View Full Version : any tips for a newbie?
simdude
10-22-2005, 06:59 PM
I'll be working as a camp counselor for the first time this summer. do you guys have advice or things I should look out for? I'm not really sure what to expect. is it easy is it hard?
I'd love any tips if as well anyone can think of anything!
I'll try to come up with some! When I do I'll post them either in this thread or in the articles section (or both :P ).
Here's a couple tips I came up with. Just keep in mind that I worked with 7-year-old boys at a day camp so these may not apply to everyone.
Participation is key. The more you participate, the friendlier you become with your kids. Even if it means running around a playground, do it. If they ask you to join in, you should join in. Don't think about how stupid you'll look. Do it for the kids, and not for yourself.
If you see a kid's really bad at an activity, encourage them. Don't make fun of them. I know it may be tempting to do, but don't do it. Because if you do, you may have a crying kid on your hands, and that's never fun to deal with.
A good rule of thumb is to spend at least 5 minutes with each kid every day. Obviously you'll be spending more, but be sure you get at least that much time in.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you're in a difficult situation, don't be afraid to ask your senior counselor for advice. They may get annoyed but it'll benefit both of you. You'll learn something new and they'll learn what areas of camp counseling you need to improve on.
A very important tip is to make sacrifices, no matter how small (and no, not human sacrifices). What I mean is, for example, let's say it's lunch. There's one pizza bagel left at your table before you have to go up to get more. You grab it and one of your kids starts whining and says he/she wants it. Give it to him/her. It's little things like this that will make your kids like you more. If you decide not to give it to him/her, that kid will remember and they'll hold a grudge (silent treatment, guilt, etc.).
If one of your kids is crying or is having a bad day, talk with them. Make them feel better. If the kid is crying because he/she got out in a game or something like that, remind them that it's just a game and that there will always be another game. Obviously if the kid is crying because he/she is hurt, take them to the nurse. If the kid is having a bad day and isn't enthusiastic or happy, talk with him/her. Tell them how much fun you'll be having and that when you're at camp you're supposed to have fun and be happy. Make sure your kids are having a good time, all the time.
Have patience! These kids aren't stupid. They know that if they want something, all they have to do is keep annoying you until they get it. Most of the time, the first time you tell a kid to do something, odds are they won't do it. Don't get mad at them though. Remember that they're a lot younger than you. Ask them again. Try not to raise your voice too much.
Those are all the tips I can come up with for now. If I think of any more I'll add them. I may also create an article out of them.
speedx5xracer
10-22-2005, 10:09 PM
well it depends on what type of camp you work at. Sleepaway and day camps require different skills.
simdude
10-22-2005, 10:47 PM
Hey those are some great tips! :D thanks!
martha27
10-24-2005, 02:54 PM
be prepared for the time of your life! your campers will look to you for guidance, a listening ear, a smile and will want to make a connection with you. open yourlsef up to them, you can make a real difference to them during that summer and the rest of their lives. you'll meet some amazing people from all over the world and make lifelong friendships. remember it's about what you put in. it's not an easy ride but worth every second
be prepared for the time of your life! your campers will look to you for guidance, a listening ear, a smile and will want to make a connection with you. open yourlsef up to them, you can make a real difference to them during that summer and the rest of their lives. you'll meet some amazing people from all over the world and make lifelong friendships. remember it's about what you put in. it's not an easy ride but worth every second
Well said. Karma for you. :) The last sentence pretty much sums it all up!
CAMPFRIEND
11-01-2005, 10:51 AM
Two Words: HAVE FUN!!!
Make sure that you are having fun and it help the kids enjoy the experience more!
________
hot box vaporizer (http://hotboxvaporizers.com)
That's true, campfriend. If you don't have fun (or act like you're having fun), the kids will notice and that's not good.
ocean
11-01-2005, 07:10 PM
Live each day at your camp like it was your first. Dont ever let a little situation turn into a big situation. Have fun and be yourself. Remember to laugh and make jokes. And mostly remember campers come first and once they have been taken care of be sure to take good care of yourself.
camplover86
11-01-2005, 08:54 PM
make sure you are always smiling! the kids have fun when you do, so get involved with them, if they are swimming, swim with em. If they are playing scatter ball, play with them. Also always be prepared with extra games and songs you never know when you will have nothing to do, or the weather gets bad and you can't go boating or swim, and if you know you are going to have a cook out, plan ahead and collect wood and put it in a dry place, you never know when it could rain!
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