At camp, we explore creativity through a number of avenues. Sing, programming, Chug, village times. All of the different activities are what makes going back to camp so exciting and fresh every summer!
Allowing counselors the freedom to create age-appropriate Chugim and evening programs, is what makes camp so unique. The creativity that comes from counselors in this regard is really something special. From crocheting to improv, and even a Mystery Chug where the activity is different each and every day, our counselors come up with it all. I am equally impressed by the work put into seemingly “typical” activities like soccer or basketball. Our Sports Specialists work incredibly hard to make each day of these Chugs unique through a wide variety of sports drills and games.
Creativity extends beyond the core of our programming initiatives. Our staff members craft a variety of activities ranging from exciting and energetic scavenger hunts to memorable and meaningful activities exploring identity and community. For these to happen, we ask our staff to be creative. How can we extend our activities to the next level? How can we maximize engagement? How can we ensure all campers are included? For these questions to be answered, our staff think outside the box. Benjamin Village hosted its own game show this past week. Rather than just execute a simple program, our staff constructed decorations, created puzzling challenges for the campers, incorporated a theme, and developed a more advanced structure for the activity. Finding ways to heighten camp through creativity allows us a space to not just care for children, but to also engage them throughout their session at camp.
Creativity is one of our most treasured traits at camp as not only does it allow for each summer to be individually special, but it is what creates some of the core memories our campers take with them throughout their lives. Having our counselors express their own identities and personalities through all different activities and programs is what allows our campers to feel safe and secure in the knowledge that camp is one of the places they can be 100% their true selves. It creates a safe space for campers to get silly and have the most fun!
Jen Humphreys
Staff Engagement Coordinator