THE COUNSELOR’S ROLE IN GUIDANCE
You must encourage
children to be as independent and self-reliant as they can, while you remain
more or less in the background, ready to discreetly give them assurance, advice,
and encouragement.
OBSERVING BEHAVIOR
·
Note individual
differences – reactions to group, interest, enthusiasm, compatibility, etc.
·
Interpret these
differences – campers’ reactions to peers can reveal much about how they
feel about themselves, especially to someone with the training and insight to
interpret the information correctly.
·
Campers that display
aggression or withdrawal do so because they feel frustrated, unhappy, lonely,
etc. A counselor must hurry to
their rescue to help them out of their misery.
COUNSELING CAMPERS
Every contact you have with campers is a potential counseling situation.
·
Group Discussion –
should be regarded as a valuable part of the camp counseling experience, for the
interchange of ideas and opinions is important to a camper’s development as a
person.
·
Informal and planned
discussions are both important while an informal atmosphere is usually most
appropriate.
REASONS FOR GROUP
DISCUSSIONS
·
A way to clear up
misunderstandings and solve problems.
·
Expressing
dissatisfaction and blow off steam.
·
A way to plan group
projects such as trips.
COUNSELORS’ ROLE
IN GROUP DISCUSSION
·
If you can gain group’s
confidence, you can give them the benefit of your knowledge and viewpoint.
·
It is best to seat group
in a circle so each person can see everyone else.
·
A group of 6-8 campers
(never more than 15) works best for a planned discussion.
·
Once the discussion has
gotten started the counselor should retire into the background to allow the
discussion to be between the group members.
·
Before concluding, the
counselor should point out what has been accomplished by stating what important
decisions have been reached, etc.
PROBLEMS IN GROUP
DISCUSSION
·
Excessive talkers
·
Speaks too little and
listens without contributing.
·
Unpopular camper who is
the butt of jokes, cut off when speaking, opinions are scoffed at.
OTHER TYPES OF
DISCUSSION
·
Brainstorming
– a free exchange of ideas, all persons are encouraged to share thoughts.
Works best with 6-10 in a group. The
group is asked to discuss and evaluate all solutions and select the best one.
·
Sociodrama
– a form of playacting, individuals take on the roles of certain people
creating dialogue or using prepared script.
INDIVIDUAL DISCUSSIONS
·
It is essential that you
give your undivided attention and avoid interruptions.
·
Develop the ability to
sense when to be quiet and let the other person talk.
·
Offer your own opinions
and insights sparingly.
·
Refrain from approving or
disapproving too soon.
·
You can and should
reassure your campers that whatever they tell you is confidential.
·
Because of your position,
some information divulged to you requires you to report to higher authority.
You should warn the person ahead of time.
It
is important to remain humble and realistic about your abilities to completely
understand certain situations and guide people.
You should exercise extreme caution!
Copyright
2001 Northern Arizona University, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED