It’s not always easy to describe summer camp to those who have never been. I remember feeling the power of camp when I was a camper and a counselor, but now, as a camp director at YMCA Camp Oakasha, I need to put that magic into words. Otherwise, parents and staff members will think that I’m wearing a crazy hat, just because I’m crazy, and not because I’m encouraging others to be comfortable and express their individuality and creativity. Camp is a place where kids can really be themselves and test out who they think they want to be. The greatest compliment I’ve received is that kids love YMCA Camp Oakasha because they’re comfortable. I wish that kids were always comfortable: at school, church, after school activities, and sports. But, unfortunately, the pressure that kids are under, to be smart enough, fast enough, cool enough, pretty enough, and tough enough can be crushing.
Camp is the perfect place for kids to feel comfortable because everyone is a little bit goofy. Where else do you sing songs about a sticky moose named Fred and work really hard to make your hair stick straight up for a day? Although we sometimes compete, those games are usually a little silly and followed by an activity that accentuates the power of teamwork. There are always individual challenges, like climbing the rock wall, but friends are there for encouragement, not competition.
The best example of the power of camp allowing kids to be themselves occurred during the “Color Games” this summer. Our Waterfront Director, Laura and I had the idea to have the kids do synchronized swimming in the pool. Each of the four color groups would come up with their own routine to share with the rest of the campers. At first, some of the counselors were a little hesitant, “we’re going to have our 12-year old boy campers do what?!” But, as soon they told the campers that it was part of the “Color Games,” they were in! The campers practiced for two days and were extremely excited for me to come down to the pool to check out their work. I knew right away, that this silly competition was worth recording, because there’s nothing more powerful than seeing kids who are truly comfortable being themselves, no matter what the task.
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Check out the video, which is just one of the groups proving that nothing is too silly in a place where you're comfortable!
