That Camper: The One Who Doesn't Want To Be at Camp

Hello to all of my fellow camp counselors!

This week, I'd like to talk about one of the most dreaded campers of the summer, the one who simply doesn't want to be at camp. Maybe their parents just needed a week off, maybe they are trying to get the child to face a fear, maybe they simply aren't ready; whatever the reason, they do not want to be there.

These campers come from many places. Some are simply not excited to be at camp. They don't want to get involved, they resist making friends and in general they alienate themselves from the program at large. With these campers, I recommend trying to find them a program that they enjoy. Then see how you can get them further involved. Could the staff leader of that area give the camper a job there? Could they be given the opportunity to learn more about that area? Allowing this camper to do something they enjoy will open them up to the rest of the camp experience.

Some campers are afraid of the activities. Maybe they are secretly terrified of the water, and are now at a lake front camp. Maybe horses make them nervous, but were sent to riding camp. It doesn't matter how or why, but now they are terrified and uncomfortable. Sometimes they are embarrassed to speak up, so watch out for campers who seem to always "feel sick" around the same activity time. This is when you have to be flexible as a whole staff. Is there a way to make them for comfortable? Someone to walk next to their horse, or an extra flotation devise in the water? Try to get them to try the activity. However, sometimes this simply will not work. If they outright refuse, focus the camper on another area that they enjoy. So the horses are scary, but they seem to love archery. Get them there as much as possible.

The camper may have had a bad previous camp experience. Encourage this camper to try new, different things, and help them to make friends. Have your entire cabin bond as early as possible to create new friendships. If they have friends having a great time, they may come to realize that camp is awesome after all!

Regardless of what the reason that the camper does not want to be there, as a counselor, your primary role is to make it a positive experience. You have the opportunity to become a hero, and potentially change their life. It's a challenge, but the outcome is the reason we became counselors in the first place; to do good for these kids.
Good luck!

You are amazing!
Samantha