Hear from our Summer Camp Director about her busy training week with counselors!

What do you like most about training week at camp? Getting to know the counselors and seeing them become a team. I'm also so proud of our year-round educators—Jen, Jen, Tommy, and Kevin—who I learn from while we train counselors together. As we take turns leading topics, I always come away with a new teaching approach or a fascinating new nature fact thanks to my incredible colleagues.

What do you like the least? Having to fit everything into a single training week! There is a lot to cover from safety procedures, canoe protocols and CPR training to behavior management, special needs, animal lessons and our iconic camp games... it’s so much!

What lessons have you learned from training others to be their best during camp? I have learned how valuable it is when the learning flows in both directions. We all have different experiences and strengths to share and can learn so much from one another. I have also discovered that giving feedback can be a valuable tool – it can help others to be their best, but it has also allowed me to improve as a leader and communicator. Lastly, I have learned to give others space to solve problems independently (with support, as needed) and to always lead with empathy and compassion.

What do you worry about the most heading into the season? Extreme heat waves and wasp nests. These are two things that we can never control but we are always prepared to manage them safely.

What do you remember most from your counselor days? Spending the day in the woods exploring with the campers has always been one of my favorite parts of the job, and most importantly, I’m continually inspired by the campers’ curiosity, unique interests, and the stories they share.

Camp Director Sarah Breznen has been a part of Woodcock's summer for 17 seasons! During the rest of the year she is Director of Education and wears so many hats. In her spare time she enjoys gardening (for wildlife!), making art, and volunteering.