In wrapping up another wonderful summer at Camp Kawartha our Executive Director, Jacob Rodenburg, wanted to share a few thoughts about the importance of summer camp and the amazing work of our Summer Camp Staff.
In today’s culture, there are so many ways to tear a kid down. There is social media – and whatever mean thing is said – stays there. You’ve got a constant stream of images telling kids what they should look like, what they should eat and what they should wear. You’ve got a school system that at times is like a factory – it is so big and industrial it doesn’t always pay much attention to any one kid.
What I love about summer camp and what the camping experience does, is that we build kids up. We make them feel like they matter. Camp helps them to feel included, that they are an important part of a community. Kids remember the sense of caring and concern demonstrated members of this community. And most importantly, camp makes them want to care right back.
How does camp build kids up? Here are just some of the things we give campers…
- A SENSE OF JOY AND FUN. Camp teaches the kids to have fun in each other’s company through creative programming and the special touches at meal times and at bunk times. That is what fellowship means – to share in the joy of being together in a safe place– so that we can be who we are and who we need to be.
- COMPASSION AND CARING. From the way staff look after the kids in each cabin to the special activities, games and talks during mean and bunk times – camp teaches kids to feel a sense of belonging, to feel valued and to understand what it means to be cared for. Not all kids get this on a regular basis – some sadly, not at all.
- RESPECT. Camp teach that caring is for everyone and that no matter who are, your size, your background, your appearance – each child deserves respect and that every bit of respect can and should be passed forward until it echoes throughout our community and out into the world.
LOVING NATURE AND THE OUTDOORS. Camp teaches kids the skills it takes to enjoy the outdoors. We teach kids that their community is also the plants, the animals, the living systems that support us – and that they merit being treated with the same kindness and compassion that we extend to each other- INITIATIVE AND STRIVING. By keeping kids busy and by being full of energy and initiative, camp teaches kids to go beyond complacency. We teach all campers that we are the authors of change; that we can and will make a difference in the future. Each one of us is unique – we have a gift that has not been seen before, nor will be seen again in exactly the same way. It is up to us to honour and celebrate all of these gifts.
- CONFIDENCE AND SELF ESTEEM – Every experience is shaped by both a beginning and an end. Each ending creates the possibility for an even more remarkable beginning. Camp gives kids the confidence to face the future with courage and most importantly with hope. And perhaps that is one of the greatest gifts of all.
