By: Page Fairman Rich
I slowed the motorboat down as we approached the next sailboat. As we pulled up alongside it, I reminded campers to be sure to maintain three points of contact as they moved from the launch into their sailboat for the morning. It was early in the season, so this day marked the first time some of the campers had come to Sailing that summer. For Addie, a new 14 year old camper, it was far more than that. She had grown up in a city, never having the opportunity to do anything in or on a lake. As she focused on maintaining those ever important three points of contact, I could see that she was terrified. I asked her if she was okay. She slowly raised her head, looked me straight in the eye, and said “I’ve got this.” She then proceeded to climb into the sailboat with a counselor and other campers. At the end of the period, she returned to shore elated by the experience, complete with newfound knowledge about parts of boats and the joy of moving across the water. Over the next few weeks, she returned to Sailing, and she also ventured out on the water at Canoeing. By the end of the summer, she had developed a passion for canoeing that would inspire her to focus her energy on acquiring even more skills and experience as a canoeist the following summer.
“I’ve Got This” moments happen all over camp, all summer long, as campers find themselves empowered to try new things. For some, that means navigating living with others in a tent, or perhaps even remembering to brush her teeth and hair every day! Others challenge themselves to try an activity that is entirely new to them, or to add to their skills in an activity they tried in a previous summer. Camp gives campers the support they need to take safe risks, knowing that fellow campers and counselors are there to support them, cheering them on as they acquire new skills. In this environment, campers gain confidence that will carry them long beyond their days on our shores. They learn to believe in their own ability to push themselves to new heights in activities, but also in developing solid friendships, in their ability to make decisions, and in their belief in themselves. Whether your camper’s “I’ve Got This” moment comes through learning to be a good friend, helping to take care of her tent, or in learning how to sail, we are confident that she will recall these moments in the years to come as those pivotal opportunities at camp that helped her become a stronger, more confident person.
I’ve Got This.
About the contributor:
Page is the Director of Communications and Marketing at Alford Lake Camp. Page has held many positions at ALC including Assistant to the Directors, Head of Program, Head of Sailing, Swimming and Waterfront – and before that was a camper, CT and counselor! She is committed to continuing ALC’s tradition of providing each camper and counselor with opportunities for growth and fun. Her favorite spot at camp is out sailing on the lake!