Welcome to the Summer Camp Leadership blog. For those of us who lead summer camps, making a positive difference in the lives of young people is our passion. Turning that passion into a reality, however, takes more than the ability to lead songs, teach archery or plan craft projects. Creating camp experiences that truly transform lives takes leadership. Leadership that creates a vision for the future, leadership that inspires and engages others, leadership that remains focused and stays the course. My hope is through this blog you'll find ideas, inspiration and tools to help you be a great summer camp leader.

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

When Has it Been Too Long

At some point many of us in camp leadership positions will reach a point where we wonder if it's time to move on to another camp, to consider some other option or maybe think about retirement. Some of us won't consider the possibility of moving on but should. How do we know when it's time for a change?

Consider asking yourself the following questions...

1. Do I still have the passion for what I'm doing? I'm as excited on the first day of staff training and camp as I am at Christmas. When I lose that passion it's time to go.

2. Am I still actively engaged? Every day do I get out of the office and spend time with the campers and staff? Do I get a knot in my stomach when an activity is going on and I'm not there? When I get comfortable with camp happening out there while I'm in here it's time to go.

3. Do I still high expectations? Do I still push myself and the staff to be the best they can be? When I begin to accept "good enough" it's time to move on.

4. Is the camp growing? Do I continue to push for camp (the staff, the program, the facilities) to be creative, to try new things and to remain fresh. When I'm comfortable maintaining the status quo it's time for a change in leadership.

5. Can I physically do it? Camp is tough physically. Long hours, too little sleep and lots of standing and walking. When my body says enough it's time to look elsewhere.