The
philosophy of Camp Monterey is founded on the belief that our camp
experience provides opportunities for a girl to learn
valuable lessons that will make her a better, happier person. This philosophy
is based on:
Living Simply.
Campers are sent an equipment list before they come to camp. If they
forget something which is not a personal essential, we tell them what
our founder, "Miss Dollie" said to us, "Tell
me what you need, and I will tell you how you can do without it."
Rustic camping teaches resourcefulness. We encourage the campers to think
of new ways to solve problems or consider what they think they need.
Having fewer things to worry about opens up more opportunities to have
fun with others.
Appreciating the Beauty of Nature.
All activities immerse the campers in nature with trail rides through
the woods, outings on the Obey River, swims in the
lake, blackberry picking on "The Big Hill," and sleep
outs under the stars. Rainy Days are as fun
as sunny ones; campers may choose to go on hikes and accidentally "slip" in
the mud.
Discovering Talents and Accomplishing
Goals.
Many of the activities at Camp Monterey have ranks which give the
girls an opportunity to not only learn a new skill but also
advance. For many, this is the first opportunity they have had to
learn to handle
a boat or ride a horse or work with clay. They may take up to seven
activities during morning classes and have the chance to develop
and learn more
about their favorite skills during free periods in the afternoons.
Having Fun.
Camp Monterey girls have fun in ways they never dreamed they would.
Dressing up in funny clothes from the Costume Room for skits and parties,
picking
blackberries and making a cobbler over a camp fire, and singing in
the Dining Hall after every meal are just a few of the many ways that
make
camp so much fun.
Strengthening Moral and Spiritual Values.
Our program is planned with the total development of the child in mind,
realizing that the greatest benefits are often the intangible ones--love
of the out of doors and friendship. We strive to give our girls an
opportunity to live in an atmosphere of simplicity and love, to provide
opportunities to build character and to make them aware of our Creator
through the beauty of nature. We encourage cooperation and teamwork
and foster the belief that developing a girl's God-given talents, teaching
her by example to help others, and making lasting friendships are the
keys to a happy life for her. A Christian church service and evening
vespers on Sundays are among our favorite activities at camp. Every Wednesday,
the Church Planning committee meets and girls come to the director's
porch to help plan
the songs and poems to use on Sunday.
Leading by Example.
Leading by example is an integral part of Camp Monterey. The older
campers and staff know how important it is to be the best they can
be especially
for the younger campers who look up to them and often want to be like
them. In
the staff handbook, there is this reminder:
Sometimes we may not realize that everything we do affects
not only our lives, but touches
others too. A single happy smile can brighten up the day for anyone who
happens to be passing by your way. And a little bit of thoughtfulness that
shows someone
you care creates a ray of sunshine for both
of you to share.