by Allen Schottenfeld
So, you're a new camp counselor. This will be a rewarding summer for
you. In the next few weeks, you will be like a parent, as you guide your "family" through
the fun and adventure that camp provides. You will be a role model, the
most important person in your campers' eyes; what you say and do, how
you act, how sensitive and caring you are will have a profound impact
and will be recorded in your campers' memories for the rest of their
lives.
Camp is a special place. Campers grow and learn about themselves, try
new things, discover hidden talents, and reach out without fear of negative
criticism. At camp, children learn to share, to trust, to be themselves
in a nurturing environment.
Here are a few suggestions for living and working with campers:
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Have fun. Everyone is here to enjoy doing things together.
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Be fair. Young people have a keen sense fair play.
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Be consistent. Don't change your standards.
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Have great patience. Always be prepared to listen and to be helpful.
Don't lose your temper. Campers will constantly test you to see how
far they can go.
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Don't shout or raise your voice. Save these actions for a time they
many really be necessary, such as an emergency. Otherwise, campers
may believe that shouting is the way you normally speak, and they
will pay little attention to your raised voice.
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Be a role model. Lead by example.
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Watch your language. Don't use profanity.
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Teach manners by saying "please" and "thank you."
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Have fun at the dinner table. Get everyone talking. Try playing
word games.
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Don't show favoritism. You may have a favorite camper, but never
show this by your actions or words. Campers will lose respect for
you and it will cause problems for everyone.
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Learn to anticipate what campers will do next.
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Do not permit campers to be teased. Learn to sense a developing
situation, and stop it before it starts.
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Take an active interest in the interests of your campers. You will
learn a lot from them.
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Young people can be experts in some areas. Genuinely recognizing
and respecting this fact is one way to win over a camper.
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Look for the positive in each campers and emphasize it in front
of others. Help campers to be accepted by the group. Find the campers'
abilities and talents; then put the campers in a position to demonstrate
those strengths to others.
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Stay a few minutes after lights-out at bedtime to talk with your
campers. Lights-out and rest periods are two excellent opportunities
to really get to know your campers.
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Almost everyone feels homesickness. It calls for extra attention
to the camper and a talk about the great things that have happened
and the exciting things to look forward to. Most homesickness occurs
after lights-out and during quiet times.
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Don't be afraid to admit that you have made a mistake or are wrong
about something. It shows that you are human.
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You are the campers' counselor and friend, not their contemporary
or peer. You must remain an adult, while playing at the campers'
level. If you become one of them, you will lose their respect and
your job will become difficult.
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Take time off away from the area.
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Get enough sleep each night. Other wise, you may be tired, irritable,
and impatient the next day. Campers will immediately notice this
change in you.
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Talk with your group leader or supervisor at any time, about any
problems, campers or otherwise. You will not be able to handle all
of the problems and challenges by yourself. Talking with a group
leader or supervisor does not mean that you are not doing a good
job. Becoming an effective counselor is a learning process.
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Have fun!
Originally published in the 2001 May/June
issue of Camping
Magazine.
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