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Boy Scouts of America - Lansing ScoutReach

Camp Commissioner

May - August 2018 • Mayville, NY

What I liked

Being able to reconnect with the BSA and Camp Merz, especially years after having made Eagle Scout, was always appreciated. Furthermore, being 19 years of age, a member of camp administration, and almost completely responsible for the campwide logistics and client relations of our annual summer program was equal parts challenging and enthralling, especially when our summer programming attracts over 1,000 scouts, parents and troop leaders over the course of six weeks.

What I wish was different

Personally, I wish that the camp’s leadership was less aggressive with their staff members, as several program area staff often complained that higher management above myself could be rather insensitive and often micromanaged individuals they did not trust. Furthermore, I would hope that administration of Camp Merz learns to trust even their newly-recruited and/or younger membership with pertinent information, as I often found myself rather ill-informed as to new developments.

Advice

Approach this experience with a healthy dose of optimism, but be prepared to overcome some hurdles, both physical and emotional. Working at a BSA summer camp like Camp Merz can be rewarding, yet also quite complicated at times, especially when clients demand assistance on a time-sensitive basis, and your staff is otherwise preoccupied . Recovery and consistency are crucial aspects of this positions.
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