Tyson White
Executive Summary, LSDI 2010
I was working and instituted at the Summer 2010 Thunderhead Episcopal Church
Camp. The camps location was located just outside of Deadwood, South Dakota and only
8 miles from the Wyoming boarder. There I was a counselor and I conducted anything
from bathroom monitoring, chore duty instructor, cabin monitor and counselor, group
mentor facilitator, and counseling skills. We did church morning and evening prayers
through Taize worship and compline oriented. I specifically was in charge of conducting
the physical fitness component of camp; such as organizing games, activity block with
basketball, soccer, or volleyball. We utilized the basketball court and developed a
obstacle course activity along with frozen t-shirt contest. A huge part of TEC camp and
tradition was when we held the yearly annual TEC Olympics. Where we do water
volleyball, obstacle course and compete in a friendly manner. This year we introduced
several times karaoke, mostly associated with 5th and 6th grade camp where families
could sing together. As well as, cabin challenges which introduced friendly competition
against others cabins and counselors. We held on every camp occasion a dance which
Tim was our host and DJ. It was fun way to interact with the campers in a sense to be
goofy and have a great time. Also among the many activities was a concert held during
the middle school camp. The band was very much liked they are a rock band out of
Vermillion and a counselors brother plays with. Other activities were trips to falls with
swimming and a trip to Bear Butte for religious prayer reflection.
Those of whom I worked with were; Rita Powell an ordained Priest from Sioux
Falls, South Dakota who is certified Youth Minister as well. Holly Broadwater a member
of the Sioux Falls church now All Angels Youth Advisor in Spearfish, South Dakota and
Camp director at TEC. Sloane Floberg a Deacon from North Dakota who works at a
Youth Center as well. Tom Lutz who is from Minneapolis, Minnesota and head counselor
of our bunch who has really great people skills with great leadership ability. Ross Miller
a counselor from Sioux Falls, South Dakota and is a talented rapper. Jimmy Bloomquist a
counselor from Vermillion, South Dakota who is great with instruments and our musical
talent at camp. Caroline Taratko from Connecticut who worked in the kitchen a lot along
with arts & craft. Brittany Salisbury a counselor from Brookings who worked with arts
and crafts. Leah Miller a counselor from Vermillion, South Dakota who helped out at
talent show contest. Simone Cournoyer counselor from Rosebud, South Dakota a
daughter of the tribal chairman there and who helped with arts & crafts as well. Tim
Murphey who is also from Connecticut who displayed DJ skills and helped in the
kitchen. Brian Mueller who is from Mitchell, South Dakota worked with talent show
contest and a variety of sports and arts & crafts.
At TEC we developed a sense of community within the campers and introduced
friendships from strangers. TEC also introduced life long church values from inviting
God in to understanding our baptismal covenants. From chore duties to chapel services
and campfires with smore fixings the kids really had a wonderful time and counselors
alike. Camp provided a sense of understanding and complete awareness of expressing
freely ones self. Also, gave tribute to respecting the dignity of peoples. To value and
share talents and skills. To add, gave respect to church and tradition. To finalize TEC was
more than just a summer away or a job, it was a revitalizing look at life and realizing that
community can be expressed if you build at it. It was a spiritual blessing that has given
me insight to the career I wish to pursue in the future will establish with my ministry.