Up Close and Personal: Life Update

Hello to all of my fellow camp counselors and staff!

I hope everyone had a PHENOMENAL summer. I know I did!

Summer of 2015 was my second as an assistant director. I can't even begin to say how much I learned this summer. It was full of challenges and successes, and I am so proud of my staff. We really focus on having a growth mindset, and we believe in the philosophy of never "arriving", and always having something more to learn. I look forward to sharing more about this in it's own blog post.

I was honored to be offered a year-round job with the camp. I am now wrapping up my fourth week as the on-site director of our after school program. I've already gotten the opportunity to see more of the behind-the-scenes of camp. I also have the greatest sense of responsibility for the success or failure of this business that I ever have. It is amazing how much I didn't know about camp, and I can't wait to learn more!

Having graduated from college in May, I'm still in a little bit of shock over the changes in my life. For the first time since I was 5, I don't go to school. It feels so strange to go to work every day, and hold myself accountable to complete my work and be prepared, knowing that there isn't an exam. Am I homesick for college? Absolutely. I completely own the fact that I stalk my younger sorority sisters on all forms of social media. I am nearly constantly talking to my friends from school, all of whom have dispersed across the country. I remember having a similar feeling when I left home for college, and I know it's just an adjustment.

I'm excited to get back to blogging and share what I can about my experience. As always, I'd love to hear from anyone who reads my blog (that's you mom)!

Happy fall!
Sam

Spring Leadership Conference 2015 (Before)

Hello to all of my fellow camp counselors and staff!

I am so so so so so excited for the upcoming week! Why, you might ask?

SPRING LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2015!

Yes, it is that exciting. This will be the second year that I have gone, and I can't wait! Last year I learned so much, and got to know the other directors and assistant directors I would be working with in summer a lot better. There's a ton of really cool sessions about working with campers, training counselors, marketing camps, etc. And then at night there are different events, like a themed dance party and a lip sync. 

I am really excited to go. I also get to spend a few days before it with one of the other assistant directors, who happens to be one of my best friends. It's going to be an amazing week, and I can't wait to tell you all about it! 

I'll write an "after" post and tell you about the awesome experience I had! 

That's all for this week, but stay tuned because I am so sure I'll have a ton to tell you.

HELLO PALM SPRINGS!

Sam

It's Raining, It's Snowing...

Hello to all of my fellow camp counselors and staff!

It's officially April! I hope you all made it through April Fools Day with a few laughs, and no injuries.

I live in Colorado, where the seasons are "more what you'd call guidelines, than actual rules" (I really like Pirates of the Caribbean). The past two weeks we have had beautiful, sunny, 70 degree weather. Today, it's snowing. A lot.

All of this snow has made me think about camp, and days with abnormal weather (or maybe it's normal, depending on what part of the country you're in). If you work winter camps, rain or snow is pretty likely. During the summer, however, you may not have plans for a rainy day. Having fun during a rainy day requires flexibility and creativity, and if you do it right, the day can be one that your campers never forget.


Before I list off my favorite rainy day activities, I need to share this little insight about me with all of you. I'm a planner. I am not always good with spontaneous. I plan nearly everything, including how I'm going to get dressed in the morning. Rainy days are not something I can plan for. I don't know when they'll happen, I don't know if it'll be cold or warm, I don't know if it'll be safe to be outside, I don't know how my campers will react. Making rainy days fun is a challenge for me. And while I can't have an exact plan, I can have some ideas in mind. So now I give you a few ideas.

One more note before I share my list. Know your camps rain policy. Use common sense. If it's cold, get your campers somewhere warmer. If there's lightning, get somewhere safe. If your campers are scared, make helping them feel safe your priority. And know your campers. Some kids do not want to get soaking wet. Some kids love it. Make sure you pay attention to all of your campers, and keep the day fun for all of them. 

RAIN DANCE

This might seem really obvious. And it kind of is. But it's also a lot of fun. If it looks like it's going to rain, do a rain dance with your campers. If they're into lip sync, choreograph the dance. Or, you can just dance around randomly and chant at the sky.

SINGING IN THE RAIN

Singing in the Rain is one of my favorite camp songs, and it rarely actually gets sung in the rain. But if you don't know it, you can just sing in the rain. Get creative, make up new verses of the song about rain!

RAIN HIKE

For this activity, it's really important to know your campers. Some campers will NOT like this. If they're young, you might get a lot of crying. As a camper, however, rain hikes were my favorite. We got to walk through the trees, and everything smelled different. We got muddy and wet, and after we got to have hot chocolate and laugh at each others wild hair. It was the best.

