This is the first year in over 40 years that we are not preparing for summer camp. It feels surreal and also okay. I find myself thinking back to the many staff training weeks I was a part of each year. First, as a camp counselor and in time as a camp director. In the most recent years, I led sessions but also found myself busy in the office with last minute hiring, navigating international staff arrivals, and communicating with parents.

One of the memories that I want to share is about my shoes.

Our home camp has a large pavilion that could comfortably fit the entire staff. I led many training sessions here. Our indoor space included the dining room and the basement of that building. Standing and moving in these spaces took a toll on my feet over the course of the training week, which leads me to my shoes.

Several years ago, I discovered that if I changed my shoes a few times a day the ache in my feet would lessen. I would begin with socks and tennis shoes in the morning. Some mornings could be cool, and this started my day with some cushion. After lunch I switched to my Chaco sandals allowing my toes and feet some breathing room. Towards evening I would slip on my Teva flips. They are a bit lighter than Chaco’s and allow my feet to breathe and feel unencumbered towards the end of the day.

My feet needed relief and the shoe changes were the answer but then it became something more. Changing shoes became a routine and somewhat of a ritual. As each camp professional knows, summer camp staff training can be taxing. The days are long and the unexpected is expected. Days are busy and you don’t get many breaks. Taking time to take care of myself for the few minutes to change shoes provided a pause, a mental break to check in with myself and be out of the fray.

Maybe changing shoes is not the pause you need, but small moments during the day might help you navigate all the “busy” that happens during the training week. A few of my colleagues had their own strategies: a piece of chocolate after lunch, a quick stop at the lake on the way to lunch, five minutes of silence with the office door shut are a few examples. 

All this to say, I get it, I see it. I know the energy that camp professionals are putting into the work this spring and know how challenging it can be moving towards summer. I see you and appreciate the work you are doing to give kids the summer camp experience.

Take care of yourself; you are doing sacred work.

Peace,

Angi