The Health Hazards of EdCamp

 As I left EdCamp Social Studies I realized the dangerous hazards that EdCamp can have on one's health. You see, I started connecting the symptoms that I have been having and realized I have come down with a full blown case of EdCamp Oh-no-sis. The symptoms leading up to this health condition are subtle and my hope is, that by sharing my symptoms these health conditions are completely and utterly contagious. Perhaps you have experienced these symptoms:


Rise in heart rate: This symptom is often seen in the beginning stages because you have just gotten notice that there is an EdCamp that speaks to your education interests. Your heart beats quickly as you skim the website and see who is attending and you start the process of trip planning whether it be by plane, train or automobile.


Spreading of enthusiasm: Your heart is fluttering and your first inclination is to try to infect others. The first result that can happen is your increased heart rate continues as your coworkers accept the invite to join you. You are elated because you know the sharing of ideas and improvements that will be made after a day at EdCamp together. The promise of infecting others has begun. (miniachel laugh) The other experience can be felt via depression, stomach ache or frustration because your coworker has given you (what I like to call) the "cat on fire" look. It's that  facial expression and/or awkward moment of silence that happens after the invite. This then could be followed with your colleague telling you that their cat will be on fire that Saturday and they will unfortunately be unable to join you...even though you haven't told them the date yet.


Loss of sleep: After you have shaken off the symptoms of stage two you are feeling better. At this point following the EdCamp hashtag has linked you to so many resources and people that you begin to go to bed a minute later here or there. The night before your EdCamp you loose sleep out of excitement of the possibilities of tomorrow. Your mind rotates about what tech instrument to bring, what will you write on your name tag and most importantly, what will you present at the Smack Down.


Sensory overload: As you enter EdCamp you look around for familiar and friendly faces. You begin the sensory overload of the day: hearing ideas that spawn a roller coaster of thoughts and ideas, seeing people smile and bond, laughing over shared experiences with colleagues and making new connections by introducing  yourself through your twitter name. Your mind is churning as you go from session to session that inspires you more. It is at this point that you have become fully infected with EdCamp Oh-no-sis. Do not panic, there is help. This all will naturally lead to a fatigue of sorts but is usually smoothed over by the gracious "happy hour" planned by the EdCamp counselors. Though the symptoms may continue they can be regulated by keeping hold of the enthusiasm from the day and maintaining your new friendships.


  I am not a medical doctor but will assume symptoms of EdCamp Oh-no-sis can vary from camper to camper. I like to compare EdCamp Oh-no-sis to chicken pox, as I strongly recommend that you you expose as many people as possible through play dates such as #elemchat, #njed, or other nightly PLN chats through twitter.  The most dangerous part of this "condition" is that you may find you want to be infected over and over again because the symptoms hurt so good. My largest dream is that I infect as many people as possible and keep infecting myself. I went to my first EdCamp a year ago and recently signed up for my third EdCamp this year, EdCamp Leadership. I encourage teachers to attend with the view that they too are leaders and therefore have a place in contributing just as much as principals and other administrators. 


Thank you to the counselors of EdCamp Philadelphia 2011 for infecting me. It's been my best play-date yet.