re·sil·ience
rəˈzilyəns/
noun
1.the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
Camp has this incredible way of impacting so many people in so many different ways. When campers just think they are spending the summer having fun, they sometimes have no idea the character, the social skills, and the self-confidence they are building at the same time. Camp makes them empathetic towards others. It makes them self aware. It makes them responsible, and kind and brave. It also makes them resilient.
Campers are pushed (gently) out of their comfort zones every day when they are at camp. They are encouraged to try new things, to do things that scare them. Sometimes they make mistakes, but from day one are taught that the only time you fail is when you stop trying. Because of this attitude, campers learn to pick themselves up and brush themselves off. They learn to face adversity and struggle with confidence, and that is a skill that they carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Counselors teach campers that being tough doesn’t mean you’re void of emotions. You can be brave and scared at the same time. It’s okay to cry, feel frustrated, even walk away if you need a break. It’s okay to ask for help. What is not ok is giving up or giving it less than your best. Campers face different kinds of fears all summer, from attempting the daunting ropes course, swimming for the first time, conquering stage fright or just introducing themselves to new people. But every time they face a fear, even if they struggle, they become a little more resilient each time. They learn to embrace fear, to accept mistakes, and to try one more time when they want to give up.
Self-confidence is not something that comes naturally to all campers, but it is something that they develop after a summer at camp. They naturally begin to see themselves as capable, smart, brave, athletic, kind, interesting and strong, and it sets a solid foundation for the people they are becoming.
Camp helps mold campers into confident and resilient individuals, all disguised as the best summer they’ve ever had.
