Camping is your gift to the world: How your camp is touched by September 11th…and what to do about it

September 11th, 2001, was satastrophic. But on that day of mass murder and destruction, camps took a quantum leap in importance. Never before has it been so essential to provide safe, nurturing environments in which children can learn, grow, and make friends. Originally conceived as sanctuaries from the depravity of cities, camps have become much more than that. Camping professionals have long recognized the broader purpose of camps. And now, perhaps no single event in history has left so many wondering: How will September 11th affect life at my camp? At the end of this year, each of us will begin answering that question. But now, at the start of a new each year, each of us needs to decide how to proceed. Here are some ideas that can guide your thinking about parents, children, staff, and yourself as you continue implementing your camp's response to this horrific violence and the war that has ensued.

Comfort in Connection

Immediately following the terrorist attacks, most of us did the same thing -- we connected with people. We e-mailed, called, visited, and otherwise made contact with our friends and families, including our camp families. A few were grieved to learn that friends or family were wounded or missing. Camps began posting updates on their Web sites to inform current campers and staff, as well as alumni, how everyone was doing. More supportive e-mails, phone calls, and visits ensued.

Camps also sent out letters, e-mails, and posted advice on how to talk with children about tragedy and loss. By now, most children and adults have processed the initial trauma of the terrorist attacks and their associated losses, but if any member of your camp family still wants advice on how to cope with traumatic events or how to talk with children about tragedy, visit ACAcamps.org. There, you will find links to expert advice from venerable organizations like the American Psychological Association. One of the take-home messages from this site is to remember that people grieve at different speeds and in different ways. Everyone will have different concerns. Lets look at some of the most common camp-related concerns that might develop, and what to do about them.

Parents' Concerns

Some questions and concerns that you should anticipate from parents include:

* Is this the right time to separate from my child?

* Will we be able to cope with the separation?

* Has the camp changed its policies regarding parents' contact with their children?

* Is camp a safe place? Is it protected from intruders?

* What is the quality of the camp's health center? How are sick kids treated?

* How do you store guns and bows? What are children taught about weapons?

* Is your staff trained to help kids grieve if they've lost someone?

You should anticipate these and other questions from your camp parents and begin thinking about how to respond. Generally speaking, you should stick with policies that have worked in the past. The more camp is perceived to be stable, the more comforting it will be. Change only what you feel is absolutely necessary or ethical. Also, advise parents to follow their children's lead. If the child expresses enthusiasm about coming to camp, she's probably ready As for safety issues, be prepared to offer more reassurance this year than last. And if any of your safety policies or equipment need upgrading, do it before any campers arrive.

Remember that the events of September 11th have affected some adults much more than they have affected some children. Don't assume that whenever parents are upset, so are their children. You will also encounter diverse viewpoints on how the United States is responding to terrorism. Be a good listener. Also, because different parents will have told their children different things about the terrorist attacks, campers will have different knowledge sets and different reactions to what happened. Work to correct any serious misconceptions and train your staff to empathize with their campers' differing opinions. It is crucial for adults in your camp to model tolerance of others' views.

Campers' Concerns

We think of children as vulnerable, which they are, in many ways. But children are also resilient -- often more resilient than adults. Although terrorist attacks on our home soil have made us all feel more vulnerable, we must remember that children see the world in simpler, more immediate terms than adults. That simplified vision of the world may actually help younger campers cope. As you prepare your staff to work with children this season, keep these points in mind:

* Different children were touched in different ways by the attacks. Some will want to play out violent or rescue fantasies; others will feel vulnerable and act withdrawn. Staff must be sensitive to different children's backgrounds and coping styles.

* Children will come to camp with a variety of biases, stereotypes, and understandings. Don't get angry if they say something prejudiced or factually incorrect. Instead, help them see things from a balanced and fair point of view. But beware of forcing them to adopt your own view. Instead, ask open-ended questions about alternative viewpoints.