Why No One is Bigger Than Camp

Why No One is Bigger Than Camp: Lessons from the All Blacks

You’ve probably heard someone say, “This place would fall apart without me.” Maybe you’ve even thought it yourself. But the reality is, camps have a remarkable ability to endure, even thrive, through hard times and changes. No one person is ever bigger than the camp.

Think about it: How many times have you seen someone leave, and sure, there might be a bit of chaos at first, but things eventually settle down? The wheels keep turning, the kids keep coming, the meals keep being served—camp keeps moving forward. Our time at camp is special. But that is true for every generation that came through camp before us. Our individual roles, while important, are just chapters in a larger book that spans years, decades, or for many camps, a century.

Unfortunately, this kind of statement normally comes from a previously high-performing staff member, one who has been with us for a while and is starting to show signs of burnout and disillusionment. Sadly, it's one of the signs of an attitude that’s starting to become toxic. Staff who think they are holding the place together sometimes also believe they are the only ones who truly understand how things run. This can lead to behaviors that undermine our goals. Take, for instance, the concept from The Five Dysfunctions of a Team—the “meeting after the meeting.” This is when staff leave a formal meeting (at camps, these are normally training sessions during orientation) and then run their own second, private meeting with new staff. In this setting, our seasoned staff member might take a new staff member aside and say, “That’s what they say happens, but I’ll tell you how we really do it.” These actions, though often coming from a place of wanting to help, can be incredibly destructive. They create divisions, breed mistrust, and ultimately work against the unity and cohesion we strive to build.

Let’s examine what staff really mean when they say that camp wouldn’t survive without them. Often, this statement is less about arrogance and more about a deep desire to feel valued and recognized. They’re trying to tell us they matter—that their contributions are significant and that their absence would be felt. It’s a call for appreciation and acknowledgment. By understanding this, we can better address their needs, fostering a culture where everyone feels seen and appreciated for their unique contributions. Recognizing this can also help us build a stronger, more cohesive team where everyone understands their value within the larger story of our organization.

To do this, we have to help staff understand their role in the larger story of camp. Our time at camp, though special to those attending, is only for a few seasons. During these times, we are stewards of a greater legacy. It’s our job to make sure that legacy is stronger when our time is done. We are camp’s caretakers and will eventually pass it on.

A great example of this can be seen with the New Zealand All Blacks, one of the most successful sports teams in history. When new players join the team, they receive a letter from former players. This letter isn't just a welcome note; it explains the deep meaning of the All Blacks jersey, the effect wearing the jersey had on the letter writer, how it changed them personally, the benefits it bestowed upon them, but also the burden that carrying that legacy entailed. They explain the pressure they felt living up to that reputation, and how they ultimately passed it on a better person for having worn that jersey. It reminds the new members that they are not the owners of the jersey but caretakers of a much longer legacy. They’re part of a lineage that stretches back over a century, and they have a duty to uphold the standards and values of those who came before them.

This tradition instills a sense of pride and responsibility. It reinforces the idea that while each player’s time with the team is significant, it’s just one part of the team’s enduring story. The All Blacks have thrived because every member understands and respects this.

We can apply the same mindset in our own camps. We are brief caretakers, stewarding our camps through our time with them. It's about honoring the past, contributing to the present, and ensuring a strong future. When we see our roles in this light, it not only elevates our work but also strengthens the entire organization.

Have this discussion with your leadership staff. Talk to them about what it means to work at your camp. Discuss your camp’s values. Have them write letters to your new staff explaining what wearing your camp’s staff shirt means to them. The letters never have to be sent, but it will refocus these staff, giving them new value. Their roles will no longer be just about delivering camp; it will be about remembering that we are part of something bigger. Embrace their role as a caretaker, and focus on leaving the camp better than they found it. Because in the end, it's the collective effort of all those who came before and all those who will come after that keeps camp thriving.

It’s vital to remember that no one person is bigger than the camp. While each staff member’s contributions are invaluable, we are all part of a larger story that spans generations. By embracing our roles as caretakers, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and set the stage for those who will follow. Let’s foster a culture of appreciation, unity, and shared purpose, where every team member feels valued and understands their place in the greater narrative. Together, we can ensure that our camp not only survives but thrives for many more years to come. Because in the end, it’s the collective effort and spirit of all those involved that keep the camp experience alive and flourishing. Let’s embrace this mindset and work together to leave a lasting, positive impact on our beloved camp.