Camp

I've spent much of this summer traveling around a variety of camps, and I have loved it. It was striking how much the camps I visited shared the qualities that I most appreciated about my camp experiences as a camper, counselor and director. I think the key to a quality camp experience is that it offers opportunities to challenge oneself and try new things - to be vulnerable in a safe space. It should also offer rich opportunities for bonding with both campers and staff. Finally, the staff's role is to be an affirming presence in the camper's camp life. It strikes me that the exploration, connection and affirmation of are pretty similar to what JoAnn Deak describes as the core pillars of "competence, confidence and connection" in her book How Girls Thrive. It's no surprise that kids thrive at camp!