I have hired a lot of kids in my days; over a 100 kids each summer for over 20 years; I have been around long enough to see how they have turned out! Some have surprised me, others have disappointed me, while others turned out just as I had expected.
Kids come to camp with little or no work experience; mowing grass or a paper route or babysitting is all they can list on their meager resumes. That's o.k. I would rather be the first one to work with them. I want to be the one to instill a work ethic that will follow them along all the rest of their days.
Some say I yell alot. Some say I am a little bit mean. Others would say I am pushy and demanding of the kids who work for me. I would say all of the above. I have heard through the grape vine that their is a group on face book or myspace called "I was almost fired by Earl". I will wear that badge proudly; not because I want to make a kid's life miserable, but I am glad they understand they are under our authority at the camp and are accountable to me or other staff. I don't mind if there is some honest fear; I want them to know that I would be disappointed if they don't follow instructions or if and when they have a lapse in judgement creating a sticky situation between the camp and a parent.
I received a nice note the other day from a former counselor/intern. She is now nearly 30 years old, married and a mother. Let me share what Stephanie wrote:
Hey Earl! I was just reading one of your blogs from March in which you commented on growing the summer staff in their work habits and it prompted a flashback in my mind...
Two lessons I learned working at camp: 1. Never say "that's not my job." and 2. Get in there and take care of it.To elaborate a bit...1. I recall, "Never say 'that's not my job,'" being one of your mantras and I think it greatly affected my work ethic. I often quote you when people to this day comment on my willingness to pitch in and do whatever is needed - regardless of whether or not it's part of my "job."2. My first day interning, I headed out to clean the bathrooms in the girls' cabin area and the cottages. I found 2 dead mice in a cottage toilet. It was surprising and gross, but I got them out no problem and moved on. When I looked in the first stall of the bathrooms in the girls' cabin area I discovered a large, bloated, squirrel deep in the toilet. I really hesitated for awhile about whether I could stomach it or if I should go get Greg or one his rookies working under him to take care of it for me. I went outside for a breath of fresh air and grabbed two sticks. I pulled that dead critter out with the sticks and moved on with the work day. When asked in my interview for my first teaching job to describe a difficult work experience that I overcame, this is the experience I described. They were impressed with me and hired me. One of the administrators commented on my relaying of that story a couple of years later and how impressed she was with my "can do" spirit that revealed. I'm still not sure whether they were impressed with my perceived ability to teach or just wanted to keep me on hand in case any other rodents showed up in a toilet. I taught middle schoolers... it was possible.
Stephanie Haila
If you are a parent sending your child off to work for us at Hidden Acres; relax! We will take care of your child. We will view him/her differently than you; we have very little history in your child's past. In our minds, they will have a clean slate to start their work history with us. What they do while at camp will depend on their character and their ambition. I always tell the kid, if you are lazy at camp, you will be lazy as an adult; so when calls come from future employers, I have a long memory and will be brutally honest about the former staff member.
It pleases me most when I can say, "Hire her!! Absolutely a great kid!" And more often than not, I do get to say that. But occasionally, I have to say, "Bad attitude in general. Lazy or sloppy in habits and character." It is crucial that each summer staff understands their role in making the camp successful. It is crucial that summer staff realizes that what they do now and the decisions they make during a summer has potential to influence future earnings.
For you parents that will be giving up your child for the summer: thanks! Thanks for letting us put them under our umbrellas of authority; and thanks for reinforcing what we say. You will hear from your child, "They expect us to work so hard. They get in our face when we miss up. They sometimes even discipline us." Be like my dad who said, "Son if you are sent to the principles office for discipline while in school, you get the same from me or worse when you get home!" Meaning: I got two spankings in one day. I used to tell my children, "Suck it up and get back in there and do even a better job next week!"
