| |
|
|
|
|
Camp Jobs Rule! Camp can be a powerful
resume-Builder for Students
Over half a million college students worked at camp this
summer. What makes them seek the camp experience instead of the
corporate office? "You work with a broad spectrum of people
at camp and you deal with people on all levels," says John
Huck, program coordinator of Camp Ondessonk. "You are challenged
to address large groups so you learn public speaking. You
organize, motivate others, and lead by example."
Camp prepares students for corporate America by teaching
leadership, team-building, and problem-solving skills - traits
that are key to success in the 21st century. By working with
groups of campers, camp counselors learn to build relationships,
motivate groups, and negotiate positive outcomes in conflicts.
They manage risks, make decisions, and prioritize activities.
Camps insure that counselors will be prepared for their duties by
providing training prior to the camp season. During these seven to
ten days of instruction, counselors learn child development
skills, leadership skills, problem-solving skills, etc. Learning
continues throughout the camp season with on-going training
opportunities. Many camp staff members also hold specialty
certifications in concentrated areas.
ACA Executive Director Peg Smith states, "Camp complements
the academic skills that are learned in school with experiential
life-based skills."
Leaders in the business world attest to how camp prepares
students to meet corporate demands. Many successful leaders in
numerous fields attribute their achievements to camp experiences
in their childhood and youth. For example, Henry Thomas, President
and CEO of the Urban League in Springfield, Massachusetts, says
his experiences at Camp Atwater -- one of the country's oldest
camps for African-American children -- gave him self-confidence,
self-definition, and a network of friendships for life.
Thomas states, "Camp Atwater has many distinguished former
campers, many with whom I have kept in touch with for years,
including:
- Dennis F. Hightower, Professor of Management at Harvard
University Graduate School of Business and Administration and
former president of Walt Disney Television and
telecommunications.
- Clifton R. Wharton, Jr., former chairman and CEO of
TIAA-Cref and Former Undersecretary of State
- Hazel O'Leary, Former Secretary of Energy
- Samuel R. Pierce, Former Secretary of HUD
- Elma Lewis, MacArthur Foundation recipient for dance
- Gretchen Palmer, Actress
- Kenneth I. Chenault, president and COO of American
Express."
"It [working at camp] taught me that I really am a leader,
not just a follower," says Sara Bell, summer staff member of
Camp Ondessonk.
The American Camping Association (ACA) diverse 5000-plus
membership including camp professionals, child psychologists,
students and educators is dedicated to enriching the lives of
children and adults through the camp experience. ACA believes camp
is a safe and nurturing environment, a caring community, and a
vital element in a child's education. ACA believes camp embraces
children with the strength of community, citizenship,
character/self-esteem building, and acceptance, giving children a
world of good and playing a crucial role in their positive
development. ACA is the only organization that accredits all types
of camps based on 300 standards for health, safety and program
quality. Visit ACA's Web site, www.ACAcamps.org
or call 1-800-428-CAMP for more information.
|
|
