Compiled by Louis Levin
Toward the end of each summer, I spend a couple days interviewing a few random campers to ask them about how their summer went, how they grew over the season, and the things they accomplished in their time at camp. At the end of last summer, one comment struck me as particularly exciting – a camper beaming with pride, having stood up on one water ski for the first time. I had luckily caught him on the actual day it happened, and hearing him share about hitting a major milestone in a project he loves was heartwarming.
There’s something important in the way this camper tells his story. It’s not just a celebration of an accomplishment (although, rightfully so, there’s plenty of that!), but includes a good deal of build-up. When he first came to camp, he wasn’t too enthusiastic about waterskiing, but through hard work and perseverance, the camper fulfills a goal he set for himself. The hard work makes it that much sweeter.
Setting goals for our summer enables us to get the most out of our time at camp. When campers go into the camp season with clear goals, it helps them measure successes at the end of their summer. Knowing what they are capable of at the beginning and the end of the year enables reflection on the ways in which they grew in their time at camp. Goals also provide motivation and focus; in the previous example, standing up on one waterski is difficult, it takes some serious effort, practice, and commitment. Setting sights on a goal encourages campers to learn how to overcome adversity, gain grit, and reach their objectives. And perhaps most fulfilling, accomplishing a set goal provides a huge boost in self-confidence. I mean, just look at his smile!
None of these benefits happen at the end of the summer without thoughtful work at the beginning. One of the forms we ask parents to fill out before their camper arrives at camp is on their camper’s objectives and personality. Our objectives form is open ended, and allows the camper and his family to design their own goals, from skill-based objectives like program achievements, to social and emotional goals like handling homesickness or getting to know new friends. Having a meaningful conversation with your camper about what they want to accomplish this summer enables those achievements, and letting us in on that conversation helps our all-star staff support your camper in his efforts. The discussion you have in the spring enables exciting and fulfilling stories like the example above in the fall. So… what goals do you want to set for your summer?
If you have any news updates you’d like to share with the camp family, please send me an email at [email protected] – we’ve got fa lot to share this month, and I’d love to highlight your accomplishments in the next Arrowhead newsletter!
IT MAY INTEREST YOU TO KNOW… Zander Aronoff has spent his winter on the slopes, as well as playing drum kit for his 7th grade jazz band. Drivers beware: Cameron Louie is working on his learners permit, and hosted a mini reunion with camp friends Asher Corndorf, Myles Rontal, Dylan Scissors, and Jonathan Schiff Lewin this spring! Same More was awarded the City of Chicago Juniors Bowling Championship (1st place, Individuals), knocking down 666 pins. Gabe Fisher and Ben Hesser represented their middle school at the International Geography Competition Regional Finals, and have qualified to compete in nationals in June! Ben Laytin played on his high school’s freshman basketball team and Nate Rothman has been practicing his fishing skills you on the Pacific this winter – he’s looking forward to putting them to use in the Northwoods this year. Jonah Tone made his stage debut this winter, starring in his school’s critically-acclaimed rendition of High School Musical: The Musical (the critics are also his parents). Ari Held played point guard for the KK Adriatic Basketball Club this winter, and won an international regional tournament featuring teams from Rome, Venice, Zagreb, Rijeka, and Pula.
WEDDING CONGTAULATIONS GO TO… Shayna Rosenbloom (Nashville/Louisville, 2019) and Nathan Earl (Louisville).
BAR MITZVAH CONGRATULATIONS GO TO…. Edge Levine
IN THE BIBS AND DIAPERS DEPARTMENT… it’s twin boys, Atticus Haavik and Booker Haavik, for Haley Haavik (Houston, 2010-’12) and Brittany Haavik. It’s a girl, Marifer, for Maria Flores Alonso (Puebla, MX, 2021-’22).