Written by Michelle Zwerver
Sign in for camp is a hectic time, and as we wait for the campers to arrive there is always a buzz
amongst the cabin leaders and support staff as they anticipate the arrivals. Some are completely
new and wonder how this is going to go. Others have done this a hundred times before and are
excited about picking up where they left off last time.
I wish, sometimes, you could all see what I see as this amazing group of leaders come together to
plan, prepare and execute an amazing program for our campers. I love to listen to the conversations
that go on at tables and around countless cups of milo, as the leaders share stories and insights from
their own experiences. Many of them have grown up in camps and becoming a cabin leader is the
next step in their journey. This is an important shift, as they seize the opportunity to provide for
others the kinds of amazing experiences they were given in their years as a camper.
As soon as they step into that role as leader, they become immersed in a world of investing in the
campers. Perhaps these relationships start because of a cabin assignment, but they are forged into
incredible bonds through shared experiences, games, rivalries and conquering challenges. Cabin
leaders are my personal heroes because they show up to an environment they wish could consume
for themselves only to put themselves straight into the role of providing that for everyone else.
Parents often worry about how their child will go on camp, will they find friends? Will they be
happy? Will they have a good time? I remember my daughter’s first camp, when she arrived thinking
she wasn’t going to know anyone only to discover that her entire cabin went to the same school as
her! This happens so often. Campers often arrive and discover people they have only met once or
twice but by the end of the camp they are firm friends. Even those who don’t know anyone are
supported and guided through the process of meeting other kids, and the games and activities
quickly provide an incredible bond that almost always outlasts the duration of the camp.
Sometimes I have worried about the fact that camp is only a temporary environment of love and
support. I have wondered how these kids have adjusted when they arrived back at home, or back at
school. I have feared for those who have to return to less than ideal circumstances either at home or
at school and been sad that we couldn’t extend care and support beyond our front gate.
Then I see the spark of recognition on returning faces who run toward the Oasis that Camp has
become. I realise that our camps may only last a few days but in so many cases these camps, with
the friends, food and fun, become a glimmer of sunlight on a sometimes dark horizon.
I love the view from my office. Through the window I can see excited faces running toward the
trampolines, climbing out of the gaga ball pit or kicking a ball on the grass. Over the summer I look
forward to listening to the excited chatter gathered around the corner at the drink station and as I
answer inquiries or reconcile bank accounts as it is these voices and smiles that gave meaning to the
tasks at my fingertips.
‘Not For Profit’. I smile (and sometimes snort) at that term. Of course the intent of the term has to
do with our financial status, assuring curious parties that we’re not in this for financial gain, but I
have to admit I find it rather misleading. In so many ways the exact opposite is true – we are
absolutely, 100% all about the profit. The profit comes in the form of memories and friendships that
will outlast our programs or our end of financial year statements. The true profit comes from the hearts that are made new because they found people who would show them The Way to life beyond the bleak horizon.