Does anyone remember how you felt the first time you came to Camp? I’ve been reminded of it lately as I interview new staff members. Part of my description of what a counselor can expect on the first day of a session is the different emotions that campers are feeling. I use my first time at Camp as the example of the camper who is really excited about coming to Camp, but also has some anxieties about this new experience. I remember thinking, “Will the other kids like me,” and “Will my counselor be nice,” and “Am I going to miss my parents too much?” When I got dropped off in Cabin 31-B (Cabin 25 to the current generation of Camp folks), I definitely stood there and needed someone to engage me. I didn’t have the social skills yet to introduce myself to people on my own. Luckily, I had a great counselor in Mickey Weeks and a great Village Chief in Todd Graham. They made me feel right at home and before I knew it, I was over by the lake fishing with my cabin mates: Troy Needleman, Jimmy Conway, Dave Block, Robbie Nelson and Billy and John, whose last names escape my memory. During that session, I met all kinds of great people from all over the world. My anxieties melted away and I had a great time at Ocky. After that, I was hooked. Twenty-two years later and I still can’t get enough of Camp! It’s amazing what it can do for a young person to be welcomed into a new community by people who care about them, even though they have never met before. Thank you to Mickey, Todd, Troy, Jimmy, Dave, Robbie, Billy, John and the countless other counselors and campers who have made me feel welcome here over the years. I can’t wait until SUMMER CAMP!!!!
Brent Birchler
Boys Camp Director