From loud chatter in the dining hall to climbing on the high ropes course at Rock Springs Ranch, Camp Directors Letha and Jared Causby are ready to start summer camp season.
Camp director is a new role at Rock Springs Ranch, working with the executive director and entire program team to organize and execute an exciting camp season.
Letha and Jared moved to Kansas from North Carolina in January 2022, and they hit the ground running to prepare for summer camp. They are hiring and training counselors and staff to provide a positive and safe camp experience for Kansas 4-H youth.
For more information about summer staff opportunities, visit rockspringsranch.org/employment.
From her own experiences, Letha said summer camp breaks up the routine of ordinary life and provides a place for kids to make friends, have fun and discover who they are without limitations from school or parents.
“My vision for 4-H camp at RSR for this summer and beyond is that we are an open and inviting place for all,” she said. “If you are a current 4-H’er, or if this is your first experience, you leave camp with the same confidence and knowledge that camp is a special place, everyone feels included.”
Letha emphasized that camp is important to kids’ overall health.
“Camp allows youth an immersive experience free from much of the stress and anxiety found in everyday life,” she said. “School is about making good grades, sports are about winning, etc. Camp is one of the last places where kids can be kids. They do not have to worry about the same pressures as the ‘real world.’”
Letha met her husband, Jared, while she was working at summer camp. Together, they have developed a passion for serving youth through summer camp experiences. While they don’t have any children of their own, Jared and Letha are aware of the role parents play in a child’s development.
“Camp is such a wonderful and safe place for your child,” Jared said. “We are going to do everything it takes for your child to be safe and have a great time. Your role during the week is crucial in continuing to develop your child’s independence. On the other side of the week we will return to you your child as their best self.”
Letha has eight years of progressive residential camp experience. Her most recent position was Senior Program Director of YMCA Camp Hanes located in King, North Carolina. In this role she oversaw six camp programs.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Public Relations with a Sociology Minor from Appalachian State University, in Boone, North Carolina.
Jared has six years progressive residential camp experience. His most recent position was Associate Director of Adventure Camp & Conferences also with Camp Hanes. In this role, Jared oversaw the Outdoor Education, High Ropes Programs and Retreat Services. He holds an Association of Challenge Course Technology Level II Certification. Jared also holds a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management with a Coaching Minor from North Carolina State University, in Raleigh, North Carolina.
In the past, Jared has challenged kids to set personal goals because they constantly underestimate themselves. He hopes that momentum of confidence carries them right into the next activity.
“I hope they can walk away knowing that they faced some challenges and that they succeeded,” he said. “Camp becomes special when campers challenge themselves to spend the night away from home, or to be more welcoming to others, or to share a feeling, or to overcome a conflict with someone or to stand up and sing a silly song. Nothing great comes without challenges, and I hope our campers are able to reflect back on summer and realize that.”
Letha and Jared are committed to meeting youth’s essential needs at 4-H camp. This includes: Belonging:
Belonging: This is what Letha and Jared believe camps do best. They want to create a place where everyonebelongs. Spending a week in one place gives campers a sense that they belong there. There’s so much time to create new things. Camp may be the first place they meet their best friend, or the first time they go ziplining, or the first time they act in front of a group of people.
Mastery: Camp can provide a great environment for different interests that aren’t quite as demanding as the outside world. Campers get to learn at their own pace with only the simple goal of having fun and gaining confidence.
Independence: This happens multiple times at camp every single day. It starts with remembering your towel when you leave the pool or overcoming a fear. Letha and Jared said they love when parents pick up their kids and are so surprised to hear that their child made their own bed or did the zipline.
Generosity: Camp makes being nice cool. When kids are put on the same playing field, they start to understand the value of generosity. When a child knows how much they themselves want to go on the giant swing, and yet they allow another camper to go first they understand the reward of being generous and how much that can mean to someone else.
Because their essential needs are met at camp in a safe environment, Letha and Jared agree that now more than ever, summer camp helps youth to feel empowered to make decisions for themselves.
“When kids come to camp, they get to be their authentic selves and gain independence that will help them throughout their lives,” Letha said. “Going to camp once in your lifetime is fun. Going to camp each year is life changing.“
"Camp becomes special when campers challenge themselves to spend the night away from home, or to be more welcoming to others, or to share a feeling, or to overcome a conflict with someone or to stand up and sing a silly song. Nothing great comes without challenges, and I hope our campers are able to reflect back on summer and realize that." Said Jared.