Developing tomorrow's leaders!

As I was speaking with our LITs (Leaders in Training program for campers entering the 10th grade) and our CITs (Counselors in Training for campers entering 11th grade) this week, the thought that these teens would be "my staff" within a few years struck me. In that second, I started to look at these campers in a new light and became very excited about what they would contribute to Camp.

Some of the LITs and CITs I've known for 6 years and seen them develop from shy first year campers to confident teens. They've pushed their limits, developed friendships that will last a lifetime, and discovered the very best in themselves through their years of involvement at Camp. Others have joined them in more recent years, a few for the first time this year - as welcomed by members of the group as those who have been sharing Camp experiences for years.

This summer the LITs and CITs will hone their leadership and camp skills, testing them under the watchful eyes of Camp Staff. About October the calls and emails will begin - with this summer's CITs applying for Counselor Intern positions for summer 2011. As I think about them, I speculate who will be the "staff stars" in a couple of years, who will show himself/herself to be the ideal candidate to run the t waterfront or become Head Counselor.

Today was check out day for most of the campers who have been here during the past two weeks. A few dozen campers remained. This evening, all of those remaining in Camp Eljabar and their counselors were passing my house after swimming withe the Speers cameprs. they stayed to talk ad to play with our dog. Needless to say, Tucker - our Springer Spaniel was thrilled to have lots of people to play with and toss the tennis ball for him to retrieve.

One of the counselors shared a story about how one of the campers present (an 11 year old) had advised the parents of a fellow camper upon pick up that "next year send a picture of yourselves so when T.... is homesick she can see your picture." I immediately thought - wow, that camper will someday make a great counselor!"

One of the best parts of being the Director of Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA is being a part of the lives of all of the campers and staff, especially seeing them grow in so many ways over the years. this week as I thought about our LITs and CITs and their roles in Camp during the next few years I ceratinly felt that all of our future is in great hands. Tonight, this belief was fortified by the glimpse into the more distant future I was given upone learning how a fellow 11 year old camper thought about how to help her fellow camper to be successful at Camp.

Our future at Camp and in the world is in good hands. Tomorrow's leaders are here - swimming, riding, hiking, creating, playing, laughing, loving and growing.