RAIN GAMES

Team relay races are tons of fun and a great way to bond. Why not use the rain to do it? Get a bucket. Find something that the campers can use to catch rain (sponges, cups, etc.). Make teams. The team with the most rain in the bucket wins! 

RAIN SKITS

This can be a great option if you're staying inside. Split into groups and make up skits about the rain! 

MERMAID TAIL DANCE

Okay, this was something my Girl Scout troop did when we were about 11. When we were stuck in our cabins, we would all sit on the top bunks with our sleeping bags on and over our legs. We would make up these dances that we would do with our imaginary mermaid tails and sing songs with it. It was always hilarious, and a great way to pass a lot of time. 

MUD ART

This is great for after the rain has stopped. It's pretty simple, you just make art out of the mud! It can be drawings in the mud, mud sculptures, or mud body art! I'm a huge fan of mud, so I say, play in it as much as you can! 

Rainy days are all about making a different kind of situation into an awesome, unique day. Be spontaneous, pay attention to your campers, and have fun! 

Don't let it rain on your parade, 

Samantha

Explaining Skills Gained at Camp in the Real World

Hello to all of my fellow camp counselors and staff!

I hope everyone is doing great, and starting to think about summer 2015! I know I am!

Sadly, most camp people don't get to stay here in the camp world forever. Many of us will eventually seek a "real world" job. Whether you're looking for your ultimate career, or a part-time job in college, you're going to have to interview for a non-camp job eventually.

If you've ever done an interview with someone who has worked at camp, you've probably had that excited, passionate conversation about your experiences and how much it meant to you. They know how hard you worked. They understand the level of responsibility that was put on your 18-ish year old shoulders. They respect the words "camp counselor" on a resume.

But we are usually not so lucky. Most interviewers haven't worked at a camp. Hopefully their image of a camp counselor is someone fun and responsible, and not what they got from a camp movie (camp movies are awesome, but yikes, their counselors give me nightmares). So how do you explain all of the valuable skills and experience that you gained at camp? How do you translate 200 rounds of "Hermie the Worm", 60 games of Chicken in the Hen House, and 3 human sundaes into applicable skills for a store manager, or website designer? It's all about language, how you choose to communicate your skills in an appropriate way for the situation.

So what skills did you gain as a counselor?

Camp Language: I learned how to teach horseback riding/archery/games/etc to groups of campers.
Real World Language: I learned how to teach to a group with a variety of learning styles, and adapt my communication style appropriately.

Camp Language: I worked when I was sunburned/tired/had a blister.
Real World Language: I remained accountable to my fellow staff and campers by doing my job to my fullest ability, and did not let personal issues affect my work.

Camp Language: I learned how to work with other counselors.
Real World Language: I learned how to work in a team of unique personalities towards a common goal.

Camp Language: I learned how to work with a junior counselor
Real World Language: I gained experience as a mentor (and supervisor, if applicable) by helping a new camp leader build their skills.

Camp Language: I learned how to fix fights between campers.
Real World Language: I learned how to mediate disagreements and help both parties reach a mutual compramise.

And so on. It isn't about big words. It's about an honest, objective, and professional description of what you can now do. What's important to remember is that everything you learned to do at camp is a skill you can use in your future career. Don't be afraid to explain just how much you learned, and how much value your time at camp added to you as a future employee. 

Teen Leadership Programs

Hello to all of my fellow camp counselors and staff!

Although it is only late January, camps and counselors are beginning to turn our thoughts to the summer of 2015. Many programs have already re-hired staff from last year, and hiring new staff will begin in the next couple of months. And with hiring staff comes hiring teenagers for leadership programs.

I had the opportunity to participate in several leadership programs, from the time I was 12 until 17. The programs I participate in gave me a ton of experience, taught me a million things, and gave me many memories. Whether your going to be a leader in training, counselor in training, junior counselor, or one of the many other things we call them, you're in for the experience of your life.

So what do I have to say about them? As I said, I participated in these programs. I also worked with teens in leadership programs as a counselor, and this past summer I had the opportunity to help my counselors work with their junior counselors. I think these programs matter. I think they prepare participants for jobs, teach them responsibility, and give them the opportunity to work towards goals and learn what it means to truly earn it.

