Girls? Boys? or Co-ed camps?

Specialties Camp

Published

Specializes in Family Medicine, Tele/Cardiac, Camp.

Hi all,

So after my fabulous summer camp experience last year I'm itching to get another camp nurse job. :) Unfortunately the place I worked last summer has already hired a nurse, so I'm looking for a new camp. The place I worked last year was co-ed, but - as a counselor in college and a long-time member of the Girl Scouts - I've probably had more experience with girls. I thought before I signed on last year that I wouldn't like working with boys as much, but after an amazing summer I would say that some of my better experiences have been with the male campers vs female.

This year, I've applied to both co-ed and girl's camps, but not boy's camps. I'm not sure why. I think I have a weird mental block or maybe I'm just nervous about dealing with male teenagers (a demographic I have a hard time relating to, historically). But I was wondering, long-time camp veterans, have you noticed any major difference between girls, boys, and co-ed camps? Any suggestions, recommendations, or thoughts? I miss working with girls, but boys seem so easy - relatively speaking.

Last year, the more serious injuries came from boys, but the girls brought SO much drama. Especially the teenagers.

Any ideas? :) Thanks.

Specializes in Pediatric Private Duty; Camp Nursing.

My first year was in a co-ed camp. The following year i was in a girls-only camp. I noticed that the counselors were so much friendlier and attentive to both campers and other staffers at the girls' camp. They all became incredibly close. Not only that but there was a stronger camp spirit and love for the camp and its culture. I concluded that male counselors may distract female campers from emotionally committing to their campers and to the job. I'm sure it's vice-versa in a boys' camp as well.

Specializes in Family Medicine, Tele/Cardiac, Camp.

Thanks Cloudy Sue. I have also heard that Girl's Camps tend to be very preventative and more attentive when it comes to safety issues. I'm looking forward to the possibility of having less stupid injuries in that vein, but am admittedly nervous about the possibility of cat-fight-adolescent-drama.

Specializes in Pediatric Private Duty; Camp Nursing.

We saw very little adolescent drama/cat fights at my girls' camp. However I think a lot of it had to do with the camp culture. There's a huge emphasis on sisterhood, friendship, kindness to each other, etc. Although it's a secular camp with no religious majority, they have solemn rituals every Sunday in an outdoor place called the Green Cathedral and they speak on topics of morality such as good character, doing the right thing, being there for others, and so forth. The girls also can get up and 'testify' and they often speak of how they feel safe at camp, they talk about hostility and drama at school during the year and know they can get away from all of that at camp.

Specializes in Home Health (PDN), Camp Nursing.

Yea I think it's as much about camp culture as gender. Our camp as an aggressive anti bullying campaign and a strong focus on safety. Camps that tolerate cliques and bullying are not good placed for kids or employees.

I use my phone, to type, I work at night, and I'm a bad speller. Pick any reason you want for my misspellings

+ Add a Comment