Blog content written by Paul Davidson, Camp Director
A day at Camp Gorham is undeniably filled with fun and games, but woven into every activity is something far more profound. Camp is a journey of self-discovery, a chance to build deep resilience and a transformative opportunity to cultivate independence.
The Power of "Try, Fail, It’s Ok, Try Again"
Camp life offers a truly unique environment where campers are fully supported as they explore who they are. Away from the familiar routines of home, new challenges and opportunities emerge daily. It’s in these moments—whether tackling the ropes course or managing their cabin responsibilities—that we see incredible growth. We understand that this growth takes a meandering path; it's rarely a straight line. That's why we champion the philosophy of “try, fail, it’s okay, try again!”
We intentionally create a supportive and safe environment where campers feel empowered to take risks and test their limits.
Imagine this: You're standing at the climbing wall, looking up at the challenging holds. A little voice inside might say, "I can't do this." But then, you hear a friendly cheer from a fellow camper (peer support in action!)- or, an encouraging word from a counselor (the pep talk), and a deep breath later, you're reaching for the first hold.
Maybe you don't make it to the top on the first try, or even the second. And that's perfectly okay! At Gorham, we celebrate every attempt, every lesson learned. We are here to provide that supportive hand and to remind you that every perceived "failure" is just a step closer to success—and a deeper connection to your own capabilities.
Support in Every Endeavor
Every camper arrives with their own hopes and expectations, but everyone leaves knowing they were fully supported on their journey. Our dedicated staff excel at getting to know each camper individually, learning how to best support them in endeavors big and small. Big wins like getting up on waterskis for the first time. Quiet victories like learning to keep their cubby organized and take responsibility for their space.
Building resilience and independence is not just about summiting a wall; it’s about the small, daily triumphs that help a camper believe in their own ability to handle what comes next.