This weekend we had a troop of 20 Boy Scouts and 5 dads come to camp to volunteer. I was dreading it, despite the fact that they were a relatively low maintenance group. It is the weekend. I want to sleep late and walk around in my pajamas all day. I want to lay in the sun on a blanket in the field. I want to read a book and surf the internet and relax. I don't want to be friendly or helpful or cook lunch or give directions to anyone. It turned out just fine- other than providing lunch on Saturday, they didn't need anything from me and they got a ton of work done, so I can't complain at all. And, I had the following absolutely hilarious interaction with one of the dads:
(I was sitting with S in the dining hall before lunch, and he approached us. I said hi and commented on his shirt, which had the name of the city our office is located in).
Him- "Oh, so you work for camp all year long then?"
Me- "Yep."
Him- "And what is your job?"
Me- "Executive Director."
Him- "Of what?"
Me- "Camp."
Him (not even attempting to hide his shock) "You are in charge of the whole place."
Me- "I guess you could say that."
Him- (not even attempting to be polite, he gives me a once over, looking me up and down) "Huh."
Me- "Thanks so much for coming, we're thrilled you could be here" (big smile).
I get it.
My cut off sweat pant capri's, yellow butterfly camp tee shirt and flip flops weren't exactly a power suit, but dude, it was the weekend, what did he expect?
Some day I will have gray hair and wrinkles and people will think, "she could be in charge, she's old, she must know what she's doing." Until then, I will wear my age proudly and smile whenever I feel like being sarcastic. Bring on the week ahead.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tantrum
On Tuesday I went home for the day for the first time since coming to camp in early May. I needed to work on some things in my office and run some errands, plus, one of my favorite authors was in town reading from her new book, so it was the perfect time. I brought puppy home with me because, well, we're never apart and I wouldn't expect her to spend the night at camp without me.Puppy doesn't transition well (which I already knew, but was hoping wouldn't apply since we were going home). She spent most of the evening having a tantrum, which, if you aren't familiar with puppy tantrums, they are very similar to toddler tantrums. First she sort of whines/yelps/barks continuously, followed by her throwing herself on the floor dramatically. That is usually followed by her biting (usually me) in the feet. On Tuesday night, when none of that worked, she waited until I was looking at her, made eye contact and then peed on my floor. She was potty trained very young and has never had much of a problem with going outside, so when she goes inside, it is usually on purpose.
When we got back to camp yesterday, she had a similar tantrum, except that instead of peeing, she pulled the cushion off the couch and chewed on it. I didn't notice until I heard a very loud "RIIIIIIPPPPP" sound. I grabbed the cushion from her yelling, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Followed, in my meanest voice, "you are a VERY bad puppy! You are going to go live at the pound and you will have to sleep in a cage and no one will share their goldfish crackers and ice cream sandwiches with you and you will wish you had been nicer when you had someone who loved you!" Puppies don't understand full sentences, but the look on her face made me wonder. She had the saddest puppy dog eyes and her little head was down miserably and she looked remorseful.
A little while later, when I said, "let's go outside" she didn't look up. When I walked over to the couch and sat by her, she actually turned her head away from me. I picked her up and made her go outside, but she refused to look at me. She came inside and walked down the hall to my bedroom, not looking at me and got into bed without looking at me. I turned off the light, got in bed and laid my head down on my pillow. When Livi was a tiny puppy, she slept draped across my neck for the first 2 months I had her. But as she has gotten bigger and it's gotten warmer, she has gradually adjusted her sleeping position. Usually she sleeps with her butt and back legs pressed against my stomach. So I was surprised when she snuggled up next to me and wedged her entire head under mine, so that the left side of my face, that should have been against the pillow, was against puppy's forehead instead. She sighed deeply and fell asleep. Tantrum over.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Paddlin'
Our floating dock floated away. Apparently last fall when we brought it to the shore for the winter, we didn't put it high enough, because when the ice melted and the water rose, the dock floated away. Camp is on a big lake, but I was pretty sure we'd find it so I wasn't worried.
Last weekend I went for a nice long kayak ride around the lake and found the dock about 300 yards away against an inlet. I attempted to drag it back, assuming that since it floats, it wouldn't be that heavy. The dock is about 12 feet long and 6 feet wide, heavy duty aluminum, not to mention the 4 concrete anchor blocks resting on the top of it. Needless to say, pulling it across the lake by myself was completely implausible.
Last night, after we went out to dinner, my three lead staff and I decided it was time to go rescue the dock. It was a very calm night on the lake, and so we grabbed two canoes and headed over.
