Summer camps in Eastern Iowa work around staff shortages

MONTICELLO, Iowa (KCRG) – Earlier than the pandemic, Camp Brave in Monticello served roughly 100 campers throughout every week session in the summertime, in keeping with Govt Director Charlie Becker. “We might have upwards of 100 workers. That’s most likely been lower in at the least half.”

“It looks like counselors and stuff like that, interns coming from schools and universities, that has all actually, actually lessened,” mentioned Becker.

With fewer workers members, Camp Brave is just not capable of function many individuals. “We’re serving half the campers that we might usually serve.” Becker mentioned the camp has needed to “not directly” flip away campers.

“We’re considering of different methods of possibly packing two weeks within the one week, simply all types of alternate options to the normal camp.”

Camp Brave serves individuals with disabilities. It was muscular dystrophy week after we spoke with Becker, and he mentioned a lot of volunteers with the Muscular Dystrophy Affiliation have been available to assist with the session.

As for why there’s a workers scarcity within the first place, Becker mentioned “It’s simply that the market is completely different.” He added, “It’s only a pattern is going on. And I don’t actually have it figured it out but.”

Paul Denoskwi is the Govt Director at Camp Wapsie in Coggon. He mentioned there was a “lull” in candidates coming in and camp began “a bit brief” on workers. Nevertheless, he mentioned camp management hoped and deliberate on operating a full program.

“It’s not been straightforward, however we’ve obtained the bases coated,” mentioned Denoskwi. “We may use most likely one other three extra individuals to be at a spot the place we’d actually really feel snug.”

Denowski pointed to a number of causes for a scarcity this yr. He mentioned it was more durable to get workers to return after not with the ability to run in 2020 due to COVID-19. “After which, shorter season final yr, we misplaced among the consistency of individuals coming again.”

He additionally described a tradition of stress for youthful individuals who would possibly take into account being a camp counselor. “Highschool and faculty youngsters are getting pulled in lots of completely different path. They usually don’t at all times consider camp as worthwhile,” mentioned Denowski. “Mother and father need to see their youngsters succeed and suppose that that internship goes to be extra worthwhile. And, you recognize, the funds typically come into play a bit bit, too, and we attempt to assist pay workers a good wage.”

Denowski mentioned, “You may make extra money in some completely different areas.” Nevertheless, he believes a job at camp offers management abilities in addition to a spot for “studying to be your self.”

“The abilities you be taught at camp are fairly highly effective,” mentioned Denowski.

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