Interview

CD=Camp Director

Me: Have you ever noticed certain stereotypes associated with different types of counselors/directors?

CD: Stereotypes definitely contribute to the way people perceive counselors. In any number of places, you'll find those stereotypes. For people who stick around long enough, they'll recognize that those stereotypes are different from what you initially expected. Part of the camp is the experience or the end result that comes from what kind of camp it is. The kind of camp I work with is not necessarily the kind portrayed in movies. The way you publicize your camp has an effect on how those stereotypes begin. There is lots of fun to be had, but if you came looking JUST to have fun minus the spiritual growth, those expectations are diminished.

Me: If you had to categorize counselors, what would you say are some of the stereotypes?

CD: Get around the rules or follow the rules. It's the two extremes. For picking counselors/looking at counselors, I can tell you who are the crazy, wild, adventurous counselors, and who is the girl who doesn't want to be girly. There is ALWAYS the girly girl wearing cuter clothes with her hair done who gets the attention of the guys, and there is always the earnest rule-following counselors who want what's best for everyone.

Why do you think these categories/stereotypes exist?

CD: Those stereotypes are created b/c they are actual people. Stereotypes are the paper-doll version. They don't go deeper to look at the fact that the fun person can be more and the rule-follower can have fun. It's good to aim for a team that balances out.

Me: In your experience, do counselors/directors usually fit one of these stereotypes?

CD: Typically. It's rare to see someone who doesn't fit in the direction of one. If you're leaning more toward one, people disallow room for the other. It's a Catch 22. You can't chase the fun without giving up rule-following. Someone wants a fun experience, but if they start to focus more on the rules, they'll lose their "fun" image.

Me: Is there a balance between being the cool/fun counselor/director and the mean one?

CD: Yes. It's possible. But I don't think you can't do it by yourself. You need to find a balance w/ someone who is on the other end of the spectrum who can help you grow. If you're focused on putting rules before relationship, that mindset can change when you have someone pointing it out. Once you've been labeled w/ that stereotype though, you're done to a certain extent. You can change your own behavior or mindset, but it takes a long time for people to change theirs as well. They keep you in that box where they saw you first.

It's easier to change others' opinions when you're a counselor. It's a more forgiving position that really lasts only five days until you have another opportunity to recreate how you want to be perceived with the next group of kids. It's not that easy for a camp director. Your staff sees you in that roll for a much longer time.

Me: Does this dynamic work?

CD: I definitely think it's the most healthy for the whole community. When you know your parameters, you can relax and have fun. Most of the best camps I've encountered tend to be more rule following. The framework may be rule-following, but it's presented in a way where it doesn't seem so. Kind of like a well-kept secret.