Staff Forum It can be difficult to find a camp to match what you are looking for in a summer. With so many out there to choose from knowing what the camp is REALLY like people who have worked there can be extremely helpful. We asked past staff members to share their ideas, hints, suggestions, and thoughts on what being on the staff here at Flat Rock means to them. Below you will find our Nurse, staff from foreign countries, seasoned Senior Counselors, first year staff members, Directors, and former campers and CITs. If you want to know what you can expect from a summer here, read on! Percy Aikin (from India): 10 reasons why one should join the Flat Rock family: 1) The staff 2) The campers 3) The cool surroundings 4) The fact that even a first time counselor can achieve something here 5) The feeling of loving someone and knowing that someone really cares for you 6) The camp songs 7) The learning and growing experience 8) The long lasting relationships 9) The great food 10) And last but not the least the never-ending fun Flat Rock Camp the coolest place to be this summer. You won't regret it. Meagan Brown: When I drove up to Flat Rock for the first day of staff training last year, I was scared out of my mind! I had never gone to camp here, I didn't know a single person when I arrived that day. I intended on working one summer so I'd have the experience to work somewhere else the next. Being from Chicago I definitely couldn't see what this camp in the middle of nowhere Indiana could have to offer to me. Guess what, it's got PLENTY. By the end of second session, I was hooked, I realized there was no way I was ever going anywhere else. Staff training is awesome, nowhere else will you meet and form great relationships with such amazing people who will be there for you long after camp ends. At the end of the week you will sit there and think "Wow, this was so much fun, there's no way I'll have this much fun when I've got campers asking me the name of 'that brown horse over there' five times a day!" But don't worry, it gets even better! The campers are what make camp hands down the best way to spend nine weeks of your summer. Yes, there will be days when those campers and horses just won't cooperate with one another, or when you aren't getting a whole lot of sleep at night because your seemingly harmless camper snores louder than your rather large uncle after Thanksgiving, and you will not be able to figure out what made you want to do this in the first place. But it's when letters show up in your mailbox a few weeks later from campers thanking you and telling you how much they miss camp, or when those fourteen-year-old girl campers who you thought had incurable cases of "Too Cool Syndrome" run to you and knock you over trying to give you a hug, you realize, this is the best job in the world, and wow, you are really lucky to have such a positive effect on these kids while having so much fun, and oh man, why isn't camp any longer!! I also got to work with some REALLY cool people. I mean, everyone should get to work with Josh Harrell, Travis Morrison, Josh Richardt, Brendan McKiernan and Stephanie Kluck! So, the moral of the story is.if you love laughing, crying, singing at the top of your lungs (even if it is the Noah song for the 13 billionth time), working hard, being absolutely insane, and changing kids lives all at the same time, then come join us! If your heart is in it, the amazing staff, amazing campers, and amazing adventures at Flat Rock will definitely change your life forever. Gabriel Diaz-Alonso (from Australia): As I sit in my computer chair right now in my hometown in Australia, all I can think about is counting down the days till summer camp and itching to go there, and work with Josh Harrell, he's AWESOME!! Last year, I flew into Indianapolis got my ride to camp and there I was all by myself I knew nobody! In the space of 1 hour I made friends with 2 very special people who I know I will be friends with forever. After I met those 2 people I knew camp has this special vibe. Staff training was a bit boring but exciting at the same time, because you would never know what you are doing in an hours time or a days time. All in all staff training was great because you got to meet and become friends with all your fellow colleagues. When the kids came the following week I had no idea what I was in for, I was panicking the night before. After the first initial 10 minutes... I have never had so much fun in my whole entire life. The whole camp experience is nothing I expected it was so much more then I could ever dream of. To be there everyday in your own little community and make friends that are like your sibling to you, you will never find that anywhere! To see kids smile everyday and laugh and when they leave they say to do you thank you for the best summer ever. Nothing could ever compare to that making an impact in a child's life. I have never ever got so much satisfaction in something I have ever done in my life. All I can say is thank you FLAT ROCK SUMMER CAMP and for all you aspiring people who want to do summer camp at Flat Rock especially the overseas people. DONT HESITATE AND APPLY NOW YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT! The only bad thing I can think of about Summer Camp is saying good bye to your campers and especially the emotional good bye to your fellow work mates who you will never forget. Thanks for letting me express my little Autobiography of before and during summer camp life. Hope anyone who tends to apply has the most amazing summer as I have had. Suzie Dailer (Nurse): While serving as the camp nurse, this past summer, I was blessed to have the opportunity to have contact with all of the campers and the staff members and to share in their experiences of camp. I learned that serving as a Camp Nurse involves much more than bandaging wounds. It requires patience, comfort, understanding, and care, and coming to know this allowed me