Life as a camp commandant

In the year 2010, I helped the Airport west district to organize a three day camp for the girls in the district (brownies – rangers).

It started out well with the adult leaders from the schools paying in their monies collected to enhance the smooth running of the camp. The girls arrived on Friday, which was the first day of camp. They were put into patrols at about six in the evening after supper had been served and then the district commissioner introduced the camp leaders to them of which I was a camp commandant. I then took the opportunity to read out the camp rules to them an also notified them on safety issues and also dealt with their accommodation issues. I allowed them to go to bed after singing three guide songs due to the hectic day ahead of them. 

 

The second day of camp started well with a few exercises to keep them fit. I with the help of the other leaders monitored the cleaning of the camp site. The guides then had their baths and had breakfast.

As a camp commandant, it was my duty to lead them in the morning prayers before breakfast and make sure that each guide had food on her plate. I was also responsible for reading out the itinery for the day to the guides to avoid any confusions or misunderstandings that day.

After breakfast, I led the girl guides to the playground of the camp site to set up tables for the first session of the day. They had a talk from one of the resource personnel invited. Lunch was served after this session and the second session began thirty minutes after the one hour lunch break. I coordinated the leaders to help with the second session since it was a craft session. It was very fun since we had ice breakers and songs after every thirty minutes to curb boredom. The most beautiful craftwork was rewarded. 

 I taught the guides a very simple outdoor game and then we tried to play it for few minutes. I then instructed them using the whistle to gather round for an announcement to move to the dining area for their supper. They took their baths after and had an hour to prepare for the evening session which was a talent show competition among the schools present at the camp.

It was fun but just had a bit of improper organization due to the reluctant attitude of some adult leaders to help. I took it upon myself to talk to them and when they helped, the ending of the program was well organized. I was then confronted with quarrels among some of the guides, of which I had to mediate with another adult leader to bring about peace and harmony.  We had a good night and I hoped for a better day on the final camp day.

The final camp day began with a bit of exercising again and then cleaning, but this time I had to do less supervision at all sites since there were adult leaders everywhere to help. The guides took their bath and a short enrollment session was held to enroll new recruits into the Association.

We had breakfast and then a thanksgiving service during which the district made some donations to the Association. Lunch was served afterwards and then we awarded badges to some guides who had distinguished themselves as hardworking. The camp came to a close after a closing address from the district commissioner. 

On the whole the camp was interesting and very helpful to me. I learned

 a lot especially in areas of time management, good planning, interacting with younger and older guides, and mediation of conflicts among others.