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Camps teach teamwork

Summer is camp time, and whether the theme is baseball or band, math or leadership, soccer, or survival, there’s more than hamburgers and hot dogs on the menu.

Teamwork is a staple of almost any camp experience.

Throughout the region, and the country for that matter, youth of all ages and interests are spending time at overnight scout, academic, art or sports camps. While parents enjoy a kid-free week, the youth step outside of their comfort zone and learn about themselves and others, and a whole lot more.

Camp can be among a student’s first ventures outside of the family unit – they have to overcome the anxiety of separation, and find their way among strangers, much like the first day of school. Courage is needed, as is a willingness to meet new people and try new things, but soon the barriers come down and bonds of friendships are made.

Whatever the activities, teamwork is paramount. For a sports camp, it goes without saying: the better the teamwork, the better the experience.

But teamwork also plays an important role in music camp, as evidenced by the value of the final performance; entrepreneur camp, as evidenced by group projects, and even in survival camp.

Each member has a job to do. Just like a position on a sports team, the responsibility of every individual benefits the larger group. If one person fails, the entire group is impacted. When each person accomplishes their goal, all are rewarded.

At one area leadership camp, students participate in a sunrise canoe trip where breakfast awaits on an island across a lake.

The teens are invited to see the world in a new light. As early-morning fog is burned away by beams of the sun, the groups in each canoe must find a way to move forward together.

If they are not in sync, the canoe spins in circles. If they work against one another, they go nowhere. But when synergy is achieved, the canoe glides smoothly through the calm water and the goal is in sight. The reward is more than their morning meal – a feeling of accomplishment and camaraderie greets the campers on the far shore.

There may not be a lake and a canoe, but participants in a myriad of camps learn a similar lesson of cooperation and teamwork.

It’s nearly time for fall pre-season camps to begin, with all of their physical and mental challenges. The shared experiences bring individuals together so that they are able to accomplish goals that are greater than any could achieve alone. That goes for football and soccer teams, marching bands and cheerleading squads.

And when camp comes to a close, youth go home with new or closer friends, enhanced skills and often a fresh understanding of the world around them. Whether that understanding involves athletic ability, science smarts or learning the ways of the wild, campers are better for their experiences, and are ready for new and even greater challenges.

Kellie Goodman Shaffer can be reached at kellie@bedfordcountychamber.org. Her column appears on Tuesdays.

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