Since the establishment of the YMCA one of the key pillars of the organization has been focused on youth development. The YMCA and Camp Weaver alike believe that when the community encourages, promotes and advocates for youth development we are building a brighter future. Not a single moment is wasted when we pour into our children.
When children, schools or groups are at Camp Weaver, we take every opportunity to teach and create team-building moments that people can easily take with them and apply to their lives. One of our teaching tools is the “5 Finger Rules.” The “5 Finger Rules” teaches individuals how to collaborate and think about their own actions to foster a creative collective environment.
YMCA Camp Weaver’s 5 Finger Rules
- Thumb = Positivity: Encourage one another and promote positivity in the group. When we have a positive attitude when life throws a curve ball, we can come out of the obstacle better than if we had a negative attitude.
- Pointing Finger = Blaming: We don’t point or blame others in the group. We all have our own strengths and weaknesses that differ from each other. Instead of blaming someone else, ask yourself, “What could I have done differently?”
- Middle Finger = Disrespect: We don’t put up our middle finger because we shouldn’t show others disrespect and rudeness. Rudeness and disrespect bring nothing to a team and only acts as a disrupter.
- Ring Finger = Commitment: Remember your commitment and your commitment to the group. If you aren’t having fun or if you don’t want to do something keep in mind that someone else in the group may be loving the activity or project. Be committed to the group and those who are in the group. Be a person of your word and seek the project until the end.
- Pinky Finger = Reminder: Reminder that everyone on the team is valuable and has worth. Everyone on the team adds value and their contribution is important. Without an individual, the group wouldn’t be the same.
If you would like your child to experience camp and learn important lessons that will be carried with them for the rest of their lives, consider registering him or her for summer camp or any of our other camp experiences. Remember that these principles and lessons aren’t just for children and youth development, adults need professional and personal development as well. If you have an adult group who could benefit from team-building activities, check out our group rentals and retreats webpage.
