Stand and cheer for Catriona who was published in the most recent Camping magazine!
As you may know, Wawenock has been participating in a 5 year study, conducted by the American Camp Association, designed to identify the lasting impacts of a camp experience from the perspective of campers, staff, and parents. Catriona was asked to contribute a piece highlighting one of the most distinct findings of the study – that former campers and staff gained an appreciation for being present in the moment. Anyone who has experienced a summer at Wawenock can testify to the presence of that theme in our daily lives at camp! Below, read Catriona’s words which were published in the article:
“One of the most powerful life takeaways of Wawenock for both campers and staff is the appreciation for living in the moment, which comes from the opportunity to be fully present in the here and now, and to live free from the distractions and worries of the external world. Campers and staff have told us that they carry this mentality with them into their lives outside of camp, giving them perspective and an improved ability to prioritize, to see the big picture, and to manage stress.
Role modeling by key leaders is an important aspect of setting the tone for an attitude of appreciation for living in the moment. At Wawenock, this is a concept we instill in our staff, which they then model for the campers. It starts with conversations during pre-season training about being intentional with their personal time-off and technology use. Ironically, we often utilize videos to spark thought-provoking conversations about media consumption and its impact on our mood and ability to enjoy the moment. We also challenge staff to set a technology goal for themselves; as an example, one 17-year-old CIT voluntarily removed Instagram from her phone so she wouldn’t be tempted to spend her time off scrolling through photos of others’ curated experiences.
Staff training sets the tone, and consistent messaging throughout the summer continues to foster an atmosphere that permeates the camp family from day to day and from year to year. Messaging is not enough, however, so we are also committed to providing both times and places for staff to take a deep breath and be reminded of the beauty surrounding us and the special relationships formed in this authentic space. Our weekly staff meetings take place on a patio underneath the majestic pines and overlooking the peaceful lake. As staff arrive, fun or inspirational music (based on the theme for the coming week) is playing. Before we delve into the substance of the meeting, we always spend a few minutes taking a deep breath and pause to notice and appreciate the sights, sounds, and smells surrounding us. We guide staff to think about the people and the places that are important to them in the outside world, to acknowledge them, and to then return to camp and become aware of each other and to feel the strength of our team. This process reminds staff of the importance of mindfulness, of slowing the pace down, doing something for themselves, and relying on each other for any upcoming challenges. Some weeks, the staff are given the opportunity to write briefly about a person who has made a difference to them, or a ‘miracle moment’ where they have seen a child make progress. Other weeks, we share with the staff thank-yous from parents and campers, or ways we have witnessed staff ‘living juicy,’ which is our way of saying living life to the fullest. These are all reminders of what’s valued in our camp family.
In the outside world, the fear of being judged by others can be paralyzing. Part of what allows campers and staff to live in the moment at camp is the intangible feeling they have of safety and security to be completely themselves, free from worry about judgment from others. The intentional creation of that trusted camp family is at the heart of allowing each girl to relax and live in the moment. Of course, building trust takes time, and we are fortunate to have the majority of our campers for seven weeks, and many who repeat year after year. At Wawenock, staff are trained to build confidence in girls; they are taught to look for the contribution each girl makes to a group, and to help that child uncover the unique skill or trait that makes her stand out, shine, and be a valued member of the group. Carefully facilitated group activities and bedtime routines, which appear casual to the onlooker, are very intentional on the part of the staff for creating a positive atmosphere where reflection is encouraged, and opportunities for girls to recognize each other’s strengths are integrated.
In addition, staff and campers celebrate ‘living juicy’ — or spontaneous fun! At camp, you will see a group of 14-year-old girls jumping in puddles, 9-year-olds hosting a dog wedding, or 11-year-olds participating in an imaginary horse show with brooms. What you won’t see is these campers staging the activity to get the right shot to post on their social media accounts. They are allowed to participate fully without worry of curating their experience for others to pass judgment.
Because campers and counselors are looking up rather than down at their phones, their awareness of the beauty life has to offer is heightened. This is magnified by invitations each week to notice the physical surroundings, for example, pausing to take in the moment at weekly campfire. Where else in the world but at camp do 150 people sit quietly together, aged seven to 77, listening for the sounds of birds, leaves blowing in the trees, or waves lapping on the lake? Likewise, campers and staff are invited to stay after our weekly vespers service atop the Image rocks, a tall cliff overlooking the lake, for contemplation, reading, and journaling or drawing.
By providing the intentional time and space, we show campers and staff that we value each individual and their ability to live carefree and in the moment. Here’s what one alumna/staff member shared: ‘Being unpressured, undistracted in the moment with others, has allowed me to really get to know people for who they are. After nine years as a camper and four years on staff, I can truly feel the impact Wawenock has had on my life. In the moment, it was difficult to live with other girls for seven weeks; it was difficult to make conversation at the dinner table; it was difficult to mediate arguments and understand the points of view of others. Despite these challenges, I was exposed to many life skills that I need to succeed in my independent adult life. I can’t stress enough how lucky I feel to be able to understand and appreciate the beauty of life and living with Wawenock spirit in my heart every day.’”
If you’d like to read the article in its entirety, click here.
-Kristy