I trust you see my heart. I really ain't a meanie. I really don't enjoy yelling and reprimanding a kid; my blood pressure doesn't need spiked. I do what I do in order to train and mold these kids in future great employees. I don't always see the potential from every staff members; several of our former counselors are now doctors, lawyers, business owners, and pastors/missionaries. There were a few youngsters that I thought would not amount to much; boy did they prove me wrong. There were others that showed all kinds of personality and potential, who have gone on and done nothing with their lives... some even abandoning their faith and moral values and chosen life styles that are contrary to Scripture... those break my heart.
Hidden Acres is in the business to train young people to return home and re-connect with their local church as effective leaders and teachers and mentors. I trust you have seen this happen.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Old Friends
Earl and Norman in 4th grade!
Few things in life are more comforting than having old friends; not aged friends, but friends with whom you go back a long way in your life; somebody you started grade school with; somebody you sat in Sunday school class with; somebody you went to camp with. When you get 60 or 70 years old, and life has turned you out to pasture, friends can be a real blessing and encouragement in our retired years.
I heard a good story from Dave Martin the other day; he was excited about seeing two old grade school friends; Dave is now 78 years old; so these are friends from over 70 years ago. 3 boys who played together, went to school together, and lived right next to each other; one became a priest in the Catholic church, one became a penticostal preacher, and Dave became a Free church pastor and retired as the Superintendent of the Central District of the Free Church. Dave will travel back to Northern Wisconsin next month to reconnect with these two childhood friends; he will go back in time with these two friends, remembering the past and renewing the tie that bound them together as youngsters. I am certain, that if these three boys' kindergarten teacher was still alive: knowing that the three went on to be in the ministry might have shocked her.
I too had a childhood friend that I have not forgotten over the years; as a 4th grader I began a friendship with a boy named Norman Dentlinger; a kid whose family was poor; a kid that didn't excel in school; a kid who was a bit shy and with drawn from the others. I wrote a story about Norman at Christmas time a few years ago; I will share with you again:
My daughter arrived home from college tonight; she had called earlier in the day and said she was bringing a friend. I was a little taken back when I stepped outside to greet my daughter; I could see her friend was struggling with her baggage. She walked with a limp, her knees were turned in and she wore thick glasses, with limited eye sight.
As we sat in the living room, tears came to my eyes because I was seeing the exact image in myself 35 years later. We had moved when I was going into the fourth grade. I was ready for the move. My dad had recently remarried after a 1961 divorce. We settled into the community, and I started school in Miss Sorenson’s class.
In 1964, there were no special education classes, only three levels of students: the smart, the average, and the slow. We had 3 slow students in my 4th grade class. Dave, Patty, and Norman. I was average to smart.
No one wore tennis shoes to school in 1964, but dress shoes. Norman didn’t wear either; he wore a heavy type above-the-ankle work boot that was sturdy, bulky, and enduring. From his feet to his head, Norman dressed different than the other kids. His coat and jeans were not stylish, but straight cut denims that a 30 year old farm hand would wear. He wouldn’t eat the 35 cent school lunches, instead he would carry his lunch of heavy dark bread sandwiches full of last night’s meat. I ate the Friday fish stick lunches and drank the 2 cent milk.
I wasn’t the biggest kid on the play ground, but I remember watching after Norman. I always made sure he was included in kick ball games at recess and would not allow the other boys to poke fun or mimic Norman. He was not overly gifted in running and throwing, but he was extra strong in arms and chest.
When Christmas came around in 1964, my dad was making around $3000 per year. I didn’t know we were the poor ones. I remember having our Sunday school Christmas program prior to Christmas school vacation. I remember the good hard candy and chocolates that were passed out to each child in the brown paper sack. I saved mine.
I took it to school on Monday morning, gift wrapped in a box and slipped it to Norman over lunch. He never said much. I never received a thankyou, but I knew I had done the right thing that Christmas. I haven’t seen Norman since grade school. I heard he never made it through high school. I moved away when we finished 8th grade.
I doubt my daughter’s friend got asked to visit somebody’s home often during her 4 years at Moody Bible. I am glad that apple’s don’t fall very far from the tree. I am glad that some things can be taught and others things are pure instinct.
