This will take just a few minutes:

- Go to: http://www.acacamps.org/staff/counselor/cm/015words.php and read this (short) article. This is a great article for new and returning counselors. It reminds us of the basics that good relationships are built out on, but also the things that we can forget when we’re in the middle of camp.

– Pick one of these suggestions and say a few words as to why it jumped out to you. For instance, perhaps the one that talks about “looking for the positive in each camper and emphasizing it in front of others” reminds you of a time when someone did that to you and you felt confident afterward.

– Check back and read others comments, too!

The thing that I really liked was: take an active interest in the interests of your campers. You will learn a lot from them. Its so true! You never will get to know your campers unless you just sit down with them and listen. Some of my favorite times with campers were just during free swim when we would all sit around and play cards. You get to learn about their lives and see where they are coming from. This definitely helped my patience with them, when I realized why they are the way they are. I promise that the more of yourself that you put into this, the more you will get out of it!

The one that really stuck out to me was Be Fair. I always remember getting in trouble for something that I did but only because someone else did something to me first. Usually if a child does something there might be a less obvious underlying reason as to why they did it. I think it is important to get both sides of a story and make sure the real problem is solved.

Be a role model. Lead by example.
I really liked this one because I remember when I was a camper I looked up to a lot of my counselors. A lot of my counselors were role models for me and the person that I wanted to become. Now as a counselor I would want campers to think the same. Also, the part about lead by example is important because you always want to do the right thing.

Watch your language. Don’t use profanity.
What stuck out to me about this suggestion was not the part about profanity, but rather that your language, not just your words, are important. I remember as a kid (and often as a college student!) being more upset or angry about a tense situation when I saw the person in charge was upset about it. When my leader stayed calm, and used helpful, positive phrases instead of negative ones, it made me stop and think about whether my anger was justified. It significantly helped diffuse small situations that could have easily escalated into larger arguments.

The main section that stuck out to me was “Don’t shout or raise your voice.” I remember a babysitter that me and my sisters had when we were younger, who we called Loud Lauren. Everything that we did, we got yelled at for. It was horrible!! She sucked the fun out of everything that we did. Eventually we just ignored her and went on with playing.

People in general like to have fun and I think that unless it is and emergency, or could result in an injury then let them have fun. Don’t scream and shout about everything. After awhile they will think that it is your regular tone of voice, or just stop caring. Then when the time comes that you raise your voice and need them to listen, they won’t. If you feel like you’re about to raise your voice or yell and it is not needed, maybe step back and take a deep breath. Then go on with the day!

“Don’t be afraid to admit that you have made a mistake or are wrong about something. It shows that you are human.”

so true. as a counselor, you kind of have this intimidation thing going on before you break that ice. you’re older, outgoing, and fun– for those campers who aren’t immediately playful and in your face (and even for those who are), admitting mistakes or even telling an embarrassing story helps so much in creating a warm, friendly cabin atmosphere, and works to facilitate really meaningful relationships with your campers. i’ve definitely benefitted from abiding by this rule of thumb.

Wow! Everyone has shared fantastic advice. I had a hard time picking just ONE so I’m going to use the generality loophole. Positive energy is my favorite. It is the multi-tool you should n’er leave home without. (really you should carry it at home too. In fact, it’s rust free, so wear it in the shower.) One of my mom’s catch phrases is “accentuate the positive; eliminate the negative”. So when you make rounds at sweet dreams time, accentuate the positive; ask about the favorite event or joke or craft, activity, new friend…. When you emit positive energy, the people around you feel it. Positivity multiplies. Think about a person in your life who wears a smile without fail. It is great to be around that person. It is more difficult to be positive when you’re tired or energy begins to wane; store rest like a camel. Have a quote or mental image to remind you of how you’d like to be. This ‘job’ gives back. The more you pour into it, the greater the returns.
“Come into the mountains, dear friend
leave society and take no one with you
but your true self
get close to nature
your everyday games will be insignificant
notice the clouds spontaneously forming patterns
and try to do that with your live”
(Come into the mountains, dear friend by Susan Polis Schutz)