The Application Process
This may well be the first job you've applied to. Whether it is or not, there is a great deal to be learned. Different programs handle the application process different ways. Often there includes a paper application and an interview.

• Paper Application: First piece of advice: spell check! And check it again. It's awfully hard to be taken seriously when you use the wrong form of "your". Be thoughtful in your responses to questions, and be honest. We aren't looking for perfect teens, we are looking for honesty and a desire to learn.
• Interview: Some camps do group interviews, some do one-on-ones. I'll be writing a later blog about camp interviews, so stay tuned for more detailed thoughts. However, this is likely your first interview. There's a few basics you should know. The first is to breathe. They know you've probably never done this before, and they're not expecting perfection. Feel free to ask questions. Most camps will tell you what to wear, but if not, don't be afraid to ask. It's also okay to ask for a minute to think about your answer to a question. Represent yourself honestly. Don't be the person you think they are looking for, be who you are. 
• Hold Your Breath: Now it's time to wait. Some programs are very selective, and some are not. Regardless, you will still feel nervous. If you are accepted to the program, congratulations! If not, ask what you could do differently in the future! Not only is this great information for you to know, but it also shows that you have a growth mindset and want to learn. 

Training
Camps all have their own systems of training teen leaders. Some camps choose to train you along side the counselors, some will train you separately, and many camps choose a combination of the two. Something that can often be a challenge is that many camp training dates go over the last week or so of your school year. If this is the case, discuss it with the camp early, most camps are pretty flexible about it because they know most of their teen leaders will have the same conflict. Here's a few things I recommend thinking about during training.

• Get To Know Each Other: This is something I think is so important for everyone at camp. Get to know the people you are going to work with. Something that is pretty universal is camp people are nice! Introduce yourself, and spend time getting to know as many people as possible.
• Listen Up!: Whether this is your first time at this camp, or you've been going for years, this is a whole new angle that you'll be looking at camp from. Training is full of awesome strategies and skills that you are going to want during the summer. I'm a big fan of taking notes, so don't feel weird about jotting down some things you want to remember. 
• If You Are A "Lifer": If you don't know what a "lifer" is, it's someone who's been at this camp for their whole life. Even if this is your second or third year at this camp, this applies. Share your experience. What's really special is getting to hear about camp from the perspective of someone who was a camper, and loves camp. However, proceed with caution. Remember that as awesome as it is that you know this camp so well, you're new to the leadership side of camp, and you don't know about being on this side. 
• Returners: These are teen leaders who have done the leadership program in the past. One of the great things about returners is that they become leaders amongst their group of teen leaders. You get to show through your actions how to do this. It's a lot of responsibility, and you should consciously be thinking about what your behavior is telling the new people. 

Summer!
It's finally here! You meet your first group/cabin/etc. and off you go! You're busy, you're having a great time, and you're simultaneously exhausted. Welcome to working at camp! Here's a few ways to make your summer count!

• Be Ready To Learn: One of the biggest lessons I learned as a teen leader was how little I really knew. The first day is probably going to kick your butt. But don't let that scare you! Learning new things takes time, and you'll be learning constantly. Ask your counselor questions. They might not know either! That means you get to learn together. Here's my analogy about new experiences. Trying new things and growing is like stretching. If it doesn't hurt a little bit, you're not getting anywhere. And when it comes time to talk about how your doing, try to hear it with an open attitude. It's meant to help you, not hurt your feelings.
• Be A Team: Be a team with whoever you work with! Fellow teens, counselors, directors, everyone! The best counselor/teen leader pairs are the ones who communicate with each other, and have pride in their work together.
• Give It Your All: Nothing is worth doing if you aren't going to do it 100%. Go into each day with renewed energy and a positive mindset. Take initiative. Seek feedback. Go to sleep exhausted, because you worked so hard.
• Most Importantly, It's Not About You Anymore: You know why camp is so awesome for campers? Because it's all about them. It's about getting them to join the group. It's about working to ensure they have a great time. It's about helping them form memories that will last a lifetime. Sometimes you're going to have to do things that aren't fun for you. Sometimes you're not going to want to do what you need to do. Remember, camp is about campers, and your focus is on them now. 

So there it is! That's my advice, and I encourage you to seek the advice of others who have done it. Being a teen leader was one of the most rewarding, challenging, and enlightening experiences I have done. Enjoy every second of it, because it really does go way to fast.

Happy Applying!
Sam

An Ode To My Job: How Lucky Am I?

Hello to all of my fellow camp counselors and staff!

