Let’s Get Real About Camp Staff Expectations - First Class Counselors #75

We need to be honest about how hard (and how great) it is to be a camp counselor!

Join Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrid as they delve into the crucial aspects of starting a career as a camp counselor in part two of their series. The discussion highlights vital tips and expectations for new counselors, focusing on the importance of preparation, safety, and understanding the multifaceted roles at camp. They emphasize the significance of being coachable, competent, and enthusiastic while managing the daily responsibilities that come with caring for campers. The episode also includes practical advice to navigate the challenges and unlock the personal growth that comes with the job.

Key takeaways include:

  • Camp Counseling is Demanding: It's not just about having fun with kids. It involves significant responsibility, including ensuring camper safety, managing behavior, and handling unexpected situations. The job can be physically demanding, requiring long hours in potentially challenging outdoor conditions.  

  • Hidden Responsibilities: Beyond the core duties, counselors often find themselves tackling a variety of tasks, from helping kids with basic needs to assisting with camp maintenance. Flexibility and adaptability are essential.

  • Personal Growth Opportunities: While challenging, camp counseling offers valuable opportunities for personal and professional development. Counselors gain skills in leadership, problem-solving, communication, and risk management. They also learn to be resourceful, resilient, and responsible.  

  • 7. Impact on Others: Counselors' actions and attitudes have a ripple effect on campers and fellow staff members. It's crucial to be mindful of how your behavior influences the camp environment and strive to contribute positively to the camp community.  

  • 8. The Rewards Outweigh the Challenges: Despite the demands and challenges, camp counseling is an incredibly rewarding experience. It offers the chance to make a difference in children's lives, build lasting relationships, and gain valuable life skills that extend far beyond the camp setting.  

    Sources and related content

-

Links from this episode:

-

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

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!

You've Got the Job!...Now What? - First Class Counselors #74

Onboarding and Prioritization - What Sets Real First Class Counselors Apart!

This episode of First Class Counselors is your guide to rocking the first step of your next summer at camp. Oliver and Matt break down essential skills for new and returning staff, covering everything from nailing the onboarding process to prioritizing your time and staying resilient when things get tough.

Key takeaways include:

  • Onboarding like a pro: We'll equip you with the tools and strategies to navigate paperwork, understand camp culture, and impress your camp director.

  • The power of commitment: Discover why dedicating yourself to the full summer unlocks the richest, most rewarding camp experience.

  • Finding balance: Learn how to manage your energy, set expectations with friends and family, and prioritize your well-being while having a blast.

-

Links from this episode:

-

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

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!

What to Expect When You're Expecting...Staff Training - First Class Counselors #73

Congratulations! You’re having a wild, wonderful bundle of CAMP!

Staff training season is upon us (that is, if you’re listening to this episode in May) and while camp staff around the world are finishing up the school year, camp directors are putting the final touches on staff training.

If you’ve never been, or are newer to staff training before it’s this entirely different world, within an entirely different world. It’s school, but way better, and way more tiring.

But this is an extremely important time for you to prepare for the wonderful work ahead so this episode is dedicated to not just what to expect at staff training, but Oliver and my pro-tips on how to thrive in staff training.

-

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

  • Oliver: The Learning Pyramid - Stack the learning style of the session with another one to maximize the learning

  • Matt: A staff training fidget to help you stay engaged - A good fidget is one that doesn’t distract you or others from absorbing the material of the session. 1-handed, silent, solo.

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!

Stories that Shaped Us - First Class Counselors #72

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 Learning

Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

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!

Generation A - Our Campers - First Class Counselors #71

Generation-A is the current generation of 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 unique

  • What 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 A

  • What camp counselors can do to help Gen A have a great time at camp.

-

Links from this episode:

-

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

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!

Water Safety and Water Programs - First Class Counselors #70

Water safety (and fun!) starts with Camp Counselors

Many 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 for

  • What 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 Learning

Level 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!

Are They A Terrible Staff Member...Or Is It Me? - First Class Counselors #69

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 is

  • What to do about it. How to move forward in a way that is fair to everyone involved

-

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

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!

Wait...Is This a Cult? - Ceremonies and Traditions at Summer Camp - First Class Counselors #68

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 Learning

Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

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!

Meet Your Camp Director - Part 1 - First Class Counselors #67

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 communicators

Have you ever had any of those thoughts about your Camp Director? Then this episode is for you!

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

-

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!

