Hiring

Yesterday I interviewed a young woman (AK) for a camp counselor position. She grew up as a camper, participated in the Leaders-in-Training and the Counselor-in-Training programs, as well as volunteered on the Work Crew; outside of camp, she has attended and volunteered at camp events regularly.

When I developed teen programming, this is exactly what I had in mind. Keep kids involved with camp through their teen years and eventually I would be able to grow my own staff of super committed, long time camper-turned counselors.

AK was part of my first batch of teens from summer 2008. She is the first to go on to apply for a staff position (sidenote- because teen programming was new in 2008, all ages were combined, meaning that the majority of those kids are a year younger than her and not yet old enough to apply. The program has been successful, even though with only one application, it would seem that it hasn't... I just wanted to clarify that fact.). I should be really happy and excited because this is the first fruit of my labor.

Unfortunately, this is a tough situation. Despite her dedication (see above list of camp involvement), for the past two and half years, she has spent a lot of time complaining, being distracted and overall making me question if she enjoys camp at all. I was actually sort of surprised to see her application as I can't really imagine her wanting to spend her whole summer at camp. I was hoping that her interview would blow me away and I would finally see passion or excitement or whatever it is that has kept her involved.

But I didn't. If she was just a random person I was interviewing, I wouldn't hire her- no hesitation. Her answers were okay, but the *spark* that I can't necessarily explain, but must be there for me to offer a position, just wasn't there. Camp staff don't have to have specific qualifications or skills. I can train them to teach activities, manage behavior, etc. But there has to be a *spark*. It's a combination of desire, passion, commitment, spirit, and energy. It has to be there naturally because it's not something I can teach and it absolutely necessary to keeping someone going through 10 long, exhausting weeks of what is sure to be the most intense experience of their lives.

This should be straightforward- she isn't hired. But it is difficult for me because I've worked with her for 2 years, I know her family, she's a product of my program and on a personal level, I am pulling for her to be successful. I know she was nervous and I know that this is something she wants. And I don't know how to tell her that despite those things, I don't think she has what it takes. But I don't.

I told her I would call her at the end of the hiring cycle and let her know. So I have a month to figure out what to say. I have a feeling that as more and more kids go through the teen programs, this is a problem I might have again. Yikes...