Quick Links
Social
Search the Website

Camper → Day Camp Staff → Overnight Camp Staff → Teacher

by Sam Hirt

Maddie Knapp, a longtime camper and summer staff member, now brings students from West Lafayette Intermediate to Camp with our Outdoor Education program. She sees a direct parallel from her time as a camper and counselor to her professional life as a teacher.

“A big component of teaching is classroom management, and I just know that Camp set me up for that.”

Her path at Camp matches that of many dedicated camp devotees: camper for six years, Day Camp staff, and Overnight Camp staff. She had leadership roles in both Day Camp and Overnight Camp.

“I chose to work at Camp because growing up I just fell in love with Camp. In the Winter time, I’d be thinking about how excited I was to go to Camp.”

The transition from college student to a teacher who has her own classroom may have been a little intimidating at first, but she was prepared.

“I remember my first day at day camp as a counselor and getting so nervous. I was wanting to be the best I could be. I remember that same feeling the first day of school.”

About her first week as a teacher, she added, “The cool thing is that it felt like Camp the first week. I made sure that I made this space feel like camp as much as possible to make sure the kids feel safe and comfortable.”

She uses “brain breaks” that she learned at Camp for kids to exercise and relax their minds during the school day. She also takes every chance she can to get her students outdoors, knowing full well the value of the outdoors on a student’s brain.

That’s why she is excited to be at the helm of her school’s trip to Tecumseh, which has been taking place annually for over 20 years.

“Outside learning is different and important. We know the impact it has on them – being outside and participating in those activities.”

She goes on, “I did my honors research on outdoor education and interviewed teachers on the importance of learning outdoors. The kids who may not thrive in a traditional classroom, they’ll thrive in an outdoor environment. They have space and hands-on learning, instead of sitting at your desk all day. It’s one of the biggest positive impacts I’ve seen.”

Maddie’s depth of experience with Tecumseh, in both Summer Camp and Outdoor Education, positions her to be a great advocate for Camp.

“I’ve had staff members (at school) who have kids come ask me questions about Day Camp and Overnight Camp.”

She talks through homesickness and what to expect from the camp experience.

She also thinks more teachers should bring their students to Camp.

“It’s not only going to impact the students, but the teachers too. It’s going to show them new ways to teach. It’ll show them new strategies to incorporate community.”

…

This blog comes out during Camp Tecumseh’s 50th year of Outdoor Education. Learn more about the program!