You cannot help someone climb to the top of the mountain without getting there yourself
This time of the year, Catherine, Allison, and I are fervently recruiting, interviewing, and hiring staff to fill our camp counselor positions. It is truly one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do here at Keystone Camp. When we have new applicants come in, I often wonder if the true understanding of what it is that a camp counselor represents has resonated in their minds. Embarking on the journey of becoming a camp counselor is an exciting moment in a young person’s life. And here at Keystone, we spend countless hours preparing trainings, support systems, and real-life, skills-based programs to prepare our counselor staff as much as possible.
But what does it actually take to fill this role? What are the ingredients we look for when placing young ladies in positions like Head Counselor, Cabin Counselor, Heads of Activities, Kitchen Management, and more? Do we look for specific skill sets? Sure! Do we look for someone who has the energy to keep up with non-stop 8-year-olds who seem to never run out of gas? Certainly! But most importantly, in all of our interviews and interactions with potential staff, there is a common element of character that we look for: A passion to be a part of something so much bigger than themselves.
Camp is truly life changing, for campers and staff alike. Our aim here at Keystone is to be intentional in our interactions with each camper on an individual basis. We strive to build each girl up by focusing on any moment we have to help them grow, whether it be through perseverance in developing a skill in a favorite activity or working through the emotional tolls of being away from home. We want our counselors to have the confidence to understand that camp is a place for our girls to embrace the strengths we find in each other as a community and contribute to the wellbeing of each other as a whole. It is so important for all of our staff to grasp these concepts and take advantage of any opportunity to help a camper develop those life-long skills during her time here.
So, are you ready to be a part of something bigger than yourself? Do you have the desire to put your entire being into a role that will not only challenge you, but also fulfill you at the same time? The days are long, no doubt. The physical, emotional, and mental struggles we try to prepare you for are assured to ensue in your time here. But when the final day’s wake-up bell rings, you’ll find yourself reminiscing on the lives you have changed for the better, and the irreplaceable moments you have given up of yourself in order to build up this strong, fiercely compassionate, and ready to conquer the world community. You will forever leave a stamp of yourself behind in this magical place. And, you will forever hold a piece of Keystone Camp in your heart as well, knowing your life was also changed for the better.
