Session Break Number One

So here I am on my first session break. During Orientation I volunteered to work for any session breaks that I was needed, but I was very relieved that I wasn't called in this time. We've been going almost non-stop since June 20th, and it was just time for a break.

I thought that now would be a good time to just reflect a bit on the things I learned during the first session.

Lessons Learned:

• No cell phone = Not so bad.



• "Play the chill card."



• Check their shirts and pockets before washing their clothes.



• Many "minute warnings" makes one's cabin on time.



• It's just as important to tell the girls what they're doing well as it is to remind them of behaviors they should change.



• Make cabin expectations crystal clear from day one.



• 14-year-old girls want my approval... even if they don't.



• Meal chores must be assigned.

I never want to forget...

• What it felt like to conduct a band.



• The experience of working with Dr. Matthew Westgate



• The warm fuzzies of sitting in the sunshine in Stewart Shell listening to the Symphony Band's dress rehearsal.



• Hugs from campers.



• My camper's 14th birthday.



• Dancing with fellow counselors at the camper dance.

There's so much more that I could write about, but sometimes the words don't come. My overall impressions: I did a pretty good job on round one, and with the lessons that I've learned, I'll do a really good job in session two!