We flew in planes. We drove cars. Some rode buses and still others took a train. Not sure about the train. This year the Manitou net was cast over the four corners of the earth and it came back full: our staff is comprised of seven countries, a dozen states and several languages. All of the staff, rookies and veterans of forty plus years, are required to come to a week-long pre-camp orientation. I remember being unsure last year, my first, during orientation. I was antsy, nervous and anxious. Not this year. Actually, I still feel unsure but this year that feeling is a product of my excitement. After one summer I can tell that each year brings its own surprises and the best you can do is try to get ready. Right now the Manitou staff is preparing diligently to have this summer be even better than the sixty-five years that have preceded it.
Orientation is about learning the ins and outs of Manitou. We are put through a veritable boot camp of videos, discussion groups and mock camp activities. It’s a mix of professional training for dealing with children and participating in games that familiarize the staff with camp life. The effect is much the same as it is for the campers: we’re excited and we can’t wait for more. The new staff this year really seem to get it. They are attentive during meetings. They ask questions inside of group talks, but they also will go the extra step after a meeting and come talk to a veteran staff member to ask about their camp experiences. For me it has been great to relate the experiences I had in camp and how they affected my decision to come back as well as their affect on my general well being. For me, camp presented itself as something to do after college; now it’s become something I want to make part of my life. The new guys can sense how us veterans feel about this place, they can sense what makes it special. It’s admittedly hard to relate in a couple sentences over lunch, but something ineffable is translated by walking the grounds and listening to the anecdotes of a Joel Peckham or a Bob Waldstein. Each story might not sound like a reason to come to camp, but collectively those stories form a patchwork quilt that is rich and vibrant in color.
My favorite part of orientation so far (aside from the jalapeno eating contest) was when I was approached by two former campers. This year is their junior counselor year and they wanted my advice on how to be a good counselor. At first I was nearly too flattered to respond. Both of these guys had been campers for years and last year, their C.I.T. year, they were excellent leaders. I answered their question as best I could, but they already knew the answer. You have to care and they knew that, if only subconsciously. If you care enough to ask how you can get better, you WILL be a good counselor. Orientation is about discovering new leaders. It’s about fostering the qualities of leaders in those who possess it. It’s about building friendships and learning from each other. We’ve accomplished our goals in this first week; now it’s time to welcome a new crop of young leaders onto these hallowed grounds. And we WILL be ready.
- Bobby Wilson, 2nd year staff member