It took little time to canoe across the lake and tie the dock to both canoes. However, once we started paddling, we realized being tied to the floating dock was similar to being tied to a brick wall. We paddled in placed for a full 5 minutes before we all stopped and agreed that we hadn't moved. Aa had the idea to get onto the dock and paddle from the top, dragging the canoes behind us. We made a little progress like that, but shorty into that, Ab suggested we put the canoes onto the dock with us to reduce drag.
Once we had secured the canoes aboard, we were able to move with great success. We looked ridiculous, two of us on each side, cross legged, paddling away, giggling at the absurdity of it and bursting into camp songs every few minutes. With it being Memorial Day weekend, the normally deserted lake was filled with boats and weekend cabin people curiously watching us from their docks. No one offered their high speed motor boats as help, but it was fine, we managed to get our dock/raft back to our beach in less than a half hour. Camp seems to bring out the most absurd situations, and the solutions usually require creativity, a sense of humor and the ability to let go of "normal" to welcome the head-shaking-in-disbelief type of adventures that make you wonder how on earth you got into that situation in the first place. Just another typical day at the office. Summer has begun.
Last weekend I went for a nice long kayak ride around the lake and found the dock about 300 yards away against an inlet. I attempted to drag it back, assuming that since it floats, it wouldn't be that heavy. The dock is about 12 feet long and 6 feet wide, heavy duty aluminum, not to mention the 4 concrete anchor blocks resting on the top of it. Needless to say, pulling it across the lake by myself was completely implausible.
Last night, after we went out to dinner, my three lead staff and I decided it was time to go rescue the dock. It was a very calm night on the lake, and so we grabbed two canoes and headed over.
It took little time to canoe across the lake and tie the dock to both canoes. However, once we started paddling, we realized being tied to the floating dock was similar to being tied to a brick wall. We paddled in placed for a full 5 minutes before we all stopped and agreed that we hadn't moved. Aa had the idea to get onto the dock and paddle from the top, dragging the canoes behind us. We made a little progress like that, but shorty into that, Ab suggested we put the canoes onto the dock with us to reduce drag.
Once we had secured the canoes aboard, we were able to move with great success. We looked ridiculous, two of us on each side, cross legged, paddling away, giggling at the absurdity of it and bursting into camp songs every few minutes. With it being Memorial Day weekend, the normally deserted lake was filled with boats and weekend cabin people curiously watching us from their docks. No one offered their high speed motor boats as help, but it was fine, we managed to get our dock/raft back to our beach in less than a half hour. Camp seems to bring out the most absurd situations, and the solutions usually require creativity, a sense of humor and the ability to let go of "normal" to welcome the head-shaking-in-disbelief type of adventures that make you wonder how on earth you got into that situation in the first place. Just another typical day at the office. Summer has begun.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
READY SET GO!!
I don't claim to be a really fun person, generally speaking. I'm not the life of the party, I don't plan wild adventures, I prefer quiet gatherings with a few people, or just sitting quietly by myself and reading a book. However, I facilitate fun very well. Programming is one of the things I am absolutely best at in life. I LOVE to program. I like letting my mind explode with creative ideas, plan out the details and organize the event or activities. I like to have a clipboard, filled with lists and plans, and stand in the background while the people (usually kids) I have programmed for have the time of their lives. I can't think of anything I am better at, more passionate about, or enjoy more.
My most distinct memory of camp as a child was sitting on the sidelines of a game, not the last bit interested in participating, watching the counselors, thinking, "I would prefer to be doing what they are doing, and I think I could do a better job". I wanted to work at a camp for many years, not because I had fun as a camper, but because I knew I would enjoy myself planning stuff for campers.
During the last few weeks, the lead staff and I have been programming nonstop. I have typed out over 25 pages of plans and at this point, I can tell you what will be happening every hour of every day for the entire summer. It is absolutely fabulous and I couldn't be more excited.
Staff begin arriving on Tuesday, training starts Friday and we are ready. I am proud of the work we did this past month and excited to begin the summer. Last year at this time, we were still moving garbage and attempting to clean camp so that it would be presentable when we began. We didn't have time to work on programming, and so I spent late nights, early morning, weekends and every spare moment planning and preparing. It made for a stressful, exhausting summer. It also makes me appreciate how ready we are for this summer even more. It is going to be so much easier and enjoyable, and I am ready!
