We live in a check things off the list kind of world. A daily “do it and move on” sort of existence where everything is set up as something to be accomplished and then forget. Been there done that.
Does anyone say “been there, done that” anymore?
I’ve been thinking about “been there, done that” as it relates to camp, and there are so many activities at camp that are easy to look at as “been there, done that”. I’ve ridden the zipline (Check.), Paddled a canoe (Check.), cooked dinner over a fire pit (Check.). However, camp has never really been about the activities and the checks, instead it is about the experience.
What does that even mean, Jason? Well it means that we aren’t focused on checking a box and moving on. We are interested in the power of a long-term cumulative experience. One that builds upon the hour before, the day before, and the year before to create more and deeper impact and growth. It’s why you don’t ride the zipline before doing several days of connection with your cabin group. Why our Ranch Camp includes barn chores and lessons on grooming, and not just the time on horseback. It’s why the power of camp snowballs with repeat visits.
First time campers spend time focusing on understanding camp and making friends – and it does take an adjustment. That adjustment period is much shorter for second year campers, as they spread their wings even more at camp. A third-year camper’s confidence, translates to a stronger foundation of approaching new experiences of learning and growth. And Camp grows with them. The Camp Kitaki program is designed to offer new experiences each year, diving deeper into our activities and experiences buoyed by a stronger since of belonging.
While thinking about this I ran into a blog by another camp that shares a lot of statistics from research that paints the picture – “Why Returning to the Same Camp Every Summer Is the Best Gift You Can Give Your Child”. It tells the story of More Camp=More Growth through statistics and data, and is well worth a read.
For me I think about the rings of a tree – layer lines of growth year after year that define and strengthen the tree as it grows. Each visit to camp is a ring of growth, building on the foundation of the year before, growing further and larger through what came before. Ready for what comes ahead.
Looking forward to seeing you back, for a new summer of growth.
Jason Smith
