What did you think ladies?

Video #1:
I really enjoyed this video! So much more than the other because I think that personally moving from ME to KIDS is important and difficult for me. I liked that the video constantly reminded the viewer that they have the ability to make a powerful impact, as well as the responsibility they are taking on is huge. It is easy to forget that these campers are worrying parents’ kids. I always try to keep that in the back of my mind, but it is easy to lose sight of it. I think that the initiative aspect is very important to RBC because we do have downtime when campers need something to do if they don’t want to swim, and it is easy for me to think that everyone has something to do. The other part of KIDS that I think really applies to RBC is the discretion aspect. With most of us coming right from college or high school, we forget how often we use inappropriate language or talk about boys as the center of our universe. Kids truly do mimic everything, I know I mimicked my campers when I was a counselor.

Video #2
This video too was really interesting to me. While I get my own parents’ perspective on camp and what counselors meant to them (Mommy Letters are a dream come true), it is nice to see what other parents say because in the end, we are taking on the responsibility for their kids. I loved hearing from parents, and I love that they realize that what we can do is special. I really liked when the parents said that one of the main aspects of our job is to understand the differences of each camper. Sometimes we lump all the campers together, and forget that each child needs something different from us.

However, the thing that I HATE about these videos is how camp sick I get after watching them!! All I can think about is camp, and not finals!

I really liked that in the first video it made a point of reminding us that we are the adults at camp. I know it can be easy to get caught up in drama when you are spending so much time with the same people, so I think that it is really important to keep everything in perspective and not sweat the small stuff. I also loved that they said something like the campers will listen to us if we listen to them. You never realize how much of an impact you can make by simply letting the campers express themselves and being there when they just need to know that someone is listening.

In the second video I appreciated that one of the parents mentioned being worried about not knowing their child’s counselor. I sometimes forget that while I am bonding with the child, the parent is left worrying about all the unknowns. I love that RBC has the letters home to help alleviate some of the parents’ concern. And they were totally right when they said we have the best job in the world. I can’t wait for this summer!

The first video I think is the most helpful about preparing for camp; the switch from a camper to a counselor is going to be a massive as well as difficult one to make. However, I think that this switch will be the most rewarding part of being a counselor. Just like when you do community service or even simply help out a friend, you get so much FOR YOURSELF out of not thinking about yourself at all. Thats why this switch has excited me so much! I know being a counselor will be just as, if not more, rewarding as being a camper.

The second video was very informative. I have never been scared of talking to parents or interacting with them, but I am, nevertheless, nervous about talking to the parents of children who I will be responsible for. This responsibility in itself is grandiose, but the added pressure of ensuring these parents that I am capable is another entire problem! I remember I never wrote my mom at camp (with all of the fun activities and such keeping me busy), but I know she treasured the emails sent home about my progress. Establishing this sort of bond with the parents is a necessity I believe.

The first video gave great perspective on how to really train yourself into getting into that mindset of switching from ME to KIDS. I can’t wait to experience that feeling watching my campers learn new and exciting things while at Rockbrook. I loved this video. Honestly, coming into my first year as a full time counselor I had absolutely NO idea you all watched videos, posted on a forum, and took quizzes. I feel so prepared and its getting me excited to see everyone!

Okay guys, the second video gave me goosebumbs. I almost pictured Sarah, Jeff, Mandy, Charlotte, Jessi, and even Jerry talking to me about all of those things that we as counselors need to offer to our campers. I loved that the video gave us the perspective from the parents. I know if we had filmed my parents they would of said all of that plus much much more. (My mother is often the little chatterbox ) I know that this video showed what my parents wanted for me when I was a camper and I know this is what I’m going to give to my campers while they are with me at camp! Can’t wait to see everyone

i think that both of them clearly define what a young leader needs to be successful. I liked the first video, I liked the scenarios that he used and the acronyms used. It makes memorizing what to expect become clearer to me. The second video just deepened my understanding. Can’t wait until the summer!!

Wonderful comments!

