At the end of each full session of camp we host a closing ceremony that parents are invited to come and watch. It’s a fun celebration and Catherine and I love sharing a glimpse of the session with families. The fact that we can give only a glimpse, however, is admittedly bittersweet. Season-end awards tend to be superlatives: Most Outstanding, Most Improved, Honor Camper, etc., and of course these are the ones that our parents are most likely to see.  The closing ceremony represents just one of many moments in a camper’s experience, and we firmly believe that: the most important growth, recognition and awards happen when parents are not there. Timberlake’s goals and desired outcomes are aimed less at final awards and more at each camper’s trajectory of growth.

Multiple studies reported by Carol Dweck, Ph.D. (Growth Mindset) show that children develop more resiliency when they try hard, fail and continue trying, than those who easily achieve the award or goal. A 2011 study demonstrated increased brain activity with students who struggle through a problem. Others show that more effort produces more myelin, greasing the skids for growth by changing the brain itself. As a result Dweck prescribes, “praising the process” rather than the success.

Every camp does this differently. At Timberlake we do it through our  Little Chief program. These are weekly gatherings where we award bars and promotions based on growth in skills, chosen challenges and character. The idea is to recognize small steps that lead to big growth. These ceremonies do not recognize every camper every single week, but they do recognize every type of camper. The every camper part happens later that night when a counselor sits by each boy’s bed and describes in detail his strengths and witnessed growth. In particular, we are hoping to help our campers grow in servant leadership through the character traits of Courage, Humility, Empathy and Grit. Additionally, by clearly defining each step of the journey and what it takes to get there, we hope to eliminate confusion on why a boy might not be progressing as quickly as he had hoped. (Parents are also welcome to check out our Little Chief Cabin Sheet).

So what’s a parent who only gets to attend closing ceremonies to do? First, we’d recommend reading the blog each night. While not exhaustive, these typically do a good job giving a sense of some of the daily victories and moments happening each day. Secondly, spend some time debriefing after the session is over. Ask you camper about the thing he is most proud of from camp. Ask him about any goals he accomplished and any others he wants to keep working on next summer. At the closing ceremony try to stop watching the boy receiving the award and start watching the pride of everyone else. They are proud because they know how hard he worked, and they are proud because they are best friends, and they are proud because they are growing too.

So parents, you may miss the best part – but your campers never do!

Great Camping,
John and Catherine