WRTCA CAMPS

Group Living

The heart of therapeutic camping is the structures small groups process in the out-of-doors. Each camp has several groups of ten campers and two counselors (respectfully called "chiefs"). Campers are placed in groups of similar age and maturity levels, but with varying backgrounds and types of problems.

Each group lives in a secluded campsite of ten tent-cabins resembling a small village. Several sleeping tents, a cooking tent, and dining tent are connected by well-kept trails.

The tents are constructed of a tarp roof over a natural pole frame with insulated walls. Campers participate in every stage of the tent-building process, including design and construction.

From the time they arrive, campers are partners in all life around them. They and their chiefs make daily plans at least a week in advance, considering all the basic needs of safe and responsible living. They construct shelters, cook meals two days a week, cut wood, care for their mountain trails, and play games together.

With a balance between work and play, the plans themselves provide objective discipline and a sense of personal worth. Campers feel pride in their accomplishments when a meal tastes delicious or a strudy shelter keeps them dry.

The group's success depends on each camper's level of responsibility. No one can evade problems long, as the camper is known by what he says and does. When a problem surfaces, the group gathers in a circle or "huddles up" to discuss the issue at hand. Each member helps to identify the attitude or behavior and discuss solutions. The consistent approach to dealing with problems immediately becomes a habit and life skill for the camper.

Through the ups and downs of camp life, a chief remains a dependable friend and helper. This person cares enough to become deeply involved in the child's life. His dedication and care provide a secure atmosphere where healing relationships can develop.

These relationships are not built around camper's negative behavior, but through positive activities such as making a bed, exploring a creek, or constructing a new tent.

Education

The education program at camp is an important part of everyday life. No formal classes are held, but in solving the daily problems of survival, intensive education does occur. A grade of 98% would not be passing if a wrong tarp measurement caused a leak over one's bed, or careless food budgeting resulted in a skimpy meal.

Writing experiences for the camp newspaper often shows creative talent that would thrill an English teacher, Likewise, sketches and nature crafts reveal artistic gifts. Sharing camp experiences and insight in the dining or outdoor chapel are excellent ways to develop communication skills. Campsite cooking and tent building provide many opportunities to sharpen mathematical skills. Books are available for resource and reference in the camp library.

Groups enjoy taking educational rambles through camp's many acres of woodlands and observing life around them. Campers often identify items they find, or plants and animals they see, and write an article about their discoveries.

All this is done in a relaxed, unhurried pace and allows the camper's natural curiosity to develop.

Camp education includes all subjects of study into everyday life, so that the campers view education as a part of life, and not only as a separate discipline. Many campers re-enter school at their regular age grade level.

Since the camp setting requires less conformity than a classroom, a camper can wiggle and squirm and still feel accepted. In time, campers relax and become confident enough that learning comes much easier.