If your son or daughter is an extrovert – loves socializing, thrives in large groups and enjoys loud, busy, action-filled days – then residential arts camp is an obvious choice. But over the years, we’ve learned at Centauri that the quieter, calmer, somewhat introverted campers have just as much to gain from overnight camp. And knowing how many of those kids are the creative, artistic type, we’ve evolved a daily schedule that meets their needs, too.
The fact is that quieter kids quickly do become involved in the upbeat and exciting activities of camp – the spirit suppers, evening programs, festivals, dorm cheers – and there is no doubt that this opportunity is a valuable learning experience for them. In a non-judgemental, respectful atmosphere, more introverted campers can be found dancing, singing, reciting poetry or joining in dorm cheers along with everyone else. But we have also discovered, over the years, that for the quieter kids, there is one key difference. A person of any age who is naturally introspective, or easily over-stimulated, requires a period of calm and reflection at the end of a busy, camp activity. And we have evolved our camp schedule to fill that need.
‘Introvert’ is a word that carries a lot of negative connotations in today’s world. And it’s misunderstood. An ‘introvert’ doesn’t mean a person who is anti-social; in fact, introverts may be gregarious, rather than shy. But for an introvert, certain activities – even if they are enjoyable – lead quickly to a sense of over-stimulation. To re-align themselves, they require a period of peace and calm, in order to reflect. Some of the greatest writers and artists the world has ever produced were – and are – introverts. The same goes, surprisingly, for dancers, actors, singers and film-makers.
In her excellent book, ‘Quiet’, Susan Cain points out that three circumstances are necessary for creativity to flourish:
- Social stimuli: we need a problem to solve, an idea to explore, an observation to explore. Camp is the perfect environment for this.
- Solitude: the best creative work occurs when we explore things in our heads, most often alone. Our camp schedule has evolved to make this possible, too. A camper lies on their bunk, eyes closed, allowing themselves to ‘feel’ the power of the moves they will dance in a few hours; a song-writer strums a guitar under the fruit trees; an actor watches, unseen, as others move across the field, noting how their personality is reflected in their walks, and wondering which walk best suits the character they will play on stage. Of course, campers also leave with a wealth of half-formed ideas for moments of solitude throughout the year.
- The absence of peer pressure. Creative people need to be free from a judgmental atmosphere in order to find the courage to think outside of the box. Centauri Arts Camp is known for an atmosphere that is warm, respectful, and that celebrates diversity.
I believe that young people need more space, more quiet, than ever before. Perhaps this is because our world is increasingly noisy and fast-paced. At our Information Session this weekend, campers asked questions like: “if I just want to sit and have a quiet chat with a friend, is there time to do that?” and, “is it okay to just sit and listen to music in free time?” They responded with enthusiasm to the exciting camp activities we were describing, but clearly they were signaling the need for decompression time, as well.
So, the reason for the title of this post: communities need extroverts for sure – these are the people with the most obvious leadership traits and the endless outpouring of positivism. No one doubts the importance of their presence at camp – in the staff as much as the campers. But introverts are undervalued in many communities, and that will never happen at Centauri. We have never been more aware of the importance of the deeper, reflective moments in the fast-paced excitement of camp, nor of the calm and quiet that allow those incredible moments to occur. That’s why we have ‘pajamarama’ nights, with their choice of activities like Tai Chi, Yoga and stargazing. It’s great for everyone to be energized, social, outgoing and fun-loving. Camps do that well – and this includes Centauri! But our goal is never to sacrifice the reflective, artistic, intellectual and gentler traits that exist within us all.
Julie Hartley
Director
Centauri Summer Arts Camp