4-H Camp Top 10: Make It Great & