Counselor Blog
December 12, 2011
Now is the time to look for that summer job!
Check out this link on ACA's Job site: Summer Job Search Tips.
Explore available summer job opportunities at ACA's Summer Jobs @ Camp site.
Do you have questions related to your job search? Send your job question to janderson@ACAcamps.org, and we'll work on posting something helpful from the experts right here on the Counselor Blog.
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December 8, 2011
Because of Camp . . . ® so much is possible!
I have you seen ACA's Because of Camp . . . ® video yet?
Check it out today and think about how camp has impacted your life! And look for the video clip to play in theaters this holiday season. Let us know if you see it!
November 21, 2011
Professional Development and Networking at ACA’s 2012 National Conference
Special Opportunities
Student Camp Leadership Academy — Southeast (SCLA — Southeast)
Feb. 21–23
Learn about camp as a profession, and connect with college students and camp professionals.
Emerging Professionals in Camping (EPIC)
Feb. 21, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Christopher Thurber and Steve Maguire will lead a discussion on the challenge of developing camp's leadership through the years. Don’t miss the social event Tuesday night!
Atlanta Attractions
November 17, 2011
Recently, Matt MacPherson, a Recreation and Sports Management major at Indiana State University, had the opportunity to attend SCLA Midwest. Read about Matt's experiences at SCLA, what he learned about the importance of networking and professional development, his reaction to SCLA, and why he would recommend the experience to others. If you live in the West or Southeast, be on the lookout for more information about YOUR chance to attend SCLA.
Camping is a beautiful part of this life and it is going to take motivated and interactive people to take camping into a bright and effective future.
A Career in Camp
Leaves, trees, and changing weather. Those are just some of the attributes that people most likely think about when illustrating the outdoors. An outdoor setting provides a beautiful scenic landscape at certain times (depending on where you may be) and also brings about many external senses all together for a complete satisfaction of the mind. Who would ever imagine that this beautiful landscape that we are all imagining is the same type of environment that people can have a career in? Let’s go even further — how about a career in outdoor camping?
This is what a group of college students, camp professionals, and I experienced this past weekend at Camp Henry Horner, located in Ingleside, Illinois. Gordie Kaplan, the field office executive of ACA, Illinois, was the leader of the Student Camp Leadership Academy (more commonly known as SCLA). As I was personally preparing for the weekend, I did not know exactly what to expect. I was thinking I’d share a weekend with a lot of people from different states and that we were going to be in large groups having speed networking opportunities with many camp professionals that were available.
My Experience
Well, I was close with my thoughts. There were people from different states that came together and there were camp professionals. There was just one huge difference from my first initial reactions: this was not a large group. Nine potential camp professionals (including myself) attended for this extensive weekend, and there were also a various amount of current camp directors that ranged in different ages and experience. Although I was caught off guard by the small group of people, my first encounter with another participant — Justin, who attends the University of Northern Iowa — helped me feel at home. After my first general conversation with him, I realized that although this was not going to be a large group, this was going to be a rich, informative weekend.
Gordie Kaplan, who had recently arrived back from China from the International Camping Fellowship Conference, was leading this opportunity to grow, connect, and learn more about the camping community. Thanks to the organized leadership of Gordie, we had a great opportunity to learn more about things like the realities of the camp market, networking, sources that deal with camp related material, and how to organize an effective resume and professional portfolio. These workshops, along with many other growing opportunities provided for a safe, fun, and learning weekend that was full of growth and potential.
Realities and Some Good Advice
My personal reaction with the SCLA weekend was different from a lot of the other participants. I remember sitting down with the group in a circle, and we were talking about how we were feeling about the weekend on a scale from one to five. Most of the people were saying four or five for the most part, but I personally said a two or three. I was having a weekend that was similar to a roller coaster ride. The weekend had its high points, but it also gave me a real look at the difficult task of resume building and the hard work that must go into running a successful camp.
Gordie provided a piece of advice that I will hold onto for the rest of my camp career: "Take this information only with a grain of salt." Do not take everything as fact for the market as a whole, but take it as a piece of advice that a person can either take or leave behind. We all have to find our own way in the camp market, and we’ll do this by making connections and gathering experience. My weekend after looking at this was so much better. I enjoyed connecting with all of the college students as well as the camp professionals. I enjoyed developing new relationships with people, especially with Dale Adkins from the University of Western Illinois — who I consider a great mentor and role model.