As we reach the middle of winter and I bury myself in layers, I can't help but think towards the coming summer. Certainly, I miss the warm weather. Undoubtedly, I miss not having to go to class every day. Indisputably, I miss not having to buy my own groceries (thanks mom).

But, there is something I miss more.

My Job. 

I never thought I would be able to say something like that. I miss my job. 

Here's the thing, I never imagined I could love doing something as much as I love my job as an assistant director. I never imagined I could love working somewhere as much as I love working at the camp I'm at. And I never imagined that I would miss it so much.

What's amazing to me is that it isn't just the easy, fun stuff I miss. Sure, dressing up for the Fourth of July is great (it's my favorite day of the summer). Of course, getting to work with some of my best friends makes every day entertaining. Yes, I love being a part of a team that becomes a family.

And those memories are wonderful. They shine bright in my mind, and take me back to warm sunny days filled with camp songs and wood chips. But there's something else I miss. 

I miss the hard stuff. I miss working through the challenges, and the frustration when things aren't going as planned. I miss when my counselors would come to me with a question that I just didn't know how to answer. 

Why? I have no idea. Maybe it's the culture of this amazing camp. Maybe it's because being there has taught me that it's okay not to know the answer. Maybe it's the bonding that happens over working through a problem with someone. Maybe it's because when things are hard, I know I have the opportunity to learn from some people that I regard as the most talented and brilliant childcare professionals out there.

I've had other jobs. I've had jobs that were hard. I've had jobs that were easy. I've had jobs that I loved, hated, and everything in between. I've missed jobs before. But never this entirely. 

And so, this one is dedicated to my camp, the camp that I have grown to love in just two short years. I never thought that a job could mean so much to me, and at such a young age. 

Thank You,

Samantha

Camp Isn't A Major... Or Is It?

Hello to all of my fellow camp counselors and staff!

As many of you know, I'm currently in my senior year of college. When I decided that I would strive for a career in camp, I found myself in an interesting position. How do you prepare yourself for a career through higher education, when there is no undergraduate program in it? I will be graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Equine Science and a minor in Business Administration. Not exactly camp, but there could be some parallels. However, I've found several ways to supplement a higher education, and prepare myself for my career. Here are a few of my experiences.

Elective Classes

Every major leaves room for at least a few elective classes. Make these count! A few of the classes that I've taken as electives are;

 Introduction to Psychology

 Adolescent Development

 Abnormal Psychology

Child Exceptionality and Psychopathology

Methods in Coaching

Marketing Technology

 Advertising

 I felt that these were classes that would be applicable to my camp career, and I found all of them to be very fun, engaging classes.

Minor

You should be passionate about your major! You should love it and feel connected to it! And a minor is a great way to supplement your major with more information in another field. Camp is a business, and my business minor has given me a great introduction into business law, marketing, management, accounting and finance. 

Get Out Of The Classroom

Gaining life experience is one of the most valuable parts of college! Are you interested in working in adventure based camps? Get involved in an outdoors club! Want more experience with different age groups? Find jobs babysitting, working in preschools or local after school programs! 

Stay Connected With The ACA

Keep up-to-date with whats going on in the American Camp Association. I'm a huge fan of the message boards, they're a great place to discuss camp with others. Look through their articles, keep up with their blogs, and know whats going on in our awesome industry! Also, there are awesome online lectures and classes available to members, and college students get a free one year membership, so take advantage. And of course, go to Spring Leadership Conference! 

Camp... Masters?!

 I am currently in the process of applying for this awesome program! It's through Touro University, Nevada, and it's actually a masters program in camp. Officially the title is Masters in Camp Administration and Leadership. I will be updating you with my progress through the program, of course, assuming I am accepted (fingers crossed)! 

So maybe you cant major in camp. But you certainly can make college work towards your own camp career. Just get creative! Also, I've linked the American Camp Association and Camp Administration and Leadership Programs at the end of this blog, so check them out! 

Go State! 

Sam

The American Camp Association:

http://www.acacamps.org/

Touro University, Nevada, Masters in Camp Administration and Leadership

http://tun.touro.edu/programs/college-of-health-and-human-services/camp-administration/

Camp Fashion: A Counselors Wardrobe

Hello to all of my fellow camp counselors!

I have been lucky enough to grow up in and be a part of a lot of different groups. I spent my school year as an actress, ice skater and cheerleader all through my childhood. Through those activities, and being an adolescent girl, I gained an appreciation for fashion. Of course the other part of my year was spent at camp, where people pride themselves on not caring what they look like, which is also awesome.

