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Everyday at Stone Mountain Adventures starts the same way for campers:
- Campers are woken up by staff singing "The Birdie Song"
- Then Campers brush their teeth and break their fast in the Rhino Dining Hall
- Followed by campers gathering with their "Crew"!
Every camper at SMA Teen Camp is a member of a "crew" and crews are basically chore groups. We have a rotating job chat so each crew knows what their chores are each morning. Crew time and morning chores are not a huge part of our daily life at camp as they only take about 15 minutes each day. Crew time and chores are, however a large part of our summer camp philosophy: That every member of camp (campers included) must contribute to make our summer camp community "work". During the first few mornings of crew time each session we take the opportunity to play name games and team building games. Today we play what is far the loudest teambuilding game called "Pole Barn".
After the crew games and chores were over and before morning activities started we took a photo of each crew and almost everyone smiled (lol). and here they are:
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Teens participating in chores at an overnight summer camp like SMA Teen Camp can experience several benefits. Here are some of them:
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Life Skills Development: Chores at a summer camp provide an opportunity for teens to develop practical life skills. They may be assigned tasks such as tidying up cabins, doing laundry, cleaning common areas, or assisting with meal preparation. These activities help teens become more self-reliant, independent, and capable of taking care of their living environment.
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Responsibility and Accountability: By assigning chores, summer camps promote a sense of responsibility and accountability among teens. They learn to fulfill their assigned tasks, meet expectations, and contribute to the smooth functioning of the camp. This fosters a sense of ownership and teaches them the importance of their actions in a communal setting.
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Teamwork and Collaboration: Chores at summer camp often require teamwork and collaboration among campers. Teens learn to work together, communicate effectively, and coordinate their efforts to complete tasks. They understand the value of cooperation, compromise, and supporting one another, which are essential skills in various aspects of life.
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Time Management and Organization: Having designated chores at camp helps teens develop time management and organizational skills. They learn to prioritize tasks, manage their time effectively, and create routines to complete their responsibilities alongside other camp activities. These skills can be valuable in school, work, and personal life.
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Appreciation for Shared Spaces: By participating in chores related to cleaning and maintaining shared spaces, teens gain a greater appreciation for the importance of cleanliness and respect for communal areas. They understand the impact of their actions on the well-being of the entire camp community and learn to take pride in creating a clean and welcoming environment.
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Building Resilience and Grit: Engaging in chores at a summer camp can be physically demanding and require perseverance. Teens may encounter challenging tasks or adverse conditions, but by completing their responsibilities, they develop resilience, perseverance, and a strong work ethic. This can enhance their ability to overcome obstacles and face challenges in other areas of life.
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Personal Growth and Confidence: Successfully completing chores at camp contributes to teens' personal growth and confidence. They gain a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem from fulfilling their responsibilities and contributing to the camp community. This positive experience can boost their self-confidence and belief in their abilities.
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Appreciation for Camp Staff: Participating in chores helps teens develop a greater appreciation for the efforts of camp staff. They witness firsthand the hard work and dedication that goes into maintaining the camp and providing a positive experience for everyone. This cultivates gratitude, respect, and empathy towards the staff members.
Overall, chores at an overnight summer camp offer opportunities for teens to develop essential life skills, foster a sense of responsibility and accountability, promote teamwork, and contribute to their personal growth and self-confidence. It also instills values of respect, appreciation, and community engagement, creating a positive and enriching camp experience.
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