Growth at Camp the Running Deer
What does growth and youth development really look like at Camp? Great question. For years Camp Huawni has been a place where children feel comfortable in their own skin. There are countless stories over the years of people growing in various ways.
So how exactly does it happen today at Huawni?
Environment
Much of what Camp has been for years is free space for children to run and play and be unplugged from the pressures of life. More recently that means unplugged from technology as well. Being in open-air cabins, sharing space with 11 other campers, and getting out of your comfort zone a little creates an environment for growth. Much of what we do at Huawni (i.e. the daily schedule, after supper free time, traditions) are the same from when we started back in 1965. This environment essentially lays the groundwork for our campers’ growth and part of how we do youth development.
Intentionality & Beliefs
I hate using the word intentional too much because I feel like it can communicate to some of us that things are manufactured or not real. That said, I believe true intentional living is vital to our own growth and flourishing. That said, at Huawni we have chosen to set up environments and experiences for our campers and staff that point them to our true goal- for campers and staff to leave our gates knowing their true significance and purpose. When we say true significance, we mean innate, inborn wirings…things we were created with that we can’t take credit for. When we say true purpose, we mean a one-of-a-kind calling in life that only we are made to do, and do well. So, how does this happen at Camp? First of all, much of our environment (as mentioned previously) is already set up for this to happen. This is a huge first step. Secondly, we do everything we can to truly walk the walk of our values. Here they are.
- We believe that simple fun is the most fun.
- We believe that we were made to play outdoors.
- We believe that rich tradition provides consistency in an inconsistent world.
- We believe that life is meaningful relationships.
- We believe that true significance and purpose begins and ends with our Creator God.
The Huawni Stepping Stones Journey
As far as environments that we hope for campers to experience, here’s a brief overview of what that looks like. Our ultimate hope would be that a camper starts Huawni at an early age and experiences all of these things! We think it gives them a great foundation for truly thriving.
Camper Years (K-9th Grade)
We want this group of campers to experience the joy, fun, and love of Camp Huawni as a cabin counselors. We hope to create a loving and accepting environment where kids have fun, feel valued and cared for, and learn responsibility. We also want campers to experience real love, which for us means uplifting language, putting others first, virtue (or goodness), and encouragement.
Running Deer (10th-11th Grade)
Our Running Deer Program is designed to give our last two-camper year campers special experiences, more responsibility, and beginning aspects of the big questions “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?”. This is an opportunity to prepare them for college life and to give them service hours that they can put on their resume.
Counselor in Training (CIT) (12th Grade)
The CIT Program at Huawni is about serving, learning, and growing. Not only do our CITs work very hard to keep camp clean, but they also meet for huddles twice a week to dive further into who they are and their calling in life (true significance and purpose). Here’s a real life testimony from Grace who was a CIT last summer.
Huawni Staff (College Years)
As counselors, we hit the ground running with development before they ever arrive on campus. Our goal is for our staff to live out loving the kids (LTK) and to be the role models that ultimately point campers to their true significance and purpose. Being on staff is very hard— usually the hardest job counselors have ever had. BUT…the rewards on the back end of the summer are priceless, and counselors will attest to that.
Legacy Development Program
At the end of each summer we invite a few of our counselor into the Legacy Development Program (LDP). LDP is for any counselor with at least a year under their belt at Huawni who really want to dive deep into discovering their true significance and purpose. LDs commit to 3 summers at Huawni, and if they complete the journey, get a $5,000 check that will go towards whatever is next (i.e. graduate school, starting a business, etc.). During the year, LDs have monthly assignments and journals, get a Flippen 360 profile, get expert coaching, and get connected each year with a career mentor that is a field they’re passionate about. Our first graduate of the program will be Billy Martin, our Men’s Staff and Boys Camp Director.
Running Deer Program
Just recently the Running Deer campers had a chance to enjoy an extra experience at Huawni. Anna and Bryan hosted them for their first hangout…a dinner picnic with Whataburger! Our Running Deers have got to do some really fun things this session! Here are some more pictures from their picnic outing!
