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Editoirial - The Passion of Camp Directors |
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This past summer, I did something I have never done before as publisher
of Canada Camps: I spent the better part of three days with three
different camp directors.
During my time with all three camp
professionals — Michael Luciani (Tim Horton Onondaga Farms), Shawn
Wilkinson (HarbourKids), and Bruce Emmerton (Trent Summer Sports Camp)
— I followed each of them around as they performed their daily
routines.
I was given a window to see how they interact with campers
and staff; how they deal with the responsibilities and pressures
associated with their leadership role at their respective camps; and
how they problem solve on the fly.
From Michael (top, right), I learned
what life is like as a first-year camp director and how it felt to fire
— for the first time — a staff member; from Shawn (middle, right:
wearing sunglasses), I learned the concerns and issues he faces leading
a day camp in downtown Toronto; and from Bruce (bottom, right: light
blue shirt), the most experienced camp director of the three, I learned
the importance of forming a special bond with each and every staff
member and camper.
From spending time with each of Michael, Shawn and
Bruce, I discovered the enormous task camp directors face in not only
shaping the culture and leadership style of their camps, but also the
impact they have in determining the overall effectiveness of the
programs they offer and the staff they hire.
I also learned camp
directors are consumed with a special passion not found in many other
jobs. A passion to foster self-esteem and self-confidence amongst
children; a passion to help young adults (i.e., staff) develop a sense
of responsibility and pride in their work; a passion to listen to
everyone’s needs and desires — from campers to staff to parents; and a
passion to do whatever is within their means to ensure everyone
associated with their camp has a positive experience that is remembered
for a long, long time.
If any of this sounds like what you are doing at
your camp, then kudos to you: the future bodes well for you, your camp
and the campers and staff that cross your path.
Paul Grossinger
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