Camp is more than just a place to play: Camp Builds Skills for Life!
Camp is Where We Learn from our Mistakes
Oops!
Whatever it is: a failed test at school, a tough meeting at work, saying the wrong thing to a close friend, that sinking feeling I get when I miss a goal or make a mistake isn’t pleasant. But with the right support and guidance, I soon realize that mistakes are doorways to knowing myself, learning how to work together, and understanding how I can grow.
Camp is one of the first places I learned mistakes are OK. Being somewhere that I felt safe and comfortable took away the fearful feelings that might otherwise make mistakes seem impossible to get past. I was in a fun, relaxed environment with low stakes and plenty of opportunities to try again.
Most camp activities are new to us at first (or things we rarely get to do), so mistakes will happen now and then. It’s a bummer to miss the target in archery, but thinking about why we miss (and how to make a better shot) means we’re more likely to hit the bullseye next time!
Mistakes at camp also give us the chance to work together. If you’re having trouble with learning a game or activity, asking one of your teammates for help or instructions is a great way to work connect with someone new, and make a friend.
The process of realizing a mistake, making an adjustment, and trying again is a big part of outdoor activity. New strategies are thought up for Capture the Flag because the other ones didn’t work. We eventually catch a fish when we finally find the right spot after looking all morning. We get back on course in the water by adjusting the sails. We overcome more obstacles on the trail when we’ve encountered its challenges before.
When campers make mistakes, counselors are there to encourage, reassure, and talk through solutions and support. There’s no shaming and negativity: the best staff use positive reinforcement and a focus on solutions to help campers gain resilience and build grit. Counselors are there at every turn to say “that’s okay, we can try it a new way!”
Leadership Academy understands the link between mistakes, learning, and opportunities for growth and character building. Our programming is designed to be flexible, allow adjustments, and offer the chance to try again. Our staff are trained to encourage inner strength in every camper, and we see campers improve and transform every summer. To learn more, visit our website, email us at [email protected], or call us at 615-856-4772.
