Posts Tagged ‘leadership’

Why Working at a Camp Starlight Makes You a Better Leader

Monday, October 9th, 2017

A lot of people wonder how so many counselors return to Camp Starlight and tell all their friends about working at this summer camp. The answer lies in how Camp Starlight helps counselors, whether it’s their first summer of their fifth, become better leaders when they work here. Working all summer long with campers is a challenge, but Camp Starlight really provides the guidance and support to its counselors to help them be the best at their job and help them be leaders. To have a successful summer you need to be a leader to the campers and here is how Camp Starlight ensures every counselor a successful summer.

 

  1. Team Work of Co-Counselors: When you’re a counselor at Starlight, you always work in a team with your co-counselors in your bunk. As a team you figure out how to work with the campers and help them have a fun summer, the constant teamwork molds how you become a leader.
  2. Find Your Voice: Communicating with campers every day and night, Starlight helps you find a positive voice for the campers to follow. This voice contributes to how effective you communicate with the campers and have a successful summer when conflicts arise, and as a leader, communication is the most important aspect of a productive team.
  3. Understand Your Skills: Starlight helps you figure out what your strong skills are when working with campers and what skills need improvement. They are always there to give you tips in how to have a better summer with your campers and want you to be a successful leader so the campers have fun.
  4. Keep the Motivation Going: Working day and night with the campers is a challenge, so motivational steam can run out quickly, but Starlight helps counselors push through the rough times and maintain focus. Giving the counselors a hand or helping them stay positive is how counselors learn to keep going, this skill is what helps counselors become better leaders because they are ready to face any challenges.
  5. The Importance of Smiling: Stress and worry is a daily part of the job, but Starlight reminds counselors to always keep smiling and this little habit goes a long way. Remembering to smile maintains a positive focus and makes you approachable, an important characteristic for the leader of a group.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What does being an upper senior mean to me?

Thursday, July 7th, 2016

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As tradition, every summer the upper senior girls are entrusted in leading all of girls camp in the opening campfire. Each division carries out the tradition of having their own special cheer; however, for the upper seniors, this means something a little different. At the beginning of the night, we are asked the question, “what does being an upper senior mean to you?” Well for me, this meant a lot of things. Being the oldest kids in camp comes with no small price; one must be respectful, gracious, and above all, a role model others can look up to. Once upon a time, I was only nine years old, sitting in my small chair and thinking to myself, I only wish I could be like these girls. Now, I have become one of them.

Being an upper senior also means making everything count. As this is my final year as a camper, I plan on cherishing every moment I have here as my last. This place has allowed me to flourish as a camper, have experiences most kids would think unimaginable, and create friendships that will last a lifetime. I have grown to understand that camp is sacred, and we must appreciate every single minute here.

Lastly, being an upper senior means I have had another place to call home. I will never forget my experiences at camp and cannot wait for the rest of the summer as an upper senior.