Episode 5
Where the Magic Happens: Life Lessons from Summer Camp

In this episode, Anne and Colleen talk about the value of summer camp, particularly in shaping leadership skills, personal growth, and providing unique opportunities for young people to gain responsibility and experience. They reflect on their own experiences working at camp and the lessons they learned that continue to influence them in their personal and professional lives. The conversation touches on the development of soft skills, the importance of connection, and how camp fosters a unique sense of community. Anne and Colleen also discuss the transition from the "magic" of camp to other work environments, highlighting the contrast between the high level of responsibility and the strong sense of mission at camp compared to more traditional workplaces.

This episode highlights the profound impact that summer camp can have on both the staff and the campers. It’s not just about the skills learned but about building connections, growing as individuals, and experiencing a sense of belonging and purpose. For parents, camp is a safe space for their children to develop independence while still being supported in a nurturing environment. The lessons and growth from camp remain with individuals for years to come.

Important Messages

Connection over skill: The central philosophy of camp work is to "teach the camper, not the skill." Building a personal connection with campers and staff is emphasized as crucial for creating a positive impact and fostering learning.

The magic of camp: The sense of community and mission-driven environment in camps creates a unique "magic" that isn't often found in other workplaces. Camp helps young people shape their values by understanding the "why" behind their actions and the work they do, fostering a deep sense of purpose that can be carried into other areas of life and work.

Leadership and responsibility at camp: Working at camp, especially as a young person, provides unique leadership opportunities, such as giving and receiving feedback, planning programs, and managing responsibility. These experiences are invaluable in preparing individuals for future careers.

Personal growth and development: Both staff and campers have the opportunity to develop valuable life skills, such as self-awareness, leadership, teamwork, and resilience, in a supportive and nurturing environment. These experiences go beyond hard skills and can influence personal and professional growth. 

The importance of camp for parents and caregivers: Camp provides parents with an opportunity to practice "letting go" and allows children to learn independence, make mistakes, and grow outside of the home environment. It also gives parents peace of mind, knowing their children are in a safe and nurturing space.

Resources Mentioned

• Kids in Camp

• Amici Children’s Camp Charity

• Ontario Camps Association

Anne Tong (MSW, RSW)

Anne has over a decade of experience working with youth in multiple capacities. She brings her experience working in adventure-based therapeutic summer camps, coaching competitive rock climbers, and working within the children and youth mental health sector at Pine River Institute. Anne has also felt privileged to be a part of the Sound Youth Counselling team for the past few years supporting in a virtual capacity. She is passionate in supporting individuals to tap into their own resources, to find the strength in their voice, and to take self-responsibility in living a whole and authentic life. Anne’s diverse academic background includes a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation from Brock University, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from OCAD University.

Colleen McLean (MSW, RSW)

Colleen grew up in Waterloo and spent her summers attending an overnight camp in Huntsville (which she credits as being one of the most significant influences on her life). After completing her undergrad degree in Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University, Colleen decided to try and find a full-time job in camping and for 10 years was the General Manager of a wilderness-based leadership program for at-risk youth. Seeing the challenges these young people faced and the systemic cracks they were so susceptible to led her to pursue her Master of Social Work degree (also from WLU) so she could try and do more to help. Now, with over 25-years of experience working with children and youth, she continues to dedicate her career to supporting young people. She is the owner and clinical director of Sound Youth Counselling in Parry Sound, Ontario.