By Noah Stein
The first few days of each session are prime time for what we call “rank work.” Almost all of our projects have a system of ranks that campers work through by learning skills and gaining mastery in the respective program areas.
For example, at our sailing program, ranks begin with “3rd mate.” To earn their 3rd mate rank, campers learn safety procedures on the water, basic knots like the figure eight, how to identify where the wind is coming from, rigging and de-rigging boats, steering, and adjusting sails. Campers can work up the ranks throughout their camper years to the highest rank called “Captain,” which necessitates a deep understanding of sailing, a high level of competence in sailing each model of boat in our fleet, and the ability to teach sailing to others.
At our fishing program (consistently one of our most popular programs), campers begin with their “caster’s approved” rank, which again requires the learning of basic fishing skills, and they work up the ladder toward the highest rank, the “master angler.” It’s a difficult accomplishment which requires campers to spend a significant amount of time on the fishing dock, learning more advanced knots, learning about the species of fish in Lake Nebagamon, and being able to teach fishing to others. In some cases, campers going for their master angler even get to “run the project” for the day, meaning they determine what other campers will learn when they head down to the dock on that day.
At our range programs, target shooting and archery, ranks are earned by gaining knowledge of the sport as well as with consistent accuracy at various distances. For instance, at archery, campers can earn their first rank, their “junior yeoman,” by shooting a score of 60 at 15 yards away from their target. To earn the highest rank, “american archer,” campers must shoot a 50 at 100 yards away.
Almost all of our projects have similar systems that start with the basics and move through advanced skills, and campers have the choice to pursue any ranks they want in any project. For some, that means dedicating a lot of time to a specific project. For example, I checked in with a 6th grade camper yesterday as he held a map of camp and shot a bearing with his compass. He was working towards his “instructor” rank in orienteering, the highest rank in that project. That camper has been spending a couple periods a day at orienteering, mastering his skills. Others prefer to spread out their rank work, learning basic skills in a wide range of projects. Each camper’s relationship to rank work is unique. Their decision about what projects they attend are entirely their own.
While campers always have a choice about what project to attend, there are a few projects that we emphasize and highly encourage campers to attend, especially at the beginning of the summer: swimming, CNOC (Camp Nebagamon Outdoor Center, our wilderness skills program), and canoeing. This emphasis derives from our philosophy that we can have a big impact on our campers’ lives by teaching them skills they can use for their entire lives. Additionally, we require that campers earn their basic ranks in these projects before they head out on trail for their camping trips (campers are also required to earn their first swim rank before attending other waterfront projects).
This really sets campers up for success out there. They become comfortable with the technical skills they’ll need, before they leave camp, so when their trip begins they already know how to do things like paddling a canoe or setting up a tent. This gives them a little confidence heading out into the wilderness, as they have developed some level of competence, and this can make them feel more in control in an environment that is often very different from what they are used to. It also allows them to focus their attention on enjoying the wilderness around them and the company of their friends on the trip.
Our swimming program deserves a little extra attention. Swimming is a lifetime activity and it is mandatory to get your first swimming rank, called “waterproof” before heading out on trail or attending other waterfront projects. On top of that, the actual process of learning to swim is truly special. Every summer we have campers who have never swam before in their lives, or have very little experience in the water, and they learn how to swim at camp. We ensure that our swimming staff are especially skilled, patient, and empathetic counselors so they are equipped to support campers as they work towards their waterproof rank. Sometimes the process can take the whole summer, or even occurs across a couple summers. When these campers finally swim, though, it’s a sight to be seen. Sometimes the whole waterfront area erupts in applause as a staff member yells “waterproof!” Campers splash around in celebration. Sometimes there are even tears of joy from campers and staff alike.
Swimming is also a great place for older campers to learn how to teach for the first time. Under the close supervision of those extraordinary staff members, our Lumberjack campers (8th and 9th graders) sometimes have a chance to get in the water and help younger boys learn their strokes. Typically this kind of support from older campers occurs when the younger campers are harnessing more advanced skills. Sometimes, however, we have campers who are talented swimmers themselves and ask to help teach those campers who are just becoming acquainted with the water.
This summer a new-to-camp Lumberjack almost immediately advocated to help out at the swimming project in any way. Having shown impressive swimming skills himself and a desire to help younger campers, the swim staff agreed to have him help teach a 3rd grade Swamper how to swim, under their supervision. I’ve been lucky enough to spend some time on the dock to witness these lessons in the past couple days, and I’ve been nothing short of amazed. This Lumberjack has only been here for a few days himself, but he totally gets what we’re trying to do here. He’s made the younger camper’s time in the water both fun and learning oriented, and the progress has been evident.
I watched them from the dock this morning as the Lumberjack taught the Swamper how to float on his back. The Swamper started by floating on top of the Lumberjack’s arm for support. After the Swamper became more comfortable,the Lumberjack removed his arm, continuing to cheer him on and reminding him to keep his belly up and his head back. The Swamper ended up floating for two and a half minutes. He was so excited. Everyone else in the swimming area stopped what they were doing to congratulate both the Swamper and the Lumberjack for what they had accomplished.
That’s really what projects and ranks are all about. They teach important skills for camp and for life, and through the process of acquiring those skills, campers challenge themselves, and grow. And while earning ranks are an individual endeavor, at Camp, everything we do, we do as a part of a community. We help one another achieve our goals, and celebrate both the success and the support.
All is well in the Northwoods…
