Perks

I was nervously driving from Plattsmouth, NE to Florissant, CO for a new seasonal job. What I did not know at the time was how transformative the next three months of my life would be. As I look back, my outlook on life as a whole changed from my relationships, experiences, opportunities, and challenges presented to me at Sanborn Western Camps and I will be forever grateful.

Here are a few ways working at a camp positively impacted me:

🌳 Professional Growth: The forward thinking at Sanborn allowed me to broaden my skillset of the outdoors. I became certified in First Aid/ CPR and as a Lifeguard. I got to work with farm animals, ride horses, navigate bushwhacking, and test risk aversion in real life. I enhanced my skills of the outdoors and worked on themed projects for each adventure. I was very fulfilled working in the collaborative environment and knowing that support was encouraged.

🌿 Personal Development: Spending time outside is naturally reflective for me and allowed me to shift my perspective in a more positive direction. Before Sanborn it was quite hard for me to admit I did not know something, but knowing there was the support and guidance of co-workers made me more adaptable and in the end more knowledgeable. On Sundays during staff meetings there was always time to reflect, re-pattern, and grow. I took that into my life once leaving and now I do a check-in with myself on where I need to strengthen my academic needs and priorities for the upcoming week.

🍃 Community and Impact: They value people at Sanborn - the intricacies, the web we weave as a staff, and the community we build with the campers. Seeing how determined each individual was at making camp feel like magic inspired me. And when the campers saw the magic it was a full circle of moment of pride for the environment I was fortunate enough to help create. Even a year later and I am in frequent communications with many of my summer colleges. These wonderful friends who made work feel like play continue to develop my senses of self, community, earth, and wonder.

🏕 Female Empowerment: Working at High Trails Ranch - the programming for girls - allowed me to see the laughter, friendships, and confidence grow as the days progressed. Having received a high school education in an all female setting, I know how special the environment is to young girls. Even as a counselor it helped reassure my self-reliance, determination, and leadership. To see these girls climb mountains, share dreams, and want change for the future was inspiring.

I felt compelled to share how this position was not a job, but a journey of centering myself. Being fully present every day at my job made my experience one worth sharing. Thank you so much Sanborn Western Camps/Colorado Outdoor Education Center for being my second home last summer. Navigating my true north has made me more passionate and intentional about my time, energy, and resources

⛰ - Lilee Surdell

Dear Sanborn,

I had a pretty big AHA moment the other day at work and thought I’d share it with you. I figured some campers/counselors/parents might enjoy this too so feel free to distribute (there’s nothing sensitive in here haha).

If you don’t believe that the skills you learn at Sanborn are applicable in your life outside of camp, think again.

I am a rocket scientist working on some of the most advanced materials known to man. And I just did a Round-Up with my team.

We planned a big team meeting to go over a bunch of things and part of that was going around the room to gather ideas on what was going well and what could be improved.

I took charge and proposed a round up (without referencing that this was a skill I learned as a camp counselor, or that my group of 10-year-olds were better listeners)

We went through every part. Shoutouts, Ownerships and Aha’s, Team time, and tomorrow’s plan.

There were a couple modifications of course, like merging tomorrow’s plan into a much larger timeline, and coming up with a game for team time that was a little more serious than ‘big booty’.

But throughout the entire process, I thought of Sanborn and how much I learned there applies to the ‘real world’.

The truth is, that many in the corporate world scoff at the ‘camp counselor’ listed on my resume and think it should have been replaced with some big engineering internship.

But to prove them wrong, I had them unknowingly participate in an activity that my ABCers could outperform them in.

So if you are wondering if you take Sanborn with you when the summer is over, the answer is yes.

I have used almost every skill I learned at Sanborn in my new corporate life (I haven’t had to get in lightning position yet).

Every day at camp exposed me to situations no internship could ever live up to.

I am so fortunate to have worked the best job in the world, and now I get to share what I have learned in a profession about as far from a camp counselor as it can get. So far around the circle that they are right next to each other.

Take care and hopefully I can find some time to come visit during second session.

Hayden
BOOM (in the outdoorsman way not the rocket way)

Four summers at Sanborn Western Camps/Colorado Outdoor Education Center have added up to one of the most transformative years of my life. The experiences I’ve had and the lessons I’ve learned in the mountains of Colorado have shaped me into the person I am today, resilient, open-minded, assertive, and independent.

Sanborn challenged me in ways I never expected, from leading intense expeditions in the Rockies to managing groups of campers through unpredictable circumstances. Every adventure taught me something new about leadership, responsibility, and my own capabilities. I learned to navigate the challenges of the wilderness while also navigating the personal growth that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.

Sanborn Western Camps has been more than just a job; it has been a life-changing experience. The support, camaraderie, and sense of purpose I found there not only allowed me to grow as a professional but also transformed me on a personal level. I’ve become more resilient in the face of adversity, more open-minded to new perspectives, and more confident in leading others through both joyful and challenging moments.

As I move forward in life, with new adventures awaiting in the classroom, I know that the impact of my time at Sanborn will stay with me forever. The lessons in leadership, teamwork, and personal growth will continue to guide me wherever I go.

Working at Sanborn was more than just a job; it was a reminder of how to live life joyfully, with curiosity and purpose. It taught me resilience in the face of challenges, the power of community, and the fulfillment that comes from helping others grow. I can confidently say that this experience has shaped who I am today, and I couldn’t recommend it more to anyone seeking a life changing opportunity.

I just wrapped up an incredible summer as a counselor at Sanborn Western Camps, specifically at High Trails Ranch, and I’m already missing it! This experience was so much more than just a summer job. I had the opportunity to mentor and guide young campers (aged 7-10) as they explored the great outdoors, challenged themselves, and made lifelong memories.

High Trails Ranch is a special place where kids can disconnect from technology and connect with nature. I witnessed firsthand how these experiences can build confidence, resilience, and a sense of community. From leading backpacking trips in the forest to teaching outdoor skills, every day was a new adventure.

I’m incredibly grateful for the friendships I made with fellow staff members and the impact I was able to have on the campers’ lives. This summer at Sanborn Western Camps has reinforced my passion for working with youth and the importance of outdoor education. If you’re looking for a rewarding summer job, I highly recommend checking out Sanborn Western Camps!