Let the Force be with You

Isn't it funny how different campers and parents view counselors? 



Counseling Tip #3

Always intervene when you hear campers put each other down. Never believe a camper who says, "It doesn't bother me."

In our lives we are either growing into the people we can become or putting energy into protecting who we are. We can't have both simultaneously. Camp is one of the few places where we can control the external environment enough to give children an extended opportunity to grow.

Too many stories of kids who wind up in great trouble start with the innocent name calling and the adults who ignored it when they had the chance to do something about it. Letting it slide by — even once — sends a message that you condone the behavior, or at the least that you'll only respond when it is extreme. It truly doesn't matter how skilled a counselor you are at intervening, just saying something about it being "not okay" or "un-cool" is enough to disrupt the flow of what is going on. Intervene consistently, and you'll establish a culture that does not permit this negative behavior. Who knows, doing so may also save a life someday.

Counseling Tip #2

Day 2:

Always follow through on what you say you'll do. Never promise what you can't deliver.

Only make commitments you are 100 percent certain you will keep — this goes for anything and everything, not just rewards and consequences. It is easy in a moment of inspiration to make a promise with the best intentions, only to find that when the time comes to deliver, other things get in the way. This is particularly true when it comes to doling out consequences, especially in an emotionally charged moment.Kids have the most amazing way of remembering the intricate details of what adults tell them. Not following through diminishes credibility, and credibility is a hard thing to regain once it is lost. Inconsistency in adults is one of the most common things children encounter, so the opposite is also true. Being the kind of person who always follows through on what you say, elevates your status in the eyes of your campers immeasurably. This is, in fact, one of the most common qualities kids talk about when they speak about the adults whom they trust the most. It is a simple point, yet it can make all the difference.

Counseling Tip #1

A Week of Camp Counseling Tips

Camp couselors.  We've all been one.  A lot of us have managed counselors.  Regardless of the experience we've had, we're always looking for better theories, methods, "tricks" for being or training the best counselors out there. 

This week, we will be highlighting seven different camp counseling tips from Jeff Leiken.  We hope you enjoy these tips and add your comments/feedback below.  Jeff Leiken is also going to be at the 11th Annual NACCHO Conference this January!

DAY 1:

Never assume your playful sarcasm, especially use of nicknames, will be taken as you intend it.

In fact, assume that at some point it will be taken so wrong that you will deeply regret it. Sense of humor is much more cultural and personal — than it is universal — yet few people realize how true this is. Many males, in particular, have grown so accustomed to the endless ribbing that they forget there was a point where they learned to shut themselves off emotionally from the sting that is felt when on the receiving end of a put down. This is not a good thing. It is a survival mechanism response, and it makes it harder to be at ease opening up and trusting others. Most children haven't reached this point, and with your help, hopefully they'll never have to. Your best bet is to keep it positive and model for your campers how to relate without the constant "jokes." It will take some work, but the benefits will make it all worth it!