Community Service Reflection

Kevin Callies

In July of 2021 I was able to return to the South Dakota Military Youth camp. This is a

summer camp for children ages nine to twelve who have a close relative associated with the

military; typically, a SD Army National Guard or SD Air National Guard member. This year due

to COVID-19, the camp was running a bit leaner as fewer campers were allowed, and it was a

day shorter than previous years. The camp was held at Storm Mountain Center near Rapid City,

SD. I volunteered as a camp counselor and it was my job to ensure that these campers stay safe,

on schedule, and enjoy their time away from home. I was with the campers day and night from

when they check in Tuesday afternoon until they check out Friday morning.

Although I hope to one day teach computer education to high school students, I greatly

enjoyed my time with the younger campers. They typically range from upper elementary to

middle school in age, but I enjoyed getting to know them and spending time with them in the

Black Hills. I made it my mission to learn my campers’ names and a little bit about them as soon

as possible. I feel that this helps build a positive rapport. This positive relationship is necessary

as I needed to ensure their safety as we hiked and swam in the hills. The creation of positive,

healthy relationships with children is something I feel is important in education. Teachers who

model an authoritative style, firm but responsive, have the best chance of creating an effective

learning environment. It is this style that I tried to model with my campers and hope to one day

bring into a classroom.

This year’s camp included in its theme, “Hunt the Good.” The camp's activities sought to

support this theme and teach each camper resilience, citizenship, and a bit about the military in

which their relatives serve. "Hunt the Good," means focusing on the positive and having a good
attitude. While I directed the campers to their activities, I tried to make this message salient by

always bringing excitement and energy. The camp offered counselors very few opportunities for

breaks as nights were spent in cabins alongside campers. This meant that we were constantly

under observation by campers. Even during the hot days and long nights, it was my desire to be

positive. Positivity and a good attitude are important components of a successful classroom. Just

as the campers’ mood would closely reflect mine, students in a classroom will follow my

example. It is important to have a positive attitude and model appropriate interactions at all

times, even when it may be difficult.

Several times during the camp, my eight campers and I needed to accomplish tasks as a

team, such as choosing a team name and designing a team flag. It was during these times that my

responsibilities expanded as I was now not only responsible for moving the campers safely

around the camp but also responsible for creating an environment of inclusion, collaboration, and

enthusiasm. I decided to use a more progressive philosophy where the campers create their own

questions and answers. In those instances, I acted as more of a facilitator than a dispenser of

knowledge. I made sure that all campers were included in the conversations, that all campers got

a chance to voice their opinions, and ultimately that all campers were happy with the decisions of

the group. While this does not model all school activities, it did give me a chance to practice my

pedagogical skills. I had to be focused and organized to ensure the group accomplished the

necessary tasks.

I have taken three primary lessons from my camp experiences. First, it gave me a chance

to create and understand relationships with young adults. Secondly, it gave me a chance to

practice self-regulation and the ability to continually display a proper attitude. Finally, I was able

to stretch my pedagogical understanding and skills. I also feel privileged to have had a brief time
in which I can make a positive impact in my campers’ lives. I genuinely enjoyed my days in the

Black Hills with the campers and am thankful that I have had the privilege to share the

experience with them.