How Summer Camp Helped Me Grow My Confidence
Summer camp is a fantastic place to build your confidence. Coming from an introvert, you'd never be able to guess just how much you can grow in 9 weeks at camp.
My name is Josh, and I am an introvert.
I’m shy when I first meet people, I prefer to hold back rather than be the centre of attention, and I love being in my own company. As you can guess, I was a little worried about whether I’d make a good camp counselor. After-all, summer camp is for loud, fun people who are full of energy and charisma, right? Although there’s lots of those people at camp, there are other types of people too - including me. Summer camp helped me build my confidence and come out of my shell - here’s why.
Summer camp allowed me to see people in a new light. I was able to see people for who they were, rather than their stereotypes.
I became a better version of myself at camp. I'd like to think I was a role model to my campers, but if I'm being honest, they became role models to me, too.
My story starts back in 2014, when I first applied for Camp Leaders. My tutor in college convinced me to apply for summer camp as a student job, and something inside me told me to go for it. I applied, and before I knew it, I was placed at a special needs summer camp. Success! In the lead up to camp, I spent hours reading blogs and watching vlogs on the Camp Leaders Youtube channel, and though the experience looked fantastic, I had a hard time imagining myself being a ‘camp counselor’.
Fast forward to summer and, as I predicted, I met lots of extroverts.
But I was also surprised that I also met loads of people that were just like me. I quickly found out that summer camp is for everyone - no matter how extraverted or introverted you are, where you come from, or what you love to do. The best part? We all found our own way to become our best selves at camp, by playing to each other’s strengths. Diversity is one of the most amazing aspects of cultural exchange, and summer camp is the best place to bring different people together. Camp Directors look for staff who will be a good fit for the culture of their camp, in order to make sure everyone has an amazing experience. I instantly felt a connection to my camp and the people there. Regardless of our personality types, I was able to become the best version of myself.
Throughout the summer, I felt my confidence growing. I slowly pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and began to challenge problems head-on. I faced so many scenarios and situations that were brand new to me. From campers, to parents, to colleagues, I became very good at dealing with people. My peers at camp began to see me as someone who was a leader, who could solve any problem or they could turn to for advice.
My once in a lifetime experience turned into four summers at camp.
Remember the shy kid who could barely picture himself as a camp counsellor? Well, he grew from a general counselor, to a head counselor, and then to a program director. Each year, the extra challenges and responsibilities enabled me to become more confident and grow as an individual. In my final summer, I was expected to lead, organise, and entertain the whole of camp. Being away from the social pressures of society, summer camp helped me grow from being a person who would turn bright pink when placed in the centre of attention, to commanding attention from over 100 staff.
I feel as though all of my personal confidence building led up to a defining moment. It was a moment in the summer of 2017, during my camp’s Christmas in July celebration. It’s an annual event where campers and counselors provide entertainment to raise money for charity. The event is open to the public, sponsors, family, and board members, and around 500 people attend each year. In 2017, after years of building my confidence, I was asked to be the host and MC for the day. All eyes were fixed on me. The shy 2014 version of me would never have done it - but when the moment came, I was ready.
How did I, Josh the introvert, get through the day in one piece? Honestly, the adrenaline probably helped. But I also applied the skills and confidence I’d developed at camp over four years. From being the shy guy to hosting an event in front of 500 people, the Christmas in July event allowed me to see how far I had come. As I stood on stage with the microphone, cracking jokes - I realised just how much summer camp helped me grow.
I'm living proof that summer camp is for introverts too.
For anyone who is worried about being introverted, or scared that they’re not a stereotypical extroverted outgoing camp counselor - don’t worry. Great camp counselors come in all different shapes, sizes, and personality types. You won’t be expected to be anything but yourself, so take the opportunity to grow at your own pace at camp. My advice would be to set yourself goals throughout the summer. From leading a campfire song, to volunteering to go down the zip-line first, think about a challenge you want to accomplish this summer. Create your own definition of what it means to be a ‘camp counselor’, just like I did. You might be surprised at just how much you grow.
Become part of the story.
