Miniwanca is an "unplugged" environment. Campers do not have access to any technology while at camp- this even includes things like smartwatches or e-readers.
Staff are not permitted to use technology in the presence of campers. There may be intentional programming that you could use a phone, such as helping pick a song for Evening Reflection, but we ask you to exercise caution and care into using any technology. You will communicate at camp through our daily staff meeting, radios, and in person with other staff. We move throughout our day by ringing large bells that can be heard most anywhere in camp, though having a normal watch is very handy. We will not communicate important information via technology as many staff do not get cell phone service at camp, and too many people on our wifi will slow things down tremendously.
Technology usage is reserved for your down time and time off. We encourage you to use technology to call home, check in with friends and family, or use apps that bring you true joy (like streaming your favorite comfort show). We recommend doing a self-reflection before coming to camp to evaluate your current relationship with technology. Additionally, you may want to challenge yourself to start reducing your screen time now.
Reflection Questions:
How often are you using technology per day? How much of that time is bringing joy and fulfillment to you, and how much of that time is "doom scrolling", creating feelings of jealousy and resentment, or disconnecting you from the people around you?
Is using technology helping you psychologically reset and reducing your stress, or is it adding more stress? Camp can be a stimulating and sometimes stressful environment- if you spend your hour away doom scrolling it is going to be even harder to re-engage with your campers and coworkers.
What non-technology hobbies help you de-stress? If you are unsure, we have several options for you to try at camp including journaling, crafts, puzzles, reading, sitting/walking in nature, and more.
Below is an interview with Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation discussing how phones and social media have affected the wiring of youth brains. The book is full of information worth exploring and reflecting on how it relates to your life as well as the lives of our campers.
Working at camp is the BEST job ever for many reasons, but it is also a demanding job. You will be working long days and living in a close-knit community, which is not the norm for most people. You are also putting the needs of the campers before your own much of the time. It is essential that you use your time off to recharge and get yourself in the best possible position to serve and empower youth.
Here is an article highlighting some strategies for taking care of yourself at camp this summer.
'Camp Counselor Self Care Guide'
Reflection Questions:
How do you normally "recharge" yourself when things are getting stressful? Notice if some of those strategies will be unavailable to you while working at camp, and brainstorm some alternatives. For example, you probably won't have time to go to the gym for 2 hours every day, but you can run along the beach or do yoga instead.
What potential triggers might you face while at camp? How will you work through them? For example, if you prioritize your personal space, how will you react if a camper tries to go through your things?
Who will your support network be- both inside and outside of camp? We feel confident that you will create strong relationships with the people you are working with, so spend time intentionally carving out that community for yourself during staff training. Also, it is nice to have people outside of the "camp bubble" that you can connect with for a change of pace. Be sure to make time to talk with these people throughout the summer.
You are welcome to receive mail at camp! It is so fun to receive letters or care packages from friends and family. Please have mail addressed to you as:
Name
c/o Camp Miniwanca Girls/Boys Camp *
8845 W Garfield Road
Shelby, MI 49455
*If you are shared staff, you can use whichever side of camp you are living on because that will be the fastest and easiest way to get your mail. So if you are a waterfront staff who checks their mail on east (boys) camp, you can use Boys Camp in the mailing address.
Please remember that snacks must be nut-free, and should not be opened in front of campers. If you suspect someone has sent you some snacks, please open it in the staff lounge away from campers.
We also understand that you are living on site for 2+ months, and may need to order things you forgot or need replaced. Please keep package shipping to a minimum as it overwhelms our office staff, especially once camper packages are also arriving.