishment for a group who spends all day singing and dancing, but it is a good reminder. The idea behind the ducks is that if you can't keep track of one little duck, how will you keep track of 10 kids? It's a good exercise in remembering to be constantly vigilant.Additionally, counselors can steal each other's ducks (another reminder to be really conscious of where your duck is). Last night, our Art Director's duck was stolen and she was LIVID. She's an outspoken girl to begin with, but hours of "seriously guys, where is my duck" made her even louder than usual.
I didn't steal her duck, but I did leave dinner early to make a ransom note (see picture above). I took a photo of my duck, put her duck's name on it, and wrote at the bottom, "If you ever want to see your duck alive again, drop one bag of chocolate on the field at midnight. Don't be late or the duck gets it. Come alone."
I put the note in an envelope and slipped it to another counselor to give to her. She (and all of the other counselors) couldn't believe it, but were also laughing so hard. It was fabulous.
Eventually about 8 counselors admitted that they were all part of the plot to steal the duck and the counselor that had it returned it.
Yep, this is all part of my average day at my job. Yep, my life is awesome.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Sunshine
I am wearing shorts for the first time since I've been at camp. June 8! Better late than never though. It's been gloriously sunny and warm and wonderful for the past two days, which I appreciate, since it rained every day last week.
Besides just the weather, training is going even better than I'd hoped. The staff is so enthusiastic and creative and have gone above and beyond my expectations with each new thing I have asked of them. They are bonding and working well together, and I am eager to watch them as they continue to grow.
I am slowly getting used to the intensity of camp, but I have to be honest and say that I am more tired than I ever remember being in years past. Then again, Day Camp training usually lasts 8-9 hours per day. Our training started this morning at 7am and will end tonight at 9pm. Whoever came up with that schedule should be kicked int he head... wait, that was me... sometimes being the one in charge sucks because there's no one to blame and complain about. But anyway, it's all fun stuff so I can't complain (so far today, we've gone canoeing, tie-dyed tee shirts, done several group activities about child development, and played some improv games in drama, oh and we have sung about 20 crazy camp songs).
I LOVE being in front of the group, leading them in activities and singing songs at the top of my lungs. I get a lot of energy from being in front of everyone. But by the end of the day, having been "on" all day, I am drained. It is a good thing. And soon, there will be campers here, and it will be a whole new level of energy and a whole new level of tired. But it's good.
Back to training...
Besides just the weather, training is going even better than I'd hoped. The staff is so enthusiastic and creative and have gone above and beyond my expectations with each new thing I have asked of them. They are bonding and working well together, and I am eager to watch them as they continue to grow.
I am slowly getting used to the intensity of camp, but I have to be honest and say that I am more tired than I ever remember being in years past. Then again, Day Camp training usually lasts 8-9 hours per day. Our training started this morning at 7am and will end tonight at 9pm. Whoever came up with that schedule should be kicked int he head... wait, that was me... sometimes being the one in charge sucks because there's no one to blame and complain about. But anyway, it's all fun stuff so I can't complain (so far today, we've gone canoeing, tie-dyed tee shirts, done several group activities about child development, and played some improv games in drama, oh and we have sung about 20 crazy camp songs).
I LOVE being in front of the group, leading them in activities and singing songs at the top of my lungs. I get a lot of energy from being in front of everyone. But by the end of the day, having been "on" all day, I am drained. It is a good thing. And soon, there will be campers here, and it will be a whole new level of energy and a whole new level of tired. But it's good.
Back to training...
Friday, June 6, 2008
Busy Days
It's wonderful having staff here. Each new person brings a fabulous energy to camp that makes all of the colors brighter and everything sparkle. But it is a lot of work. A LOT. Maybe that's obvious and stupid to even write down. As a Camp Director, the main part of my job is supervising staff. But I think over the last nine months since camp ended last summer, I forgot. But I remember now. And it is a lot of work. Keeping people busy who don't really know what they are supposed to be doing is a lot of work. Eventually, training will begin and they will have a schedule, and after that, campers will arrive and they will be busy all the time and I won't have to tell them what to do. But pre-training is just them standing around until I give them a project. And then an hour later, me telling them the next thing to do and so on and so on. It takes a lot of my time to stay ahead of them. I have a lot of things to do to prepare for training and the first week of camp, so really, all of these people needing projects is causing more work for me. I'm trying not to complain, because it's probably a good problem to have. But I'm complaining anyway.
