Chapter 5 - The Counselor on the Job
On-line Lesson

THE CAMP STAFF

THE JOB DESCRIPTION – a written statement that spells out the exact terms of employment including a person’s responsibilities and obligations of the camp to the employee.  The following information is included:

SAMPLE JOB DESCRIPTIONS

STAFF MANUAL – a comprehensive reference book containing specific information, camp’s philosophy, objectives that should be studied and kept for future reference.

PRE-CAMP TRAINING

Staff personnel are asked to report to camp for pre-camp training  several days to a week or more ahead of the campers.

SOME COMMON OBJECTIVES OF PRE-CAMP STAFF TRAINING

·     Infusing staff with basic philosophy/objectives, defining implications for procedures/operations

·     Fostering a sense of pride among staff

·     Teach/practice program skills

·     Becoming familiar with  age group characteristics

·     Familiarize staff with policies and procedures

·     Meet other Counselors and Staff

Tips for Counselors

RELATIONSHIPS WITH CAMP DIRECTOR AND FELLOW STAFF

·     The Director is held accountable for any serious errors in judgment made by the staff.

·     Be conscious that camp is for the campers.

·     You must be able to distinguish between problems you can handle and those that should be referred to higher authority.

·     Each person should make a conscientious effort to promote harmonious & cooperative relationships.

·     Take your job, but not yourself, seriously.

·     Be the first to acknowledge and laugh at your mistakes.

WELCOMING YOUR CABIN GROUP

·     First contact - first impression

·     First Name basis

·     Prescription drugs/medical needs referred and transfered to camp medical staff

OTHER CAMP RESPONSIBILITIES

·     Dress the part -  a well-groomed counselor sets an example for campers.

·     Health – being at camp is no excuse for disregarding personal health and hygiene.

·     Safety – you will need to interpret your camp’s established rules and guidelines to your campers.  You will need to develop a proper attitude toward the entire concept of safety.

DINING ROOM PROCEDURES – procedures differ from camp to camp.  (please read in text book)

REST AND SLEEP   

VISITORS’ AND PARENTS’ DAYS – each camp has its own policies based on its own philosophy, length of session, type of camp, activities and ages of campers.

WRITING AND RECEIVING LETTERS – each camp has its own policies.  You should encourage your campers to set aside time for this activity.  Younger campers will need your help.

RECORD KEEPING  & WRITING REPORTS

They are very important and give the Director a true picture of what is going on in camp.  They should never be regarded as busy work with no value.

·     Be completely objective and impartial

·     Be accurate and correct

·     Never write while in an emotional state

·     Include brief description  of background or social setting

·     Make note of unusual behavior, when it occurs and what you did about it

·     Personalized your reports

TIME OFF – all counselors get time off daily and weekly.

·     The purpose is for you to return rested and enthusiastic.

·     When in public you should conduct yourself accordingly.

PERSONAL HABITS should reflect the example that a sincere counselor would want to present in view of current medical knowledge concerning the health dangers of smoking and using alcohol and drugs.

LOYALTY – You owe loyalty first, last, and always to your camp and camp director.

COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING PROGRAMS (CIT)

Many camps conduct (CIT) programs designed to prepare older campers for possible future positions as camp counselors.

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