And to you my old friend Norman, Merry Christmas to you again, 42 years later.
I called Norman last winter after stumbling onto his name in a phone book; he hadn't moved from Coon Rapids in over 50 years. I was all excited to hear how his life turned out; I had hoped he had went on and made something out of himself; that he had created a new life different than his childhood days. The sad part is: he hadn't: and even sadder to me, he didn't even remember me. I had not forgotten his name or even what he looked like for 44 years; he couldn't even recall who I was. I listen as he told me where he worked and a bit about his family. He had married, he had children; but nowhere did I ever hear about a conversion or even a changed life.
I need to go and see him one of these days; I can't change his past 53 years of his life; I doubt if anyone has ever shared with him about a relationship with Christ. I want to do that now; I want him to remember me just as I have often reflected on him and his childhood days. I want his name written in the Lamb's book of Life; where no one will be forgotten.
I too had a childhood friend that I have not forgotten over the years; as a 4th grader I began a friendship with a boy named Norman Dentlinger; a kid whose family was poor; a kid that didn't excel in school; a kid who was a bit shy and with drawn from the others. I wrote a story about Norman at Christmas time a few years ago; I will share with you again:
My daughter arrived home from college tonight; she had called earlier in the day and said she was bringing a friend. I was a little taken back when I stepped outside to greet my daughter; I could see her friend was struggling with her baggage. She walked with a limp, her knees were turned in and she wore thick glasses, with limited eye sight.
As we sat in the living room, tears came to my eyes because I was seeing the exact image in myself 35 years later. We had moved when I was going into the fourth grade. I was ready for the move. My dad had recently remarried after a 1961 divorce. We settled into the community, and I started school in Miss Sorenson’s class.
In 1964, there were no special education classes, only three levels of students: the smart, the average, and the slow. We had 3 slow students in my 4th grade class. Dave, Patty, and Norman. I was average to smart.
No one wore tennis shoes to school in 1964, but dress shoes. Norman didn’t wear either; he wore a heavy type above-the-ankle work boot that was sturdy, bulky, and enduring. From his feet to his head, Norman dressed different than the other kids. His coat and jeans were not stylish, but straight cut denims that a 30 year old farm hand would wear. He wouldn’t eat the 35 cent school lunches, instead he would carry his lunch of heavy dark bread sandwiches full of last night’s meat. I ate the Friday fish stick lunches and drank the 2 cent milk.
I wasn’t the biggest kid on the play ground, but I remember watching after Norman. I always made sure he was included in kick ball games at recess and would not allow the other boys to poke fun or mimic Norman. He was not overly gifted in running and throwing, but he was extra strong in arms and chest.
When Christmas came around in 1964, my dad was making around $3000 per year. I didn’t know we were the poor ones. I remember having our Sunday school Christmas program prior to Christmas school vacation. I remember the good hard candy and chocolates that were passed out to each child in the brown paper sack. I saved mine.
I took it to school on Monday morning, gift wrapped in a box and slipped it to Norman over lunch. He never said much. I never received a thankyou, but I knew I had done the right thing that Christmas. I haven’t seen Norman since grade school. I heard he never made it through high school. I moved away when we finished 8th grade.
I doubt my daughter’s friend got asked to visit somebody’s home often during her 4 years at Moody Bible. I am glad that apple’s don’t fall very far from the tree. I am glad that some things can be taught and others things are pure instinct.
And to you my old friend Norman, Merry Christmas to you again, 42 years later.
I called Norman last winter after stumbling onto his name in a phone book; he hadn't moved from Coon Rapids in over 50 years. I was all excited to hear how his life turned out; I had hoped he had went on and made something out of himself; that he had created a new life different than his childhood days. The sad part is: he hadn't: and even sadder to me, he didn't even remember me. I had not forgotten his name or even what he looked like for 44 years; he couldn't even recall who I was. I listen as he told me where he worked and a bit about his family. He had married, he had children; but nowhere did I ever hear about a conversion or even a changed life.
