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

Walmart, Heaven on Earth

Hello to all of my fellow camp counselors!

Before I was a counselor, I couldn't stand going in to Walmart. Maybe it was the crowds, maybe it was the people that made up those crowds (see PeopleofWalmart.com) or maybe I just didn't fully appreciate the vast glory that is Walmart. But once I started working as a counselor, I quickly learned that in reality, Walmart is truly heavenly.

It's Cheap
The amount of money I spend on cabin decorations, crafts, themed outfits and late night snacks is outrageous. Thankfully, Walmart sells in bulk and cheap. That plus a little bit of thrift store hunting saves me hundreds of dollars.

They Sell Everything
My weekly shopping list typically includes flip flops, a water bottle, sun screen, a t-shirt, sun glasses, cereal, nutella, and lots of cabin decorations. And that only BEGINS to explain how different the things I need are. Enter Walmart. It's all there. Clothes? Check. Food? Check. Camping supplies? Check. Personal hygiene? Check. Decorations? Check. I'm serious. EVERYTHING.

There Are Fun Things On Sale
My favorite area of Walmart is the dollar box. They sell random snacks, decorations, party favors, etc. for a dollar or less. You never know what you need until it's on sale for a dollar.

McDonalds
Or some kind of fast food usually reside in Walmart. And on a camp budget and counselor hunger, sometimes you just need food fast.

Pure Entertainment
The lovely frequent shoppers of Walmart (including myself, I have pink cat pajamas that have seen Walmart) are sometimes rather, well, colorful. And sometimes after a week at camp, they are just what you need.

Shop on!
You are amazing!
Samantha

Dos and Don'ts: Staff Training

Hello to all of my fellow camp counselors!

Well, I am officially half way through Staff Training 2012!! And let me tell you, it has been amazing. I have the privilege of spending this summer with thirty-some staff members from all over the world. And since I'm in the throws of training, I thought, what better blog topic?

Do: Get Outside of Your Comfort Zone
Try something new. Talk to somebody you wouldn't usually. Explore your camp and all of the amazing new things it has to offer.

Don't: Overdo It
You have all summer to try doing new things, don't worry if you miss one thing. Instead, try to get to know a few areas that you think you would excel in.

Do: Get To Know Everyone
Especially within the first two days, try to talk to most of the staff. Everyone is trying to get to know each other, and at this point they might be too shy to approach you. Take the initiative.

Don't: Worry If You Don't Love Everyone
Some people need time to grow on you, and some people are just not going to be best friends. You don't have to like everyone, you do have to be respectful and willing to work together peacefully.

Do: Step Up
Take on some responsibility. If a program area needs a lead and you think you could do it, speak up!

Don't: Step On Toes
Chances are your camp has some returning staff. They might have a lot of experience, and while they would certainly appreciate support, try not to overstep. Be willing to listen and learn.

Do: Get To Know the Administrative Staff
If you're going to work for these people for the summer, you may want to know them. Know personalities and quirks. These could really be helpful for the summer.

Don't: Forget To Be A Part of the Summer Staff
If everyone is sitting at the camp fire, join them! Go out together on the weekends, hang out on off time, and become a family!

Do: Pay Attention
Falling asleep in training sessions is so not good. Try to keep the eyes open and the ears listening. You will regret it if you fall asleep in a training session about how to deal with campers getting sick in the night.

Don't: Stress the Small Stuff
You won't remember everything you are taught. If you miss a few details here and there, its OK.

Do: Get Silly
Sing campfire songs, dance around, be weird.

Don't: Be Too Cool
You won't look cool, you look bored.

Do: HAVE AN AWESOME TIME!
Duh :)

You are amazing!
Samantha

Up Close And Personal: Part I

Hello to all my fellow camp counselors!

Occasionally, I'll be writing blogs about my feelings regarding camp. These will be basically little pieces of my personal diary. I hope you enjoy!

I can't believe it was a almost year ago that I started my first summer as a counselor. It always felt like such a landmark in my life, and to think that it was an entire year ago is crazy. And now I'm about to begin my second summer. I'm feeling so many things. Nervous, about nearly everything, from a new staff to new responsibilities. Excited, to get to spend another summer doing exactly what I love. And a little stressed, considering that I haven't even begun to pack.

Well that was that. I hope you liked it, I'll be doing these occasionally.

You are amazing!
Samantha

Things They Don't Tell You To Pack

Hello to all my fellow counselors!

We all get those lists of things to pack for camp. However, they are typically geared towards campers, or don't really stress the right things. So this is a list of things that I found I needed throughout my first counselor summer.

Socks
You have not packed enough.

Alarm Clock
It is always nice to know what time it is in the cabin, and you shouldn't use your phone to wake yourself and your cabin up.

A Shower Tote
If you have ever lived in a college dorm, you know what I mean. Something that you can carry your toiletries to and from the showers. 

