I started my graduate degree at Camp Alkulana before I even finished college. I just didn’t know it yet.
When I first came up the driveway about 10 years ago, nervous and not knowing anyone, I had no idea that I was preparing myself for my future career. I was hoping to have a fun summer outside and make a little money–which I did for many years, but I also gained confidence, lifelong friendships, and skills I still use every single day.
Some nights around the campfire or while eating lunch at the top of Flag Rock, I’d think, Man, I wish I could be a camp counselor forever. I still haven’t figured out how to do that and have decent health insurance, but I think I’ve found the next best thing: school counseling. Planning school-wide events? It’s just a massive evening program. Leading small groups? Not so different from leading Bible study. Building relationships with students? That’s what Alkluana taught me to do best.
Many of the counseling skills I learned in graduate school, I first learned at camp. Unconditional positive regard? That’s a fancy term for loving kids no matter what. Co-regulation? That’s when someone is having big feelings and you take loud deep breaths to calm yourself down while you figure out what to say or do (try it sometime–thank me later). I learned how to have hard conversations, to trust my intuition, and to be consistent. These weren’t things I could learn in a classroom; They had to be lived, and I’m a better counselor for it.
As a college student, I barely had a plan past the end of the summer, let alone after graduation. But at Alkluana, I was surrounded by generations of people who supported me, mentored me, and led the way. People who continue doing the work of Camp Alkulana in law firms, in hospitals, in schools, and countless other places. I knew I would find my way if I kept showing up, just like they did.
I still am. I still do. I hope you will too.
by: Carley Toney