The Camp Counselor

Think back when you went to camp. Think of your favorite counselor…..

Write down…what were his/her characteristics?

Characteristics of a good counselor

• Enjoy working with a variety of people– Both campers and staff

• Like working with ALL types of children…

• Find the good in people…even when they may have a little annoying pieces about them.

• Sincere concern for those you are working with

• What else???

• Empathy

• Role model (be an example)

• Youthful in spirit, yet mature in judgment

• Love of the out-of-doors

• Camping skills

• Persistence

• Emotional maturity (more later)

• What else???????

Let’s take the Self-Appraisal (p.49)

What is emotional maturity?

• Are physical and intellectual maturity the same as emotional maturity?

• So, what is emotional maturity?– Understanding/knowing yourself– Take pride in your ability to influence others, using it to

help lead them to the right decision • And not misusing this influence

– Take great satisfaction in watching others become more independent.

– Respect the rights of others and refrain from arguments, and undue anger

Continued…

– Concentrate on improving your life, not ruling others

– Adapt easily to new situations and rules within them (perhaps camp living)

– Most importantly, you try your best to be thoughtful of others and considerate of their needs and wishes…even if the sometimes conflict with your own.

Lets take the Emotional Maturity test (p.52)

What are the rewards to being a counselor?

Obtaining a counselor position

• Where to look?

• How to apply…..

• The interview….– Some tips from Dr. Gray

• (Also check out dos and don’ts on p. 58)

– What are some questions you should be prepared to answer according to your text?

– What are some areas to learn more about before the interview?

Camp Staff

• Camp Director – the big cahuna, ultimately responsible for everything– The welfare of each camper & staff member

– All staff are accountable to the CD even though they may report to a direct supervisor

Camp Staff

• Assistant Camp Director - #1 (star trek reference)– the second in charge

• Aka– Assistant director– Head counselor– Program director

– Serves as the liaison/coordinator of the whole camp

– Works directly with program specialists, unit directors and assistants

Camp Staff

• Program Specialists or Department Heads– Ex: Riding Instructors, Waterfront or Aquatics

Directors

• Activities– Equine, tennis, sailing, music, etc.

Unit Directors & Counselors

• Aka village or Section head presides over a living unit of 4 to 6 cabins or tents.

– Work closely with assistants in planning programs for the summer

Job Description

• What is it important?– Prevents misunderstandings– Informs what the particular job entails– Tells who your supervisor is

– What else?

What is the purpose of Pre-Camp Training?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5. – Also at this time (if possible) you will learn

necessary things about your campers.• What advantages can this give you?• What can it do for your relationship with the

campers?

Relationships with Director & Staff

• Remember…– Emotional maturity– Diversity– Work together

• If conflict arises, work it out….don’t get caught up in petty grudges or disagreements.

Camp…ins and outs

• Remember…1st impressions are important– Why?

• Should you be overly friendly or someone they don’t want to mess with….or something else?

– Why are pre-sent notes helpful to campers?

• Arrival, first night…..procedures will vary according to your camp.– What are some important things to consider?

– Ice breakers…get them acquainted with each other and you…this helps tons!

• Keep campers well informed…THEY need STRUCTURE!

• Be a ROLE MODEL!!!!!!!!

First Few Days• Ok, so what are we dealing with during the 1st

important few days?– Go with them through their routines

• Helps you get to know each other– And make sure they are doing what they are supposed to do

» Yes, there will be some that do not “groom” properly

• Helps them adjust to the ropes

– Homesickness• Get them deeply involved in camp

– Plan exciting adventures for the future so they always have something to look forward to

– Seize opportunities for informal chats• Best way to get to know campers …And it makes them feel important

– Testing boundaries• Make sure you are firm, mean what you say and enforce it (but, don’t

be a terd!)

• Should campers be allowed to adjust living quarters?

• Assign tasks and duties (chores)– What does this do for the campers…and you?

Be Professional

• You should always be well groomed and dressed (as possible)

– What else?

SAFETY

• P. 75

– Ok, now list some others…..

Records & Reports

• Document EVERYTHING!– I know sometimes you will be tired, but do it

anyway…and do it immediately

– What are some things that would require documentation?

• A few rules to follow (in addition to: Document EVERYTHING!)– P.82

Guest Speaker Topics

• Ok, lets talk about some of the topics you would like for Cindy to discuss with you on Friday, May 16th