First Class Counselors First Class Counsellors - from Go Camp Pro

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/stories


Gather ‘round the campfire for these funny, impactful and straight-up bizarre stories!Today is not a topic but a feel. A vibe if you will.
We’ve been in camping for some time now and that means we have collected a few stories to share. Not a campfire story but just personal stories of our time as camp people. You might have run into an old camp friend and feel like a moment has never passed. Sometimes you can run into another person who has done camp and can swap stories. 
This is one of the things camp does, brings us together. 
Enjoy our short and special stories:
Funny stories (fart pillows and pudding)Impactful stories (friends getting fired and septic tank fighting)Heartwarming stories (seeing starts and talent shows)-
E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningLevel up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!
Oliver: Digital Organization tips for young camp prosMatt: 4 On a Couch -  https://ultimatecampresource.com/ice-breakers/name-games/#:~:text=Back%20to%20Top%5D-,Four%20People%20on%20a%20Couch,-A%20large%20seating Thanks to our sponsor!Ultimate Camp Resource
Visit UltimateCampResource.com for 1,000+ free camp games, songs, skits, activities, and more! Follow us on social at fb: ulticamp | IG: ultimatecampresource | TT: ultimatecampresource | YT: ultimatecampresource.  
Download a free games e-book here: https://itsacampthing.com/collections/e-books/products/40-camp-games-pdf 

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/gen-a
Generation-A are our campers - how can we effectively work with them at camp?Generation-A, or Gen-A are kids that are born between 2010 and 2024. Born the same year as the release of the iPad, most socially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the generation that is currently almost 100% of the summer camp population.
It seems like the post-pandemic camper population is a bit of a beast these days. Camps hiring social workers and doubling down on social skills to respond, but are these solutions seem to be missing what’s important about the day to day interactions with campers - you know - the things that camp counsellors do every day with kids.
Counselors have always had an extremely unique relationship with campers. Not seen as an adult (but an adult figure), not quite a teacher (but definitely leads) - this dynamic sets up an important developmental coaching opportunity that counselors can leverage.
The first step? Let’s meet Gen A where they’re at and think about what we can do to make camp the best experience we can for them!
So join us this episode as we unpack:
Let’s meet Gen A - who are they and what makes them uniqueWhat is different about Gen A than the previous generations (Gen Z and the Millenials)Why it’s important that we focus on relationship building with Gen AWhat camp counselors can do to help Gen A have a great time at camp.-
Links from this episode:Gen A and Gen Z infographic"A landmark generation": Introducing Gen AlphaWho is Generation Alpha?Traits And Values ​​of The Alpha Generation. What Should Employers Prepare For?3 ways Gen Alpha is different from Gen Z—and what it means for marketers-
E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningLevel up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!
Oliver: “The King of Sharks” story, from Ultimate Camp Resource https://ultimatecampresource.com/campfire-stories/campfire-stories-legends/the-king-of-sharks/Matt: Warm Fuzzy JarThanks to our sponsor!Ultimate Camp Resource
Visit UltimateCampResource.com for 1,000+ free camp games, songs, skits, activities, and more! Follow us on social at fb: ulticamp | IG: ultimatecampresource | TT: ultimatecampresource | YT: ultimatecampresource.  
Download a free games e-book here: https://itsacampthing.com/collections/e-books/products/40-camp-games-pdf 

