How Summer Camp Builds Resilience in Kids: Courage, Neural Pathways, and Growth at Waukeela

Hello Waukeela Families and friends,

I hope October has started well for you all and life is as good as it can be? Due to my recent knee replacements, there are no cycle rides or golf games for me today. Instead, on this insanely windy but fresh Autumnal day, I decided to challenge my new knees to a short walk in the wind by the sea and without my crutches. As you will see from the video, they coped with the demands quite well. After 18 days I am happy with my progress and remain focused on my goal of playing golf exactly two months after the procedure.

There are so many parallels I can draw to life and camp and this recovery process that it makes choosing a topic to write about slightly tricky. I have spent the past 18 days in much the same way that I spend my summers at camp; watching and observing how adversity and challenge really does make you stronger and more resilient. Every day at camp, I watch a camper doubt themselves, refuse to try things, make excuses and whilst sometimes these barriers do prevent the camper from making progress, the mere fact that they were in that position in the first place is enough to push the camper back in to same challenge next time around and one of our amazing counselors eventually helps the child overcome their fears and doubts as they accomplish something they thought was impossible.

In overcoming this obstacle a new neural pathway - one of success, has been created and will get stronger every time the camper overcomes their fears. What is incredible about this situation is that the new neural pathway can be transferred to other seemingly impossible challenges, which because of the initial success creates a new healthier habit and mindset. The small steps I have taken over the past couple of weeks to learn how to walk again, were imprinted in my mind because of the daily challenges I face in dealing with Parkinson's Disease. I have literally rewired my brain to know that it can overcome even the hardest of tasks, which a pretty awesome skill to develop.

Imagine being and eight year old, who is terrified of speaking in front of large groups, or swimming is deep cold lake, leaving their parents for the first time, climbing up and 80 foot slab of rock or jumping from a 30 foot high tree? Can you imagine how many of our campers, including your child[ren] develop these neural pathways, these incredible new habits which will help rewire their brain for the rest of their life? Growth at summer camp is both expected but simultaneously underestimated in a world where children are constantly being measured against academic outcomes or measured against their peers. All summer camps do this for young kids but what makes Waukeela so unique is that everything we do is intentional. Of course we allow for spontaneity and being present in the magic of the moment but from Gill & I right through our entire staff we set out every day to help your camper[s] grow.

Camp seems a million miles away from us all at the moment but, somewhere in your camper's hear and mind, it is still playing a role in their life because of something the accomplished, achieved or learned at camp. You will never know and they may even forget where they found the courage but you would be amazed at just how many learning moments there are at camp. Well done for giving them this incredible opportunity.

Happy Sunday everyone

For the love of camp

Graham & Gill