The Huawni Counselor Difference

This time of year I spend a lot of my time talking to families looking at Huawni for the first time. I inevitably I get asked, “What makes Huawni unique as a summer camp?” One of Huawni’s most defining characteristics is truly our 3:1 camper to counselor ratio. But, it’s not just the ratio that is significant— it’s the quality of that “1” counselor.

Just this week I had the opportunity to chat with one of our Huawni moms— Allison R. from the Houston area. Allison shared with me an amazing story about how and why her son’s hero was his Huawni counselor. They both happened to be named James. Hope you enjoy my interview with Allison!

How did you first hear about Huawni?

When we were looking for a summer camp for our children Eden and James, we pulled up most of the reputable Texas camps and researched them individually. It would be the very first time our kids went away to an overnight camp, so we were hypersensitive to their first “away from home” experience. Eden was 9 and James was 7 years old. We wanted them to go to a co-ed camp where they could see each other during the day “in case” they were feeling homesick and needed a hug from each other. Our dear friends (The McKenzie’s) were sending two of their girls to summer camp, as well— so we were in this process together and wanted our kids to go to the same one, if possible. A lot of the camps we were looking at seemed “too big” for the little kids. (KK’s youngest was 6 at the time.) KK was a Huawni camper and shared with us her experience growing up there in the summers. Our families settled on Camp Huawni because it was a smaller co-ed camp, had Christian values, was ‘old-school’ simple— nothing fancy, no electronics… just being outdoors and finding fun in the environment and people around you. The McKenzie’s also knew the camp directors, which was a HUGE blessing… we knew they would keep an eye out on our babies and love on them while we were away from them for the 2 week session.

I loved that Camp Huawni asks questions to get to know your children well BEFORE camp starts. – Allison

What did you experience as a parent before Camp and what questions did you have about quality of care/cabin counselors?

Before camp started, I was nervous and excited for their upcoming experience. I was worried that they wouldn’t have the right things in their trunk.. that maybe we over packed or did not pack enough. I was worried that they would be homesick and would want to come home. I was worried they would get sun burned or forget to brush their teeth for 2 weeks. I was excited for their “firsts” at camp… the friends they would make from all over Texas, the fun games they would get to play, the songs they would learn. I was excited for the tribal competitions and wondered what tribe they would forever claim. I was excited about the fish they would catch, the mud fights, the cabin inspections and most importantly, I was excited to see how much independence they would gain after being away from home for 2 solid weeks. We trusted that the camp directors would carefully choose the best counselors to help lead their camp. Before their session started, we got a packet in the mail that had pictures and descriptions of the counselors— where they were from and what their interests were. The kids LOVED looking through this and reading about these college kids that they would get to know. The seemed fun and goofy and really sweet.

Eden and James both adored their camp counselors their first year. – Allison

What was your hope coming into Camp as far as your kids and their counselors?

Our prayer for Eden and James was that they were matched with the best counselor to fit their personality. Eden would need someone to help bring her out of her shell a bit and try new things. James would need a guy who was encouraging and nurturing (I was afraid James would be homesick the most)… fun and challenging. I loved that the camp asks questions to get to know your children well BEFORE camp starts, in hopes of pairing them with the counselors that would suit their needs the best.

After camp was over, what did your kids experience with their Huawni counselors?

Eden and James both adored their camp counselors their first year. James, in particular, found a special friendship with one of his counselors named James Walker. I remember driving home after pick up and noticing James with tears in his eyes because he was already ‘missing’ James Walker. I just kept thinking how lucky he was to have had such a wonderful counselor that made saying ‘goodbye’ so hard. James Walker has made such an impression on James. They share such a special bond and I wish I had a picture for every time we get a text from him in Montana (with our permission of course!). It makes James’ day. Its the little things that go such a long way.. and as a mom, it really means a lot to me that James Walker sincerely cares for my boy and makes a point to reach out to him, even though camp is over. I will let James share more about his friendship with his “best friend”, James Walker. James: “The first year at camp, I did not know anybody and I was wanting to meet some new friends. At first I was wanting to get to know the counselors, so I went over to one of the bunk-beds and said, “Hello, what is your name?” The counselor said, “Hi, my name is James- what is yours?” “My name is James!”, I replied. I was happy that someone actually has my same name. A little bit later, me and James where dead in conversation talking about stuff that we had in common. The year after that he was my conselor again . After camp last summer, my family met up at a place to have lunch and play some video-games. We still text and talk on the phone all the time. When he comes to Texas again, we will meet up again. Every time I see him I feel really special and happy. He encourages me to try new things and whenever I am feeling down, he always cheers me up. He is my best friend and I am so thankful for him and that camp brought us together.”

What made camp special for the kids that made them want to come back to Huawni the 2nd year? What affect did their counselors have on that?

Eden and James loved their first summer at Huawni. They came home with sweet stories about new friendships and new traditions. They both seemed so ‘grown up’ in just 2 weeks. They were more independent and seemed more mature in some ways. It was really fun to see that subtle change in both of them. They were both more confident in themselves. I certainly think their counselors played a huge part in their growth that session. There is a time where the counselors write each camper a sweet note. Eden pinned her note on her bullutin board when she got home. James and James Walker kept in touch a bit after camp ended and I guarantee that he was one of the main reasons James wanted to go back for a second year. We kept saying, “James, we can’t guarantee that James Walker will be your counselor again next summer.” James replied, “That’s okay. I would still get to see him at camp everyday and I know that I can do anything just knowing he is there.” — meaning he would try new things and if he got homesick, James would be there to help him get through it. When we were dropping off the kids at camp for their 2nd summer, they went to get their cabin assignments as we waited for the gates to open. (A counselor was passing them out at the gate.) I could see James running back to the car with his eyes wet and the BIGGEST SMILE on his face. “MOM!! James is my counselor again!!” All was right in our world… thanks to James Walker and the camper/counselor match maker!)

They sincerely care for your children and WANT to be there, most of them returning year after year just to help guide your kids through camp and watch them grow. – Allison

What would you say to another mom or dad looking at Huawni who has questions about quality of care/cabin counselors?

I would reassure the moms looking at Huawni that the counselors that the staff invites each summer are all amazing. They sincerely care for your children and WANT to be there, most of them returning year after year just to help guide your kids through camp and watch them grow. I love that the camp is small enough where our children got to know other counselors besides their own, too. Each counselor has their own experiences and stories and there will be at least one who connects with your child on a level that impacts their world. Eden and James both felt so special knowing that college kids wanted to hang out with them and spend quality time with them. Rest assured that your children will be loved on and loved on and loved on while they are away.

Want to meet the rest of the Huawni Staff? Meet them here