SCLA and Camp in the Future
Would I want to attend another SCLA? Although it just happened last weekend, I would love to return to SCLA next year and learn even more about the camp market. I am currently looking for a camp to work at for my final summer while in college that could potentially form a networking relationship for the future, and possibly a relationship with that camp for the long run. From this SCLA, I am looking forward to connecting more with my new mentor and role model Dale, as well as Gordie and the other camp professionals and college students. I would personally recommend SCLA to any of my friends that would like to learn more about camp and grow as a professional. Camping is a beautiful part of this life and it is going to take motivated and interactive people to take camping into a bright and effective future.
***
Thanks, Matt, for your sharing your SCLA experience!
November 14, 2011
Interviews are way to showcase your personality and skills. Before any interview, it’s important to take some time to think about yourself and how you handle responsibilities (both on and off the job). Prepare yourself to answer questions in a clear, concise, and confident way.
Here’s an insider’s look at what camp directors consider when they are preparing for your interview: what questions they might ask, and what they are looking for in your responses.
Answering Unexpected Questions
In Stephen Maguire’s November/December 2010 Camping Magazine article, “Recruiting, Interviewing, and Hiring to Ensure the Best of the Best,” he offers these two “must-ask,” non-typical questions. It's important to have a good idea of who you are, what you like, and what you know in order to answer unexpected questions.
How would you respond to the following?
- Always start with this question: "So, what do you think of kids?" I know it seems super simple, but you can begin to eliminate people immediately with this one simple question. If they don't come up with answers like: "Kids are awesome. They do something different every day. I love being a role model for them. They're funny," and so on, you know you have your answer. I have legitimately interviewed candidates and gotten responses to this question like: "They're OK," or, "I hadn't really thought about it before." Really? You hadn't really thought about it? You want to work with kids and spend eight weeks in the woods with them and you "haven't really thought about it"? Simple question; big results.
- Always finish with this question: "If you could build a house out of totally edible products, what you build it out of and why?" Great question. What are you asking this for? I've found it to be a great test of creativity and reflective thought. I've also found it to be a great test of flexibility. I've had some candidates who can't come up with an answer. They are simply stumped. And one time I had a gentleman who I hired on the spot, when in less than five seconds he blurted out, "Bamboo." I'm thinking to myself: "Bamboo? What the heck?" So I asked: "Why Bamboo?" His response: "It's an edible product, although not very tasty to humans, and it's incredibly strong." He was interviewing for my camp wilderness adventure leader position. Hired!
Think about Past Experiences
Bob Ditter shares his expert advice on interviewing in the September/October 2011 article, “Truth and Consequences: Interviewing Skills for Camp Professionals.” Ditter explains that “the best predictor of future performance is past performance.”
With that in mind, think about your responses to the following:
- Tell me about a time when you put the needs of another or others ahead of your own. Probing Questions: What was the situation? What was the relationship between you and the person/people? How did you handle the situation? What did you learn? How did it go?
- Tell me about a time when you took a stand for (or stood up for) something you believed in, but that was an unpopular position. Probing Questions: What was the stand you took? What was the principle or who was the person you stood up for? What did you do and say? What resistance or negative feedback did you encounter and how did you handle it? What was the outcome? Looking back on it, what is your thought about what you did or didn't do? What did you learn about yourself from this situation?
- Tell me about a time when you had a conflict with a friend or an employer or an authority of some kind (teacher, parent, coach). Probing Questions: What was the conflict? Who was involved? What did you do? What was the outcome? What did you learn from the situation?
- Tell me about a project in school or something you've had to do around the house / some job you've had / volunteer position where it took much more effort than you originally thought it would. Probing Questions: What was the situation? How did you deal with it? What things did you actually do or say that helped you through? What was the outcome?
Start looking for your dream summer job now at ACA’s Jobs site! Click here to find year-round job postings.
November 8, 2011
Here are the top 10 reasons to join us in Atlanta, Georgia, February 21-24, 2012!
- Professional Development Opportunities. Learn about the topics you love (camp, kids, leadership) and be able to put it on your resume.
- It’s FREE for Student Members! If you haven't already taken advantage of a free ACA membership, sign up as student member at www.ACAcamps.org/membership/free. Then, register for conference as a student member . . . which is also FREE. Student members enjoy all the educational sessions at conference. Details at: www.ACAcamps.org/conference/registration#students.
- Make Connections. Meet friends with the same interests as you, and even talk to the experts in camp from across the country.
- Atlanta Is Awesome! Shopping, unique dining, tourist attractions, professional sports teams, and so much more! Check it out at: www.atlanta.com/
- You Can Get Credit. You can earn up to 18.25 continuing education credits at conference. Ask your professors or supervisors if they’ll accept these for some extra credit, course requirements, or professional development credit.
- Be One of the First to Know. The new nature movement is capturing national attention as environmental and health concerns rise. What is nature’s answer for these problems? Find out more about the future of children and nature . . . and where camp fits in that equation.