How to Talk to Adults - First Class Counselors #66

You didn’t sign up to be a camp counsellor because you loved talking to adults…right?

In the world of a camp counselor, there is no other part of the job that is simultaneously as short and as important as the interactions you have with the adults that find their way on site.

Whether it’s parents, caregivers, alumni or your camp management, being able to navigate these interactions is essential. A counselor that can make and hold a great conversation with these folks will not only give a great impression of themselves but of the camp they represent.

This definitely takes practice, but we’re here to give you the insider tips and give you a head start on this all-important skill.

In this episode, we cover:

  • How to Choose Your Audience - Why we have to adjust the way we speak.

  • How to talk to Parents

  • How to Talk to Your Camp Director / Other Adult Supervisor

This is required listening for every camp counselor.

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

-

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!

Putting Campers First - Why It's Hard and Why It's Necessary - First Class Counselors #65

It’s not that you come second…well…kind of?

Camp counselors are special. Not just because of all the incredible skills you learn and teach, but because it’s one of the only jobs that requires you to prioritize the health and experience of kids in your care - all day. This isn’t easy. It takes a special type of person to do the job.

People call it different things. Putting Campers First, The “Why” of Summer Camp, FTK or “For the Kids” - but whatever you call it, it’s the core of not only what we do, but why we do it.

In this episode, we cover:

  • The mindset that directors have when they give the “Campers First” expectation

  • What you need to have prepared before you commit to the Camper First mindset

  • Is it inherently a personal sacrifice to put campers first?

  • What does putting campers first actually look like in practice?

This is required listening for every camp counselor.

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

  • Oliver: Tower topper - Stand in a circle a little more than arms width from each other. Each person gets a cone; there should be one extra cone in the circle. One person stands in the middle of the circle. Campers chop their feet. When they feel ready they need to run to another cone. It can be any open cone. If they get to that cone they get a point. If the cone is knocked over by the person in the middle gets 5pts or you can just switch the people. 

  • Matt: Double Dice! From Ultimate Camp Resource

-

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!

Campers and Staff These Days (are we just boomers?) - First Class Counselors #64

Welcome back! How was your summer?

We’re so grateful to have you folks join us for another season of First Class Counselors. In this episode, Oliver and Matt share a bit about their summers, and what they’re thinking about going into the 2024 season.

Topics:

  • How would you describe your summer in 3 words?

  • Share a favourite story from the summer

  • What are some of the trends and interesting things we noticed about campers and staff this summer?

  • What are some of the episodes we’re thinking about for season 6 of First Class Counselors?

-

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

-

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!

Interview Skills to Land the Camp Job of Your Dreams - First Class Counsellors #63

These interview skills will set you apart!

It's the most wanted summer job in the world. Honestly, with the recent pay increases, workplace experience and the amazingness of camp it truly is a job people from around the world seek. So how do you stand out in your interview? Today we are going to cover the application process and some of the important parts of the interview. 

We recorded this in January so you’re getting Matt and Oliver who have been sitting through interviews for the last month. So take it from these camp directors who have seen over a hundred applications - these are truly insider tricks.

-

Links from this show

-

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

-

What is First Class Counselors?

Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.

Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.

Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

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!

Eat Like Royalty At Summer Camp - First Class Counselors #62

Camp food can suck but it doesn’t have to!

In the hierarchy of things we love, food reigns supreme.

But, let’s be honest, camp food can be…well camp food. Sometimes, it’s a step above high school lunch but also not as great as your typical college food hall. It serves the purpose of caloric intake and satisfying the picky eating of a 10-year-old who only likes chicken nuggets in the shapes of dinosaurs. But it becomes repetitive or lacks the flavour and complexity of your young adult's heightened taste.

So as someone that’s going to be at camp all summer, how will not just survive on camp food, but thrive on it!

This episode, we’ll cover:

  • What to expect at a camp dining hall

  • Top #foodhacks in the dining hall

  • Camp snacks and all things secret

  • Eating out on time off

-

Links from this show

-

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

-

What is First Class Counselors?

Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.

Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.

Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

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!

Intentional First Impressions with Campers - First Class Counselors #61

What to do the first time you’re alone with campers…

It’s arguably the most stressful time in a camp counsellor’s life. It’s the first day of camp, the caregivers have just left and it’s now just you and the campers. As 10 sets of eyes stare in anticipation, it dawns on you that what you do and say next really matters. 

