Home / News & Publications / Michigan Catholic News / 2008 / Camp is a life-changing experience for campers — and counselors
Camp is a life-changing experience for campers — and counselors
by Lyric Zobl special to the Michigan Catholic
Published July 18, 2008
When I was 12 years old, I attended Camp Stapleton for girls through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul conference of my home parish, St. Jude in Detroit.
I remember feeling homesick when I first arrived, but my amazing counselors and all the new games and songs quickly made me feel at home. I experienced so much in that one week.
I learned how to count in German from my counselor who was really from Germany.
I got to hike through our infamous but incredible Sucker's Creek.
And I learned how to make different kinds of "lace jewelry" or friendship bracelets.
I took away from my week at Stapleton more than just great memories and new skills, however; I also brought home with me a deeper appreciation for nature and for people of different nationalities. Because my counselors always encouraged me to participate and introduced me to lots of new activities, I also feel I learned to open up and be less shy.
A visit to Ozanam in 2004 led me to volunteer there as a counselor-in-training, and I came back again the next summer. Since then, I have worked at Ozanam as a counselor, a nature activity specialist, and a health officer.
Every year at camp teaches me something new and different.
Being a counselor has helped me learn valuable lessons such as time management and how to communicate effectively with co-workers.
Of course, I have especially learned a lot about children — everything from how best to entertain and educate them, to basic behavior management.
Being a nature activity specialist and getting to lead hikes and tend barnyard animals has given me the opportunity to introduce children to nature up close and in-depth.
I feel strongly that experiencing nature is essential if kids are to learn to love and respect the creations God has made. Being a health officer, my duties include dispensing medicine and giving first aid when needed, and this has taught me patience, compassion, and how to care for others when they are sick or injured. These qualities will definitely help me as I study to become a nurse.
I really don't know who I would be today without the learning experiences I have had here at camp. It has influenced who I am and who I want to be.
Because of camp, I am more outgoing, more understanding and wiser. Above all, living in an environment where everyone is encouraged to learn about and live out their faith has really strengthened my personal relationship with God. I know that these experiences are not limited to me. I see everyday how other counselors and campers benefit from Camp Ozanam.
I have seen children swim for their first time ever in a lake.
I have personally given kids their first Bible to keep.
I have watched lifelong friendships develop.
I know that the kids who come to our camp are blessed to be here, and I know that they will take away from their time here life-changing experiences — just like I did.
Lyric Zobl, 19, is a camp counselor at Camp Ozanam and a nursing student at Oakland University. She is a guest columnist for The Michigan Catholic.
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