This summer I’ve taken
on the role of camp counselor. Camp is
the perfect opportunity to develop my leadership skills. As we end week three I’m reflecting on the magic of summer camp.
Camp is a place where we work to create
community and celebrate summer with purpose.
This can be a challenge but it’s also so rewarding as a teacher. Last week, as we headed to blacktop to play
basketball one of my students moaned that she wasn’t playing. She clearly thought that if she lingered long
enough in the back of the line I wouldn’t notice her sitting on the curb apart
from the others. She was out of the
luck--- her classmates rushed ahead of me to meet my co counselor on the
pavement. We were now walking beside one another.
“Miss Julie, I’m not playing.” She was firm as
she dragged her feet to meet the others. So I said, “We’re going to play together. Then, I gave her a
challenge. “Let’s see who can score more baskets you or
me.” And just like that, she began running across the black top to the hoop. As
she ran her voice grew louder and louder. “ I’m gonna play Miss Julie!” One of the tallest girls in the group looked
at me laughing, “Miss Julie, you’re gonna lose.
“Let’s see,” I said.
I stood as close as I could to the hoop took a shot
and missed. Then, I passed the ball to the camper I had challenged. She missed and tossed it back. It seemed as if the rest of the girls had
quickly given up on the game. I need more people on my team,” I shouted! One girl stood up and shot the ball. “That’s
two points for Miss Julie, she yelled! Another student stood to join her
friend. On the sidelines, someone
protested, “Miss Julie’s got to score her own points.”
They tossed me the ball. “You think I’m going
to make it?” I asked. I stood close to
the basket and aimed for the hoop. The
ball bounced against the backboard and through the hoop. I had
just made a basket! I smiled with
both joy and surprise. We continued to
play and each time I attempted there was an excitement that I might make it
again. It was clearly beginners luck but
all of my campers were having fun!
As we headed back
inside the camper I had challenged walked along side of me. Why did so many people want to be on your
team?” she asked. “I’m really bad at
basketball and needed way more help then you did,” I said. My answer seemed sufficient and she skipped
to the water fountain.
It seems that playing basketball
with students has left me more grateful for the people who’ve chosen to be on
my team. The people who
challenge me to meet obstacles with a potential for endless possibilities,
offer encouragement, and never let me lose sight of my ability to make a difference. GO TEAM!
