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by Peg Smith
Often in times of threat, if one pauses long enough one can discover
that opportunities also abound. That can be said of the camp community
in our time of national need. There are numerous ways each camp might
respond to the needs of others in a profound and real way.
The Community
Our community neighbors may benefit from our ability to shelter others
in a time of need. We have tremendous experience mobilizing the efforts
of children and youth to meet community demands for food, labor, as well
as joy. We have the talent to contribute to the moral and spiritual foundation
of the human spirit through our programs, contributions, and community
projects. Bring your staff and campers together to think of ways your
camp might add value to all of those in need. Sharing the poetry of the
camp experience may be the greatest gift received.
The Staff
Children and youth may have special needs this year, as well. Staff may
need additional training to deal with the fears and concerns campers may
bring with them to camp. Diversity, tolerance, and sensitivity issues
may be heightened and demand special attention. Security and safety measures
will require even greater consideration this year. Elements of risk management
never entertained before may well need to be considered. Protocols for
large delivery vehicles entering your camp property or swift evacuation
plans may now need to be included in your pre-planning thinking. These
are opportunities, as well, to demonstrate our preparedness and long history
of risk management when responsible for America's greatest asset, our
children and youth.
The Parents and Campers
We also have an opportunity to increase communication with our number
one partner, the parents of those campers attending our camps. We need
to consider those special questions parents may need answers for before
sending their child to camp. Special communication plans between the parent
and child may not only be the expectation but the demand this year. Special
packing instructions and transportation alternatives may need to be communicated
in a proactive, positive manner.
Regardless of our challenges, we must do two things, protect our campers
and protect the character of the camp experience. We must carefully plan
and prepare our camp and camp personnel for the new environment in which
we live. At the same time, we must preserve the beauty of the camp experience.
The camp experience is a strong American tradition that should not be
lost due to fear or intimidation.
- Make a list of critical elements that must be explored: transportation,
staff recruitment, staff training, camper and parent communication,
and risk management…
- Review camp safety and security plans for needed revision and updates…
- Initiate dialogue with other community leaders who must deal with
risk management issues…
- Begin to develop communication materials for campers and parents that
anticipate critical information needs…
- Consider special staff training programs in child development around
the issues of separation anxiety, grief, fear, and diversity…
- Most importantly, concentrate on an assets not a deficit model…and
remember…
Camp has always been fun and shall remain so for all of our campers!
Originally published in the 2001 Fall issue
of The CampLine.
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