Curiosity of Change
Camp is a place where traditions thrive. We have so many here and some of those go way back to the very beginning of GV when Mary Gwynn founded the program. To name a few, there’s a song that’s played each and every Evening Campfire or evening gathering, called “Sheep May Safely Graze” written by Bach. Serenade still consists of a roving group of staff that sing cabins to sleep each night here at camp rather than taps which might be other camp’s traditional end of day event. Our four values of Simplicity, Acceptance, Non-competitive program and an Appreciation of the Natural World still guide our philosophy and program here. On the other hand, some traditions blossom as our program grows with time. More modern traditions are pizza and brownies on the last night of a session, camper recognitions with blankets, plaques, a compass or a stool based on years here at camp, and MCAT’s which are Main Camp Trips out to stretch one’s skills that were learned during the session.
Change can be hard for some including our campers and staff. We think extensively and thoughtfully before making changes to program, events and schedules. The Leadership team takes notes all summer long on what is going well and what sometimes needs to be tweaked. When Anne and I took over the reins of Gwynn Valley, Howie Boyd, the previous owner and director, told us to keep the foundation core values and yet don’t be afraid to change things up. Those were wise words that echo some 27 years later. Small changes occur every time you add a new accent to a tie dye, or design a better mug on the pottery wheel. While preparing for a 4 day hiking trip you learn the basics of how to pack your backpack which leads to a bigger learning curve as you gain more insight into repacking for the day, the weather and easy access to food and water. The same happens when you learn the basic canoe strokes on the lake and later on you put those together to ply the river currents.
In my mind, change is something that should always be a component of how we do things. Positive change of program can only be approached if there is a deep dive into the creative spirit of the leaders and teachers who are guiding the program. Creativity is sparked by imagination and imagination is truly a component of a children’s camp. Ages 5-11 of course imagine differently than say the 12 to 15 year old crowd who are starting to tune into their adolescence where hormones begin to play into their imaginative thought processes. There’s research out there that states that creativity and imagination play a big role in brain development and a crucial element of building relationships. Quality creativity occurs in outdoor settings where we are inspired by nature and all its beauty and complexity. You see imagination every day when children and staff are together experimenting and experiencing daily tasks and rituals of carrying out the simplest aspects of camp. Learning a new way to tie a knot, make a bracelet, learn a new kayak stroke, or pound a hot piece of metal. All these are viewed and learned in different ways and the outcomes reached are an interpretation of each person seeing it in their mind’s eye. I love it when a paddler learns how to make a canoe go in a straight line. It’s fascinating to watch the journey of stroke progression and then something finally clicking in their mind that produces the end result and success.
That end result, I think, comes full circle to affect their creative spirit because they’ve moved on from I can’t” to “I can”. The juices flow, the confidence ramps up and you want more. And that comes as well – the calm waters of the lake give way to the moving water of the river creating more challenge and a dynamic environment that the camper has to adapt to. That form of change calls upon the brain and muscle memory to bring forth all that you’ve learned to capitalize in the new learning space.
Change is something we all approach differently. Camp life is nice because it welcomes and invites change for the camper as they step out and step back into their comfort zone. They may have their own room at home, even a private bathroom and personal space that at camp only includes your bed and your cubby where personal items are kept. We learned very early on that individual shower and bathroom stalls were important aspects in children’s comfort levels and made those adjustments accordingly. Many of the creature comforts we sacrifice at camp help to build resilience and keep us grounded in our community oriented environment. Resilience is something that helps to shape character that presents us as the best versions of ourselves.
I could go on about the changes that occur as campers encounter GV and all it’s aspects. The bottom line is that we are reaching toward positive outcomes which provides a platform that enriches and propels campers in their life here, at home, and at school. To deeply connect with others and the land in a safe and fun filled setting is what we all need in our lives. Ahhh… the Simple Joys!
Grant
