Friday, December 7, 2012

Today's Teens Need Leadership Skills

By Lonnie Lorenz


Today more than ever before, our country and the world for that matter needs leaders that can make a difference. Kids and young adults who attend Overnight Summer Camp tend to be flexible problem solvers and learn to live with folks that are different from themselves. Traditional Summer Camps have long been known for their ability to promote life long learnables. These include: responsibility, independence, cooperation and teamwork, a willingness to try new things and much more.

As summer camp director since 1996 we know that the best directors are intentional in using their camps resources to promote specific aspects of positive personal development . It is because of this intentionality that we as camp professionals can see and measure how campers are growing and developing as individuals during their stay at 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.

Even our older teens have a chance to help and guide younger campers. A counselor in training program is designed to help teen engage in leadership and decision-making. Daily their class teaches leadership training along with child development. Then they get a chance to put into practice. For some this is their first time at a job and have a difficult role, since they just want fun. Others see this as a wonderful opportunity to better leaders in the future this is a great program.

Being a leader at camp means putting the needs of others before one's needs is often a significant skill for teenagers. Staff young and old realize the importance of being physically and emotionally present for campers and enthusiastically participating in all activities. It is so important to motivating and encouraging the children to try new things and achieve their own goals.

Role modeling and mentoring is what we all do at camp. Staff to campers and older campers to younger campers. For many, this opportunity to engage with others and realize the natural power over others. The skills learned of group management, gaining respect and for teaching children new skills carry with these young children for years to come.

Yes, summer camp is a wonderful time to be outside and playing but it is also a wonderful opportunity campers, and staff alike to increase their personal growth and development.

Learn more about Picking a Summer Camp. Visit summer camp advice a free website with loads of camp information.




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