My most distinct memory of camp as a child was sitting on the sidelines of a game, not the last bit interested in participating, watching the counselors, thinking, "I would prefer to be doing what they are doing, and I think I could do a better job". I wanted to work at a camp for many years, not because I had fun as a camper, but because I knew I would enjoy myself planning stuff for campers.
During the last few weeks, the lead staff and I have been programming nonstop. I have typed out over 25 pages of plans and at this point, I can tell you what will be happening every hour of every day for the entire summer. It is absolutely fabulous and I couldn't be more excited.
Staff begin arriving on Tuesday, training starts Friday and we are ready. I am proud of the work we did this past month and excited to begin the summer. Last year at this time, we were still moving garbage and attempting to clean camp so that it would be presentable when we began. We didn't have time to work on programming, and so I spent late nights, early morning, weekends and every spare moment planning and preparing. It made for a stressful, exhausting summer. It also makes me appreciate how ready we are for this summer even more. It is going to be so much easier and enjoyable, and I am ready!
Faith
Week 1= 32, Week 2= 27, Week 3= 69, **Week 4= OPC= 110, Week 5= 31, Week 6= 27, Week 7= 41, Week 8= 25, Week 9= 65, Week 10= 30. Total= 457.
That's a list of how many campers we have registered each week so far. Keep in mind, a full camp would be 144 kids. Last summer, we averaged 60 kids per week, with a total summer number of 547. Last year, throughout the month of May, we had 100 campers register, and I anticipate that will happen again this year.
Registration has been low for several years and the economy is terrible this year, so this number isn't a surprise, or even necessarily cause for panic. However, I have spent the past year working hard, really hard, to build relationships with past camper families, keep them involved with camp, recruit new campers, get the word out about camp. I have visited schools, churches and sent brochures, and emails to a LOT of people. We ran ads in magazines, on the radio and I was even interviewed on a morning show. There is literally nothing more I could have done.
With the Board of Directors, my assistant and anyone else who has asked, I have been optimistic, cheerful, and repeated, over and over, "everything is going to work out, don't worry." Camp looks more beautiful and is in better shape than it has in years. The website looks awesome. The newsletter was widely read and responded to. My summer staff is awesome, programming is top notch... And yet, we can't seem to get any kids in the door. I have no idea what else to do.
I have been adamant in my faith in this camp and unwavering in my positive attitude, refusing to even consider an alternative to a successful summer. But today when J emailed me these numbers, the wind went out of my sails, my near-manic level motivation dropped to zero and I have been on the verge of tears all day. It is difficult to devote 100% of my energy, spirit and commitment to something, to experience success in some areas and then see such low enrollment.
27 kids in a week? What am I supposed to do with that? You can't run camp with 27 kids. What am I going to do with my staff? You don't need 12 counselors for 27 kids. You do, however, need 12 counselors for 110 kids, which makes this even more complicated. It is devastating to me to imagine cutting staff at this point, but if it was that straightforward, I could just do it. Unfortunately, we can't have a week of 110 kids without the number of staff I have hired, but most of the other weeks, that many staff is way too many. I could come up with some sort of rotation, but that is almost as bad as being cut, because instead of earning money for 10 weeks, they might only earn money for half the weeks.
Maybe it really will get better and registration will pick up and all of the positive energy I'm sending out will yield some campers. I know that the only thing I can do at this point is to continue to move forward with faith it will work out and address challenges as they come. But today I am anxious and crabby and unmotivated. Some days are like that...
That's a list of how many campers we have registered each week so far. Keep in mind, a full camp would be 144 kids. Last summer, we averaged 60 kids per week, with a total summer number of 547. Last year, throughout the month of May, we had 100 campers register, and I anticipate that will happen again this year.
Registration has been low for several years and the economy is terrible this year, so this number isn't a surprise, or even necessarily cause for panic. However, I have spent the past year working hard, really hard, to build relationships with past camper families, keep them involved with camp, recruit new campers, get the word out about camp. I have visited schools, churches and sent brochures, and emails to a LOT of people. We ran ads in magazines, on the radio and I was even interviewed on a morning show. There is literally nothing more I could have done.
With the Board of Directors, my assistant and anyone else who has asked, I have been optimistic, cheerful, and repeated, over and over, "everything is going to work out, don't worry." Camp looks more beautiful and is in better shape than it has in years. The website looks awesome. The newsletter was widely read and responded to. My summer staff is awesome, programming is top notch... And yet, we can't seem to get any kids in the door. I have no idea what else to do.
