When we talk about different types of campers and how to foster success each week they come to camp, we often speak of a child’s individual personality and needs. Depending on the child’s development and psychosocial understanding, these needs may be presented differently. I believe our definition of success should come from the individual and circumstantial (challenges to one’s growth that may only be present in an uncommon environment or setting) needs and abilities of each unique child.
If we consider the idea that every child has unfulfilled needs in their life, then camp is another place in which they will seek to fulfill these needs. Often speaking, these needs are physical, emotional, spiritual, or mental. Each Child, to achieve success, will need to understand clearly the boundaries from which success comes. This means as mentors, we must clearly define the expectations, boundaries, and roles that form the success of each child.
The thinking differently implication is through how we arrive at the definition of each child’s success. For instance, a child challenged by emotional recognition may experience great success if able to navigate a conflict between peers. In contrast, a child who struggles with esteem may benefit from attempting new physical skills or activities.
The needs of each child go beyond their basic human needs. Based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, we will understand that each child is present differently within the context of the Hierarchy. Maslow would enforce the idea that one must first achieve a foundational grasp and fulfillment of each layer before proceeding upward within the development.
The hierarchy of needs is a foundational understanding of the needs of a child. Building from physiological needs to self-actualization, we will see an individual go from the bases of human survival to the ability to thrive in their environment and circumstance.
As caring adults, if we are to understand the holistic development of the children we work with, we will be able to foster stronger connections with each stage and recognize children’s unique physiological needs in conjunction with their developmental process. All of which creates and solidifies an environment and relationship in which the child feels seen, heard, and understood.
Each moment of success or challenge is defined by the individuals around each child, us. If we are able to develop and facilitate a young person’s ability to achieve success given their own independent needs our work becomes exponentially more impactful.