to learn about the beauty of a child. I know that my inner spirit was strengthened, and continues to be strengthened, by the life that the campers and staff shared with me. Ariel Dunn: Did you know that there is a shooting star every seven minutes? As I sat on my sleeping bag last summer in Hidden Paradise one Wednesday night with my co-counselor, my campers, our brother cabin, and the counselor from our brother cabin, I felt as if I couldn't move because I was so tired from playing Little Sally Walker before lunch and doing water aerobics during swim time when I wasn't life guarding. I knew that the campers would be up for another hour because they were still eating the marshmallows that we brought on the overnight. The girls were giggling and discussing the upcoming Western Dance. The boys were talking about the tetherball tournament during second clinic that day. They told us what they liked about school and what foods they couldn't stand. We talked about things that mattered to them. It seemed as if we had known each other for three years rather than three days. In three more short days, they would go back home having made incredible new friends and having learned exciting life-lessons. For the moment, though, they were in Paradise because it was way past their bed-time and they had had the opportunity to make their own dinners around a campfire. As we finally settled down into our cozy sleeping bags covered in bug spray and smelling like a campfire, we turned our faces toward the sky. We listened to the bugs and l ooked at the stars. Then I saw it. Through the trees, it soared across the sky like a bird just in flight. I heard a gasp and knew that they had all seen it too. The trail was visible for a long while afterwards. We made a wish and closed our eyes readying ourselves for the magnificent day ahead. You may be asking yourselves what in the world I am talking about. See for yourselves. Flat Rock will change your life. Libby Foxx: The past two summers at Flat Rock have been some of the greatest times of my life. Corny first line? Well, its hard not to be. The free spirit attitude of camp allows each councilor to jump back into their youth by playing games, singing crazy songs, and all other sorts of wacky activities. Attending college in St. Louis, Mo I dream often of Flat Rock's beautiful river, pond, forests, and general scenery. Ok, there I go again... But really, I don't think any job could offer someone the serenity, happiness, adventure, spontaneity, and opportunities connected with working in the elements. Where else are you required to sleep out under the stars, talk with friends around a campfire, or travel down river in a kayak? But all of this is cast in the shadow of the tremendous joy, laughter, energy, and ridiculousness amount of fun the campers bring! While working at camp might never make you a millionaire, the richness of heart and soul just one summer at Flat Rock offers keeps the girl coming back for more (groan?). But really, I enjoy the weekly benefits of s'mores and baked oatmeal! Vicki Fulbrook (from England): Fun. This is what you hope the kids get out of their summer experience, but as did I. Through bonding with the kids and making great friends with staff, taking part in daily activities and evening events. Lively. This is my first impression of camp until I started to develop this quality myself! It kept you on your toes and always busy, whether it is through campfire singing or any opportunity to dress up!! Amazing. Camp is a special place built from the foundations of a great staff team. It is hard work but everyone plays their part to make every experience for every camper a most fulfilling one. Trust. I trusted and respected every member of staff and knew that if I had any worries they were approachable. Responsibilty. Whether it be in the cabin or during your classes the kids are your responsibility, with back up and encouragement from staff though. If you just need a hand the staff will help. Original. My summer at Flat Rock was a great experience and unforgettable. It was fulfilling mentally, spiritually and physically. I had never experienced such a real sense of community and unity or been so tired ever before! The area was awesome with the river running right by the camp. Caring. Everyone always supportive to each other. So I want to Keep coming back! Josh Harrell: Is Flat Rock River YMCA the greatest place on earth? WELL...I really don't know if it is or not. I mean, i've seen the great wall of china, I've seen the pyramids of egypt, i've even seen a grown man eat pudding without his hands. These are pretty great things, but are they better than Flat Rock? Working with Brendan, Josh R. and Travis is great. Letting the kids win at knock-out is great. So are the corn dogs. I think its great that we have horses, and an Alpine Tower...I also think that Milton is great. So I dunno, what is the greatest thing in the world? Is it Flat Rock? I don't really know. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't, but either way, i'll see you in Macrame BTCOD, Get Big or Go Home. I'm out. Lucy Locker: Making the decision to join the Flat Rock staff was a difficult one, but it was definitely worth it. Although I didn't quite know what to expect, Flat Rock topped all expectations I could have had. The camp was incredible, the horses were a blast, the food was yummy, the Alpine Tower rocked, the kids were hilarious, and the staff was indescribably awesome, but it is the memories that are addictive and it is the memories that will continue to bring me back. Yes, the tents were sometimes cold and damp, the constant walking made my feet hurt, the showers regularly lost water pressure, I was hundreds of miles away from home, and my throat hurt from singing so many camp songs, but every smile I put on a child's face made it worth it. Every "side" hug I got made it worth it. Even the tears at closing campfire each week made it worth