STAFF SPOTLIGHT: ADVENTURES DIRECTOR

Staff Spotlight: Adventures Director - Charlie Carlson

How many years have you been at Shamineau?
  
I’ve been going to camp, as a camper since the early 80’s but started working at Shamineau back in 1997 as a jr. counselor.  I Spent the next few summers moving up through the ranks to program.  On program I mainly worked with the jr. counselors (SMTs). 

I became full time back in October 2004.  At the time I had no plans on returning to camp.  I was working at Manor Concrete, pouring walls and making plans to move out of Minnesota.  Hoping to end up in Colorado or somewhere with mountains.  I had just received my certificate from the American Mountain Guiding Association. From a class that I had just taken that summer. With hopes to move and start my life as a guide/mountain rescue and go to school for youth ministers.  Then Herb called and told me "I have a wonderful plan for your life", which meant come to camp.  That was many, many years ago.  

What is your job at camp?

My official title at camp is Adventures director.  I oversee the running of the High Ropes Course, Low Ropes Course, Climbing Wall, Ice Tower and the beach.  
I work with all sorts of groups from elementary school kids up through multimillion dollar businesses, from church goers to some pretty rough characters.  I help them figure out how to achieve their goals and better their relationships on the low ropes course through teambuilding.  On high ropes we spend time having fun by overcoming challenges, but more importantly showing them they can achieve more then they thought was possible. 
When not running with groups I spend my time building and fixing elements. Making sure they still meet all the government regulations and whatever else comes up at camp.  

What is something interesting about you?

I’m kind of a germaphobe.  Example: (If you have a bag of chips, and ask if I want some; I ask how long its been open and who has had access to it.  The answer will determine whether I am or I’m not having any. 

My dream car is a truck that keeps running.

If you have 2 hours of free time, you would…

Where is this free time? I want some.  Anything outside.