First days are the most exciting and frightening times. I have not been as nervous as I was for the first day of camp Elphinstone since I was in grade school! No matter how much training we could have been given, there really isn't anything that can prepare you for the crazy reality that is camp.
It became very clear that I was camp person from the moment we arrived at Elphinstone. But there is quite a long distance between Elphinstone and Indiana, and there are plenty of differences that span that difference. Being here is like being in another country almost. Every camp has its own unique traditions, songs and events. Learning them takes awhile. I though the camp part of this summer would be the easy part since I had so much previous experience. Now I am beginning to think it will be the most eye opening experience of all for me.
Week 1 of camp I was on Program Staff. I was kind of relieved not to be a cabin leader for the first week, just because I really wanted the chance to observe how things like cabin groups operated in this strange new world. However I found a whole new set of challenges to overcome. The Directing staff at Elphinstone come from a variety of different backgrounds. Because of the recent closing of Camp Howdy ( a sister camp that was bought by another group) many Directors were transferred here to Elphinstone as well as completely net directors as well. This made planning things like evening activities really difficult because everyone had a different way of running things. It was even further complicated by the fact that there were 4 other YpN participants on Program Staff that were still uncomfortable with their English and adjustings to life in Canada and camp.
I really discovered what it means to be a mediator during the first week. Listening and incorporating the opinions of so many different people is quite a challenge! And it is even more difficult to make a point of making sure everyone's voice is heard, especially those who might be too nervous to use it like some of my fellow YPNers.
It is very east to dismiss quiet people off as uninterested or inexperienced. But I challenge you...the next time you are in a meeting or a discussion make a point of asking the quietest people for their opinion. You may be surprised what they come up with! I know I was! one of the girls from Argentina, Maru, has actually had a lot of experience with camp, and has some amazing original ideas. But because of her English she was nervous to share these with the group. But once we specifically asked her if she had any games from Argentina she wanted to share with us, she immediately opened up! Because of her great idea, and some extra creativity from other staff, we now have a new game called "Royal Flush" that was a HUGE success!
What new ideas can you discover from those around you?
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