Leadership for Teens
Our country and the world for that matter needs leaders more than ever before. It’s time for kids and young adults to get trained in leadership. Overnight Summer Camps tend to create children to be flexible problem solvers as well as learn to live with folks that are different. Summer Camps have long been known for their ability to promote skills that are life long. Included in these are: responsibility, independence, cooperation and teamwork, along with a willingness to try new things.
Since’96 we have been camp directors at Swift Nature Camp. We have always been intentional in using our camps resources to promote positive personal growth and development . It is because of this intentionality that we can see and measure how campers and staff are growing and developing as individuals during their stay at summer camp.
It is our work with campers and staff that ensures that they not only keep the children safe but they need to encourage and assist campers in their own personal development and growth. Every day we meet with staff to check in and see how each camper is doing with meeting their parents directives as well as meeting the camps goals. We envision ourselves as a part of the family in raising the children of our campers.
Our older teens receive the chance to guide younger campers as well. This counselor in training program is designed to help teen engage in leadership and decision-making. Classes teach leadership skills as well as child development. Then they get to get out and see it works for them. These teen need to have desire to participate and lead others, without this desire they just become older campers. But for those who want to become better leaders in the future this is a great program.
For many the biggest difficulty is that being willing to give of themselves including the importance of being physically and emotionally present for campers. Enthusiastically participating in all activities creates a contagious atmosphere for all to enjoy. Leaders motivate and encourage others, these are all part of a great summer camp.
Role modeling and mentoring are 2 other skills that are important at camp. Everyone participates in this has this responsibility, for in a community as camp we all effect each other. For many, this is the first opportunity to engage with others and realize their people skills. The skills learned of group management, gaining respect and for teaching children are all skills these folk will cary with them for years.
Overnight Summer Camp provides a great time to be outside and playing but it is also a wonderful chance for campers, and staff to increase their own personal growth and development.
To learn more about finding the right Summer Camp, visit Summer Camp Advice a free website with loads of camp information.
About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift Nature Camp is a non-competitive, Overnight Summer Camp that offers a traditional summer camp for Boy and Girls. Campers enjoy Teen Adventure Camp trips along with in camp activities: Scuba, Sailing, Skiing and more.
categories: overnight summer camp,summer camp,adventure camp,leadership camp,counselor in training,Wisconsin summer camp,Illinois camp,science camp,kids camp,children’s summer camp,Teen Camp,kids,teen,education
