Because of Camp: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Caitlin

Welcome to 'Because of Camp,' where we dive into the good, the bad, and the ugly of summer camp experiences. I'm your host, Caitlin, and today we have three special guests who have shared their time at Camp Helen Brachman in Almond, Wisconsin. Joining me are Kellen Szumski, a former program director and outdoor living skills instructor; Caleb Stewart, a teen camp counselor and head counselor; and Robbie Gurlonick, a former camper and current health director. Let's start by hearing a bit about your backgrounds at camp. Kellen, why don't you go first?

Kellen Szumski

Thanks, Caitlin. I started at Camp Helen Brachman as a program director for two years and then transitioned into the role of an outdoor living skills instructor for one year. It was a fantastic experience, and I learned so much about leadership and teamwork.

Caitlin

That's great, Kellen. Caleb, what about you? What were your roles at camp?

Caleb Stewart

I started as a teen camp counselor in 2018 and then moved up to a program specialist for two years. Finally, I became a head counselor for another two years. It was a journey of growth and responsibility, and I loved every minute of it.

Caitlin

Robbie, how about you? You have a unique perspective as both a former camper and now a staff member.

Robbie Gurlonick

That's right, Caitlin. I grew up going to Camp Helen Brachman as a camper, and this year, I've taken on the role of health director. It's been a full circle moment, and I feel incredibly grateful to be back in a leadership position.

Caitlin

That's amazing to hear, Robbie. Let's dive into the good parts of your camp experiences. What are some of the most special moments you remember, Kellen?

Kellen Szumski

One of the most special moments for me was leading a group of campers on an overnight camping trip. We hiked to a beautiful spot, set up camp, and had a campfire where we shared stories and roasted marshmallows. It was a magical experience, and I could see the joy and connection in everyone's faces.

Caitlin

That sounds incredible, Kellen. Caleb, what about you? Any special moments stand out?

Caleb Stewart

Absolutely. One of my favorite moments was when a shy camper opened up during a group activity. He shared a personal story, and it created a bond among all of us. It was a powerful moment of vulnerability and support.

Caitlin

Robbie, what are some of your fondest memories as a camper and now as a staff member?

Robbie Gurlonick

As a camper, I loved the campfire nights. They were so much fun, and I made some of my closest friends during those gatherings. Now as a staff member, I cherish the moments when I can see the impact of camp on the campers. It's rewarding to see them grow and thrive.

Caitlin

Those are truly heartwarming moments. Let's move on to the bad parts. What were some of the challenges or learning moments you faced, Kellen?

Kellen Szumski

One of the biggest challenges was managing cabin dynamics. Sometimes, conflicts would arise, and it was tough to mediate and ensure everyone felt heard and supported. But it taught me a lot about conflict resolution and empathy.

Caitlin

Caleb, what about you? Any tough situations you had to handle?

Caleb Stewart

Definitely. I had a camper who was struggling with homesickness and was having a hard time participating in activities. It was challenging to find the right approach to help them feel more comfortable and engaged. It taught me the importance of patience and understanding.

Caitlin

Robbie, what are some of the challenges you faced, both as a camper and now as a staff member?

Robbie Gurlonick

As a camper, I remember facing some self-doubt and anxiety about fitting in. But over time, I learned to be more confident and embrace my unique qualities. Now as a staff member, one of the biggest challenges is ensuring the safety and well-being of all campers, especially during health-related issues. It's a responsibility I take very seriously.

Caitlin

Those are important lessons, Robbie. Now, let's talk about the ugly parts of camp. What are some of the less savory experiences you've had, Kellen?

Kellen Szumski

One of the ugliest moments was dealing with a case of bullying. It was heartbreaking to see how it affected the victims, and it took a lot of effort to address the issue and create a more inclusive environment. It was a wake-up call about the importance of zero tolerance for such behavior.

Caitlin

Caleb, any experiences you'd like to share?

Caleb Stewart

Yes, we had an incident where a counselor was caught drinking alcohol during a campout. It was a serious breach of trust and had to be handled very carefully. It taught us the importance of setting clear boundaries and maintaining a high standard of behavior among staff.

Caitlin

Robbie, what about you? Any challenging moments you've had to deal with?

Robbie Gurlonick

One of the ugliest moments was when a camper had a severe allergic reaction, and we had to rush them to the hospital. It was a scary and intense situation, but it also highlighted the importance of being prepared and having a well-trained staff. It was a wake-up call for everyone.

Caitlin

Those are powerful and important stories, Robbie. Let's talk about the impact of camp on your lives. How has camp shaped who you are today, Kellen?

Kellen Szumski

Camp has taught me the value of teamwork, leadership, and empathy. It has given me the confidence to take on challenges and the skills to work effectively with diverse groups of people. I carry those lessons with me in my personal and professional life.

Caitlin

Caleb, how has camp influenced you?

Caleb Stewart

Camp has been a formative experience for me. It has taught me the importance of patience, understanding, and creating a supportive environment. I've learned to be more resilient and to approach challenges with a positive mindset.

Caitlin

Robbie, what about you? How has camp impacted you?

Robbie Gurlonick

Camp has been a cornerstone of my life. It has taught me the value of community, the importance of taking care of others, and the joy of simple, shared experiences. It has shaped my values and my approach to life, and I am forever grateful for the lessons I've learned.

Caitlin

Thank you, Kellen, Caleb, and Robbie, for sharing your stories and insights with us today. It's clear that camp has had a profound impact on each of you, and we're so grateful to have you on the show. To our listeners, if you have your own 'Because of Camp' story, we'd love to hear from you. Stay tuned for more episodes, and don't forget to subscribe. Until next time, stay camp-spirited!