I have been adamant in my faith in this camp and unwavering in my positive attitude, refusing to even consider an alternative to a successful summer. But today when J emailed me these numbers, the wind went out of my sails, my near-manic level motivation dropped to zero and I have been on the verge of tears all day. It is difficult to devote 100% of my energy, spirit and commitment to something, to experience success in some areas and then see such low enrollment.
27 kids in a week? What am I supposed to do with that? You can't run camp with 27 kids. What am I going to do with my staff? You don't need 12 counselors for 27 kids. You do, however, need 12 counselors for 110 kids, which makes this even more complicated. It is devastating to me to imagine cutting staff at this point, but if it was that straightforward, I could just do it. Unfortunately, we can't have a week of 110 kids without the number of staff I have hired, but most of the other weeks, that many staff is way too many. I could come up with some sort of rotation, but that is almost as bad as being cut, because instead of earning money for 10 weeks, they might only earn money for half the weeks.
Maybe it really will get better and registration will pick up and all of the positive energy I'm sending out will yield some campers. I know that the only thing I can do at this point is to continue to move forward with faith it will work out and address challenges as they come. But today I am anxious and crabby and unmotivated. Some days are like that...
Monday, May 18, 2009
Chillin' At Camp
Yesterday was the best day I've had at camp so far.
The alumni left at 12 and so did two of my staff. The other staff went off to relax and I was left with a full day ahead of me and no one who needed anything.
Last year, myself and the two staff that were with me for May, spent the entire month moving old furniture, cleaning buildings, organizing- basically trying to get the camp functional before staff and kids arrived. It was dirty, exhausting work and the entire month was daunting. This year, it took three of us about 4 days to get everything set up. Camp looks beautiful and we could have kids come tomorrow. Well, that's not exactly true, I have a mile long list of programming things I want us to do, but last year, because of all the cleaning, we went into the summer with few of those programming tasks done. I spent the summer staying up late and working long hours every weekend to prepare for kids. This year, we have 3 full weeks before staff arrive for training to do all of those jobs and I am imagining myself going to bed early and enjoying relaxing weekends by the lake... Probably not likely, but I feel confident and happy with the progress we've made so far and the potential for the weeks ahead.
So yesterday, armed with said confidence and a full day ahead of me, I decided to relax. I spent an hour laying on a blanket in the field, soaking in the sun/napping. Then I went for a long kayak ride on the lake (which was completely smooth and glassy rather than it's usual near ocean level waves), followed by a long run. After the run, I hung out with S (the staff that was still here), and then played with puppy. It was an absolutely blissful day which I think bodes very well for the summer ahead.
The alumni left at 12 and so did two of my staff. The other staff went off to relax and I was left with a full day ahead of me and no one who needed anything.
Last year, myself and the two staff that were with me for May, spent the entire month moving old furniture, cleaning buildings, organizing- basically trying to get the camp functional before staff and kids arrived. It was dirty, exhausting work and the entire month was daunting. This year, it took three of us about 4 days to get everything set up. Camp looks beautiful and we could have kids come tomorrow. Well, that's not exactly true, I have a mile long list of programming things I want us to do, but last year, because of all the cleaning, we went into the summer with few of those programming tasks done. I spent the summer staying up late and working long hours every weekend to prepare for kids. This year, we have 3 full weeks before staff arrive for training to do all of those jobs and I am imagining myself going to bed early and enjoying relaxing weekends by the lake... Probably not likely, but I feel confident and happy with the progress we've made so far and the potential for the weeks ahead.
So yesterday, armed with said confidence and a full day ahead of me, I decided to relax. I spent an hour laying on a blanket in the field, soaking in the sun/napping. Then I went for a long kayak ride on the lake (which was completely smooth and glassy rather than it's usual near ocean level waves), followed by a long run. After the run, I hung out with S (the staff that was still here), and then played with puppy. It was an absolutely blissful day which I think bodes very well for the summer ahead.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Nervous?
One of the alumni asked me if I was nervous for the summer. I thought it was an interesting question and I told him, no, I am excited. But it made me think for a while- am I nervous?
After a full summer of experience, I feel like I pretty much know what to expect and prepare for, which is an advantage I didn't have last year. After a year of building, fixing and preparing, camp looks beautiful, which is VASTLY different than last year. With my dad by my side, a bigger staff than last summer and a year of preparation behind me, I feel more prepared and more confident going in to this summer. Last summer was overwhelming, frustrating, disappointing at times, lonely, exhausting and the most challenging experience I have ever faced. Had I known what was in store for me beforehand, I don't think I would have accepted the challenge. But I lived though it without any injuries or mental trauma (to myself or to anyone else), so I think I can pretty much do anything.
