Preparing for 2021: Lessons Learned from the Summer 2020 Camp Experience
Written by Greg Keresztury, COO, YMCA of the Pines
The global pandemic has turned the camp experience upside down. Unable to operate summer sleepaway camps in New Jersey, the YMCA of the Pines team was faced with the problem of how to recreate an overnight camp experience without permitting campers to stay overnight. Camp directors pivoted and created Camp Matocky — an extended day camp aimed at recreating the overnight camp experience. In recognition of actively promoting youth development in a unique camp environment, Camp Matocky was awarded the ACA, NY & NJ 2020 Harold Breene Youth Education Award.
Finding a Sense of Normalcy
Overnight campers attend camp for growth opportunities and the camp experience. After months of isolation coupled with the possibility of remote or hybrid-model schooling again in the fall, YMCA of the Pines’ camp directors wanted to create a summer program where campers could safely connect with their friends, counselors to experience a sense of normalcy during the pandemic.
The Basics
Camp Matocky served 85-100 campers each week over four one-week sessions in July. Camp directors incorporated ceremonies, evening programs, and a cohesive character-development framework into the extended day program.
Campers, split into “teams” based on age, traveled together to activity periods throughout the day and spent time at their “home base” — a group of cabins where they could keep their gear and relax. Teams enjoyed traditional camp programs such as archery, fishing, hatchet throwing, mountain biking, as well as a challenge course that included a climbing wall, high ropes elements, and the zip line.
Developing Character
Campers worked independently and participated in team-oriented activities. Individually, they worked on emblem blocks – a skill-mastery program to earn emblems based on skill progress at various activities. Teams participated in The Elder Quest by hunting for the elusive Matocky Block, an epic item hidden around camp with clues revealed daily to its location, and Open-World Stargazing, an all-camp scavenger hunt designed to encourage campers to explore the world.
On the final day of each session, teams were awarded epic items that they earned for group and/or individual achievements. A camper could earn the Sword of Ascender for stepping bravely and doing the right thing in a difficult moment, the Elder Torch for valuing and helping others, or the Stargazer Scope for exploring outside of one’s comfort zone.
Takeaways
With the shift to remote-learning and a reduction in extra-curricular activities during the pandemic, achievement opportunities during the school year have evaporated. Moving forward, summer 2021 plans should include offering more achievement-oriented programs, such as emblem or skill-mastery, that provide campers an opportunity to explore, grow, and improve confidence and self-worth.
Another key takeaway from 2020 is the importance of building relationships. Camps should seek to find more opportunities for campers to connect across age groups, as well as inter-generational experiences with alumni and former counselors.
Camp Matocky gave kids a much-needed opportunity to socialize and work together after months of isolation. While many camps remained closed during the pandemic, our team took a creative approach, quickly implemented a myriad of safety protocols, and adapted the camp experience. 97% of camp families surveyed reported having a positive experience, and 98% would recommend Camp Matocky to another family. We plan on incorporating many of the elements that made Matocky successful into our traditional overnight camps for summers to come!