I need to go and see him one of these days; I can't change his past 53 years of his life; I doubt if anyone has ever shared with him about a relationship with Christ. I want to do that now; I want him to remember me just as I have often reflected on him and his childhood days. I want his name written in the Lamb's book of Life; where no one will be forgotten.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Building the Motel
Over ten years ago, we began planning for major expansions to the camp; we planned an office, a family life center, the chapel and 4 more lodges. With the first 3 buildings completed, we are getting ready to build our first lodge; a 26 unit motel with a meeting room for 150 guests.
I have watched other camps move slowly and methodically, just barely moving ahead in their construction and remodelling projects. I have watched businesses that started 25 years ago with a bang, now closed up due to the lack of change and innovation; what was a good idea 25 years ago, slowly became a burden; the business went from something that generated passion and growth, to becoming an albatross.
We have been in a nice position at Hidden Acres; we are a relatively young camp, (29 years), and have been able to build and develop the camp aggressively over the last 20 years. As I have written in past blogs, lots has changed in the past 20 years; there are higher expectations from our guests; we have moved from a customer that would tolerate a little roughing it and inconvenience, to a very savvy consumer that expects things to be done well, comfortably, and with all the conveniences of home. They want beds that are comfortable, amenities that will entertain and stimulate the entire family, and they want great food.
Building this motel lodge will create space that will fit the needs of an entire family. Each room will be set up like a traditional motel room, but we will also include a set of bunk beds to go along with 2 queen size beds. The in-room bath will be a convenience that most people expect in housing options these days. In addition to the 26 different rooms, there will also be a meeting room for at least 150 people.
New building create interest and excitement around the camp. It re-energizes staff and guests. It provides space to create new programs and to offer more options for our different groups. We have seen this to be true in our family life center; since building this indoor pool, gym, meeting space and store, our guest groups have increased in volume and size. Creating new buildings is like producing an innovative product. Can you imagine if Bill Gates developed the computer, then settled in to enjoy just the start up without ever developing his company and products any further? That would be a pathetic business model, but so many non profit organizations do just that; they grow content and smug in their first creation. They never venture to keep re-inventing their ministries.
We don't reinvent for the sake of change; we reinvent to stay current and engaged with our churches and our guest groups. We have created certain traditions that we hold onto dearly; i.e. chocolate chip cookies, sticky cinnamon buns, family camps, 24 hours with the guys, great summer staff, and great food. But we do keep adding additional program activities or program areas in order to generate interests from the campers: paintball, tower, and this summer we hope to create a small skate park on the old basketball courts.
Our prayer is that Hidden Acres will remain a place that adds to and builds onto what is already happening in our local churches; we want what we do to enhance what is going on in the local church 52 weeks of the year; we are in the business to help the church grow stronger families, to fan the flame in young people's spiritual lives, and to train and motivate staff and counselors to return to their own churches energized and with a fresh call on their lives.
A new motel? I don't see just a new building. I see it as a tool to reach more families; I see it as a place where couples can be re-newed in their vows and commitments to each other; I see it as the next step in keeping the camp viable and engaging for years to come
I have watched other camps move slowly and methodically, just barely moving ahead in their construction and remodelling projects. I have watched businesses that started 25 years ago with a bang, now closed up due to the lack of change and innovation; what was a good idea 25 years ago, slowly became a burden; the business went from something that generated passion and growth, to becoming an albatross.
We have been in a nice position at Hidden Acres; we are a relatively young camp, (29 years), and have been able to build and develop the camp aggressively over the last 20 years. As I have written in past blogs, lots has changed in the past 20 years; there are higher expectations from our guests; we have moved from a customer that would tolerate a little roughing it and inconvenience, to a very savvy consumer that expects things to be done well, comfortably, and with all the conveniences of home. They want beds that are comfortable, amenities that will entertain and stimulate the entire family, and they want great food.
Building this motel lodge will create space that will fit the needs of an entire family. Each room will be set up like a traditional motel room, but we will also include a set of bunk beds to go along with 2 queen size beds. The in-room bath will be a convenience that most people expect in housing options these days. In addition to the 26 different rooms, there will also be a meeting room for at least 150 people.
