Male Counselors in the Extraordinary WorldPosted by Beigette Gill on June 26, 2017
Some things can’t compare to the feeling of helping someone achieve their goal or watching one of the campers from your bunk face their fears. Male counselors in the Extraordinary World are able to do both. It is an honor and a privilege to take on the role of a Bunk Uncle (Buncle) within the Fernwood Cove community.
The Daily Life of a Buncle
As the sound of Reveille awakens the camp and the daily life of a buncle begins. At Flag Raising Buncles see their bunk family for the first time that day. Soon Jim, the camp director and “Buncle” to the entire camp, steps in and starts the day with a loud and enthusiastic, “GOOD MORNING FERNWOOD COVE.” During breakfast male counselors take on the role of “Dad” at the table. Alongside the female counselors they make sure everyone eats properly and has their three glasses of water. Then its time to head to clean-up. Buncles help campers as they sweep, take out the trash, and make their beds. With the help of the rest of the bunk family, we assist the girls in anything else they might need in preparation for the rest of their day.
During Rest Hour Buncles enjoy time with their campers as they paint your nails and attempt to braid your hair. They even try to teach you how to make a crazy looking friendship bracelet. Bunk circles close out the Buncle’s day. This is the part where they catch up with the bunk family, find out what’s going on. We also enjoy being able to fix any issues faulty torches (flashlights), wobbly beds, and other things that bring the feeling of family life full circle.
Benefits of Being a Buncle
Being a male counselor at an all-girls summer camp is a truly unique experience. The special relationships formed between Buncles and their campers is an integral aspect of the Fernwood Cove camp experience. Having a non-familial male role model who provides genuine support and encouragement isn’t often something girls experience. One of the major benefits of being a Buncle is the impact they have on each Fernwood Cove camper. Fernwood Cove Buncles dedicate their camp days to helping ensure each Fernwood Cove camper has the best camp experience. In return male counselors have a fuller camp experience.
It’s The Little Things
After the day is done and Taps has played the opportunity arises to reflect on everything that has happened. The way you have impacted someone’s life even if it is the most minor way. Taking the little steps together, like their first cooking project, to the leaps and bounds life like learning to lead a group of people. Transferring every tiny bit of information you have and helping to shape them for later life. It’s the little things in life that matter and in the Extraordinary World the little things just keep on coming,