Right now I'm taking a class at my university about human adornment and behavior. It's basically discussing why we wear what we wear, or alter our bodies in any way (hair color, dieting, tanning, etc). It got me thinking a lot about camp. We do have fashion at camp. It's certainly different than I would dress in say, my weekly sorority meeting, but it has it's own trends.

Don't believe me? Are you thinking right now 'the magic of camp is that you can look like and wear whatever you want'? Imagine this scenario for a minute. It's the first day of camp. You're a long-time, teenage camper. This camp is your home. You've (wisely) shown up in old jean shorts, a tie-dyed camp shirt, and ratty tennis shoes. There is a girl in your cabin. She comes in wearing brand new True Religion shorts, a Ralph Lauren polo and boat shoes. Functionally, you are wearing the same things. She's not in a prom dress, or snow boots, and yet, it'd seem so strange to the long time camper.

So, believe me now? The real magic of camp is that she'll probably be your best friend, even though you initially may have judged her on appearances. That's the real special part of camp. And here is a secret a lot of people fail to understand about me; I'm a little bit of that girl. Yes, I wear old shorts and a t-shirt to camp, but I also do my hair and makeup before each day. Do I do them as much as I do before class? Absolutely not. But I always have a little eyeliner and mascara on, my hair is either braided or in a teased high ponytail or a sock bun (my favorite right-now hairstyle).

So back to our topic, what are trends at camp? There are some that seem to cross over all camps, and some that are unique at individual camps. Here are a few of my favorites, and by the way, they all look phenomenal with a sock bun.

Tie-Dye

There is no more universal, long standing camp trend than Tie-Dye.

Old Camp T-Shirts

Because what says "I've been here forever" better than a shirt from 2004?

Homemade Shirts

Puff paint, sharpies, spray paint.

Knee Socks

I like to mix and match, and I probably own 30 pairs. You never know what theme day they can go with

Chacos

I have to put them here, because I know counselors really like them. Real talk though, I have never (and will never) own a pair. 

Norts/Soffees/Athletic Shorts

How many colors do you own?

Toms

This was a huge thing when I was the vaulting lead at my first camp. I wrecked a pair, and they smelled worse than anything I've ever experienced. They were well loved.

Nalgene Water Bottles

Or whatever your brand of choice is (whatever is cheapest at Walmart, I lose water bottles A LOT).

Hats

 Baseball hats say: I like this sports team, I go to this school, or I drive this kind of car.

Straw hats say: I'm trying to avoid sunburning my nose off of my face this summer.

Cowboy hats say: I'm working at a ranch camp

Decorated Clip Boards

I'm a quotes/bedazzling fan, and I've seen a few really cool collages.

Dramatic Animal Shirts

I can't think of how to describe these, but you know what I'm talking about. They have wolves or running horses on a cloudy looking background, and they are FABULOUS.

Multiple Bracelets/Arm Accessories

Wearing so many silly bands, friendship bracelets and watches that your lower arm is six shades lighter than the rest of you.

So those are a few of my favorites. Comment below and tell me what you wear at your camp, or what your personal favorite camp fashion statements are! 

Don't forget your Nalgene! 

Samantha

Summer 2014: The Life of a Camp Assistant Director

Hello to all of my fellow camp counselors!

How I have missed you all! I hope you all had wonderful, adventurous, challenging, successful summers, whether you were a camp counselor, director, or an intern at an accounting firm. I personally had an incredible summer, and I can't wait to share my experience and new lessons with all of you!

So it really happened, I was an assistant director. I'm having a hard time writing this, because it was indescribable. I have never felt so many emotions in one summer. I felt proud, frustrated, energized, exhausted, overwhelmed, confident, and a million other feelings.

I started summer the day after I got home from school. I was the co-on-site director for the after-school program run by the same camp I work at over summer. It's held at a very different kind of school. It's a school that focuses greatly on the emotional safety of its students, calls the teachers by their first names, and gives the children the opportunity to dictate the majority of their curriculum. I wouldn't say I loved the schools philosophy, but I learned more from those students in three weeks than I had in my three summers past. It was intense. (Camping is in tents) There will be several posts in the future that originate from some of the lessons I learned there.

