Meet Camp Crossed Arrows Camp Director Nike!

Biting into a yummy s’more cooked over an open fire! Listening to the sounds of nature as you walk the trail! Singing camp songs all night long! What better way to jump start summer than Diamonds Camp. Camp has officially begun! We got an exclusive interview with Camp Crossed Arrows Camp Director, Linda Archer, on her thoughts on camp life and what she is looking forward to this upcoming camp year.

 

Name: Linda Archer
Title: Director of Camp Crossed Arrows
Camp Name: Nike (Greek Goddess of Victory)  
Favorite Thing about Camp: Camp Family
Camp Advice: Pack extra socks

GS Diamonds Reporter: How did you get the camp name Nike?

Nike: I didn’t have a “good” name my first CIT year so I was searching for a camp name I liked. I happened to be flipping through an encyclopedia in my high school library and flipped across information on Nike – the Greek Goddess of Victory. I was sporty and athletic so I thought it was a great camp name. I’ve had it since I was 16.

GS Diamonds Reporter: What’s your camp background and experience?

Nike: I grew up as a camper at Camp Cahinnio and then served on camp staff at Cahinnio for 5 years. I worked in the “real world” for 4.5 before an opening brought me back to the Girl Scout office in Fort Smith as the Program Specialist and Nature Center Coordinator. In 2011, I was promoted to Camp Director of Camp Cahinnio and Camp High Point. In 2012, through pure luck, I was appointed Camp Director of Camp Crossed Arrows and I plan on spending many more years here!

GS Diamonds Reporter: What is your favorite part of camp?

Nike: Personally, it’s the camp family. You have a whole group of people that are in on a huge secret that you are part of – camp names, camp traditions, and the camp way of life. Professionally, my favorite part is when I can encourage a girl to try something new that she was scared of trying. And when she tries it, she loves it. The best reward of working at camp is to see that instance change in a girls confidence once she gains a new skill that she didn’t feel she had the ability to do previously.

GS Diamonds Reporter: What is your favorite camp activity?

Nike: Swimming, canoeing and horseback riding but not always in that order

GS Diamonds Reporter: What are you most looking forward to this summer?

 Nike: Campers!!! I can’t wait for the campers to arrive and for us to have the chance to invite the campers into our camp family.

GS Diamonds Reporter: What is your advice for first time campers?

Nike: Try new things, pack twice as many socks as the packing list says, and pack a few extra bags that can be used for anything and everything.

GS Diamonds Reporter: Why do you love being a Girl Scout?

Nike: I really can’t put my finger on it, but I love being a Girl Scout and I love that I get to be so involved in camp. I grew up at summer camp and I can attribute some of my life skills to the sessions that I participated in as a camper and a staff member. Because of camp, I’m a Lifeguard Instructor, I have strong canoeing skills, and I know that I can do anything that I set my mind to.  

 We hope all the campers have a wonderful experience with Nike at Camp Crossed Arrows!!!

Interested in learning more about Nike??? Post questions for her and we will find out what you want to know!!!!