Have you ever attended a camp? West Chester University holds over 20 camps during the summer that provides opportunities for a variety of students from ages 7 to 22 years old.
According to VISTA.Today, this includes music, theater, visual arts, writing, sports, and career focused programs. Although there is a variety of programs, sometimes they share the same schedules. This presents some challenges for iCamp counselors.
iCamp is one of the many programs held at WCU and is in its 10th year. West Chester is taking it up a notch, and this year has had the most student participants. iCamp is a week-long experience where students are enrolled in a class of their choice with other activities and breaks throughout the day. Most camps held at WCU last for one week and sometimes two. Interactions between students of different camps happen during lunch time or lounge areas.
After the first instructional period, counselors like Francis Ashley-Carner said that WCU is doing what they can, even when things get busy. “I think West Chester does the best they can do,” Ashley-Carner said.
Ashley-Carner is documenting iCamp’s 10th anniversary. As he’s collected data, observed various workshops, and interviewed contributors of iCamp, he’s noticed challenges with crowds. “It’s in the cafeteria mostly that I see overlap,” Ashley-Carner said.
He has to find time in a quiet space to get work done to his best ability. In Ashley-Carner’s opinion, iCamp leaders have been doing a good job with balancing everything on campus, limiting distractions. Most of the time areas stay stress free but the shared eating space can get crowded.
This isn’t the iCamp first rodeo but with so many participants and other camps, balance can be difficult. Staff members have many tasks throughout the day to keep things going in a structured manner. Experienced counselors help students with project clarification, deadlines, and other priorities. iCamp is expected to see growth in the future also with other camps hosted at West Chester.
Another counselor Jeramie Hampton also feels that iCamp is doing the best at being efficient, but it’s also important to remember your role. “I got to be able to advocate, and also need to be able to navigate and recognize people’s faces and names,” Hampton said.
Hampton said it’s important to be playful when leading games and fun activities, while also being able to switch it off and be serious. Managing camps requires a strong voice and the ability to keep everyone together and informed on their group. “I shall say yes to the best of their capacity [and] to their ability” Hampton said.
iCamp counselors do a good job ensuring everyone has fun while also keeping it a safe and structured environment.
Past iCampers are able to enroll for another summer experience and the demand is at its highest this year. While there is more than one West Chester summer program, iCamp is being celebrated for its longevity. It’s a program that welcomes new faces, and honors old participants.