This article came into my email to day from my friends at GoCampPro.
The article from Psychology Today explains why teenagers benefit from having mentors who aren't their parents. Mentors can be anyone from teachers to coaches who support and encourage teens.
Research shows that mentorship helps teenagers develop socially, emotionally, and intellectually. It helps them manage challenges, learn new perspectives, and believe in themselves.
Although some teens find mentors through programs, many do not.
However, all teenagers can seek out mentors by identifying adults they admire and asking for guidance. The article offers steps for teens to find a mentor, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and learning in the mentor-mentee relationship.
For more details, you can read the full article here.
I am struck by the idea that many teens are unable to find mentors. Summer Camp offers a great place to find mentors that will help you for the rest of your life. Many of our Pearce Williams alumni speak to this.
My own camp directors, counsellors, and programmers from 30 to 40 years ago still live in my memories and help me - as a summer camp professional - make decisions and do my work still to this day.
Teens and young adults who work at camp often find the experience is a positive one that impacts their life for a long time. The beauty of a close knit community where they try new things, learn new skills, have failures and learn how to grow from them - ALL away from the safety of their home and parents - this type of community does not exist in many places.
Summer Camp, especially overnight summer camp, can help teens find mentors.
If you know a teen or young adult who is a student in the London, Ontario area - including Sarnia, Chatham, Woodstock, St. Thomas, and Elgin County - Pearce Williams Summer Camp is one of the best jobs they can do to find mentors and to grow into the best possible version of themselves.
Joe Richards, Executive Director & Guitar Guy