I feel confident and excited, but I think there's always some level of anxiety. I am directly responsible for EVERY aspect of this camp, from people to programming to property. I have to know every detail, prepare for every situation, handle every problem- all at the same time and with patience, kindness and confidence. My staff is made up of mostly 19 and 20 year olds with limited experience and varying levels of commitment to this 3 month job. I have to train them, coach them, encourage them and lead them as they are challenged and deeply impacted by the experience, while also making sure they are doing the same for the kids they are responsible for.
My staff (and thus, me) will be responsible for keeping 600-700 kids safe and happy this summer, and if that doesn't happen, I will be the one to face the parents and deal with the fallout. In addition to the people I oversee, camp has 18 acres of property, over 20 buildings, a budget that's been messed up for several years, a 62 year old reputation to maintain (or repair- depending on who you talk to) and a fat puppy with adjustment issues. It blows my mind that I am the one who is the head of all this.
So am I nervous? No. This summer is going to be fantastic and I'm really excited. But I am fully aware of the enormous responsibility that lies ahead. In a job that is all about creating a magical, fun filled, lighthearted experience, that encourages silliness, laughter, and carefree days of bliss, I know that behind it, is a job that requires unyielding attention and seriousness. Finding a way to be fun on the outside and unwaveringly attentive on the inside is a tightrope I will walk all summer. And I'm looking very forward to it.
After a full summer of experience, I feel like I pretty much know what to expect and prepare for, which is an advantage I didn't have last year. After a year of building, fixing and preparing, camp looks beautiful, which is VASTLY different than last year. With my dad by my side, a bigger staff than last summer and a year of preparation behind me, I feel more prepared and more confident going in to this summer. Last summer was overwhelming, frustrating, disappointing at times, lonely, exhausting and the most challenging experience I have ever faced. Had I known what was in store for me beforehand, I don't think I would have accepted the challenge. But I lived though it without any injuries or mental trauma (to myself or to anyone else), so I think I can pretty much do anything.
I feel confident and excited, but I think there's always some level of anxiety. I am directly responsible for EVERY aspect of this camp, from people to programming to property. I have to know every detail, prepare for every situation, handle every problem- all at the same time and with patience, kindness and confidence. My staff is made up of mostly 19 and 20 year olds with limited experience and varying levels of commitment to this 3 month job. I have to train them, coach them, encourage them and lead them as they are challenged and deeply impacted by the experience, while also making sure they are doing the same for the kids they are responsible for.
My staff (and thus, me) will be responsible for keeping 600-700 kids safe and happy this summer, and if that doesn't happen, I will be the one to face the parents and deal with the fallout. In addition to the people I oversee, camp has 18 acres of property, over 20 buildings, a budget that's been messed up for several years, a 62 year old reputation to maintain (or repair- depending on who you talk to) and a fat puppy with adjustment issues. It blows my mind that I am the one who is the head of all this.
So am I nervous? No. This summer is going to be fantastic and I'm really excited. But I am fully aware of the enormous responsibility that lies ahead. In a job that is all about creating a magical, fun filled, lighthearted experience, that encourages silliness, laughter, and carefree days of bliss, I know that behind it, is a job that requires unyielding attention and seriousness. Finding a way to be fun on the outside and unwaveringly attentive on the inside is a tightrope I will walk all summer. And I'm looking very forward to it.
Alumni
This weekend camp hosted the first ever (that I know of) Staff Alumni Reunion. A woman contacted me last October and said she wanted to organize it and asked if it would be possible to do at camp. After 62 years of camp, there are a lot of staff alumni out there, and it would make sense that someone, at some point along the way would have kept track of them so that we could hit them up for money and support and such. But like all things at this camp, of course that hasn't happened, so I was thrilled she offered. We will start small and build and eventually get a good list and maybe even an Alumni Association that sends out newsletters and hosts events and raises money for camp... Someday...
Despite my excitement for reconnecting, I was kind of dreading the weekend. With only 15 people expected, it wasn't even going to be that much work, but I was still looking forward to it being over. Myself and three of my summer staff cooked lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast today. My staff is very hard working and totally on top of things, so there was very little for me to do.
A big part of my job is being the face of camp. I am outgoing and can make conversation with pretty much anyone. I'm comfortable in front of a crowd (I love being the center of attention actually) and I understand that the most important parts of being the face are creating a welcoming environment (customer service, customer service, customer service) and expressing gratitude often and to as many people as you can. I enjoy this aspect of my job, but by nature, I am an introvert, and just the thought was exhausting.