it. Each time a child learned something from me, I also learned something about myself. Working at Flat Rock taught me that I have something in common every single camper - we all left crying and counting down the days till we can come back and do it again.... Brendan McKiernan: Flat Rock is a magical place. I know it sounds corny, but it is true. Even when you are having a horrible, rotten day, there are always times where you will just laugh and laugh like you don't have a care in the world. I have spent part, if not all, of the last five summers of my life at Flat Rock, and it has been the best decision I have ever made. The people there are amazing. You spend the entire summer with people who want to have fun. I have met my closest friends at camp. When I talk to people, have bad days, have successes, it is my friends I met at Flat Rock that I tell. The atmosphere is fun. You wake up every morning wanting to go to your clinics and see the campers and other staff. It is an amazing feeling, seeing that little 7 year old shoot a bow and arrow and hit the target or when she catched her first fish. It was amazing. Plus, what better job can there be? They give you money to have fun. Travis Morrison: What an experience camp has been. Since my first day here at Flat Rock I felt like I was already part of the family. I look forward to spending my summer here ever year. What other job could you do where you get paid to play? There is nothing like playing a game of capture the flag, going to the pool, and kayaking all in the same day. Thats what I call a good time. Along with the all the games that are played at camp are the priceless relationship you will build with staff and campers. There is nothing more satisfying then helping someone overcome their fears and watch them throughout the week accomplish more and more challenges they have set for themselves. To sum up camp in one word would be impossible. There are way to many great experiences that happen at camp to limit it to just one word. Martin Mulenga (from Zambia): To better understand my views about Flat Rock River one must pay attention to the story of how I found myself there. I was not placed in a camp by the time I left Zambia, meaning I had not a slight picture in my mind of where I was going to spend the four months for which I was so determined to cross the ocean. Luckily it did not take long before my heart resumed its usual beating rate as the Flat Rock courtesy, of which I had been told about earlier on during orientation in New York, began exactly at the same time the Program Director picked me up (Responsibility) with my battered suit case from the Indianapolis Greyhound Drop off. He asked about my trip and how my stomach was doing (Caring). I told him I was so hungry (Honesty) and he went on to buy me breakfast. Thereafter he asked about my camp equipment and offered to buy what I was missing. I started relaxing looking at the way things were falling in place and knew the man deserved it (Respect). I adopted the same approach during Camp and surprisingly enough learned more about myself than I had in the many years preceding my time at camp. The staff and kids were just terrific to an extent where I eventually came to miss the line between being back in Africa and in the USA because I made a lot of friends whom I came to appreciate and respect very much. I encourage anybody out there not to look for an alternative camp. Flat Rock is where we all belong. It won't take most of you much, but look at me I had to travel over 10,000 miles to discover this wonderful feeling and am gonna do that again with a smile throughout! So, see you all next summer! To all the returning staff (LETS BRING IT!). Jeremy Perry: Is it worth it? Sometimes you ask yourself that when you go to do something new or different. A few common questions might be: is it going to be fun? Will I make friends? Will I do a good job? Will this help me out later? Well, the answer to all of those questions is YES. Who could not want to be a camp counselor? On one hand you get paid to play around with kids and make sure they have a good time. 2003 will be my sixth year working at a summer camp, and my second year at Flat Rock. It may be my last full summer before I have to completely concentrate on graduating and going to grad school. So why do I choose Flat Rock for this summer? It is simple Flat Rock is not just any other summer camp; it's a great one. You can really feel the sense of community and love. A few things you should know before coming to camp though. You must be willing to sacrifice. You must be willing to give up sleep. You must be willing to give up vacations. And most importantly you must give up any part of you that you are not willing to share. Why? It is simple, really! In the Garfield Christmas special, he says that it's the giving and not the receiving that counts. At camp, the more you give the more you will receive. Think about it, you have the opportunity to touch hundreds of lives. For some kids camp is the only break from reality there is. And to think you could be the one who makes an impact on their life forever, I can tell you personally, that is why I come back. It's ten times better than any other feeling of success and accomplishment. To know that you have made a positive impact on many children for the rest of their lives, you are the one who really gains the most. Most of my best friends I met working at summer camps! So I say ask yourself: "self, what am I doing that's so much more important than reaching the lives of hundreds of children?" Most people will probably come up with the same answer. On that note I leave you with a few last thoughts. A. Working at camp will give you some of the best life and work experience ever. B. You have the opportunity to be a true leader to people who really need it. And Finally C. By working at Flat rock, you will have the opportunity to work with to of the finest brothers