New building create interest and excitement around the camp. It re-energizes staff and guests. It provides space to create new programs and to offer more options for our different groups. We have seen this to be true in our family life center; since building this indoor pool, gym, meeting space and store, our guest groups have increased in volume and size. Creating new buildings is like producing an innovative product. Can you imagine if Bill Gates developed the computer, then settled in to enjoy just the start up without ever developing his company and products any further? That would be a pathetic business model, but so many non profit organizations do just that; they grow content and smug in their first creation. They never venture to keep re-inventing their ministries.
We don't reinvent for the sake of change; we reinvent to stay current and engaged with our churches and our guest groups. We have created certain traditions that we hold onto dearly; i.e. chocolate chip cookies, sticky cinnamon buns, family camps, 24 hours with the guys, great summer staff, and great food. But we do keep adding additional program activities or program areas in order to generate interests from the campers: paintball, tower, and this summer we hope to create a small skate park on the old basketball courts.
Our prayer is that Hidden Acres will remain a place that adds to and builds onto what is already happening in our local churches; we want what we do to enhance what is going on in the local church 52 weeks of the year; we are in the business to help the church grow stronger families, to fan the flame in young people's spiritual lives, and to train and motivate staff and counselors to return to their own churches energized and with a fresh call on their lives.
A new motel? I don't see just a new building. I see it as a tool to reach more families; I see it as a place where couples can be re-newed in their vows and commitments to each other; I see it as the next step in keeping the camp viable and engaging for years to come
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Maintaining an Uncompromised Staff
Slowly, our culture has changed; 23 years ago when I took the job at Hidden Acres, there were less issues to deal with amongst our summer staff; granted each counselor and staff could have had issues in their spiritual lives, but most things were kept controlled and very seldom did anything rear its ugly head. I am not saying the staff was perfect, I am just commenting, I was not aware of compromises in their lives.
Today, it is quite a different story. Due to 25 years of nonsense taught in the public school regarding right and wrong, most kids live in what I call a grey area; an area where they are not able to discern evil from good; wholesomeness from looseness; good choices from bad choices. Everything is OK today; all movies, all dancing, alcohol, lifestyle choices are up for discussion.
I am from the old school; I don't go to movies, I don't dance, I find alcohol to be of the devil, I don't gamble, I don't chew, and I believe homosexual activity is an abomination to the Lord. In case you have been under a rock for the last couple of decades, things have changed in Christian circles; and especially amongst the 30 and younger crowd.
What has changed in the past 30 years? God's Word has not changed. Were we wrong in seeing certain secular activities as sinful 30 years ago? Was it a sin to partake in alcohol or go to movies, or gamble 30 years ago? I remember the church preaching against it. I was instructed to have no part in a life style that would bring shame to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I was taught to separate yourself from the culture. I was taught that if you were involved in compromising conduct, a weaker brother might stumble. I was taught you just didn't do certain things.
In our politically correct culture that we live in, we are told we can't/shouldn't point out choices and lifestyles that go contrary to the Scriptures. We are labelled bigotted/narrowminded/judgemental if we point out anything that Scripture warns us to flee from. Certain TV preachers won't talk about sin, but only smile big, toothy smiles and try to be the church cheerleader... "if you only believe enough, you can have a positive, successful life," they say.
I don't buy that approach; kids want to minister at camp, but when they are unclean vessels, their work is done in the flesh. Part of our job is to work with staff during their first week of staff training to help them to "have a clean conscious" before God. Paul understood that when he admonished young Timothy... have a good conscious so that you can fight the battle well and not have your faith shipwrecked like others.
We do those around us no favors when we moddle coddle them and tell them "good job" at every turn; instead of teaching, training, instructing and admonishing; when we do this, we are no better than the toothy preacher who cheerleads from the pulpit.
Just so you know... that will be my approach this summer; I will be smiling, but also admonishing and teaching!
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