First Camp Blog

Sorry but the google malfunction from last week really put a damper on my blogging. Nevertheless, Week 1 was a very strong first performance out of, what has the potential to be, the very best staff in the history f both the Eastern 4-H Center and mankind, as well. I know this will cause disagreement from former staff members, but trust me, you, to, would be impressed.

Last week we had the following counties meet us at the coast for a fun week of canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, crafting, crabbing, ballin', archery-ing (?), and teambuilding:
Hyde
Tyrrell
Perquimans
Hertford
Bertie
Gates
Northampton
Chowan

Overall it was a fun week, despite the closure of waterfront on Day 1 on account of 3 foot seas. We capped the week off with a big dance and slide show, but the Talent Show was the scene stealer of the week...

This week, we have a full house with Dare, Johnston, Granville, Pitt, Pasquotank, Lee, and Camden counties being represented. More on the week as it unfolds...

Enjoy the day!

Staff Training Continues

We are only a few days away from putting the wraps on another fine staff training. Each staff training, old stars are brightened and new stars are formed. Again, I would love to challenge any camp of similar staffing model to a "Camp Staff Olympics"...

Events might include the standard run, swim, rock climbing (I have retained the title for a 5th straight year in this event), and archery. Other events might include multiple camper wakeup calls, schedule reading, whistling, and smiling...we'd win those, too.

The staff were very fortunate to spend the night outdoors last night...fortunate means temps in the high 50's and dry...a rarity in the pocosin. No bears showed up, but my world famous campfire fajitas did make an appearance...

Nevertheless, the blogs will slow, but be consistent. Campers and parents can always reference the blog for updates and pics. Also...if anyone wants to take a sneak peek at the staff (or me), we will be spotted at the Edenton Music and Water Festival, this Saturday, on the Edenton waterfront...

Enjoy the day...

It Begins...

Summer Staff are on site, and more are on the way...

Here's a snippet of what we'll be doing today and tomorrow:

Icebreakers...so they get to know each other IMMEDIATELY
Site Tour...so they know how to get to where I tell them to IMMEDIATELY
Dinner...so they can get nutrition IMMEDIATELY
Skits...so they can lear to be creative and work together for campers enjoyment IMMEDIATELY.

Tomorrow, they'll be:
Enjoying the Manual Review, with yours truly...they'll know all the rules, and follow them IMMEDIATELY.
Learning to facilitate on the Challenge Course and learneing processing strategies, so that they can help campers to build strong interpersonal relationships IMMEDIATELY
Managing Risk, with Lee Scripture is a perennial favorite...he'll cover everything to keep the facility and it's users safe IMMEDIATELY (and does a great job, as our camp's safety record is among the best in the WORLD!!!!
Learning how to find their way about the community and Inner Banks for all the neccessities IMMEDIATELY.

Staff training is a great opportunity for director's to share information with staff. Ours is among the most thorough...I like to train, expect, and then solve, is challenges arise.

Nevertheless, my optimism is strong...

Enjoy the day...

Last Blog Before Staff Training

Yep...it all starts on Monday...

Staff begin arriving tomorrow from South Africa, New Zealand, England, and yes, Fayetteville.

Jackson Middle School is here from Guilford County...they are having a blast. Most were fortunate enough to see dolphins and fish and catch blue crabs...we did some rock climbin', kayakin', and wetland walkin' too.

Blogs will be sporadic, as we get super busy, but I'll do my best...

Enjoy the weekend...