Yesterday we had three more international staff arrive. They arrived to camp around 11pm and all of us were sitting in the dark because there was a huge storm and the power went out at 10:15. Welcome to America and to camp. I probably would have cried if I had been them, but they were all really good about it and seemed excited to be here.
Today we started the day with CPR and first aid. Afterwards, because we have such a big group now, I had everyone moving some lockers and heavy furniture that we needed help with. And now everyone is just hanging out. The wind is FIERCE and the lake looks like an ocean, and it's been raining in bursts, so I don't know what they are all doing to keep busy, but I am just sitting here, enjoying doing nothing. These past few days I have taken to running everywhere I go, so at any given moment you see me sprinting across camp. I hate to run, and I'm not usually one to be completely crazy, but it's been so busy that I have had to be in 15 places at once and so running is the best way to do that. Yesterday, right before I was supposed to train first aid, the food delivery truck arrived and needed me to be in the kitchen. So it became that scene from Mr.s Doubtfire, running back and forth between two places trying to be completely committed to both things that needed me. Ridiculous. I am so happy that it's free time now and I can just relax.
Yesterday we had three more international staff arrive. They arrived to camp around 11pm and all of us were sitting in the dark because there was a huge storm and the power went out at 10:15. Welcome to America and to camp. I probably would have cried if I had been them, but they were all really good about it and seemed excited to be here.
Today we started the day with CPR and first aid. Afterwards, because we have such a big group now, I had everyone moving some lockers and heavy furniture that we needed help with. And now everyone is just hanging out. The wind is FIERCE and the lake looks like an ocean, and it's been raining in bursts, so I don't know what they are all doing to keep busy, but I am just sitting here, enjoying doing nothing. These past few days I have taken to running everywhere I go, so at any given moment you see me sprinting across camp. I hate to run, and I'm not usually one to be completely crazy, but it's been so busy that I have had to be in 15 places at once and so running is the best way to do that. Yesterday, right before I was supposed to train first aid, the food delivery truck arrived and needed me to be in the kitchen. So it became that scene from Mr.s Doubtfire, running back and forth between two places trying to be completely committed to both things that needed me. Ridiculous. I am so happy that it's free time now and I can just relax.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Staff
I am officially old. I realized it yesterday. It doesn't make me sad or happy, but I do find it interesting how it just hit me. I thought aging was gradual, but nope, a few days ago, I felt like a high school student playing "grown up" and then yesterday, there it was, actual adulthood.
Here's what happened. J and I went to the airport to pick up the first of 6 international counselors flying in. He is 18 and comes from Colombia. He is 5'4 and about 110lbs and was wearing trendy hipster clothes. And the first thing I thought when I saw him was, "ohmygosh, he is the cutest thing I've ever seen." But not cute in the , "I want to be your girlfriend" sense. I think he's cute in the "I want to put him in my pocket and feed him skittles, and pinch his cheeks and make sure he crosses the street safely" way. And right at that moment, I knew that when you stop finding 18 year olds dreamy and start finding them adorable, that's when you are old. So far, it's not bad, this being old thing. I already feel wiser and I've been standing a little taller.
Anyway, Cutie joins several other staff who have arrived this week. We had a girl come on Monday and I LOVE her. She jumped right into things and she is very helpful. Now I have the Waterfront Director and her who I can count on for ANYTHING and who are sweet and wonderful. The Art Director (J) is a lovely girl, she rambles on about herself a lot, but she's very sweet. While we were at the airport, another guy and another girl both arrived. So far I've only spent about 20 minutes total with them, but in the short bursts I have been with them, they've been friendly, positive, helpful and seem to be adjusting to camp very well. Tonight, three more international staff will be arriving. I am very eager to meet them! I hope they are as wonderful as the rest of the group.
