TL Staff 2010 are AMAZING! I enjoyed learning during the interviews what they had accomplished before, but now I am thrilled to see where they are willing to go. F&W is a values-based organization and I am proud of how people are not only open to learning new skills but also to leave behind the comforts of home, including all the props and conventions that decorate most young people’s lives. This staff is already showing strength and leadership on personal level.
While there is certainly a lot of work happening. We fill ourselves up with creative solutions and fun. Six days ago, staff begun their first day of orientation with a game. Instead of just a walking tour of camp, we opened with a skit, with a mission to accomplish:
Skit/Story:
The evil Papa Idol has taken the ability to make music from the cheerful denizens of Timberlake, once his plans to install a PA system are in place, there will be no stopping him, canned corporate music will reign for eternity and no one will be allowed to even hum a melody that hasn’t be corporate-approved.
Your mission is to travel through the land, finding the ingredients to a potion that will banish Papa Idol and let simplicity reign.
Every staff became familiar with the different areas of Barns and Gardens, Work Projects, Outdoor Living Skills, and the Waterfront. Returning staff were engaged, and everyone had to watch out for the “Schmeanies” (or Staff Handbook Meanies) who jumped out unexpectedly with questions from the staff handbook.
After this afternoon, we will have new Red Cross certified Lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors, Work Project, Barn and Gardens staff trained in Risk Management and curriculum design. Other courses include Trips Training, Outdoor Living Skills and others. And plenty of help in the kitchen with Pots and Hobart as well!
After a well-deserved day off, we’ll have a two day intensive Wilderness First Aid course.
And then the nine days of Staff “Week” begins.
We can’t wait for all the campers to arrive and make all this training worthwhile!