My dread was really for nothing- the weekend was wonderful. The alumni were excited to be at camp and needed very little from me to stay entertained and happy. And it was fun to sit around the campfire and at meals and listen to stories about what it was like when they were here. And their level of enthusiasm was SKY HIGH, and I am confident that we can and will be able to create an alumni association soon. They want to make this weekend an annual thing and, though exhausted, I think it is a wonderful idea.
As a staff alumni myself (not for this camp, but the camp I worked at for 6 years), I know what is like to go back to "your camp" and how you feel strongly about changes, and it's weird to see things different than how it was when you were there. One of the gentlemen approached me and said, "I was nervous to come back. You have a life changing experience and you hold onto those memories for so long and the longer you are away, the better you remember things. And I was worried I would get back and it wouldn't be as great as I'd remembered, but camp looks beautiful, even nicer than when we were here. I'm impressed and happy to see it's in such good hands." That was the nicest compliment I've gotten so far, and it was even nicer when the group nodded in agreement. The whole weekend was full of compliments about how great camp is and I was really proud to hear that from people who have been here, lived what I am living now and truly understand camp.
I'm exhausted, but it was a wonderful weekend.
Despite my excitement for reconnecting, I was kind of dreading the weekend. With only 15 people expected, it wasn't even going to be that much work, but I was still looking forward to it being over. Myself and three of my summer staff cooked lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast today. My staff is very hard working and totally on top of things, so there was very little for me to do.
A big part of my job is being the face of camp. I am outgoing and can make conversation with pretty much anyone. I'm comfortable in front of a crowd (I love being the center of attention actually) and I understand that the most important parts of being the face are creating a welcoming environment (customer service, customer service, customer service) and expressing gratitude often and to as many people as you can. I enjoy this aspect of my job, but by nature, I am an introvert, and just the thought was exhausting.
My dread was really for nothing- the weekend was wonderful. The alumni were excited to be at camp and needed very little from me to stay entertained and happy. And it was fun to sit around the campfire and at meals and listen to stories about what it was like when they were here. And their level of enthusiasm was SKY HIGH, and I am confident that we can and will be able to create an alumni association soon. They want to make this weekend an annual thing and, though exhausted, I think it is a wonderful idea.
As a staff alumni myself (not for this camp, but the camp I worked at for 6 years), I know what is like to go back to "your camp" and how you feel strongly about changes, and it's weird to see things different than how it was when you were there. One of the gentlemen approached me and said, "I was nervous to come back. You have a life changing experience and you hold onto those memories for so long and the longer you are away, the better you remember things. And I was worried I would get back and it wouldn't be as great as I'd remembered, but camp looks beautiful, even nicer than when we were here. I'm impressed and happy to see it's in such good hands." That was the nicest compliment I've gotten so far, and it was even nicer when the group nodded in agreement. The whole weekend was full of compliments about how great camp is and I was really proud to hear that from people who have been here, lived what I am living now and truly understand camp.
I'm exhausted, but it was a wonderful weekend.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Slingshot Range!
We painted the slingshot range today and it looks awesome! I am excited for campers to see it and I am proud of the addition to programming. I have a paint-covered puppy that I'm not exactly thrilled about, but overall, we've been super producive today and camp is looking beautiful!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Better Than Last Year
Last year at this very moment, I was laying on a dirty couch in the fetal position, crying and wishing I was at home. It was rainy and cold, I was alone and camp was a MESS. I had no idea how I would get everything done so that we could be a functioning camp and I was just starting to realize my idiot boss wasn't just a pain in the neck, but also an obstacle to actually achieving a productive summer. I wasn't sure what I was going to do- quitting was an option, but in the very back of my brain, I could imagine this camp as a great place. But getting there was going to be a long road I hoped, but wasn't sure, I was up for.
This year, camp looks vastly different. Between a year of work from my dad and an incredibly productive Work Weekend, the junk is gone, broken things are fixed, new stuff is in place and this place actually looks like a camp, not a run-down ghost town camp. I am excited to hear the reaction of people who visited camp last year. I think they will be impressed. Also that means I don't have to spend the next month hauling broken furniture or cleaning abandoned buildings. I can spend the next month programming, planning fun stuff and getting this camp in order so there won't be so much stress once summer begins.
In addition to the physical changes, I feel way more prepared just having gone through a summer already. I know what to expect, what to prepare for and I have had a year to get things in order. I feel more organized, more experienced and ready for what lies ahead.
