Stories from Camp -Learning Together

The second Ashley (all names have been changed) walked onto Camp Southern Ground property she didn’t speak a word.  In school Ashley is very social and has lots of friends, but now being at this huge beautiful camp has made her nervous.  I remember seeing her walk into the dining hall and her hood was all the way up and she was standing behind her grandparents.  

I crouched down to Ashley with a smile, “I love your shirt, is that minecraft? My name is Caleb”.  No response.  “What’s your name?”.  No response.  I introduced myself to her grandparents and then crouched back down to Ashley.  “I remember my first day at camp, I was so nervous I could barely walk.  I just want you to know 2 things.  First of all you are going to make sooooo many friends.  And second…..you’re going to have so much fun this week”.  I extended my hand for a high five, but instead of raising a hand, she lowered her head nervously”.  

I knew that Ashley was going to be okay, but we always want to make sure we check in on our campers that they are having a great experience.  I warned her counselor she was a bit nervous and asked her to make sure she could get comfortable.  

Everyone Starts Out a Little Nervous

But Then Camp Happens!

Typically campers come in on Sunday and by Monday morning they have already made their first friend and are excited for the week, so I was excited to look out for Ashley Monday morning.  When her tribe arrived at breakfast I didn’t see her.  Her tribemates were all holding hands and swinging them singing some random kid song they made up, but Ashley was nowhere to be found.  

Then way back behind her tribemates I see Ashley and her counselor walking slowly up.  Ashley still has her hood up, but I can see her red eyes.  Her counselor has her hand on her shoulder and is walking by her side.  Her counselor told me Ashley didn’t sleep much last night and she has been in tears this morning.  I let Ashley eat breakfast and then had a little chat with her.  I told her to really try to enjoy the activities from the day and I would check back in with her later in the day.

I checked in with her at the Archery, she was not having fun.  I checked in with her during Mountain Biking, she was still isolated.  So I decided I would sit in with her during Arts/Crafts.  I had asked her grandparents when they were here, what she was most looking forward to, and they had said she loves crafting!  So I knew this would be a good opportunity.  

When we connect together

We find ourselves!

Ashley finished her art project early and was kind and nice to those around her, but was still not engaging with her tribe.  I told Ashley I wanted to show her something.  I said watch carefully how I do this.  I started to slowly fold a piece of paper into an airplane.  I went slowly (as this was a complicated airplane) so that she could see every fold I made.  I then picked up the plane and launched clear across the entire room.  Ashley’s face lit up.  “Your turn” I said.  I watched Ashley slowly try and remember how I did the foldings.  She almost got it completely done and she looked up at me and I could tell she had forgotten the last fold.  

At this point, Ashley still hasn’t said a word to me and there is no way I was going to show her the last fold without her asking.  Ashley stared at me and I stared right back.  It lasted for a long 15 seconds before Ashley asked, “What’s the last part”.  I showed her and she then launched her plane across the room and it hit her counselor right in the stomach.

Everyone in her tribe (including her counselor) started laughing.  Her tribe then all ran up to me and said, “Teach us, teach us”.  I told them they’d have to ask Ashley if she would show them because I had to leave.  Ashley smiled and I knew she would be okay.To my surprise, I got a call from Ashley’s counselor during our rest hour.  I guess Ashley was not okay.  “I really hope she can stay and enjoy camp” , I thought.  I got to their cabin, opened the door and was pelted with about 8 paper airplanes coming out of nowhere!  All the girls erupted in giggles.   Ashley had taught her entire tribe how to make amazing paper airplanes.  The rest of the week Ashley was a completely different person.  She was giggly, active, and even did a little talent with her tribe for the talent show. 

Learning together is not only a chance to get better at something, but also a chance to grow connections with others.  When we can be confident enough to teach or humble enough to learn, we can form strong bonds with others.  Learn together, so we can grow together, because we are better together.