- It Will Be EPIC. Emerging Professionals in Camping (EPIC) will be holding a preconference event. Get to know your peers and learn how to plan and execute a strategy that can turn beginning staff into real leaders. Details at: www.acacamps.org/conference/kindred#epic.
- Learn What’s Trending in Camp. The conference will show you emerging trends in youth development, innovative programs and activities in camp, and how the latest technology can enhance the camp experience.
- Help the Kids. ACA will be collecting new or gently used children’s books for its “Plant Books — Grow Minds” service project. Bring a book (or a dozen!) and help Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Pediatric Hospital and International Community School.
- Find out More about What ACA Can Do for YOU. Sometimes the best reason to attend conference is to meet the staff and volunteers that can explain, in person, exactly how ACA can support you.
Learn more about the 2012 ACA National Conference in Atlanta.
November 7, 2011
Has working with kids at camp inspired you to pursue a career in school counseling?
"30 Informative Q&A Sites on Counseling Young Children" provides great resources on general counseling, grief counseling, and guidance counseling for young children.
Don't forget about ACA's Professional Development Center, where you can earn continuing education credits by taking online courses on topics like bullying, creating a sense of community in camp, and recognizing child abuse and neglect.
October 24, 2011
As camp staff, you know the importance of enjoying and caring for your natural surroundings. This time of year, the leaves are changing and the air is crisp — fall is a great time to get outdoors!
Here are our top ten favorite fall activities:
- Hiking (You can get into National Parks for free in honor of Veterans' Day Weekend, Nov. 10-12)
- Going to the pumpkin patch or apple orchard
- Camping (S'mores anyone?!)
- Biking
- Helping elderly neighbors winterize their yards (Raking, weeding, getting the garden ready for spring!)
- Kayaking/canoeing
- Collecting fall leaves
- Outdoor pick-up games with friends (Football, basketball, soccer, etc.)
- Taking a hayride
- Birdwatching (Never been? Check out this beginner's guide!)
Did we miss something? What's YOUR favorite fall activity?
Check out our some of our nature-focused educational alliances for more information on getting outdoors and sharing your experiences:
- Children and Nature Network: Offers parents, youth, civic leaders, educators and health-care providers access to the latest news and research in this field as well as practical advice, including ways to apply new-found knowledge at home, at school, in work environments, and in the community.
- Outdoor Afro: A community that reconnects African-Americans with natural spaces and one another through recreational activities such as camping, hiking, biking, fishing, gardening, skiing — and more!
- The Nature Conservancy: The leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people.
- ecoAmerica: Dedicated to supporting the environmental movement and growing the base of public support for environment and climate solutions among mainstream Americans.
October 19, 2011
Read the 2011 Fall CampLine now to find out what serious issues camps dealt with this summer and how staff worked to solve them, including: health and medical issues, camper behavior, parent behavior, and more! It's a great way to prepare yourself for next season!
Also in the Fall CampLine, brush up on ACA's initiatives in Washington, and learn about the issues surrounding use of medical marijuana in camps.
CampLine is a free risk management newsletter published three times a year. Previous issues are also available online at www.ACAcamps.org/campline/archives.
October 12, 2011
The Student Camp Leadership Academy (SCLA) is a weekend retreat that brings together students, camp professionals, and ACA leadership to explore, learn, and understand what the camp professional of the future must be.
You can apply now for SCLA — Midwest, taking place in Ingleside, Illinois, November 11-13. Applications are due next week.
Stay tuned for information on SCLA — West, which will be held February 2012 in San Juan Capistrano, California.
Discover leadership opportunities available at both the local and national levels of ACA, and start impacting the development of youth and others!
Visit the SCLA homepage for more info.
October 5, 2011
Did you take some awesome photos at camp this year? Enter them into Camping Magazine's 2012 Golden Lens Contest!
You could win a $150 cash prize and your photo could be on the cover of the next May/June Camping Magazine!
Just send your favorite photos that depict the camp experience (and represent the best practices in the field) to magazine@ACAcamps.org.
Before you submit your photos, make sure to fill out the online photo release!
Include your name, camp name, contact address, and phone number in the e-mail.
(Photos must be .tif or .jpeg files and at least 300 dpi.)
The deadline to submit photos is November 30, 2011.
Check out previous Golden Lens winners and honorable mentions.
Submit your photos today!
September 26, 2011
Hey Student Members! Did you know you can register for the ACA National Conference, "Convergence: Vision, Learning, and Innovation," for free?
This outstanding professional development and networking opportunity takes place February 21-24 in Atlanta, Georgia.
If you're looking for an experience that will help you prime your skills and knowledge in the camp and youth development field, or you want to meet and exchange ideas with peers and seasoned vets alike, this is the place to do it!
