I decided that since a lot of you are going to be Camp Counselors this year, and some for the first time, that I would post some pointers that I have picked up through the years.. As many of you know, I have worked at the local Park District for about 13 years as a Fieldtrip Supervisor (which a lot of you insist on calling a Day Camp... But we don't really do campy things, we do fieldtrips, but the first day and last day (our kick-off day and closing-day) are picnics and then we do things that are a little more campy.. Anyway other than that I was a Youth Camp Leader at church came for two years and I also was our Ward's Camp Leader for one year as well, but I think that I was too young at that time to be taking full respondibility of girls who were only a few years younger than me...

So having said that, here are some pointers... As a Counselor, it wouldn't hurt to take extra supplies.. i.e. Shampoo, Conditioner, Toothpaste, Soap, Lotion (esp. Sun Screen), Towels, etc. These are items that children/teens tend to forget..

Now if you are going to be working with younger kids, I am the person that will be able to help you out if you have any questions... (When I was the Youth Camp Leader, I was over the 12 year olds, who were the youngest group)..

Here is a list of 'Helpful Hints in Handling Children' that we are given EVERY Summer before the Fieldtrip Program starts, and trust me, they are useful:

• Be Enthusiastic.
  Enthusiasm is contagious. The successful leader must spontaneously enjoy his work of leading as much as the children enjoy participating.
  
  
• Develop a Sense of Humor.
  Recreation leaders should show the individuals with whom they work that they are perfectly human.
  
  
• Overlook Mistakes.
  The leader with sympathetic understanding overlooks mistakes and recognizes that it is better to laugh with people than at them.
  
  
• Anticipate Blunders.
  Previous experience will enable a leader to anticipate common blunders and to check them before they get out of hand.
  
  
• Be Lenient.
  The happy leader, in contrast to the complainer, develops a wholesome attitude of mind regarding the children.
  
  
• Develop Confidence Through Preparedness.
  Confidence is acquired through experience, but even the experienced leader enjoys such confidence only when he is thoroughly prepared to do the particular work at hand.
  
  
• Guard Against Overconfidence.
  On the other hand, we sometimes meet the leader who wittingly gives the impression that he knows it all.
  
  
• Conquer Trying Situations.
  In order to bridge over trying moments, it is suggested to leaders that they make every effort to maintain poise, striving always at least to appear at ease when vexatious situations arise.
  
  
• Adopt a Positive Attitude.
  First, last, and always, the primary function of a leader is to lead. Good leadership leaves no room for any half-way position.
  
  
• Lead Just Enough.
  The foregoing may provoke the query, "Under the direction of this leader, who never forgets to lead, what is going to happen to the initiative of the children, which we have set out to stimulate and encourage?"
  
  
• Expect The Best.
  A leader gets from his group the best it can give only when he expects the best and strives for it.
  
  
• Discipline Positively.
  Watch a successful leader in action and note that he has no serious problems of discipline.
  
  
• Change Plans.
  While many executives have adopted and successfully follow the slogan - Plan your work and work your plan -, the leader of children finds himself obliged to reinforce his preparation with the resourcefulness which will enable him to depart from this executive principle to meet the varying demands of unforeseen physical, psychological and moral conditions.
  
  
• Provide "Re-Creation. Avoid "Wreck-Creation."
  The phsycical well being and happiness of the children in a leader's charge should be his only consideration.
  
  
• Know Your Children.
  Try to awaken in every child a sense of alertness by using his senses of hearing and seeing. Put yourself in the group that you are leading and the children will catch the spirit. Get laughter out o f them. Make rules and stick to them. Fairness is the most important part of the leaders job.
  
  
• Consider Outside Interests.
  The leader who wishes to make his work re-creative, should take into account the interests of the children both at home and at school.
  
  
• Provide For All.
  Give every child a chance to take part in discussions and simple play. Encourage the timid children to take part in the activities.

I hope that helps any of you out

Very good pointers!

I was the camp cook (volunteer) at a private camp 4 years in a row which also doubled as a councelor, at an annual 4 day camp one of my daughter's old teachers ran. It was fun times!

There was always at least one girl that didn't come prepared if you know what I mean, and I anticipated that and had plenty of extra supplies on hand, in both types. I also let them know in advance that if they had any needs, concerns, or questions, to feel free to come to me privately and I would be there for them. Knowing up front that you are there for them and that they can trust you will make the rest of the camp experience easier on them, especially if this is their first time at camp and they don't know what to expect. Some kids, even in their teens, get homesick and cry about it.

And the innevitable will always happen whenever you get a bunch of girls together. Emotions can flair and they take sides and have spats. Never fails. Encourage them to let it go and work it out and make up. They will come to you to take sides, but remain neutral.

Also, delegate some responsibility. Like have a rotation of people responsible for different things, like keeping the areas picked up and litter free. Bring some paper and colored markers and make up silly awards for people.. like loudest snorer, neatest bed, best morning hair. Keep secret notes throughout your stay and surprise them all with their award at the end of the camp and present them in an informal and funny award type ceremony. Make sure to have one for each camper you are in charge of so no one is left out, and keep it fun. I did this on paper plates one year.

So my best advise is to be prepared for things that might come up and have fun little surprises. It makes it more memorable. OH, and take pictures!

Those are good pointers :] This is my 3rd year as a counselor and 7th year for camp.

I actually just got back from a camp meeting, we just did the normal training things tonight. Like homesickness and how to deal with it.

I think the reason we enjoy camp so much is because as a group we are so close. I love the friendships and the memories we make. It's my favorite thing in the world, I'm just sad it's my last year :[ stupid college.

Love all the pointers! *mentally jots down notes* Camp is seriously the most amazing experiance ever. Only now, of corse, it will be different as a counsler instead of a camper.

Sara the transition from camper to councelor can be hard too...

Just remember that if you had made friends with some of the younger people in years past, that you are still fair to anyone that you don't already know. That should make it easier, and if you are friends with some of the other campers, remind them that you are a councelor and that you need to be fair to everyone, as they may think they should get 'special' treatment from you.

Haha that's where I have my problems. I really favor kids, and I know I shouldn't. It just happens. There's these group of boys I got really close to and they are my favorite campers ever. It's not like I treat them a lot better then everyone else, I just...haha I dont know. Talk to them more.

But Jolie is right, the transition from camper to counselor is really mind breaking, especially at our camp, Sheep. You're going to be use too HAVING to participate in everything, but as a counselor you don't always have to do what the campers are. We are the eyes of camp, and we need to pay attention to the surroundings and what is going on. But, since you took a year off I know you can do it. :]

one of the things that was worring me was the transformation from camper to counslor.. i voiced my concern to a guy who was one of my conslors (and still is a counslor) but it reminded me that i already know 1/2 the counslors & after about a day and a half i'll be confortable around the ones i dont know and make more friends!

I'm sure you will all do fantastic and the campers are very lucky to have such fine councelors looking after them and helping make camp a fun and memorable experience! I look forward to hearing about your adventures!

Just remember not to get so caught up in being a councelor insead of a camper and forget to have fun

So how was the camp meeting girls???

haha...i didn't go. i slept in and forgot. i actually have to go to camp this friday for training. which i've done for the past 3 years. haha it's pointless but oh well.

LOL I know what you mean Vicky... I've been going to the same meeting for 13 years... I have the freakin' 'Blood Born Pathagens' test memorized.

i had my camp overnighter this weekend. amazinggg. i'm so glad i went. :] i can't wait for camp.
(plus it helps there is this AMAZING boy who i think is adorable.) :]

one month from today and i start orientation!! i'm so freaking excited