Camp Legacy; Associate Counselor

     In 2004, camp director Sharp Swan instituted the Associate Counselor program for 17-year old former campers.  The associate counselors (A.C.’s) have a variety of responsibilities ranging from section and class duties, to special projects designed to orient and immerse them with the traits and skills necessary to being a counselor.  Vital to both the staff and the program, A.C.’s represent the future of camp.

     The life of an Associate Counselor can be a tough one:  Long days with few rewards. To accept such a position, one must really have to love camp; love working with children. Tim Gibson not only possesses that love, he is the seventh member of his family to do so, following the camper-to-counselor path of his father, uncle, sister and three half-brothers.  It’s a Gibson family tradition that dates back to the mid-1950’s.

The Family: “My father, uncles and aunts came to this area from Iowa.  My dad first came to camp when he was ten and camp really influenced his life. All of our family got into mountaineering and rock climbing; It’s been a big part of all our lives.”

Being on Staff: “It’s nice.  It’s still kind of being like a camper: more responsibilities but you get to play all day!”

Associate Counselor: “I think it’s made me try to be more open to learning. If I were a ‘regular’ counselor, people might assume I know everything. This way, I’m able to make mistakes and learn from them.”

Working with the Youngest Campers: “I love being with the Pioneers! It was my first choice.  They are before the age when they have inhibitions. They are totally themselves, good or bad. It’s a lot of work, but the most rewarding.”

Future Plans: “I’ll finish my senior year in high school and go to school somewhere where I can do things in the mountains.  I’m definately coming back next year and, hopefully, the following years.

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