I am still a little overwhelmed and feel a little crazy with everything that needs to get done. Camp is a huge place and there's a lot to do. I don't quite feel settled or organized yet. I have a lot of lists and keep adding to them, which is making me feel overwhelmed. I am trying to be patient with myself, as I have been here just a little over 24 hours and have plenty of time to get everything done. I have my dad, a great staff and it is all going to come together.
Puppy is adjusting slowly. She needs a lot of attention and keeps biting me and whining when I won't play with her. But she happily follows me around as I walk from building to building and she seems to like being outside playing in the grass and dirt. It's been very windy today, and the rattling buildings freak her out, but hopefully she adjusts to that soon too.
And I haven't cried or thought about quitting yet, so we're definitely in better shape than last year.
This year, camp looks vastly different. Between a year of work from my dad and an incredibly productive Work Weekend, the junk is gone, broken things are fixed, new stuff is in place and this place actually looks like a camp, not a run-down ghost town camp. I am excited to hear the reaction of people who visited camp last year. I think they will be impressed. Also that means I don't have to spend the next month hauling broken furniture or cleaning abandoned buildings. I can spend the next month programming, planning fun stuff and getting this camp in order so there won't be so much stress once summer begins.
In addition to the physical changes, I feel way more prepared just having gone through a summer already. I know what to expect, what to prepare for and I have had a year to get things in order. I feel more organized, more experienced and ready for what lies ahead.
I am still a little overwhelmed and feel a little crazy with everything that needs to get done. Camp is a huge place and there's a lot to do. I don't quite feel settled or organized yet. I have a lot of lists and keep adding to them, which is making me feel overwhelmed. I am trying to be patient with myself, as I have been here just a little over 24 hours and have plenty of time to get everything done. I have my dad, a great staff and it is all going to come together.
Puppy is adjusting slowly. She needs a lot of attention and keeps biting me and whining when I won't play with her. But she happily follows me around as I walk from building to building and she seems to like being outside playing in the grass and dirt. It's been very windy today, and the rattling buildings freak her out, but hopefully she adjusts to that soon too.
And I haven't cried or thought about quitting yet, so we're definitely in better shape than last year.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Summer's Close...
Sunday night I packed all of my stuff, loaded my car and calmed a very anxious, unhappy puppy. Monday morning, I was up early and physically ready to go. But not quite mentally ready. I cleaned, cooked my roommates dinner, checked my email and poked around my house. Don’t get me wrong, I love camp and I couldn’t be more excited to spend my summer in the woods. But I am nervous too. There’s a lot to do to get ready, an almost entirely new staff to prepare, and it’s always a little tough to go from my quiet life of self centeredness to being 100% accessible 24/7 for 4 months.
Eventually though, I squeezed myself and the fat puppy into a PACKED car and headed up north. Goodbye fabulous city that I love so much. Goodbye thai food, coconut ice cream from the creamery down the street, pizza delivery, going out to dinner at cool restaurants, and a grocery store within walking distance. Goodbye tivo, netflix, stores within close proximity, convenience. Goodbye talking on the phone for hours at a time, lazy afternoons reading a book in my favorite chair or backyard. Goodbye to puppy daycare, my neighbor who taught Olivia "treat" in polish, and to long walks through the neighborhood- seeing people, dogs and at least 4 or 5 Priuses along the way. Have I mentioned how much I love my neighborhood and my life? I know it will be there when I get back, and there are many fabulous things I get to say, "hello" to now that I'm in the woods, but saying goodbye still took a little while.
But now it is "hello!" Hello to living with my dad, it's good to spend quality time with him. Hello living on 18 acres of lakefront, watching the sun set over the lake and falling asleep to the rustling leaves outside my window. Hello to creativity, fun, laughter, changing lives, challenge, adventure and growing as a person. Hello to kayaking, arts and crafts, campfires, s'mores, silly songs and spending all day outside in the sun. Hello to getting swept away into the spirit and adventure of camp. This isn't a job, it's a life experience and the fact that I get paid to live it every year is amazing. So here we go again...
Eventually though, I squeezed myself and the fat puppy into a PACKED car and headed up north. Goodbye fabulous city that I love so much. Goodbye thai food, coconut ice cream from the creamery down the street, pizza delivery, going out to dinner at cool restaurants, and a grocery store within walking distance. Goodbye tivo, netflix, stores within close proximity, convenience. Goodbye talking on the phone for hours at a time, lazy afternoons reading a book in my favorite chair or backyard. Goodbye to puppy daycare, my neighbor who taught Olivia "treat" in polish, and to long walks through the neighborhood- seeing people, dogs and at least 4 or 5 Priuses along the way. Have I mentioned how much I love my neighborhood and my life? I know it will be there when I get back, and there are many fabulous things I get to say, "hello" to now that I'm in the woods, but saying goodbye still took a little while.