As soon as that ended (overlapping it's end, actually) camp training began. I put on my grey director polo, my name tag, and stood before about 75 staff members, mostly new, scared out of my mind. We ran games, led training sessions, and then it was the moment I was most nervous for.  I met my small camp, at that point 5 (it would become 6 after the first camp session) senior counselors, all but one first timers. As we sat in the shady patch of grass, and I told them all about 7-9 year olds (our age group), I tried to imagine what the coming summer would be. Would they be close? Would they want to work there? Would they want to learn from me? Would I be able to help them?

Well I won't answer all of that right now, because that would give away the next few blogs I have planned. I will tell you this, it was nothing like I had imagined, and everything I could have hoped. Those six senior counselors, the rest of the staff, the other four assistant directors, the directors, the campers, it all added up to the best summer yet.

The summer was a blur, a blur that I can't wait to share with all of you. In the meantime, comment and tell me about how your summer went! I want to hear all about it. Also, best of luck for those of you that are currently in transition to the real world again. I know how hard it is, I'm starting my senior year of college and this world is so much different than my beloved camp world.

Try to adjust well,
Samantha

Remembering What It Feels Like

Hello to all of my fellow camp counselors and staff!!

As summer approaches, I've started really thinking about what my role is going to be at camp this year. I have been reading S'More Than Camp, by Scott Arizala, to get me in the right mindset. A lot of what he's been talking about has been "getting down to the campers level", physically, mentally, emotionally, and basically any other way possible. Of course, when I think of this, the first thing that comes to my mind is physically bending down to chat with campers. One of my favorite mental images of this is of one of the counselors I worked with last summer, who was 6'7". He basically had to lay on the ground to get on eye level.

A big part of getting on the level of my campers has always been trying to empathize with them. This is why I've always said I prefer older campers. I can totally understand the challenges that pre-teens and teenagers face. Don't like your body today? I've been there. Have a crush on someone who doesn't reciprocate? Oh, I so get that. Had an argument with your parents? I understand more that I can say.

I like to write in journals, and I love re-reading them. In a lot of ways, it helps me remember what it felt like to be 12, 15, 18, etc. I tend to think of myself as a fairly well-adjusted person, but it's important for me to remember that there were times I thought my problems were going to swallow me alive. It helps me remember that the thing I hated the most was when adults minimized my problems. Some of the phrases I specifically quoted in my journal as being particularly abhorrent are listed as follows:

• "Things seem like a bigger deal than they really are at your age"
• "It'll get better with time"
• "You don't even have real problems yet, just enjoy being young"
• "Ignore it/them/him/her, it'll stop"
• "I've been there/I understand/I know exactly how you feel"

That last one may seem sort of contradictory. Aren't I writing this blog on understanding how they feel? Yes. And part of that is understanding that at times, it feels like you are the only one who has ever felt this way. And it doesn't help to be told that your not, at least it didn't for me. 

So how does empathy actually work? What can you say to show that you care, without assuming or brushing over some very real and powerful emotions? 

The first strategy that has worked for me is simply to listen. Sometimes, they just need to say it and get it off their chest. I'm still like this. I don't always need advice, I sometimes just need to know that someone else knows I'm going through something. 

Acknowledge that this is challenging for them. The first way to do this is to appreciate that it was likely hard for them to share it with you. Thank them for being honest and trusting you. Tell them that this situation sounds hard/challenging/upsetting/whatever they are feeling. 

Don't pretend to know all of the answers. One of my favorite phrases is "I wish I knew the magic words to solve this for you". If it seems like they're looking to you for advice, suggest potential ideas to try, and acknowledge that they may not work, or at least not right away. 

At camp this part can be hard, but try to really give them the time they need to feel like they were listened to and acknowledged. Sometimes this means you really have to make that space for them, but if a camper is coming forward to you with something, it's important you continue to earn their trust by actually hearing them.

When it's done, ask if they feel like your talk helped. They may say no, and that's okay. Sometimes it's not about helping, it's about finally getting the problem out of their head and sharing it. Remind them how much you appreciate their trust, and that you hope they'll keep coming to you if they need to talk again. 

*A note about mandated reporting; if a camper begins to tell you about a situation which you feel will need to be reported, make sure you are not deceiving them. Don't promise to keep anything a secret, and don't ask questions that give them an answer. Let them tell you what they have to say and then follow your camps procedure for reporting. 

Remembering how it felt to be at one age won't give you all the answers. What it will give you is the chance to connect with a camper, and maybe help a difficult situation. 

I'm looking forward to this summer, and I so hope you are too!

Samantha