A Week at Camp Changed My Perspective on Teaching—And My Life

As a new camp counselor this summer, Artrell had no idea what to expect. He’d never been to camp and was uncertain how he would fit into this new environment.

He said; “From the moment I arrived, I was surprised at how quickly it felt like home. The camp wasn’t just a place for the kids; it became a place for me too. More than just feeling welcomed, the other campers encouraged me to put myself out there, to try new things, and to grow alongside them.”

We asked Artrell a few questions about his experience this summer:

What are some challenges you had this summer as a new counselor and how did it help prepare you for your professional/personal development?

“One of the biggest hurdles I faced was confronting ideological differences within the organization, especially when it came to disrupting adultism. Before this summer, I didn’t fully realize how much I had internalized adultist behaviors in my teaching. Camp challenged me to rethink how I interact with young people, giving them a voice and taking their opinions seriously. I saw firsthand how this openness transformed our campers—they became more eager to share their thoughts, knowing they wouldn’t be judged or dismissed. This experience has made me a better camp counselor and has impacted how I approach my teaching back in the classroom.”

How have you seen campers grow or change during their time at camp?

“Spending so much time with the campers—seeing them from morning to night, day after day—offered a unique perspective that’s not possible in a traditional classroom setting. At camp, I could see their growth in real time. I did the math, and it would take me six weeks of daily classes to spend the same amount of time with my students as I did with my campers in one week.”

“One of the most eye-opening realizations I had was after the first session of camp. I honestly felt that the feelings that I had been searching for in my years of teaching - I had more of those feelings in just one week of camp than I did after years of teaching. The work I did mattered—it was memorable and meaningful not just for the campers, but for me as well.”