Some campers are scared when they go to some Camp ASCCA activities because they can come off as a bit intimidating. The zipline, waterslide, and tubing are the main ones that some campers are hesitant to try at first. These are all challenge-by-choice activities which mean that if campers do not want to do them, they do not have to. Of course we tell them how much fun they would have at the activity but if the camper is firm about not wanting to try then he/she is not forced to do it.
Today, a camper changed her mind and was so thankful that she did! Camper Kylee Robertson had decided earlier in the week that she was not going to get on the zipline because it was so high up. Her counselor, Zoey, would repeatedly reassure her that it isn’t scary and actually quite fun.
Today was finally the day that Kylee and Zoey’s group was going to zipline! Kylee did not want to do anything other than sit at the picnic table. Once she saw other campers get their chest and waist harnesses and helmets on she decided that she wanted hers on as well. Then she began talking about how scared she was.. but the amazing adventure program staff was able to talk her through the process.
They were able to get her on to the platform but she was still hesitant to go down the zipline. Program staff employees Beau and Jared were on the platform with her and sat and talked to her about how she was completely safe and that she would have nothing but fun experiences. They told her about the “slow button” and “lowering button.” They are tactics that the adventure staff uses to reasurre and calm campers.
She just needed the reassurance because after having a talk with Beau, she was ready to go down! She was smiling and extremely excited the whole way down! She even exclaimed an “I want to go again!” It’s great to see campers overcome their fears and quickly learn to love an activity they almost didn’t try.
There are many campers like Kylee that almost miss a great experience because of their fears and it’s always amazing to see them overcome their fears. Head over to our Flickr page to see other campers on the zipline and the rest of our fun activities!
Karla Silva, PR
Camp ASCCA 2017
Session 4
Located in Alabama on Lake Martin, Camp ASCCA offers campers a wide variety of traditional recreational and educational activities with a unique design for accessibility.
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