So, two weeks ago, I came to Camp Baldwin as a camper with my troop. If you don't know what Camp Baldwin is, then let me tell you. It's on Mt. Hood, and it has a lake, a rifle range, an archery range, horses and a home on the range. But seriously, it's a pretty great camp.
Anyways. When I was there, I was impressed with the staffers positiveness and just general awesomeness. A few of the staffers said to me: "Hey, you should staff" and I considered it. If I staffed, not only would I be doing it for free, but I would also miss my favorite campout of the year with my troop. This saddened me, but I knew that it would all work out in the end, so I said I would staff.
I came home, cleaned my gear, slept, repacked and went back all within 20 hours. There was a slight problem with this; I was very tired upon entering camp. All through the week, I struggled to learn the rules, (Often learning by breaking the rules, and then being rebuked.) but once I started getting the hang of things, life got easier.
Things were going great until I suddenly started to get a sore throat, upset stomach, and a runny nose. I took lots of vitamin C, but alas, I fear that it was too little, too late.
Then, on Friday, my parents surprised me with their presence. I told them how I was doing, and with the permission of the head of staff, I left that night.
Back home I recovered fairly quickly, and got to go on my favorite campout anyway.
So all in all, it's been a great time, and I really, want to go back next year.
Peace Out
-Josh
:Edit:
After spending over a year thinking about it, I have no idea how I would want to go back. It was fun at times, but man, that was what one might describe as a
PERFECT example of stressful environment*. I don't know if staffing isn't for me, or if Baldwin specifically isn't for me, but either way, I don't know how likely it is that I'll staff at any camp in the future. But we shall see.
*
•Lying about age to children
•Faking having a great time
•Strict uniform policies
•Staff didn't seem like they were having fun all the time
•Constant unspoken expectancy of perfect following of rules (That were not stated)
•Huge amount of Mormons, who didn't show very much acceptance towards Christians
•Very rude and bossy manager
•Very obnoxious and backstabbing employees (Not all, but plenty enough to notice)
