Trying to be smart before it's too late, I will try to write a diary of the camp I am working at to be able to return to these memories and maybe learn from them. Also, this part of my life is something I think my friends haven't ever really got to know so here's a chance for them to understand better how I spend my summers.
Toilets, sauna, accommodation, cleaning, delegate. Kiosk, groups, games, program, delegate. Rules, customs, instructions, questions, information...
After arriving yesterday to the beautiful camp center of Puroniemi, my mind has been playing a continuous list of things to do and instructions to give. Almost all of the practical matters are in my hands, which is a huge responsibility. I have taken it with gratitude but also trying to be merciful to myself since I know that organizing eight days full of activities for 55 people will not happen without a flaw somewhere at some point. Preparations and shared excitement were yesterday's task which lead us to today, the arrival of the youngsters and the beginning of our week-long camp.
Now that the day has come to its end, I can finally take a deep breath and congratulate myself and the others. My wonderful, innovative and energetic workers made it an excellent, successful day. What dominated this day was clearly sharing of information and getting to know each other through many different kinds of games. As a result, after only a few hours into our camp everyone was laughing, talking and participating. Better than average, I'd say! I can't believe that I remember almost all of the 37 new names already...!
What I noticed to be the key to a successful beginning was clarity. Proper preparations with time and delegating tasks is more important than one might think at first. As a leader I tried to make sure everyone was on track with all the relevant aspects there is to work at a camp as well as what these next seven days will hold. I am organized and it was of huge advantage today and yesterday since it is basically what keeps the wheels going here.
Props to our priest who hasn't worked at a camp like this in over thirty years, he seems to understand perfectly what it takes to create a educating experience while having fun. And I actually think he let our night guard win in their arm wrestling match... I have no bad words to say about our staff, I honestly feel like I made the right calls with these people.
With great enthusiasm I approach tomorrow, which will apparently include a dance group Käpyhuulet and some black magic... Camp christening is coming! Also, tomorrow we will set the daily routine of services, meals, games and lessons. Now I will go to sleep to be able to keep this busy mind from exploding for working overtime! Hahah I am basically at work for 24 hours a day so such a term as working overtime doesn't exist here... Oh,well.
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