What is it that makes a camp have the great influence that it does? It is not the facilities or the activities, while great those things may be at YMCA Camp Ockanickon, Inc. It is the staff that help make camp a life changing experience and every year, staff members come to our camps excited and ready for the summer! While many of the counselors are from New Jersey, we have staff from as far as Hawaii and even international staff. For some, this is their first camping experience but many staff members went to camp when they were younger. Each year there are always staff that return from the previous summer. This may be their second year returning and for others this may be their tenth! I went around and interviewed a few of our returning staff members and here is what they said:
Q. Why did you come to camp?
A. Initially I came as a camper so I could be outside more, but I returned as a counselor because it is one of my favorite places.
Q. What is your favorite camp related memory?
A. My favorite memory was actually just last summer. Three campers walked up to me and told me that I was their favorite counselor which is one of the best feelings a counselor can have. Another great memory is when I was with the Seneca tribe and because they had been such a great group, we were allowed to go over and use the boys’ overnight camp’s inflatables. Just seeing how excited everyone was and how much fun the campers and counselors had while on the inflatables out on the lake just made it such a great experience.
Q. What are some of the lessons you have learned while working at camp?
A. One lesson I have learned is that all people handle situations differently. You really need to know your campers because each one reacts differently to everything! Another lesson I have learned is just how to be selfless by putting the well-being of others in front of myself. Thirdly, kindness and trust will get you far with people. If you give people kindness and trust, they will often treat you the same way.
Q. Would you recommend this place to another?
A. Of course. Camp has molded me into the person I am today. With the way I treat people and the way I act, it all comes from camp.
Q. What would you say to someone considering to work here?
A. Some of the best summers I have ever had were at camp and I have met some of my best long term friends here. You should definitely work at camp this summer!
Q. Why did you return to camp this summer?
A. I was actually offered two jobs. I tried the other job for about a week, but I realized I would miss this place too much. For me it was all about the camping experience.
Q. What are you excited for this summer?
A. I’m excited to meet all the new staff this summer and also getting to know all of the new campers so I can make a positive impact!
Q. Do you have any other comments to give about camp?
A. Camp is my second home!
Summer is not just a place for campers to grow and have a great time. It helps our staff grow and that is why they, like the campers, come back to camp year after year! With camp starting next week, we look forward to all of our campers and staff having a great summer!
