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Eric

Eric's Story

If you were to tell someone one thing about Outpost, it would be...
...The experience is so wonderful you'll find yourself looking forward to the next summer as soon as summer ends. I take so many memories away from camp and I always think about what challenges and friendships the next year might bring.

The bottom line of Outpost, in my opinion, is people. Instead of office buildings and computers, Outpost is built on relationships with co-workers, with campers, with directors, and with friends. The staff is always communicative and friendly, and the campers always grow and learn about themselves in the process of making friends and lasting memories.

In many ways being an Outpost staff member has given me enough chance to find out about myself as being a camper gave me. Camp is a really unforgettable experience that I wouldn't change for anything.

Eric with his Senior Outpost group as a JC

I like the relationships that are built at camp...
...because all of them are special and unique. The relationships one develops with his campers, coworkers, and the camp spirit all make Outpost a wonderful environment to work and play. Everyone is different, so everyone bonds with each other in different ways. It's great to see how all the campers bond with each other, and it's a blast to see them interact with each other day to day.

Something I learned about myself from working at camp is...
...that I have a strong capability to handle problems under pressure. Before Outpost, I tended to cave a little when pushed into a sticky situation. Now that I have camp experience I have become talented in making quick decisions. From handling disputes to communicating with my senior counselor, I have grown into a talented mediator.

I never expected...
...the level of responsibility I needed as a staff member. As a camper, it seemed as though everything around me was run perfectly and smoothly. I never realized what hard work and dedication it takes to make camp as exciting, safe, and enjoyable as it is. Outpost always requires me to perform at my best, and it feels great to have a place where I can work hard and have fun at the same time. So much has to be taken into consideration when working at camp, especially about the kids. This makes camp even more rewarding, because I know I've made a difference in a child's life if I've done my work well.

One of the coolest things about working at Outpost was...
...the way Outpost professionalism requires having fun and being silly. It's great to get involved because everyone expects enthusiasm and it's just more fun if you loosen up yourself. I enjoy helping first-time campers get over their fears or reservations and helping them break out of their comfort zones. It was never really hard for me to be enthusiastic about camp, and I love sharing my enthusiasm and love of camp with others. Outpost is really the most fun if you just get into it.