Oil Free Sunscreen
You are going to have to put it on your face several times every day, it should be good for your skin. 

More Socks
You think I''m joking. 

An Extra Stuffed Animal
To lend to homesick campers. 

Pictures From Home
They help keep away your own homesickness. Also, campers sometimes like to see them. 

A Digital Camera
To take pictures, and so you don't end up with a hundred disposable cameras. 

Shirt/Pair of Pants/Shoes That You Are OK Ruining
For obvious reasons

Markers/Paper
For writing cabin rules or decorating your cabin. 

Tape
To put up your cabin rules or decorations. 

No Really, More Socks
I mean it.

Shower Shoes
You so don't want to go in there with bare feet. 


Knee Socks/Suspenders/Other Random Weird Things
If your camp does themes, has a camp dance, or if you ever just like to be weird. 


Twin Size Mattress Pad
Makes your bunk bed ALOT more comfortable. 


Sunglasses
Life really sucks when you have to squint all summer.


A Zip-Up Hoodie
It just always seems to be better then a pullover. 


Water Bottle/Clip
You can connect it to your jeans, and it's way easier then carrying it around. 


Did I Say Socks?

You are amazing!
Samantha

25 Pieces of Advice

Hello to all my fellow camp counselors!

For my first official post, I thought I'd give some basic and random advice to first time counselors. Some of these are original thoughts, some are from counselors/staff that I've worked with or have talked to.

1. There is no book, blog, article or training session that can tell you how to be a counselor. 

2. During training, try to remember a few ice-breakers/time fillers. You will use them more often than you think. 

3. Take advantage of your nights off. Have fun, do something "grown up", hang out with fellow staff members and non-camp friends (if possible), and this above all else, GET SOME SLEEP.

4. Don't take yourself too seriously. If you want the campers to be silly, you're going to have to do the same. 

5. Get your acrylic nails taken off before camp starts.

6. Be firm on the first day of camp. Lay down rules, explain consequences, and earn the respect of your cabin. You have the rest of the week to have fun and laugh with them, but this is the day that you set the tone. If you don't have respect on the first day, the rest of the week will be a struggle. 

7. Never say the word "homesick" to a camper. Once they have a word for it, they will make it their identity, and it will only get worse. 

8. Know which rules are meant to be followed down to the letter, and which can be bent.

9. Never be afraid to ask for help from fellow staff members. 

10. Find the balance between respect for the campers that have been at your camp for a long time, and still maintaining the fact that you are in charge. 

11. Wear sunscreen.

12. If you date a fellow counselor, remember that your priority is still the campers. They should always come first. And they should NOT know that you are in a relationship with a staff member.

13. The only way that you can put the campers before yourself is if you take care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat well, drink water, and do what you can on your days off to restore your sanity. 

14. Don't use sarcasm with campers. They tend to take you seriously. 

15. Be yourself with your fellow staff members. They will become your family, make sure they know who you really are. 

16. Find the nearest Walmart.

17. Save letters, notes, crafts or anything else your campers make you. 

18. You did not buy enough socks. Go get more. 

19. Know a good bedtime story or two. Campers like them at every age. Heck, some counselors like them too. 

20. Do tuck-ins. (If you don't know what a tuck-in is, it's a short activity you do with your cabin right before bed, like everyone going around and saying what the best part of the day was)

21. When checking in, take a moment to semi-privately ask whoever is dropping the camper off if there is anything else you need to know. Sometimes they don't want their camper to know that they are telling you something, but it could be critical. 

22. Learn where they keep the coffee. 

23. Come in with an open mind. You will interact with campers, counselors and staff from all different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. Use it as an opportunity to learn and live outside of your box. 

24. Take pictures.

25. You are about to be a role model. You will change someones life. You are going to be someones go-to counselor in their memory. Come prepared for that, understand it, and embrace it.

Hope you liked it!
You are amazing!
Samantha

Introduction

Hello to all of my fellow camp counselors!

About Me:

My name is Samantha, and I have been a part of the camp world for fourteen years. I have been a camper, a Leader in Training (LIT), a Counselor in Training (CIT), a program staff member and a counselor. Although I have been a part of many camps, in both camper and leadership roles, I have spent eleven years at a residential camp in Southern California, where I have been a camper, a CIT, and am about to embark on my second year as a counselor. I have come to think of camp as my home. 

This Blog:

I love reading different counselors advice and stories, and getting feedback. So, I thought, why not share my own thoughts? I'll be doing weekly blogs, discussing whatever camp-related issue, story, or thought feels fitting. Of course, camp is fast approaching this summer, so my posts will likely relate to the previous week of camp. Please feel free to comment with any questions, advice, stories, thoughts, comments, etc. The best thing about camp staff is the collaboration of experiences and personalities! 

Stay tuned, the first real post is on its way!

You are amazing! 

Samantha