Indiana has ever seen. Mary Porter: Well, I never thought I would make it back to camp. I didn't think I would want to at first. I thought I would be busy the next summer with something more important. By the end of camp I was realizing that what I thought was insignificant, was the most important thing of all. The tents I hated at first, but grew to prefer them over any of the cabins. The children made me feel amazing. The work turned into play. I could not believe that I was paid to go to camp. And right now, there is no job I would rather have. Tom Ramp: Welcome to Flat Rock River Camp. This camp is a place that you can spend your summer working away. You will work with campers by playing games, rock climbing, swimming, and capture the flag. You will make new friends that you will miss before you even leave camp. You will help kids grow and become better people. You will be nervous and afraid of what the next day or week may bring. You will make it through and have a great time doing so. Your job will be playing activities that others pay to do. You will get tired and frustrated. You will need someone to lean on for help at camp. There will always be someone there to help you and you may find yourself being there for someone else to lean on. I have spent one summer at Flat Rock and I can't stand being away. I want to go back so I can have all of these things back. I went to camp knowing no one there; never having seen the camp before, hoping for the best. I don't think I could have gotten anything better. I have made wonderful friends. I've met wonderful campers and Flat Rock has made its way into my life that I don't want to leave it behind. As I started out by saying, Welcome to Flat Rock River Camp. This camp is a place where you spend your summer playing with kids, having fun and become a big kid yourself. Josh Richardt: Now my relationship with Flat Rock has had an immense change over the years that I've been involved. It has given me the chance to interact, learn and teach. I know that if (you, the reader) choose to come to work here, you will not be the same when you leave. Some others will say that it is its own little world within itself. That you make closer friends in 8 weeks than you do in 8 years, that it challenges you on almost all levels, physically, emotionally, even spiritually. It puts you on the spot, to improve with kids, play jazz with the day. Create a magical safe world kids want to return too. And this is all true beyond measure. But now, this being my 5th summer at Flat Rock, I've come to a new conclusion. For me, what happens after camp has had just an impact, if not more on me. The travelers I met over the past 4 summers at camp have given me a personal challenge to expand the world I know. Because of camp I went to London to live with an old staff member. Because of camp I figured I could go and study abroad, and when I did, I had friends in almost every city I traveled to. One of my favorite memories happened this May, being on fairy crossing the Sydney bay with Nat Grubb a staff member from 2001, just laughing about how we had the time of our lives at this little camp in what seems like nowhere Indiana. She had challenged me to come out, to see her world. Because of this, I had some of the best months of my life. I plan on going to Spain in late April, and once again, along my travels, I have connections that can give me a place to stay and new friends to meet. So, not only do you get the chance to really make a difference in little peoples lives for 8 weeks, you get to make connections that you can count on anytime. So when I get back from Spain and re-step foot at camp again, I'll have just the biggest smile on my face, seeing where it all began. Seeing where I met some of the most influential folks in my short life. How camp is just the beginning of a long fascinating journey, taking anyone, anywhere around the world. I hope you become part of it. Cheers! Alex Reuter: It is November of my senior year in high school and the only thing I can think about is: "I can't wait until camp starts!" It may sound corny but camp has always been an incredibly important part of my annual cycle. Ever since I began coming to Flat Rock I could not imagine a summer without it. My time spent at Flat Rock is an escape from "real" life, which we all need every once and a while. Camp was and still is a place that centers me and helps me find purpose. It is a paradise where Respect, Caring, Responsibility, Honesty, Integrity, Friendship, and most of all Fun are the only rules. It is a place where people of all backgrounds can come together for one cause: making each and every minute spent at camp the greatest minute of your life. It is a place where I find the strength and purpose for the coming year. It is my home away from home, and I will continue to find inspiration from my time spent here till the day I die. Thank you Flat Rock, I'll see you in a few months! Fiona Robertson (from Scotland): When asked how I spent my summer, my response "At summer camp in Indiana" is often greeted with acidulous comments relating to cornfields or the mocking phrase "This one time, at summer camp..." (uttered in true American Pie style accent!). I say that it's all too easy to knock it until you've tried it. Admittedly, I was initially a little intimidated by the overly energetic and enthusiastic people known as the other staff. However, the transition into one of them was eased somewhat upon discovery of their secret: excessive sugar intake in the mornings! After this, tireless fun and excitement prevailed and the anticipated roller-coaster of highs and lows was superseded by a steady feeling of contentment. However, it's not the addiction to sugar that lures staff, campers and myself back to camp year after year. It's an addiction to the satisfaction of knowing that you are an integral part of the extraordinary and unforgettable experience that Flat Rock generates.