Summer camp jobs - a place to grow!

Welcome everyone to my blog. Running a residential camp (Maine Arts Camp), as well as MySummers (a staffing site) and Camp Finders (a summer camp referral service), I have gained a unique perspective about sleepaway camps. I first attended camp in 1970 in Maine; I'm still at camp and love it!



Rick Mades

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Cooking activities at camp


The camp that I direct, Maine Arts Camp, is quite different than traditional camps. We have no team sports, Color War, intercamp competition and more. In creating programs that of our interest to our campers, we try to think out of the box. Our campers love to cook! If you are looking for some new and exciting offerings for your campers, adding a cooking activity, with the right staff running it, will create a buzz among the campers. Although our cooking program is extensive and we're looking to expand it this year by hiring two full time culinary arts instructors, any camp can start out small. Some of your counselor staff may already have some experience in the kitchen. Check out some of our recipes from summer 2008. The baking recipes may be some of the easier ones to use. There is even a Food Network that is solely dedicated to cooking. Try contacting colleges that offer an AA degree in culinary arts. The college students could work as a bunk counselor and teach cooking. Remember, save a dessert for me, preferably something chocolate!

Rick Mades
owner of Camp Finders and MySummers
owner/director of Maine Arts Camp

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

teenagers finding their identity

I just read a great article by Jeff Yalden. At camp, we often talk about campers figuring out who they are without the social pressures of trying to fit into a certain group by changing who they are. We encourage campers to explore new activities, learn to accept others for who they are, get to know other campers who may seem quirky, and learning to communicate with other campers and staff in a positive way. Overnight camp can be a wonderful experience for those trying to find their place in the world. We even suggest that campers come to camp on their own (without friends) so that they can make their own place at camp. We love to hear from parents who tell us that their children loved the activities and learned a lot, but, more importantly, came home more confident in themselves, independent and willing to try new things. Here are some words from Jeff that resonate and that may help all camp counselors and directors work with their campers, especially teens.

One of the biggest things I seen teens worrying about is being accepted and liked by their peers. You hear so much from teachers and parents about not getting into risky behaviors like drug and alcohol use, sexual promiscuity, and violence. But this often misses the point. Because the things that get kids in trouble more than anything is being totally focused on what other people are thinking, saying and feeling about them. The problem is this: You can get so caught up in wanting to be liked, wanting to be accepted, to have a cool reputation, whatever, that you start trying to shape yourself so that you'll measure up in other people's eyes. And when you do that, you lose yourself. You lose sight of your character. You forget who you really are.

Jeff goes on to recommend to teens that should try to create the person they want to be and surround themselves with people who have a positive influence on them. These are great thoughts that we as educators, camp counselors and camp directors should all be sharing with our campers. You can find more about Jeff at his web site.

Rick Mades
Owner & director of Maine Arts Camp
Owner of Camp Finders & MySummers

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Healthy eating

I just read an interesting article from the Boston Globe. Colleges are starting to serve smaller portions and are adding vegetables to students' plates. Tapas, which are quite a buzz in restaurants these days, offer a good way for college students to try different fare while not taking too much food. Running a camp, we are quite aware of what type of food we serve our campers. Parents are looking for healthier foods for their children and our counselors often talk with campers about adding color to their plates (vegetables, fruits). It is a discreet way to address eating issues that many campers have (and staff!). We hope to integrate some of the strategies from the article at camp this summer. Check out the article at http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2009/10/18/colleges_shrink_portions_sneak_in_healthy_ingredients/?page=1

Rick Mades
owner of Camp Finders and MySummers
owner/director of Maine Arts Camp

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

teamwork and boating

We have moved the location of our camp for summer 2010 and beyond. Maine Arts Camp will be at Unity College in Unity, Maine. In moving our program, I have been talking with several of our boating staff about our kayaking/canoeing program. Although the campers generally prefer the single kayaks, we have always included canoeing as part of the paddling program. Part of the camp experience is geared to helping campers learn to work with each other, communicate, compromise and learn to work as a team. We will continue to offer canoeing and kayaking on beautiful Unity Pond. Since we don't offer team sports at Maine Arts Camp, canoeing can be an important part of our daily mission to help campers grow in a supportive, small camp community. And, they get to be in the outdoors! Who could ask for more? For our boats, we have Old Town Otter kayaks and Old Town Discoveries. These are good recreational boats that work well for our campers. Does anyone have other suggestions for boats that are well built and good for kids ages 8-15?

Rick Mades
owner of Camp Finders and MySummers
owner/director of Maine Arts Camp

Monday, October 12, 2009

Summer camp jobs & staffing

Working at a summer camp, especially at overnight camps, can help both campers and staff grow in so many positive ways. Staff learn how to resolve issues among campers and staff, how to balance their time, how to compromise and listen, and how to communicate better with their peers, campers and administrators. It is a learning experience for all! In looking for summer camp jobs, potential staff can talk with friends who have worked at camp. That is certainly a good start, but finding a camp on their own can be better in terms of risk taking and gaining independence. Some sites such as MySummers has a large number of camps that are looking for quality staff. By registering with such a site, staff will have many good choices and can start to narrow down their search for a camp that matches their personality and interests.

As much as can be learned at camp, staff new to overnight camps need to understand that the job is 24/7 and can be exhausting. Being a camp counselor may be the most meaningful job one ever has, but it is a lot of work. At the right camp, staff will be teaming with peers who are also passionate about working with children. It is a time for staff to be creative, thoughtful, and a place to put their egos aside and be part of a team. These life skills will translate into the work place in so many ways, many not easily defined. So, in looking at summer jobs, don't neglect what could be the best of all, a summer camp job!

Rick Mades
owner of Camp Finders and MySummers
owner/director of Maine Arts Camp

Choosing a camp

Many families, in researching camps, look at what activities a camp offers and don't think enough about what sort of growth experience their child can have at camp. Instead of choosing a camp where their child's friend goes, or the camp that they attended as a child, parents should explore the numerous quality camps available for children. As a camp director at Maine Arts Camp, we have found that campers who come to camp without a friend often have a more positive experience. Sometimes two or more friends come to camp and integrate into the full camp community, but often campers miss out on creating new friendships. In choosing a camp, parents can talk to their friends, especially if their children have similar interests, but should also ask how the other parent chose their child's camp. Talking to referral services can also be helpful. A service such as Camp Finders has visited a large number of camps and have a basis of comparison in analyzing what each camp offers. Usually, such services are free to parents, with camps paying a commission to the services. Parents should look for a service that will try to learn about their child and contact a select number of camps that could be a good fit. After narrowing down the choices to a couple of camps, talking with the camp directors and then references are a good way to go. The camp experience can be so positive for children and taking a little time to research camps is certainly worth it. Some things to think about in choosing a camp... What is the philosophy of the camp? How are the activities scheduled (by bunk or individually). What is the size of the camp? What percent of campers attend sessions of various lengths? How does the camp integrate new campers into their community? What type of community does the camp try to create? After getting answers to questions like these, a parent can see what camps are a good match for their values and their child's interests.

Rick Mades
owner of Camp Finders and MySummers
owner/director of Maine Arts Camp