Every summer it happens.

Staff arrive at camp full of energy. They are excited, hopeful, and ready to give everything they have to their campers.

Then, somewhere around the middle of the summer, things shift.

Energy dips. Patience shortens. Small frustrations feel bigger than they should. Even the strongest counselors can begin to feel worn down.

Camp directors and supervisors know this pattern well. The question is not whether it will happen. The question is how to respond when it does.

One of the most helpful ways to think about this moment is through a simple idea: free choice.

Self-care is often defined as the intentional practice of taking time to support one’s physical and mental well-being (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.).

Self-Care Is Not Assigned; It Is Chosen

At camp, we structure almost everything. Schedules are set. Activities are planned. Responsibilities are clear.

But one area that is often left unstructured is self-care.

Staff are told to take care of themselves, but what that looks like is rarely defined, practiced, or reinforced.

The reality is this: no one can take care of a staff member’s energy for them. They have to choose it.

When staff are tired or overwhelmed, their ability to make good decisions and respond calmly is affected (American Psychological Association, 2018).

A Midsummer Check-in

One of the most effective things a director can do is create a short, structured moment for staff to reflect.

Ask them to take two minutes and rate themselves from one to five on the following

• Sleep
• Energy
• Patience
• Presence
• Time to recharge

Where are they running low right now?

Small Choices, Big Impact

Small, smart decisions can lead to positive outcomes:

• Eating. Skipping meals or relying only on quick sugar hits creates a cycle of highs and crashes.
• Sleeping. Even small improvements in sleep can have a meaningful impact on energy, mood, and performance (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022).>
• Breathing and pausing. A single deep breath before responding can change an interaction.
• Connecting. Staff who take time to support each other are more resilient.
• Reflecting. Writing down thoughts, even briefly, helps staff stay grounded.>

The Role of Leadership

Directors and supervisors shape the environment in which staff make their choices.

From Awareness to Commitment

After reflection, staff can commit to one or two small actions for the coming week.

A Strong Finish to the Summer

Every camp wants its staff to finish the summer as strong as they started. That does not happen by accident.

Self-care is not assigned. It is chosen.

References

American Psychological Association. (2018). Stress effects on the body and behavior. apa.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Sleep and sleep disorders. cdc.gov/sleep

National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Caring for your mental health. nimh.nih.gov

Jeff Kaplan, MEd, is a Los Angeles–based trainer with years of experience working with camps and youth programs. This summer, he’s offering two 90-minute workshops: The Reflective Camp Counselor and The Counselor’s Compass: 4 Virtues for a Strong Summer. For more information, contact him at [email protected].