Just reading this article brought back all of those feelings I remember from the end of a week at camp. Many of you and/or your returning youth are feeling or will be feeling them by summer's end! Camp staff also have similar feelings when the site empties out on a weekly basis.

As a parent, what can you do (or as a youth, what can you ask for) to help make that re-entry into life away from camp be as comfortable as possible? This article, written by the good people at Sunshine Parenting, may prove to be a very helpful resource!

From pictures posted on Instagram in the days following camp (and for the rest of the year), the message is clear. Some kids really miss camp after they get home — a lot. The feeling of missing camp is so intense for some kids that it leads to moping and sadness that perplexes parents. This post-camp phenomenon is aptly diagnosed as “campsickness."

Much like homesickness, campsickness is a natural response to the sadness and loss that may accompany the end of the camp season or session.” Camping Magazine

The end of camp, and being apart from a group the camper has grown close to, can lead to a time of grief similar to other changes and losses people experience in life.

Years ago, the mother of a 12-year-old camper called to complain to me: “I’ve raised and loved her for 12 years and you had her for two weeks, and now she wants to be at camp more than at home.”

Click here to finish reading the article

Seeking Experienced Director for Camp Magruder

The Board Camp and Retreat Ministries of the Oregon Idaho Conference of The United Methodist Church seeks a seasoned camp director for Camp Magruder on the Oregon coast.
 
We seek an experienced director who can supervise multiple year-round and seasonal staff,  provide hospitality to multiple and diverse groups, manage facility maintenance and upgrades, and oversee the budget and operations.   In cooperation with the Board and the Executive Director for Camp and Retreat Ministries, the director will grow our volunteer base, build ministry partnerships with our United Methodist and Episcopal Churches, assist with short and long range planning, and help cast and implement a vision for the ministry.  The Director works under the supervision of the Executive Director for Camp and Retreat Ministry. 
 
Camp Magruder is located on the Pacific coast near Rockaway Beach, Oregon, and includes both significant beachfront and a freshwater lake on the property.   The site has nearly 300 beds, and beyond our own ministry programs serves a number of outdoor education groups, not-for-profit groups, and other religiously affiliated groups.  The site is owned by the Oregon Idaho Conference of The United Methodist Church, and operated by the Board of Camp and Retreat Ministry, Inc.   The Board of Camp and Retreat Ministries is in a partner relationship with the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon.
 
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and three references to Jim Parkhurst at campingjobs@umoi.org. Special consideration will be given to candidates who are in or have completed the United Methodist Camp Leader’s Certification program.  We will take applications until the position is filled, and have set our first deadline for application review for July 31, 2016.