We have spent a meaningful amount of time and energy on living this part of our mission lately. Specifically, we want to be able to model “reaching out” to our campers in a real and obvious way. With this in mind, we have made numerous changes to live this out better.
Of course, we also reach out during camp. Each day, we encourage our campers to help and encourage each other. A boy that knows how to ride a horse or a girl that knows how to ski can do a lot to pass that skill on to a cabinmate. Several times a week, our campers participate in “Grateful Deeds” during which one camper or counselor publicly thanks another person. Some are thankful for help learning a skill while others appreciate a kind word or simply steadfast friendship. We have a great time with this (the campers always want it to last longer), and it helps cultivate a culture of appreciation.
During counselor orientation, we do a lot of reaching out. We invited the Boys and Girls Club of Marble Falls to attend a day of camp for free. Our counselors got an opportunity to practice their instruction and camper skills and the Club got a great day of fun. We also provided several occasions for counselors to go into town and volunteer at the Club during work periods. Finally, we dedicated all of our staff for half a day to do various projects in town for 9 different non-profit organizations, including the Humane Society, the Marble Falls Soccer Foundation, a music school, the community theater, and several others.
Our senior camper program is designed to teach the older campers (those going into 10th-12th grade) to work with younger campers as mentors and leaders. This program includes a spring retreat held near the camp. During this retreat, we talk with our campers about giving back to the camp community that they have enjoyed for so long: “as a camper, you have enjoyed a wonderful magic show, now we will help teach you to be the magicians.” We believe that one of the greatest lessons that we can teach a child is that “it is not about you”. People who give readily to others live the fullest and most joyous lives.
