When That Important Person Doesn't Get Camp - with Kathleen Gurski - Beyond Camp #28
Which comes first, our relationship or our work?
Many of us know that perhaps the answer should be our relationships but is that always true? Today we aren’t holding back as we unpack the pros and cons of having a partner who doesn’t get camp and the surprising benefits it can bring into our lives.
We all know that there are some people who just don’t seem to ‘get camp’. Perhaps they are the folks who ask us what it is we do all year long or who refer to us as ‘camp counselors’ long after we have told them that we are directors… this is a particular pet peeve of mine. We all have our strategies for dealing with these folks but what happens when one of them just so happens to be your spouse? Today we have Kathleen Gurski today to hear how she copes
Kathleen’s extensive background brings almost 20 years of experience in camping, outdoor ed and recreation, the majority of which has been working with special populations. Kathleen. She likely wouldn’t say it herself, but she is expert level when it comes to topics including social-emotional learning, Youth with learning disabilities, creating and supporting diverse staff teams, and building long-term sustainable youth programs. Kathleen is passionate about working with her staff team to ensure that camp and recreation programs evolve to align with the changes in participants’ lives, interests, and needs.
Tune into this episode as we hear about:
Do people in your life ‘get camp’?
When did you first realize this?
How has it caused problems/tension?
Did you try to convince him to ‘get it’? Did it work? Was it worth it?
Have you just accepted that he doesn’t get it? Has this helped?
How do you make it work? Can someone see the value in camp/respect your work without loving it themselves?
How does this balance work for you and care of yourself?
Tips to other folks who find themselves in similar situations
Your Hosts:
Cassie Bloy, Consultant & Freelance Camp Director - Stephane Richard Development Consulting
Rachel Kent, Coordinator, Outdoor Experiences - Girl Guides of Canada, Ontario Council
Thanks to our sponsor:
The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org