Register for free today by downloading the form at www.ACAcamps.org/conference/registration.
*Make sure you read the fine print below first.
Join ACA!
So you're not a member yet? No worries! With ACA's free membership offer for anyone new to ACA, you can sign up for a year-long membership for FREE! Not only does joining enable you to register for conference for free, but it also gets you:
- Access to ACA's Professional Development Center
- A free e-institute course
- ACA newsletters and publications
- Deep discounts on DVDs and books in the ACA Bookstore
*Here's the Conference Registration Fine Print:
Free conference registration for ACA Student members.
Must be full-time student, and a copy of your current student I.D. must be submitted with your registration form. The free registration includes educational session and exhibits only. DOES NOT INCLUDE MEALS OR TICKETED EVENTS. Students can attend the keynote sessions after the meals have been served. A ticket is required to attend the Exhibit Hall Reception on Wednesday, but students will have entry to the Exhibit Hall on Thursday. Tickets can be purchased at time of registration or onsite based on availability.
Deeply discounted conference registration for Student Non-members includes:
Ticketed events (Grand Exhibit Hall Reception, Thursday Lunch, & Closing Lunch), general exhibit hall pass, educational workshops, general sessions, and program book. Must be full-time student, and a copy of your current student I.D. must be submitted with your registration form.
***Student registration is not available online. Please use this downloadable form.
September 14, 2011
Did you know?
Of the 15 million children growing up in low-income communities, only 1 in 10 will graduate from college.
You can help change that!
Apply for Teach For America by this Friday, September 16!
Learn more about the program.
August 31, 2011
The transition from your crazy-busy summer to the slow fall season can be tough! It's good to remember these 4 tips:
#1 Stay active — It’s easy to feel burnt out after a long summer, so give yourself time to relax. But don’t hibernate all the way to May! Get outdoors and enjoy the fall weather.
#2 Eat healthy — Remember those pots and pans in your cabinets? It’s time to bust them out! You’ve got to cook for yourself — or at least find your own food — after a summer of being fed in the cafeteria. Try to make some healthy choices.
#3 Embrace the new social scene — At camp, you bond with others at a ridiculous rate. Away from the camp fires, color wars, and camp nicknames, interactions are not as intense. Don’t be discouraged if it takes longer to bond with people outside of camp. Slow down and enjoy the change of pace while you get to know new people and catch up with old friends.
#4 Maintain variety — At camp, you experienced all kinds of activities, people, and places every day. While it’d be hard to keep that up all year, make sure you DO get involved in more things than just school or your new job — it’s all about balance!
August 23, 2011
This summer, you were accountable for conducting classes, special events, and cabin activities. You were not only a leader, but you instilled leadership, participation, and cooperation in campers and other staff. You encouraged campers and co-workers to express their opinions and participate in self-governing activities.
Questions to think about:
How did you help others problem solve, see patterns, and discern meaning?
In what ways did you learn to inspire and present a positive example to others?
How did you enhance a camper’s ability to work with others?
How did you create environments that encourage a camper’s participation and growth?
Think of yourself in these terms:
Conflict manager: Whenever someone is living with a group of children, conflicts are inevitable. Being able to manage campers in a way that maximizes the campers’ strengths and minimizes personality conflicts is one of the art forms of camp counseling.
Experienced problem solver: Camp counselors are the authorities in all situations with their kids and must determine solutions to problems as they arise. Whether the problem is opening a metal can of tomato sauce on a camping trip without a can opener or seeking shelter from a storm that appears suddenly, counselors must be able to think on their feet and handle a range of issues quickly and decisively.
Team player with a sense of fairness: Living in a cabin, teaching activities, or working with a co-counselor gives all camp counselors experience as a team member. They understand that a team is only as strong as its weakest link and can work to raise the team's level of performance. Additionally, no one is a better judge of what is fair than a child. Working with children enhances a counselor's sense of fairness and makes him or her more aware of the needs of all team members.
Community builder: Building a sense of community is one of the principal tasks of counselors. The counselors in residential camps are charged with the responsibility of creating an open, safe environment where their campers feel valued and important. You learned to accept people different from yourself. Living in close proximity with those from diverse backgounds revealed that we all have commonalities as people.
Future teachers, think about this! Counselors are teachers who have the responsibility for expanding the minds of young people and explaining tasks in a clear, easily comprehensible manner. They participate in, and often lead, training sessions and understand what it takes to present a group with new information.
You Inspire People to Be Successful.
Power Words for Your Resume: LEADERSHIP, RESPONSIBILITY, COMMUNITY BUILDING, TEAM WORK, WORKING IN GROUPS, COOPERATION