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/water-safety
Water safety (and fun!) starts with Camp CounselorsMany camps sport a waterfront, a pool or even host a wet and wild Wednesday! Today we want to talk about programming at these water-based activities to make sure campers are safe and having a blast. 
You may be thinking “wait a minute, I’m not a lifeguard, so why should I listen? While you may not have the official qualifications to be a lifeguard, camp counsellors are the best front-line support for the lifeguard team and are essential for keeping the fun going. Anything involving water has that extra level of danger, so remember that everyone has a part to play in safety.
So join us this episode as we unpack:
Start with safety - what are the water safety measures that camp counselors are responsible forWhat about when it comes to boating and all of the other water toys at camp?And if you don’t have access to a lake or pool? No problem, Oliver’s got you covered.-
E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningLevel up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!
Oliver: Have to stay water themed - The game I am going to teach you is called Every drop. This is a rainy day activity but can be done on a sunny day. On rainy days campers simply are given a tarp and have to use it to gather water from the rain. On non rainy days you give them a big blue bucket. These guys are maybe 30 gallons. You can change base off the size of camper. You then hide random basins, water balloons all over camp. Random objects that hold water. They have to fill their bucket and return to you.Matt: Water Games - https://ultimatecampresource.com/camp-games/water-games/ & Alka-Seltzer Necklaces Thanks to our sponsor!Ultimate Camp Resource
Visit UltimateCampResource.com for 1,000+ free camp games, songs, skits, activities, and more! Follow us on social at fb: ulticamp | IG: ultimatecampresource | TT: ultimatecampresource | YT: ultimatecampresource.  
Download a free games e-book here: https://itsacampthing.com/collections/e-books/products/40-camp-games-pdf 
This is free professional development for your counsellors! We would love your feedback. Please leave your comments below, or, send Matt an email! Thank you!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/terrible-staff
You may not like them, you may not counsel like them, but that doesn’t mean they suck.It can happen to even the most First Class Counselor. For reasons that may seem perfectly valid and logical, a staff member gets it in their head that one of their co-workers is a terrible staff member. What ensues is drama, hurt feelings and escalations that can take away from the camp experience for others.
In this episode, we’re not talking about the staff members who break policy or in a legal sense deserve to be fired. 
Frankly, you aren’t going to like everyone - let’s get real. But you have to a) respect them as a fellow staff member and b) remember that it’s not about that “like” - it’s about the camper experience.
So join us this episode as we unpack:
What does it actually mean to be a good staff member, and is it even your place to judge others?Different traits of camp counselors that you may struggle with, and why that isWhat to do about it. How to move forward in a way that is fair to everyone involved-
E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningLevel up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!
Oliver: Using a standard deck of card for different parts of the day (who goes first, what happens next, etc.)Matt: Attention getters from Ultimate Camp Resource - https://ultimatecampresource.com/camp-staff-resources/top-five-lists/large-group-attention-getters/-
Thanks to our sponsor!Ultimate Camp Resource
Visit UltimateCampResource.com for 1,000+ free camp games, songs, skits, activities, and more! Follow us on social at fb: ulticamp | IG: ultimatecampresource | TT: ultimatecampresource | YT: ultimatecampresource.  
Download a free games e-book here: https://itsacampthing.com/collections/e-books/products/40-camp-games-pdf 

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/camp-is-a-cult
Summer camp is culty - but in a good way, we swear!If you are new to summer camp and reading this, you may not get the whole “cult” angle.
It’s a common joke amongst experienced camp staff and directors that camp is essentially a cult. There are many reasons for this, but the main one is how intentional we are with the ceremonies and traditions we have at camp. 
This ranges from as basic as gathering as a camp in the morning to share an inspirational thought, to literal chanting and burning of the camp logo on a lake. Yes, seriously.
Every camp is different, but what makes them the same is that each of them are creating their own immersive “world” for people to live in. These “worlds” have rules, norms, traditions and ceremonies that are integral to helping people feel welcome and wanting to stay a part of it. 
Tune into this episode to hear Oliver and Matt break down:
An overview of ceremonies and tradition at camp. What are they and Why do camps use and have these?How do these translate to camp being “culty”?What is your role as a Camp Counselor in this - what happens if you aren’t fully bought in? What if you are?-
E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningLevel up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!
Oliver: Peak a Who or Magic Wallhttps://ultimatecampresource.com/ice-breakers/name-games/#Magic-wall-or-peak-a-who Matt: Jim Cain Bookshttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Jim-Cain/author/B00OBTB3VG?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true--
Thanks to our sponsor!Ultimate Camp Resource
Visit UltimateCampResource.com for 1,000+ free camp games, songs, skits, activities, and more! Follow us on social at fb: ulticamp | IG: ultimatecampresource | TT: ultimatecampresource | YT: ultimatecampresource.  
Download a free games e-book here: https://itsacampthing.com/collections/e-books/products/40-camp-games-pdf 

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/meet-your-camp-director-1
Part 1 - What we got wrong…Just who is that person walking around with a clipboard all day?
To most Camp Counselors, the Camp Director is a strange and mythical creature. They’re like a teacher…but completely different. They’re like a boss…but definitely not in the traditional sense.
So who are they?
In this first of a series of episodes, we break down some of the assumptions we had about our Camp Directors growing up, and now, 15(ish) years later, what was (and mostly wasn’t) correct about those assumptions.
Here are some of the assumptions we cover:
Is my Director  judging every singly thing I do? Are they going to fire me for messing up?I bet they are too busy to help me.All they think about is camp. They definitely don’t have a life outside of camp.All they care about is money!They are the WORST communicatorsHave you ever had any of those thoughts about your Camp Director? Then this episode is for you!
E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningLevel up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!
Oliver: 3 tips for all camp schedule making - Timely- give it out early1-page storyDelivery dress upMatt: Trust Tube from Ultimate Camp Resource https://ultimatecampresource.com/team-building-activities/trust-activities/trust-tube/-
Thanks to our sponsor!Ultimate Camp Resource
Visit UltimateCampResource.com for 1,000+ free camp games, songs, skits, activities, and more! Follow us on social at fb: ulticamp | IG: ultimatecampresource | TT: ultimatecampresource | YT: ultimatecampresource.  
Download a free games e-book here: https://itsacampthing.com/collections/e-books/products/40-camp-games-pdf