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When Campers Have Big Feelings

Camps create a beautiful space where campers explore who they are.  The breadth of exploration is deep – hobbies and interests to spirituality and worldviews, camp is a safe space where kids can quietly reflect, thoughtfully ask questions, and unwind from the chaos of the school year.  But what does this mean for supporting kids? Many years ago at camp, I was supervising a paintball range.  A teen camper who used a wheelchair asked me to take some photos of him.  After what I can only describe as a photo shoot, the camper proudly told me he now had photographic evidence that he could do paintball, just like his brother. He had big plans to lobby to go paint-balling with his brother post camp.  While I understood the practical differences of what his brother was more than likely participating in, and our little range with targets, the power of that big grin on his face will forever be etched in my mind.  Through this simple activity, designed for a “normal” camp experience for kids with disabilities, this camper was discovering his limitations were less than he thought; he was brewing ideas of lobbying and debate.  He was becoming stronger and more independent.  While these conversations can often be filled with joy, sometimes kids are unpacking pretty serious emotions like grappling with differences they’ll experience their whole life.  Trying to understand limitations placed on them by the world.  Figuring out how to have difficult conversations with people they love, and disagree with. This particular conversation was fairly joyful, but sometimes these “ah-ha” moments explore pretty serious topics, from racism or bereavement to reliving the nightmare of a house fire or abuse.  Frontline camp staff are often unprepared and untrained for these moments.  And while we should never expect staff to replace or serve as a therapist, we can arm staff with some basic skills to skillfully support kids in exploring, thinking, and unpacking important feelings, reflections, and observations.  This article in the American Camp Association’s Camping Magazine contains tips and tricks to support frontline staff as they guide and care for campers. Enjoy!

 
 
 

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