ASHLEY’S discussion about utilizing those quick, free moments at camp is wonderful. Throughout the summer we will all feel a bit sluggish. During these moments it’s important to get reengaged with camp. More than likely you will catch your “second wind” from your girls. (They will make you laugh your head off!!) The more you put into camp, the more you’ll get out of it. The moment we become part of camp is the moment camp become part of us.

MAKENZIE made a great point when she mentioned that, in a sense, we step out of our own world to enter into camp world. In camp world it’s suddenly less about you and more about your campers. Throughout camp you’ll find yourself taking on many different roles. A camp counselor is basically a mom, big sister, teacher, cheerleader, coach, counselor, ect….all rolled into one. It’s a lot to think about, but when you are focused on your girls you’ll want to provide support for them in any way that you can.

KRISTEN spoke to parent feelings. One couple agreed that we have the coolest job in the world! So true. One set of parents noted that their camper always seems a bit more grown up when they return from camp. We have the power to assist in this process. Incredible! If you love what you do then you don’t work a day in your life!

BRITTANY hit the nail on the head when she described how easy it is to get caught up in the drama of your workplace. As with any group of coworkers, it is natural to have a few issues here and there. Add to this that you work, eat, sleep, and spend most of your time with other counselors- YIKES! I can almost guarantee that at one point or another a counselor (or a director, or a camper, or whomever) will do something that you may not necessary agree with. Like Brittany said, we must remember that we are the adults of camp. We set the pace and attitude of the environment. In that moment of frustration take a step back and try to focus on the big picture.

CARRIE brought up a major topic- trust. Parents and campers alike place their complete trust and faith in us. They expect nothing short of excellence. Let’s strive to give this to them! (You are all excellent or else you wouldn’t be a part of RBC!!!)

MAISIE spoke to parent communication at Rockbrook. This so important to us. During orientation we will discuss the various ways in which we communicate with parents throughout the summer. However, it can still be a bit nerve racking when the time comes to make that contact. Just relax and breathe. Once you’re in the moment you’ll know what to say.

STEPHANIE’S mention of the “extra mile” is so important at camp. This reminds me of the commercial where a women notices someone doing something nice. This inspires her to hold open a door for a blind man. Another stranger observes this and then does something sweet for someone else (or some variation thereof.) The “pass it on effect”. Just watch- when you go out of your way at camp your actions will become contagious!

RHIANA mentioned how much she loved the parent video. Throughout the summer take some time to put yourself in the parent’s shoes. If this was my daughter how would I want her counselor to react to her? It will help us keep things in perspective.

SAVANNAH mentioned the balance we must maintain as a counselor. In one aspect we are expected to get down on the camper’s level and get a little silly. On the other hand, responsibility is a requirement. These may seem like opposite entities, but at camp these qualities go hand-in-hand.

NICOLE (and Kristen) mentioned the acrostic-style of explanation in the first video. This is very interesting. Just how we as counselors responded to both a verbal and written explanation of the these particular concepts, campers also require different styles of instruction. This is a bit off-topic to the video, but something to keep in mind none the less. Coming out of a college or professional environment it is easy to forget that most of our campers are still developing cognitively. During orientation we’ll discuss multiple ways to grasp and hold campers’ interest.

I feel the need to share with you all that I choked on a pretzel while watching these videos, George Dubya style. Luckily, it was the stick style so a few forceful coughs got the job done.

The first video’s message about ME and KIDS is so important. As students in college and high school, we’re accustomed to addressing our priorities first. It’s just the way it is! But all of that goes out the window at camp. I know for a fact that no one here is going to Rockbrook just to focus on their personal needs- we work at camp to help others and create meaningful relationships. KIDS is a message that transcends the camposphere and can be applied to our everyday lives. I also sincerely hope that during the camp romance section, ALL OF YOU thought about “Wet Hot American Summer.”

While watching the second video, I liked how the narrator described us a Surrogate Caregivers. What an awesome title! It places a great deal of responsibility on us, though. When one of the fathers said that his greatest fear is “leaving his child at camp”, I really thought about the concept of camp and how incredibly trusting parents have to be in order to leave their precious children in the hands of young adults.