I'm the NORA Recreation Summer School Camp Director, Grace Henion, and this is 'How I Camp'

Name: Grace Henion

Name of Camp: NORA Recreation Summer School

Location: Grand Haven, Michigan

Years in the Camp Industry: 4

One word that best describes your approach to camp management: Flexible

Take us through a day at camp under your leadership. What does a typical day look like from start to finish?

Every day at NORA starts the same: greeting over 50 smiling faces and preparing to enjoy a jam-packed day of fun! We begin by participating in a few quick-running laps around the school. This is a fantastic way to warm up our bodies and release energy. Then, we follow up with group stretches across the soccer field. This consists of lunges, crab walks, and sometimes a grapevine dance to finish it off. After stretching and feeling ready for our day, we gather to play in a whole camp activity. Typically, we will run a game of sharks and minnows, Mr. Fox, or Freeze tag. This allows us to interact with all the campers before we break into our stations. After a quick SBW (sunscreen, bathroom, water) break, stations begin! Led by our excellent camp staff, these stations are organized according to age group. Each age group will cycle through various outdoor activities we have planned for each day. With four different stations, each group has about 15 minutes to try a new game or skill with a different camp leader. After the groups complete each station, the campers are directed to the playground for free time! During free time, campers enjoy the many beautiful features of the campsite, including basketball courts, four squares, and an epic number of fort-building opportunities in the surrounding woods.

Describe the heart of your camp. What's the central area or the main hub where activities or gatherings take place?

The heart of NORA is the soccer field in the middle of the school. This is a perfect meeting space as it is large enough to accommodate all campers and staff. The campers know that we will meet on the soccer field anytime we gather as a group.

What are some essential tools, apps, or equipment you rely on to keep camp operations running smoothly?

Making sure NORA runs smoothly takes many different tools and tricks. We are so lucky to have such a fantastic community and staff that helps facilitate these daily camp needs. NORA depends equally on our basics, such as sports equipment and craft materials. These items keep NORA fun all summer long!

What’s a challenge you’ve recently faced at camp, and how are you working to overcome it? A recent challenge that has taken place is the recurring issue of camper participation. Not all campers are always willing to try new activities each day. This can become challenging when the staff is trying to lead a whole group but also trying to accommodate campers who are unwilling to participate. To overcome this issue, we have developed a system that allows campers to have more say in their activities. If they are willing to give each activity their best effort, we, as camp staff, allow the campers to take a supervised break. This break can include something the camper might find more enjoyable, like a guided craft or reading a book outside. We have had great success introducing campers to new things they may only have had the opportunity to participate in if they were encouraged to try their best. Our goal at NORA is always to create a fun and safe environment for each camper.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received about managing a successful and enjoyable camp?

The best advice I have received about managing a successful and enjoyable summer camp is to “go with the flow.” It is unrealistic to expect each day to go exactly as planned with no errors. Acting quickly on your feet is a precious quality, and I have learned so much from these experiences. Going with the flow allows me to prepare for anything and everything daily.

What book, podcast, or resource do you think every camp director should read or listen to, and why?

Because I am still learning so much about being a camp director, I haven’t had much time to immerse myself in outside resources. I would love to learn more about this topic in my free time!

How do you organize and prioritize camp tasks and responsibilities, especially during the busy summer season?

Staying organized and on task is super important to me during the summer. I have many systems to ensure I can manage my time efficiently. Ensuring every activity and item needed is on site and set up in advance is essential. Communication with staff is also super valuable to me when trying to stay organized as a whole camp.

What’s the most creative excuse you’ve heard from a camper trying to get out of an activity, and how did you respond?

The most creative excuse I have heard from a camper trying to get out of an activity would be a classic: “I am sore from practice last night!” My response remains the same: “If you’re so sore, you won’t be able to participate all day…” At this point, the FOMO (fear of missing out) kicks in, and suddenly there is no more soreness!

If you could invent a new, wildly popular camp activity that perfectly captures the spirit of your camp, what would it be and why? NORA campers can paint on rocks and place them around the school yearly. Each rock is a representation of the camper’s individuality. I believe that NORA has captured the creativity of each camper and allowed them to demonstrate that in a unique way.