Over the past 5 summers that I have worked at my local park district, I've learned many lessons working alongside kids. These lessons have shaped me into the becoming a better leader and role model for the children I've encountered. Each kid has a different personality than another which adds to the excitement and irregularity of each day. This list of 5 lessons I've learned will help you, the reader, to become a better camp counselor.
1. Build rapport early
Building rapport with your campers is the most important lesson I have learned working as a camp counselor. First impressions when interacting with people, especially kids, is important. I remember my first summer I met every kid with a smile and introduction of who I was, "Hi I'm coach George". Kids want to feel invited whether they are shy or outgoing, being friendly helps break the ice and begin to form your relationship. Making your campers comfortable makes it easier for you to gain respect which will lead to less hassle as the summer progresses. More on this later. Rapport is the foundation of a successful summer.
2. Be understanding of differences
Working with an assortment of age groups has exposed me to different personalities and backgrounds. I've learned to live by the saying "don't judge a book by its cover". As a camp counselor, you should understand each camper, on a basic level, with an everchanging temperament and observance. Realizing and respecting camper's differences will give you understanding which leads to less disciplinary situations. Your campers do not want you to be their parents nor should you want to act like theirs.
3. You're not their parent
One of the greatest advantages of being a camp counselor is the fact that they're not your kid. I say this in the best way possible; you get to learn how to be a parent without having a kid of your own! Going back to building a rapport you build a relationship where your camper views you as an older brother or sister. Having your campers looking up to you as a role model is one of the most rewarding parts of camp and makes the experience twice as enjoyable.
4. Every day is different
If you're an ex athlete you probably remember your coach telling you to have a short memory when you made a mistake. That's the same thing for camp counselors, you might have a had a rough day the day before but each day is different. Your campers probably don't even remember all the activities you did the day before so don't stress a minor mistake from the day before
5. Provide yourself down time
As a camp counselor sometimes we get so wrapped up in completing all our tasks we don't give yourself time to relax. There are moments you have to let kids be kids and not impose your will. These camper to camper interactions are great times for observing and a break for you!
6. Be honest
Giphy
Every camp is going to have one or two troublemakers who emerge during the first couple weeks. There are many ways to deal with these types of campers but that's up to your style and what your camp recommends. The honesty aspect comes in when you have to report back to their parents that their kid had a rough day. Sugarcoating the truth or not presenting the issue to a parent in the end hurts you. Your camper will believe they can do what they want without the consequence of being reported. Save yourself the hassle later on and be forthcoming when their parent asks "how was ____ today?"
7. Have Fun!
GiphyThe last lesson learned is to have fun. Summer camp can get tedious towards the end after the 4th of July has passed and the full heat of the summer has settled in. Nonetheless, keep your spirits up the energy you put into the kids is what you get: negative to negative and positive to positive. Remaining lighthearted and aware that camp is not school where they should fear discipline. I've learned that camp goes by smoother when you engage in the activities rather than on the sidelines, the time flies.
Summer camp can be long and harrowing but these lessons I have learned while being a great guiding tool to navigate all the ups and downs of camp. So relax and enjoy your summer as a well-equipped camp counselor!
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