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Dan Doyle's Personal Camp Philosophy/16 Camp Objectives
My Personal Camp Philosophy
For more than a decade, my camps have been fully enrolled with waiting lists, and our rate of return is very high. Whether it is a multi-activity program such as Camp Renaissance, or a single sport program such as Basketball Camp, I always set the following 16 objectives:
- The camp will be administered in a safe environment.
- I will do all I can to discourage bullying.
- Campers will be taught the concepts of fair play and teamwork.
- Our staff will be a mixture of experienced adults and bright, enthusiastic young people.
- Regardless of age, all staff members will be positive role models.
- Staffers will be knowledgeable enough, and flexible enough, to work effectively with youngsters who have different aptitudes, and levels of interest.
- Campers will aspire to one day become camp counselors.
- My camps will be reasonably priced.
- Camp parents will know that if a problem exists, I will do everything I can to fix the problem.
- We as a staff will do our best to create an environment that fosters within our campers an excitement about coming each day.
- Our campers will learn the fundamental skills in the sports of their choice.
- Camp will be a place of positive socialization.
- Campers will learn the benefits of physical fitness.
- Parents and campers will know that I will be there, playing an active role in the administration of the camp, and not merely lending my name.
- Campers will learn that if they work at something, good things can happen.
- The combination of these fifteen points will add up to great fun, and valuable lessons.
Basketball Hall of Famer, Bob Cousy, has been a valued friend and mentor to me since I attended his wonderful basketball camp in my youth. Bob once said something to me about camp directorship that resonated.
"Each summer, I felt a huge weight of responsibility on my shoulders, because I wanted my campers to have a great experience in a safe, enjoyable place. I took great pleasure in running my camp, but I was always personally absorbed in the program, and constantly concerned about the welfare of the kids. It is a major responsibility."
This is exactly how a good camp director thinks!
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