Anyone who has been successful in any area hasn’t just had a stroke of “luck”. Their success was likely a combination of trial and error, perseverance and learnt skills. The learning curve can be steep. But one of the best ways to shortcut the learning curve is to find like-minded mentors. The type of mentors you can find at Camp Tournesol’s French Day Camp and Overnight Camp.
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Mentors are important at any age. But especially when you’re a child vulnerable to peer pressure. It helps children steer away from negative temptations and stay focused on their goals and dreams.
At Camp Tournesol’s French Day Camp and French Overnight Camp, we strive to hire junior counsellors, senior counsellors and teachers who serve as positive role models for our campers. They help our campers see the opportunities that French language-learning and education can afford them. Our community of mentors also demonstrates to campers the power of teamwork, work ethic, and leadership.
5 Reasons Why Community And Mentorship Matter In Your Bilingual Journey
The benefits of community and mentorship are endless but we’ve distilled down our top 5 reasons why Community and Mentorship Matter (in life and at camp!):
#1 Opens Doors
Having role models around you and a positive community can help you to get your foot into doors that you may not have been open for you otherwise. They can also help you increase your network so you can give yourself the best chance to land your dream jobs or schools.
#2 Get Advice From Someone Who Has “Been There, Done That”
Although many people might have their opinions on life and school challenges, the best advice anyone can get is from someone who
has already “been around the block”. A mentor can offer very insightful and valuable advice based on their personal experiences.
Most of the camp counselors at our French Day Camp and French Overnight Camp have been through the French Immersion program. This is very valuableto young campers who have any questions or concerns about the French Immersion program. The encouragement and reassurance they get from a neutral person who has “been there, done that” can be more influential than a parent who has never been through the program. Beyond the French Immersion program, we’ve found that many of our camp counselors have had lasting mentorship relationships with campers. These mentors have even been there to help campers as they go through University and face the search for their first full-time job. They have been there through tough exam periods and even help them deal with challenges in their personal relationships. This type of mentorship is priceless and Camp Tournesol’s Day Camp and Overnight Camp has been a springboard for many of these valuable relationships to blossom.
#3 Builds Your Confidence
As you strive to meet your goals – whether they be getting a new job or finishing school – there are bound to be many uncertainties along the way. Having mentors and a community around you can help you to boost your confidence and overcome your doubts. They can offer you the words of encouragement you need. And sometimes just knowing that you have the support of someone in your back pocket can help build your confidence.
#4 Keeps You Accountable
One of the reasons our campers experience leaps and bounds in their French communication skills at our French Day Camp and French Overnight Camp is because our community keeps campers accountable. Without accountability, many of us would never reach our goals. And practicing French or any language is certainly no different.
#5 A New Perspective
When you’re facing a problem or crossroads, a mentor can ask you hard questions that help you solve problems and think outside the box. This helps you to break out of your comfort zone and start looking at the world in a whole new way.
What about you?
Did you have mentors or a positive community around you while you were growing up? And what was the biggest lesson you ever learned from your community and mentor? Share your experience with us in the comments below!
