CLEAR LAKE, IA- Summer camp season is almost here.
Girls will soon be filling Camp Tanglefoot for a fun and educational time away from home
Before they do, the counselors have a little learning of their own to do.
Assistant Camp Director Jill Anderson said, "its important for the staff in pre camp as a whole to get to know one another and get confidences and trust, everyone knows what they are doing, they get to express everything before campers come that way when the girls do arrive we're very well versed in what we're doing."
There are 35 counselors at Camp Tanglefoot. The staff is arriving two weeks early for a pre-camp training.
Camp leaders are making sure all their skills are sharpened in order to take care of the campers during their stay.
Anderson said, "essentially we're the care takers for these kids for a week at a time that goes before 7am until whenever they go to bed to essentially a 24 hour job."
Who knew a job like this takes so much skill. A high ropes course training is on the agenda and i'm putting it to the test.
But, before I get to climb I need the proper equipment, including the harness, different shoes, a helmet and of course the proper instruction.
Then I'm off...and really glad I'm not afraid of heights
Counselors said this ropes course helps build character and instills confidence in young girls so they can do things like zip lining.
Camp Tanglefoot Director Julia Cira said, "it's a great opportunity for girls to take that step forward the course is 24 ft off the ground so it's a great chance for girls to overcome obstacles and fears and then we talk about it."
But the whole camp experience offers even more.
Cira said, "camp is such a great opportunity it gives kids a chance to discuss more things about themselves and they have a chance to connect with others, build friends and make friends while their here at the camp."
Counselors say there's still a lot of space left for girls camp. There is an open house on Saturday June 5th from 1-4 in the afternoon in Clear Lake at the camp.
