Cracking Kids Secret Code - Bully Prevention

    Dr. Chris Thurber,  camping champion and staff training expert, has put together a training that many parents will find interesting.  The webinar will be held on November 22 at 9 p.m. EST.  We hope that parents will find this dialogue to be helpful. The link for participating in this webinar is as follows:

          https://app.webinarjam.net/register/31239/179f601f6a 
     

 

Camp Counseling as an Internship in Real Life...

 I just a few short weeks, school buses will cease running their routes, teachers will finish entering grades for the semester, and summer will "officially" begin.  YMCA Camp will begin what will be their 81st summer on the shores of Lake Wylie.  The task of interviewing and subsequently hiring over 150 college-aged students to lead all of those seeking the magic that can only be found at summer camp will come to a close for the 2016 season.  Having this experience is one of the great pleasures I enjoy.  I say that as I sincerely believe that the experience of spending a summer serving as a camp counselor can truly be one of the most transformational experiences one can have.
     For many T-Bird counselors, camp is a place that allows them to make their best friendships.  They can laugh their hardest, and they can find a place where they can truly be themselves.  They are challenged to stretch and grow while encouraging campers to do the same.  The responsibility is not for the faint of heart.  You see, counselors actually serve as "parents" to the over 400 campers in attendance each session.  The experience of meeting campers and accepting them just as they are can be a challenge, but it is one that can leave leaders feeling more than a little accomplished.
     One of the biggest challenges facing camp directors is competing with colleges that now require internships.  These institutions of higher learning want their students to try on life.  What better venue to try on life than by working at summer camp?  Counselors must develop social skills and interact with all kinds of people.  They must work collaboratively with a group of other college-aged staffers to create memorable experiences for children.  Furthermore, staff must display strong character as the campers in their charge will quickly point to inconsistencies in the words spoken by their counselors and the actions displayed. The benefits of working at summer camp can easily be defined as improving communication skills, learning to collaborate,  learning to solve "real-world" problems-just to mention a few.  If we are talking about life skills, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that summer camp counselors learn to be creative.  The onset of sudden summer shower calls for creativity and flexibility.  To list every benefit of serving as a camp counselor would take volumes of written text.
   A first year junior counselor wrote," Camp its a place where spirits grow, friendships form, and you realize the deepest of love.  Camp is home."  We are still seeking a few staff members for Summer 2016.  If you or someone you know is looking for a summer experience that will provide opportunities to touch the future, we hope to hear from you in days to come.  We'd love to share a little of the magic that exists here on these shores of Lake Wylie!

Camp Thunderbird Is About...Relationships

   There are so very many positive experiences to be had at summer camp.  Camp Thunderbird prides itself on creating the perfect venue for developing friendships that can last a lifetime.  Wonder what others are saying about camp?  Check out this short video:

Relationships...

Welcome to YMCA Camp Thunderbird Resident Camp

           Summer 2016 marks 80 years of camping excellence for YMCA Camp Thunderbird.  Although as the Senior Director for Summer Camps,  I am entering my 40th summer at Thunderbird, 2016 marks the first camping experience for hundreds of children.  That, in turn, translates into the first camp experience for many parents.  In days to come, I hope to share information, tidbits, and suggestions for new campers and veterans alike.   It is my hope that these posts will be helpful as you set your sites on summer...and beyond.

Tips to Prepare First Time Campers
    Spring is upon us and summer is approaching....for many faster than they imagined.  No need to panic.  Everything is going to be fine.  In fact, everything is going to be great!  The American Camping Association recently published a list of steps parents can take to prepare their children for their first camping experience.  I'd love to share a few of these with you:
     1) Provide opportunities for your child to sleep away from home-whether at a friend's house or the home of a grandparent.  These opportunities sleeping away from mom will provide opportunities for your child to gain confidence that he or she can successfully spend time away from you.
     2) Plan a shopping trip with your child.  Whether selecting just the right toothpaste of a favorite pair of water shoes, the experience will allow your child to think and talk about their camping experience.  It may help to resolve "fear of the unknown."
    3) We hope that you will fully trust us.  Doing so means that you are candid with camp staff about any challenge your child experiences that might impact his/her camp experience. Please know that this information will not stigmatize your child.  If we know in advance, we can strategize together and plan to meet the needs of your child. 

    4) Campers love to receive mail while at camp.  We encourage you to write letters that ask specific questions.  Let your child know how excited you are that they are having a great time at camp.  

     Please visit our blog again in coming days for more helpful hits and information!