What is Skills Rec?

Here at Camp Colman, we want to ensure that participants are getting the most out of their time at camp by providing activities that build on skills or hobbies they are interested in. Our programs are designed to develop introductory skills, encourage curiosity, and provide access to skills that participants may not have at home. One of our favorite ways to accomplish our program skills are with Skills Recs, a class that participants attend three days of a session to have more time to focus on their chosen activity. 

Skills Recs are facilitated by the same camp counselor for the same group of participants throughout the session. Counselors take time to plan three days’ worth of classes so that participants can further their knowledge or dive in deep on a specific project. Some examples of previous skills recs that our staff have taught include: wilderness survival, Camp Improvement Committee, guitar class, skit writing, various sports, and more! Being able to pick a skill they want to work on throughout the week is something we intentionally built into our program so participants are able to choose what they want to gain a better skillset in.  

The first day is set aside for introductions, brainstorming, and building the foundation for the activity. The second day is for implementing ideas and practicing new skills. The third day is a performance, celebration, or completion of group goals. For example, guitar class might look like deciding one song to perform and learning the chords on the first day, practicing playing together on the second day, and performing for others on the third day. 

Skills Recs are also often an opportunity for our international staff to share part of their culture with our camp community. We have staff from all over the world, ranging from Spain, Columbia, Argentina, Scotland, and Mexico.  Some of the international specific skills rec programs that we ran in the summer of 2022 included: piñata making, Spanish dancing and language, “How to be Scottish,” Tanabata Festival, and many more! Being able to provide an intercultural experience for participants who come to Camp Colman is one of the ways we promote diversity and inclusion. Learning about other cultures and connecting with others is how we like to build and foster empathy within our community.