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When you think of summer camp, what comes to mind? S’mores, canoeing, mosquito bites the size of dinner plates? Sure, all those things are part of the quintessential camp experience. But for camps designed to serve ADHD and twice-exceptional (2e) kids, the experience is about something deeper: community, understanding, and mentorship.
The magic of Camp Sequoia goes beyond the surface-level fun; it lies in the transformative relationships built between staff and campers. Mentorship at camp isn’t just about teaching a kid how to build a birdhouse. It’s about teaching them to believe in themselves, despite the world sometimes handing them a toolbox filled with mismatched screws. And guess what? It benefits the mentors, too.
Let’s delve into the value of staff mentorship in these specialized settings to uncover how this unique relationship fosters growth, resilience, and a ton of organically fostered life lessons for everyone involved.
ADHD, 2e, and Camp: A Match Made in Slightly Chaotic Heaven
For the uninitiated, ADHD stands for “Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder,” a condition often characterized by boundless energy, creativity, and occasional forgetfulness of where one left their shoes (or lunch, or homework). Twice-exceptional (2e) kids are a bit like unicorns—they have a mix of exceptional abilities and challenges, such as being both gifted and neurodivergent. This type of work environment often attracts staff who are personally and professional attuned to campers with this profile.
In traditional environments, ADHD and 2e kids might struggle with rigid expectations or a lack of understanding. But camps designed specifically for them embrace their uniqueness. Here, they’re not “too much” or “too different”—they’re just kids. Enter staff mentorship, the secret sauce that helps these campers thrive. At Camp Sequoia, we do an extensive staff search and all first-year staff are assigned a staff mentor who is a returner to our community. These mentor groups provide staff an opportunity for synergistic growth as we spend nearly two-weeks in person together in preparation for camper arrival.
What Is Mentorship in a Camp Setting?
Camper mentorship at camp isn’t as formal as a “Take Your Mentor to Work Day.” It’s more “Teach Your Mentor How to Thrive on Trip Day.” It’s about building authentic, trusting relationships where campers feel safe to be themselves while learning from someone a little older, a little wiser, and occasionally a little soaked from a water balloon games on field day.
Mentors at camp are staff members—often counselors, activity leaders, or supervisors—who model patience, empathy, and adaptability. Their job is not just to guide campers but to step into their world. For ADHD and 2e kids, that might mean celebrating a camper’s latest hyperfixation or finding creative ways to encourage participation or give appropriate space for a decompression or reset when sensory overload strikes.
The Benefits for Campers: Confidence, Connection, and More
- Confidence Through Role Models
ADHD and 2e kids often hear a lot about what they can’t do. Having a mentor who believes in them flips that script and is an intrinsic goal of Camp Sequoia. When a counselor cheers on a camper for their out-of-the-box problem-solving during an escape room challenge, that validation becomes fuel for self-esteem.
Mentors show campers that being different doesn’t mean being less—it often means being extraordinary.
- Learning to Navigate Challenges
Mentors help campers learn how to work through frustration or setbacks. Forgot your lines in the camp play? No problem—your mentor will improvise alongside you (and probably make it funnier in the process). Camp Sequoia loves this impromptu moments of whimsy at camp that teach kids resilience, adaptability, and that mistakes are part of the process. - A Safe Space for Authenticity
For ADHD and 2e kids, masking (hiding their true selves to fit in) can be exhausting. At camp, mentorship creates a judgment-free zone where kids can flap their hands when excited, dive into a passionate monologue about dinosaurs, or bounce on their toes during every group activity. - Building Social Skills
Camp is a microcosm of the real world, and mentorship acts as a social GPS. As a research-based and evidence informed community, our mentors might guide a camper through tricky friendship dynamics, modeling how to apologize, compromise, or simply take a deep breath before tackling that group project.
The Benefits for Staff: A Crash Course in Leadership and Empathy
It’s not just the campers who grow. Mentorship is a two-way street, and staff often find themselves on the receiving end of invaluable lessons.
- Leadership Skills
Guiding a group of ADHD or 2e campers can sometimes be like herding kittens with jetpacks—it’s unpredictable, requires quick thinking, and teaches unparalleled leadership skills. Mentors learn how to communicate effectively, manage group dynamics, and solve problems on the fly. This is one of the reason that Camp Sequoia screens over 3,000 staff applicants each season and provides a robust new staff mentorship program during training. - Empathy and Patience
Working with neurodivergent kids requires stepping into their shoes (metaphorically—unless you’re trying to rescue a shoe lost in the mud). Staff members learn to see the world from different perspectives, which fosters empathy and patience that extends far beyond camp. - Personal Growth
The best mentors often reflect on their own experiences, using them to connect with campers. For many staff members, this process helps them better understand themselves, their strengths, and their areas for growth. - Unparalleled Joy
There’s nothing quite like the pure, unfiltered joy of watching a camper succeed—whether it’s paddling their first canoe or bravely speaking up in a group. Staff often find that these moments are as rewarding for them as they are for the campers.
Mentorship in Action: Stories That Stick
Let’s paint a picture:
The Treasure Hunt Hero
One camper, Sam, has ADHD and struggles with focus during group activities. His mentor, Rachel, notices that Sam loves puzzles and riddles. During a treasure hunt, Rachel assigns him the role of “clue master,” tapping into his strength. Sam not only thrives but leads the group to victory, grinning from ear to ear.
The Quiet Victory
Mia, a 2e camper with a fear of public speaking, hesitates to participate in the talent show. Her mentor, Alex, spends time practicing with her and cheering her on. When Mia finally performs her poetry, the entire camp erupts in applause. Alex is crying. Mia is glowing. Everyone wins.
Why It Matters: The Big Picture
The American Camping Association (ACA) emphasizes the importance of mentorship and positive role modeling in its standards for youth development. Research shows that mentorship boosts kids’ self-esteem, social skills, and emotional well-being. In camps serving ADHD and 2e kids, these benefits are magnified, addressing unique needs and building resilience.
For staff, mentorship is equally transformative, equipping them with skills that last a lifetime. Whether they are or are training to become teachers, psychologists, or CEOs, the empathy and leadership gained at camp stay with them forever.
Closing Campfire Thoughts
Staff mentorship in summer camps isn’t just a nice bonus; it’s the heart of the experience, especially for ADHD and 2e kids. Camp Sequoia is where campers learn that their quirks are their superpowers and where staff discover that teaching and learning are two sides of the same coin.
So, to all the mentors out there: thank you for building these bridges of understanding, one campfire story at a time. And to the campers? Keep being your wonderfully unique, slightly chaotic, and endlessly inspiring selves. Because in the end, camp isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling—and mentorship is what keeps that feeling alive.
Now, pass the marshmallows.