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Michael Baum

Michael's Story

If you were to tell someone one thing about Outpost, it would be...
...that it provides a safe place to really grow and challenge yourself. For me, I have been fortunate enough to become comfortable speaking in front of hundreds of people singing silly songs and explaining silly games. I have been challenged with having my first real-world instance of accountability to my bosses as well as campers, parents, and fellow staff, and seen the reward of meeting their expectations. As for the campers, I have seen them overcome fears of heights, the water, and even the fear of being rejected in a group of peers. Because of the structure of Outpost's small groups and three week sessions, it is great to witness the change and development of each and every camper throughout the summer.

Senior Outpost just LOOOOOVES Michael!

I never expected...
...Outpost to play as big of a role in my life as it has. I first heard about Outpost from my friend, Candace, who suggested I volunteer for three weeks with her as a JC. Having nothing better to do that summer, I agreed. I had so much fun learning the games, songs, and working with such amazing campers that I decided to instantly sign up for the rest of the summer. The following year, I pushed for a paid position as maintenance specialist, and became the youngest person ever on paid staff. This was an incredible experience because it gave me the opportunity to see many different counselor styles, group dynamics, and how camp worked in terms of the big picture. Overall, the last eight years have been incredible!

The person a big impact on me was Jon White (former Senior Counselor, 2003-2004). because...
One person that had a big impact on me was Jon White because he was my first mentor at Outpost. Jon was my first senior counselor at Outpost when I started as a JC, and really helped boost my confidence for working with groups and public speaking. After the first few days at campfire, I remember Jon was adamant that I go up and lead a song in front of the whole camp. Being that he was my supervisor, I decided "why not". After getting that first push to just go up and do it, I was hooked and have been happily leading songs and games ever since.

Jon also gave me the skills and insight for handling conflicts with groups. One particular moment that stands out was after two kids were arguing about a stick they were using in a fort "stick shop". I had just seen him handle a very similar dispute minutes before, so he sent me in to sort out the current dilemma. To my surprise, I did it with ease! I think that much of my counselor skills can be attributed to Jon; getting on children's level, finding out both sides of a story, learning everyone's name as the first thing.

One thing that surprised me about working with kids at camp was...
...just how imaginative they can be. I will never forget my first day walking into a fort with my second-youngest boys group. When we walked under the shade of the tree, I remember the excitement on their faces when we discovered that the fort had never been taken, according to the big book of forts. Within minutes, our fort had a rock maze, stick shop, television, campfire, mini golf course (it worked!) and so much more. Seeing the excitement and imagination in each and every one of my campers was a remarkable experience.