WHAT WAS CHOSEN?

So... You've all seen Shark Tank or are at least aware of it.  <If you haven't, we have some things to catch up on>  A couple years ago (and since then), we decided to do our own version of this.  It's called "Chosen".  Here's how it works.  During training, groups of summer staff come together with an idea that will make camp better in some way.  Some are almost free, some are fairly expensive.  They then present their idea to a panel of full time staff who are able to fund it if they think it would be a good idea.  If they get chosen, those who chose the project will then guide the summer staff to the completion of the project. 

This happened yesterday and already people are asking online, what has been chosen?  Well here it is...

A weather board - This will be a weekly updated board in a couple main locations around camp that campers can see what the weather will be like and plan accordingly.  I actually chose this one, thought it was a good idea.

Bathroom signs - You might ask, don't you already have those?  Yes we do but at many times in summer and during the year, we change the use of the bathroom, for example, if all girls are staying in a certain building, then all bathrooms would be switched to girls, hence the need for additional signs that can change rather than a taped up piece of paper.  

Outdoor Misting Systems - Pretty simple, a couple misters in locations where kids just need to be cooled down such as at ballfield games.  

New Sound Systems for the Amphitheater and Portable - These are much needed and a little expensive so a couple of us went in together on this one.  Ideally we would be looking for a waterproof system or two.  If you know a lot about that or have a great place to buy, send me an email at jeremy@shamineau.org.  So one system would be mounted at the amp all summer and the other would be portable for the many events we do.  That one would be nice to have big sound in small speakers.

A Keyboard for Worship - This would be a nicer, pressure sensitive keyboard that will work well for summer worship.  It could be used, they now have to find one.

So that's what got funded, it's always a cool experience for a number of reasons.  It gives them a whole new perspective on what it takes to make a project happen.  To present an idea, they have to look into every cost, labor, time to complete it and any other effort.  We of course ask those type of questions as a panel and check into some costs with them.  Also it's a great chance for them to see what it's like to complete even a simple project in the midst of busy summer camp.  It can be hard!  So it puts a lot of great background information around something like... why don't they just put air conditioners in the cabins?  Well because there are big up front costs, a lot of labor, ongoing costs, noise... you get the idea.  

Another great thing from this, is that these guys have great ideas.  There are a lot of fresh eyes, different thinkers and different perspectives.  Some ideas that have come from past chosen years would be the beach cubbies (place to put stuff at the beach), a floating sauna and a watering system at the ballfield for getting drinks much quicker for campers.  Those are just a couple of ideas.  

Anyway, thats Chosen, a great small training tool, and really nobody knows they are getting trained, if that makes sense.  But they get a small new perspective on what it takes to run camp.  It also helps them think through the whole process.  

FYI - As summer boots up here, you will see blog posts almost daily with photos from around camp.  Stay tuned and pass it on!