Yagilu Started Today-But You Didn’t Miss the Bus

Rifling through desk drawers. Digging through closets. Hunting through basement storage baskets. Hollered calls of “Mommmm, where’s my camo jacket?!”

Hiking boots turn up from one corner, moisture-wicking pants from another; grab the whistle and compass hanging from the bedpost. Like superheros heading out on a mission, Yagilu’s counselors and campers are suiting up for another summer of incredible adventures and unique memories. Yagilu Staff Orientation 2019 started today, and every single person is psyched to be back.

Each counselor comes back appreciating how significant a Yagilu summer is. Most of them having gone through the program, they’ve personally experienced the life-changing effects. When asked what they most appreciated about their time with Yagilu so far, the answers vary: positive attitude, the Rule-The-Forest mentality, appreciating true friendship, and connecting to nature are just a few examples. Each one returns, though, to facilitate a camper having just as powerful a summer.

Orientation is about preparing the staff to facilitate an unparalleled summer experience for the campers. There are two parts to that: first, Tani leads discussions about the Yagilu philosophy – happiness through hard work, real friendship, and positive mindset are all components of that. Other staff members talk about a counselor’s impact, practical counselor-ing tips, and important safety/first aid knowledge. Second, counselors start practicing the skills they’ll be using, getting feedback from Tani and their fellow staff members: running group initiatives, giving a learning group, and facilitating a debrief are all covered. 

The schedule for Orientation is stuffed fuller than a backpack before the Ten-Day Hike. Group initiatives, model learning groups, and how-to/skill sessions jostle for space with taking inventory of camp supplies and setting up the living room. If you thought moving your furniture around was tough, imagine if your living room couches were really 15+-foot-long tree trunks! Amongst it all, we generally find time to invent a new game, get some Shtick going, and inaugurate the living room with a bonfire and kumzitz (or two).

Looking forward to an incredible summer!

Keep your eyes on the blog over the summer-we’ll be posting updates over the course of the month. Subscribe to never miss a post!