Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Oak 3 Team Heads Back to Camp at Sherman Lake YMCA

Nick tests for his belaying certification with the assistance of his climber, Christian.

Members of Oak 3 design their own shrinky dinks during arts and crafts training.

By Novastarr Nelson

Who remembers going to camp? Remember the campfires, songs, games, stories and great outdoor activities? It was a life changing experience for those who were able to go in elementary or middle school. For the members of Oak 3 who have attended camp before, they get to relive the experience. For those who haven’t, they finally get that chance!

Oak 3 is working at Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center as camp counselors, participating in the fall integrated education program for the next three weeks. The team has the opportunity to lead and participate in a variety of exciting activities like archery, rock climbing, and canoeing. They have played capture the pig, survival in the forest, and even learned fire building techniques.

It’s not all fun and no work at Sherman Lake, though. Extensive training and orientation is required for counselors in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for campers. The team’s training is one week long and covers YMCA policies and procedures, peace talks, and safety training. Members are taught the signs of bullying and peer pressure, examples of appropriate touch or contact, and informed of proper social media etiquette.

It is of the utmost importance to Sherman Lake YMCA that their campers are always safe and learn honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility in every activity that they do. As camp counselors, Oak 3 is ready and excited to facilitate that learning with the hope that the lessons and experiences at camp follow them throughout their lives.