Summer Camp in a Pandemic - Counselor Reflections

Amelia Harrison, Camp Counselor and Institute for G.O.D. Student

Campers learned that innovation is creating a tool or simple machine to meet a real need. Camper Liam is learning how to be innovative as his team creates a paper mâché town using tools that access different natural resources.

After three months in quarantine, adults and kids alike are all thinking one thing—we miss our friends! The social isolation that we have all experienced recently is no doubt challenging, but the interpersonal development of kids might be taking one of the hardest hits. Ajay, a camper, shares, “I’m thinking about how we took things like hugging for granted.” Thankfully, Camp Skillz came around just in time to open up a world of social interaction and growth for children in the Nashville area.

Despite having to abide by new COVID-19 restrictions, the kids who have participated in camp have thrived as they finally got to be around friends again. As a counselor, I’ve been blown away by our campers and their ability to adapt to the new rules and regulations. It’s not natural for kids to stay 6 feet apart, nor is it always enjoyable to wear a mask, but their desire to be with each other and work together has helped them navigate these new obstacles. Hudsyn, a 10 year old camper, reflects, “Camp Skillz has taught me about teamwork and how to persevere through hard things like having to wear a mask.”

Campers worked together to build a fire-pit while learning about fire safety in the process. They ended this activity by cooking delicious grilled cheese sandwiches and enjoying them together.

As they work through some of the newness, the opportunity to experience a sense of normalcy has been of great benefit to the campers. Within just the first 2 weeks of camp, we’ve seen campers with smiling eyes, peering out from masked faces, as they reintegrate themselves into their friend groups and welcome in new friends with open arms (socially distant helicopter arms, of course).

Personally, it’s been inspiring to know that nothing, not even a pandemic, can stop kids from having fun, developing friendships, and learning new skills. The care that the campers have for each other only highlights their resilience as they persevere through these new circumstances and encourage each other along the way.

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Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.- Matthew 18:3