29/04/2011
Top tips to become a great camp counselor!
Are you going to work as a camp counselor in the USA? Need advice? Last summer Michael Gries participated in BUNAC’s Summer Camp USA Programme, working as a group counsellor. Here are his top tips for looking after kids at summer camp...
1) Enter the talent show. The camp talent show is a perfect opportunity to showcase your hidden talents, perhaps you can play an instrument, sing or even dance! The talent show provides a chance for the campers to see you in a new light.
2) Get involved! After a long day, you might be tempted to just sit back and watch the campers play. However, my best advice would be to get involved in the activities with the campers. You’ll enjoy it, learn new skills and earn respect from the kids.
3) Watch your Ps and Qs. Swearing or ‘cussing’ is heavily frowned upon. The last thing a parent wants is for their child to come back from camp with a colourful vocabulary they learnt from you.
4) Reward success. Monitor your campers’ progress in an activity and remember to reward their successes with positive praise, a simple ‘well done’ can go a long way.
5) Remain professional. Camp is a fun place to be, so fun in fact, you can sometimes almost forget that you’re working at all. However, try to remember you are being paid to look after these children, you are not a camper, and you have responsibilities.
6) Three strikes and you’re out. On occasion, it is unfortunately necessary to correct campers’ bad behaviour. Our camp operated a three strike system, the camper is given three chances but if they still continue to misbehave, they would then be taken to a senior member of staff. I found that this system really worked, it was consistent and everyone knew the boundaries.
7) Try not to have favourites. Try to treat all campers the same.
8) Have fun and laugh! Summer camp is a fun place to be so make the most of this amazing experience.
Best of luck on your summer camp adventure!
Applications for Summer Camp USA 2012 open in September this year. Boost your chances of getting placed by applying early!
For more information about working at a summer camp with BUNAC in 2012 please visit: www.bunac.org.uk or call 020 7251 3472.
Summer Camp Jobs
- USA Summer Camp Jobs
- Summer Camp Jobs USA 2012
- Canada Summer Camp Jobs
BUNAC
With work, travel and volunteering opportunities around the world, travelling with BUNAC will be one of the most fun, challenging and rewarding experiences you’ll ever have!
BUNAC
Summer Camp USA gives people over the age of 18 the opportunity to spend 8 to 9 weeks living with children between May and August on an American summer camp.
BUNAC
Find a USA summer camp job in 2012, boost your chances of getting placed by applying early!
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Spend 9 weeks gaining valuable experience, making lifelong friends and visiting exciting new places on Summer Camp USA.
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BUNAC’s Kitchen and Maintenance Programme (KAMP) provides an easy and affordable way for students to work and travel in the US over the summer.