Ah!! Thanks for doing this! I too am a newbie and would like to know of any ideas that the campers in the past have thought to be dumb or effective. I’ve worked at Vacation Bible School for many years and kinda only have an idea what 1st and 2nd graders like :/ And are there any camp songs I should learn? Might even add some sort of guitar playing to it

Steph and Emily,

This is an amazing forum to start and its totally okay to want to ask questions and learn and anticipate what to expect. I know I sure had a hard time adjusting to being a CIT last year. Sofie’s packet will really help you get a feel for what Rockbrook really is about but I will gladly give you guys some advice too.

1.) I think the biggest thing is to get involved. Get involved in skits, your campers, Rockbrook surprises, and your activity! The more you give the more you will take away from camp!

2.) Also, don’t be shy to ask if you need anything. Being a mini session counselor, I will most likely be on the Junior line but, I’m willing to share everything and everything if you need it. From a shower caddy to just an ear to listen to any problems or concerns. I know all the other amazing staff will do the same.

3.) Get to know your camper!!!!!! I can not emphasis this enough. I have been attending Rockbrook for ten years and part of me coming back is the amazing friendships you form with other campers but also with your counselors. Be a role model for them and take such great care of them. My first cabin ever was with a Ms. Hunter Futch and Cecily Bigham (SHOUT OUT)!!! We adored our campers very much and the more we got to know them the easier we were able to bond and form relationships with them. They will always hold a special place in my heart. Honestly, getting to know your campers, bonding, and creating memories is some the greatest moments you will have at camp!

Hope I could help! Can’t wait to meet you girls!

Hey Steph and Emily!

I will be coming back for my third year as a counselor. I feel like I have had a different experience than a lot of the other counselors because I was never a camper there. My biggest piece of advice is just to completely dive in. The counselors are there to make things fun for the campers. You’ll do things at camp that you’d never dream of doing in real life, but that’s what it’s for. Don’t be afraid to act silly or ridiculous. The campers love it. The more ridiculous we act and feel comfortable doing it, the more comfortable they are with letting go and just having fun.

Hope that helps. It’s an amazing place. You’re gonna love it!

So I guess “costumes” are a camp necessity. Can someone give me a better idea of what I’ll need? I have a giant costume box but it won’t fit on the plane… Do I need more clothing-type things or more accessories (wigs, makeup, etc.)?
This is totally a silly question but I’m STOKED on dressing up and don’t want to under/over do it.

Hey Carlie,

Costumes are definitely a camp necessity. I actually went through my box today and tried to figure out what to bring and what to leave at home. Your campers will definitely want to use them, so don’t bring anything you’re super attached to. I mean, accidents happen, so be prepared for something to get misplaced or torn. Other than that, it’s really up to you. The costumes are mostly for skits, so the girls (and counselors) will run wild with whatever you bring. I personally wouldn’t bring the makeup, just because most of the time, the girls are only given a short amount of time to prepare. They like to just throw on clothes or use props because it’s quick, easy, and still creative. Hope that helped! Can’t wait to meet you.

Like what others are saying, putting everything into camp ensures that you will get the most out of it. I love camp, and it is literally a second home to me, and I think that is because i have invested so much in camp life.
Eva (who was my counselor) had great costume tips, accidents do happen so its serious when we say don’t bring anything too attached to you.

If you ever need anything feel free to ask any of us, we clearly LOVE camp and we LOVE to talk about it!

Thank you to everyone for all your advice!!! I am SO stoked for Sunday. Can’t wait! I wish I could bring more costumes, but I’m flying so I’m a bit limited. I am bringing a few awesome things though!

I’m just so excited to throw myself into this experience full force! I have heard nothing but wonderful things, and I can’t wait to make this the best summer of my life!! Can’t wait to meet you all!