Tag Archives: survival

Lessons from Camp- Part 2

July 02, 2008   Russell Martin   No comments

We are just now on the last full day of camp. I have been leading for the 6th and 7th graders this week and I have really enjoyed it. There are a few more things I have learned and Ideas that I have seen I’d like to pass on.

First… I was kind of worried on Sunday night because they didn’t really interact, they didn’t sing much etc. Today it was hard to get them to stop. I had to be reminded that it takes time for them to be comfortable, and in some cases remember the songs. I also found that if I do a familiar song, then an unfamiliar one, then a familiar one again.. they really sing the last one really loud. And then I’ll pick the unfamiliar one up later in the week.

Second… The deans did a great job on cabin inspections. They went around and took pictures and made a slide show for each day showing the best.. and worst.. of each cabin. The kids loved cheering and oohing depending on what they saw. It took some time and was great fun

Third… Don’t do Mail Call.. While it is fun to have your name called out and come get letters from home I was reminded today of some reasons not to do it. Today we had 10,000 letters… well not really but there were a bunch. They’ve even started receiving emails that the camp staff prints out and sends to each camp. It was chaos calling everyones name out and having them come up.
A better idea I think is to take the letters, sort them by cabin and deliver them at night. Although nothing solves the issue of a kid who doesn’t get mail. Solution…write them a letter

Well.. It’s time to run to worship… Maybe I’ll be back with some more tips later.
Oh.. coming soon.. Youth Worship Gathering.. We will have a time for youth bands to get together and learn, play, and worship with other youth bands.. look for it soon

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Summer Camp Survival Tip #3- Dress for Success

May 31, 2008   Russell Martin   No comments

When it comes to packing clothes for camp it is good to try and anticipate a few things. 1 What type of activities are going on? 2. What is the weather SUPPOSED to be like? 3. How long will you be away? Why are each of these questions important?

1. Activities- I went to a camp where every day the kids had a “water time.” This consisted of a variety of activities but there were two things you could count on. You might get messy, and you would get wet. If you know something like this will happen, jeans might not be your best option. And a white t-shirt may not be good either. Make sure and bring clothes you can get wet and possibly messy in. Also a second towel might be a good idea too.
This is just one example of activities. You may be going hiking, so boots and jeans are called for, or boating and will need water shoes. Find out what type of activities will be going on so you can bring the clothes you need.

2. Weather. You can never predict the weather but you can be prepared for it. Umbrellas, extra jeans, shirts and towels for rainy days. Sunscreen, hats, shorts and light colors for sunny days. Just be prepared for anything.

3. Length- Bring enough clothes for atleast 1-2 days more than you plan on. Odds are you will unexpectedly get thrown in the pool, or play a messy game, or fall in the mud or something. Bringing extra sets of clothes is not a bad idea.

One more tip- One counselor told me the way she survives is by brining an extra shirt and pair of socks for each day. That way, half way through even though you might not be able to shower and change, you can atleast get a fresh shirt and a clean pair of socks for the evening. Not a bad thought.

If you have ideas please respond here or send them to rgmmusic@gmail.com

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Summer Camp Survival Tip #2- Get Rest

May 29, 2008   Russell Martin   No comments

Camp is stressful, the kids are loud and rambunctious, and it seems like you are always running from one place to another. The best thing you can do for yourself is to get rest. This applies to everyone from directors, to music people, to counselors and even campers.
The camp I still go to the most often usually gathers the counselors on the Sunday before camp starts to go over programming, decorate, setup crafts etc. This is a great time that we reconnect with old friends and make new ones. It is also when the temptation to stay up late playing 42 or spades, or just catching up can be the most harmful. The next day we have 300-500 campers coming in buses, cars and trucks. They are full of energy, mostly from Dr Pepper and Twizzlers, and they are ready to go. You need to be fully rested to be in a good, happy, helpful mood when they arrive.
The first night with kids is also an important time to emphasise going to bed early. Trust me if you don’t start it off at the beginning of the week, you’ll never get them to go to sleep later in the week.
Finally for those of us who do music and don’t have campers it is often a temptation to stay up as well. Don’t do it as much as possible. I have found that there is a correlation between the amount of sleep I have and the amount of voice I have at the end of the week. This year I’ll have three camps in a row so this is very important. Find time in the day to do what you need to do for the next day, make powerpoints, write out chords etc… But when bedtime comes, take that opportunity.

Again if you have summer camp survival tips then please email them to me and I’ll get them up here.

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Summer Camp Survival Tips- Part 1

May 28, 2008   Russell Martin   No comments

Over the past 10 years I have spent many weeks at summer camp leading music for various groups. Also I have spent many weeks on mission trips with the various churches I have worked in. In all those years, and all those camps there are some things I have learned. Some I have learned by experience, some by watching others. I thought I would take time to write a small series in which I can pass on to you some of the tips that helped me survive, and hopefully you can also share your survival tips too.

Summer Camp Survival Tips

#1 Make a List- If you went to my closet you would see 5 sleeping bags, two pillows and a cot that I really don’t need to have. A trip to my office would show various cords, adapters and discs that are duplicated sometimes several times. Why might you ask? Because somewhere between 2 hours after leaving my house and the time I arrive at my destination I remember that I forgot something.
I do not think it is very possible not to need anything once you get to your destination I found out two years ago there is one thing you can do to minimize the amount of trips to walmart or radio shack that are required upon arrival. This is by making a list before you leave of everything you need.
I do this on the computer in a small spreadsheet. I make a list of all the items, categorize them as best as possible and then create columns for their current location “church” “home” etc and the a column for packed. This way I know before I leave what I need to collect at my house, and what I need to get from the church. I also will make a list of things that need to be purchased like batteries, guitar pics, shampoo etc. Once I arrive at my destination and spend my week at camp then the list also makes it easy to pack back up. I can make sure that I have the same amount of guitar chords, mics, etc that I arrived with and no less, or no more.
Most summers I am doing 3-4 such trips which use pretty much the same amount of items, so it is easy for the next time to pull out the list, make any adjustments and then re-use it again.

If you have tips for Summer Camp Survival email them to rgmmusic@gmail.com. If they are used you’ll get credit and a link to your site, plus the knowledge that you have helped someone else in their Summer Camp Survival.

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