Raising a camper – a counsellor’s story
For many, the camp experience is one of the best times of childhood. The days are filled with outdoor activities, crafts, swimming, campfires and good food. But who is it that makes these fun-filled days possible? Who teaches them soccer-baseball, drama and painting? Who bandages a scraped knee, consoles them when they’re homesick and lends an ear when it’s needed? A camp counsellor does. All summer this 24/7 position is working to meet every child’s needs. We spoke with our Scotian Glen Camp Counsellors to see why they’re spending their summer at camp.
“Working at camp gives me the opportunity to do ministry, and be in the community loving people in the moment,” shares Counsellor Mitchell. He is planning on attending The Salvation Army College for Officer Training in the fall.
“I love being able to share God’s love with the girls, especially because I know that for some of them this is the best week of their year,” remarks Counsellor Sara. “We’re making a big difference in their lives. It’s very important.”
Some of the Counsellors have experienced this on a more personal level than others. Abby started attending camp at the age of seven. Her mother had six children and wanted them to all have the camp experience. The only way that she could afford this, was to go through The Salvation Army. Now, 13 years later, she loves being a Scotian Glen Counsellor. When asked about camp this summer, she had an interesting story to share with us:
“Last week one of my campers lost a tooth on her way to camp. When she arrived she came running to me saying, ‘Abby, Abby, look at what I lost!’ So I said to her, ‘Oh my goodness Judith, that’s so awesome.’ Later I got her to write a letter to the Tooth Fairy and she wrote, Dear Tooth Fairy, I lost my tooth on the way to camp. I do not want to keep it, so please take it. Please write me back. And the Tooth Fairy did write her back, and left her a couple of dollars under her pillow.”
Returning to camp this year is Behavioral Interventionist, Courtney, though during the summer she is referred to as the Camp Life Counsellor. Having just graduated with a Bachelor of Music Therapy, Courtney was hired in this position for the first time last year to make sure that everyone spends their week safe and happy, and to deal with any behavioral issues.
“Usually I deal with any behaviors that might arise and home sickness,” she says, “and I’m a support to the counsellors, in case any difficult situations arise. I really love the children, and I love meeting new people. I often get to talk to the parents and make connections. Last week I was in the older boys cabin and I could hear two boys calling from their room, ‘Nice lady, nice lady, could you come in here?’ They were looking for a drink and wanted to call their moms to say goodnight. It was really cute.”
The bond that is formed between camper and counsellor is very important, as it allows the campers to open up and speak about their feelings. The Head Female Counsellor, Amy, spends her time in the evenings travelling between cabins to lend a hand with bedtime routine. She finds that while each camper won’t open up to all the counsellors, each camper is able to connect in a special way with at least one counsellor.
“One camper’s grandmother had just passed away and she was able to talk to me about it because my uncle recently passed away,” recalls Counsellor Claire. “The shared experience allowed her to open up to me.”
Through the ups and the downs, Counsellors love being there for the campers as much as campers love being at camp. They take their job seriously as they strive to make memories for the children that will last a lifetime in a safe, caring environment. Thank you for what you do Counsellors!