But now it is "hello!" Hello to living with my dad, it's good to spend quality time with him. Hello living on 18 acres of lakefront, watching the sun set over the lake and falling asleep to the rustling leaves outside my window. Hello to creativity, fun, laughter, changing lives, challenge, adventure and growing as a person. Hello to kayaking, arts and crafts, campfires, s'mores, silly songs and spending all day outside in the sun. Hello to getting swept away into the spirit and adventure of camp. This isn't a job, it's a life experience and the fact that I get paid to live it every year is amazing. So here we go again...
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Shhhhh...
Have you ever heard this joke?
"Knock, knock."
"Who's there?"
"Interrupting cow."
"Interrupting cow wh..." "MOO"
That was the board meeting this morning.
J's official title is "Registrar and Administrative Assistant." She does MUCH more than that. With just two of us, she wears a lot of hats and takes on many projects that are outside her job description. She should have a better title, make more money and have more of a leadership role. She is qualified for it and works hard. However, she is a part time employee and comes to the board meetings to take notes. But she really likes to speak up and she doesn't just give her opinion, but interrupts board members as they speak. After about the 5th time today, I started counting how many times she did it. I stopped counting when I hit 15. That was the point that I crawled under the table, refused to come out and pretended everyone was invisible. Okay, not exactly, but that's what I was doing in my head.
The Board President has told me at least 3 times that she needs to be quiet at meetings. I have tried to talk to her, but I don't know a nice way to say, "you know how you are my right hand and do more than I even know and I couldn't survive without you and you are invaluable to this organization? Yeah, um, you aren't actually important enough to be able to talk, so could you sit quietly from now on?" Perhaps if she wasn't twice my age, if I had more leadership experience, if I was less awkward, if I cared about her feelings less or could find the right phrasing, I could have that conversation. But so far, I've just sort of talked around it and hoped things would be better on their own. I think it's actually getting worse.
I agree with the Board President, but I also know that her being invested in and committed to her job is in my best (ad camp's best) interest. I don't know how to have the conversation without completely degrading and demoralizing her. The last Executive Director was a horrible, awful man, who liked to remind her she was worthless and not important and just a part time secretary. I am sure there is a middle ground between the way he treated her and leading her in a positive way to not cut people off, but so far I haven't figured it out.
It was the last meeting until September, so maybe I'll ignore it a while longer. I really hate stuff like this.
"Knock, knock."
"Who's there?"
"Interrupting cow."
"Interrupting cow wh..." "MOO"
That was the board meeting this morning.
J's official title is "Registrar and Administrative Assistant." She does MUCH more than that. With just two of us, she wears a lot of hats and takes on many projects that are outside her job description. She should have a better title, make more money and have more of a leadership role. She is qualified for it and works hard. However, she is a part time employee and comes to the board meetings to take notes. But she really likes to speak up and she doesn't just give her opinion, but interrupts board members as they speak. After about the 5th time today, I started counting how many times she did it. I stopped counting when I hit 15. That was the point that I crawled under the table, refused to come out and pretended everyone was invisible. Okay, not exactly, but that's what I was doing in my head.
The Board President has told me at least 3 times that she needs to be quiet at meetings. I have tried to talk to her, but I don't know a nice way to say, "you know how you are my right hand and do more than I even know and I couldn't survive without you and you are invaluable to this organization? Yeah, um, you aren't actually important enough to be able to talk, so could you sit quietly from now on?" Perhaps if she wasn't twice my age, if I had more leadership experience, if I was less awkward, if I cared about her feelings less or could find the right phrasing, I could have that conversation. But so far, I've just sort of talked around it and hoped things would be better on their own. I think it's actually getting worse.
I agree with the Board President, but I also know that her being invested in and committed to her job is in my best (ad camp's best) interest. I don't know how to have the conversation without completely degrading and demoralizing her. The last Executive Director was a horrible, awful man, who liked to remind her she was worthless and not important and just a part time secretary. I am sure there is a middle ground between the way he treated her and leading her in a positive way to not cut people off, but so far I haven't figured it out.
It was the last meeting until September, so maybe I'll ignore it a while longer. I really hate stuff like this.
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