How you spend that first little bit with your campers will set the tone for the session. If you don’t treat it intentionally, it’s going to be something that you, and likely the rest of camp is going to have to work on for the rest of the session.

This episode, we’ll cover:

  • Why be intentional

  • What to do in the first 5 minutes of being alone

  • Things after that

  • What doesn’t work

Pretty intense, right? So intense that Oliver and I couldn’t take on this one alone. We’re joined by Robynne Howard from the Cairn Family of Camps - a camp who does this first impression thing REALLY well.

So tune in to this “longy, but a goodie”!

-

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

  • Robynne: Carry a garbage bag around with you. When kids inevitably hand you garbage or need a bandaid, you have space to put your garbage. Plus then you can help pick up garbage that you find around camp

  • Oliver: Balloon buddy

  • Matt: Look at your camera during zoom interviews - makes it look like you’re making eye contact with the interviewer

Host Links

What is First Class Counselors?

Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.

Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.

Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

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!

Games You Can Learn and Play in 60 Seconds - First Class Counselors #60

Have 60 seconds? Here are 8 awesome games you can play with campers!

Do you need a minute?

How about a short quick way to play a game that makes a “meh” moment a “Yay!” Moment. It’s episode 60, so we’re talking 60 seconds or less to play a game or add an element to make your moments the moments!

To explain each game Matt and I have 60 seconds on the clock to explain and provide an example. So strap in, because this one will move quickly!

-

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Host Links

What is First Class Counselors?

Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.

Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.

Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

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!

You and Your Phone at Summer Camp - First Class Counselors #59

No phone, no problem! Maybe?

The modern world has always tried to make its way into camp. That’s because camp is meant to be a refuge from the world’s pressures. 

In the 90s and early 2000s, many camps even introduced coding. But the invention of the smartphone changed the story, not just for camp but the world. The connection the phone provides means fostering connection off of it has become harder.

A person can only be in so many places at once. So how do we as staff do it? In a world that may only allow us to look away from our phones for an hour, how do we do it for 6 to 10 weeks? That is what we will dive into today.

-

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Host Links

What is First Class Counselors?

Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.

Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.

Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

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!

How to (Kindly) Raise Gritty Campers - First Class Counselors #58

You don’t have to sacrifice care and support in order to promote grit!

Perhaps you have heard of Angela Ducksworth’s book  “Grit: the power of passion and perseverance” Or if you have been in the camp conference circuit awhile and the opportunity to listen to Dr. Deborah Gilboa speak about resilience.

Or maybe you’ve heard of Jimmy Donaldson, or Mr. Beast speak about the subject of grit, it seems to be found in all successful people.

This idea of overcoming obstacles and pushing through tough situations is part of camp. While camp may be fun and full of games it is also a learning opportunity for your campers. This episode, we want to identify areas where grit building can be found on camp and what you as a counselor can do to help in its development.

-

Links from this episode:

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

  • Oliver: Swaps - Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere. Little craft giveaways. They are made typically on bobby pins and you make them in large quantities as memorabilia. Girls scouts to thank for this one.

  • Matt: Space Team - App & Board Game

Host Links

What is First Class Counselors?

Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.

Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.

Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

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!

Our Biggest Baddest Blunders - First Class Counselors #57

It’s not if you’ll make a mistake…it’s when you’ll make one.

We all make mistakes, but the best part about making them at camp is that you are in one of the most supportive work environments ever. Making mistakes is how you know that you’ve pushed your comfort zone, so if you’re lucky enough to make a bunch, you’re going to learn a bunch, too!

Matt and Oliver share some stories of bad decisions, lapses of judgement, or just plain absent-mindedness they made back in the day as summer staff. Then, they’ll share some perspectives on why they made the mistake and how that mistake made them better camp professionals.

-

Links from this episode:

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Host Links

What is First Class Counselors?

Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.

Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.

Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

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!

Taking Camp Home With You - First Class Counselors #56

Welcome to Season 5 of First Class Counselors!

Summer is over and you have scrolled through your gallery a bunch remembering how much fun you had.

Camp offered a lot - fun, food, friends. But it also taught you a lot and equip you for life after camp. As you unpack, we unpack all the ways you never truly leave summer camp behind.

-

Links from this episode:

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

  • Oliver -  Dragon eggs, Fill balloons with water and freeze them. You can also add small prizes.

  • Matt - Camp wide-game: Command and Conquer - Video rules

Host Links

What is First Class Counselors?

Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.

Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.

Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

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!