An amazing, positive successful camp doesn’t just happen on its own, it needs expert, trained counselors to get the campers wanting to come back to the camp year after year. Yes, you heard that right! If you think it’s the gamut of fun activities, independence, silly evening programmes, facilities and fine dining that attracts campers, here is a reality check. It’s the enthusiastic, caring counselors who are the most influential facet of any camp.
It’s up to the counselors to give the campers the best memories of their lives, helping them make lasting connections, both with fellow campers and with staff members. Being a camp counselorcan be very, very gratifying. Camp Navigator brings to you a few tips that will help you become everyone’s favorite counselor in no time!
Know the job
Camp counseling can be very, very draining. After all, smiling through difficult times and spending days giving kids one of the best summers of their lives is no cakewalk. So even before you sign up for the task, ask yourself why you want to be a camp counselor in the first place. Agreed, it’s a lot of fun. But then, it’s a lot of work too. Not only you must be responsible and skillful, but also be able to deal with any trying situation without flinching.
Do the necessary
Be prepared! Brace yourself got any challenge a day might throw at you. Readiness to face any situation won;t just leave you strong and confident, but also less anxious
Train well
It’s best to attend a training camp for first-hand experience on how to run a camp and other emergencies. That way, you will be better equipped to face all kind of situations in a camp.
Befriend counselors
Make friends or at least try to get along with them. It’s important for harmony to exist in a camp, more so between the counselors. Or else the young campers can pick the wrong cues. Most likely, you will have to work even a little bit with all of the other counselors. So befriending the counselors well in advance might be of help.
Memorize the schedule and carry it always
You need to be abreast of things happening and things to follow. If you do not have a schedule handy the campers inquire what is happening next, they might think of you as incompetent and yopu might lose some of your respect.
Get to know your campers
It’s so important! You have to know the campers by name, in person. You have to be aware who has to be watched constantly, who needs more assistance with activities and so on. You should be able to anticipate how each of the child will react to certain situation or any given activity. The best way to do so is to spend at least 10 minutes with each campers. That way they will know you too and trust you.