It's possible that my recent adulthood has been coming on for a while now. I feel very connected to this group of staff in a way I never have before. For the first 7 summers of camp, I was eager to meet everyone because I knew they would be my new best friends and summer crushes. Last year I immediately hated all of the staff for reasons I never fully figured out. But this year, I feel very protective and mother-hennish about this group. I find myself thinking about their happiness and personal development and futures. I believe that camp will positively affect them and I am so excited for them. I want to mentor them and inspire them and take care of them. Camp is such a personal and emotional job and I am trying to remain objective and focused so that I can leave my feelings out of work. But I think the nature of this job requires all of us to build relationships (with each other, the kids, the families) and so emotions are just part of it. And really, that's part of why I love this job so much. I don't know if that will fade with age.
Here's what happened. J and I went to the airport to pick up the first of 6 international counselors flying in. He is 18 and comes from Colombia. He is 5'4 and about 110lbs and was wearing trendy hipster clothes. And the first thing I thought when I saw him was, "ohmygosh, he is the cutest thing I've ever seen." But not cute in the , "I want to be your girlfriend" sense. I think he's cute in the "I want to put him in my pocket and feed him skittles, and pinch his cheeks and make sure he crosses the street safely" way. And right at that moment, I knew that when you stop finding 18 year olds dreamy and start finding them adorable, that's when you are old. So far, it's not bad, this being old thing. I already feel wiser and I've been standing a little taller.
Anyway, Cutie joins several other staff who have arrived this week. We had a girl come on Monday and I LOVE her. She jumped right into things and she is very helpful. Now I have the Waterfront Director and her who I can count on for ANYTHING and who are sweet and wonderful. The Art Director (J) is a lovely girl, she rambles on about herself a lot, but she's very sweet. While we were at the airport, another guy and another girl both arrived. So far I've only spent about 20 minutes total with them, but in the short bursts I have been with them, they've been friendly, positive, helpful and seem to be adjusting to camp very well. Tonight, three more international staff will be arriving. I am very eager to meet them! I hope they are as wonderful as the rest of the group.
It's possible that my recent adulthood has been coming on for a while now. I feel very connected to this group of staff in a way I never have before. For the first 7 summers of camp, I was eager to meet everyone because I knew they would be my new best friends and summer crushes. Last year I immediately hated all of the staff for reasons I never fully figured out. But this year, I feel very protective and mother-hennish about this group. I find myself thinking about their happiness and personal development and futures. I believe that camp will positively affect them and I am so excited for them. I want to mentor them and inspire them and take care of them. Camp is such a personal and emotional job and I am trying to remain objective and focused so that I can leave my feelings out of work. But I think the nature of this job requires all of us to build relationships (with each other, the kids, the families) and so emotions are just part of it. And really, that's part of why I love this job so much. I don't know if that will fade with age.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Spiders
I want to be a Buddhist. All of that meditation and inner peace and what have you. It appeals to me.
But the spiders here are the size of hamsters and every time I kill one, I think, "these are just too substantial to not matter." So much for loving all living things and not causing harm to anything.
The spider I had to run from this morning was easily 2 inches from one leg to the other and I was concerned that if I tried to squish it, it would just reach from under the shoe I was going to hit it with and grab it away from me. So I ran away instead.
I'm not even afraid of spiders usually, but I have never seen spiders like these. HUGE. HUGE.
But the spiders here are the size of hamsters and every time I kill one, I think, "these are just too substantial to not matter." So much for loving all living things and not causing harm to anything.
The spider I had to run from this morning was easily 2 inches from one leg to the other and I was concerned that if I tried to squish it, it would just reach from under the shoe I was going to hit it with and grab it away from me. So I ran away instead.
I'm not even afraid of spiders usually, but I have never seen spiders like these. HUGE. HUGE.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)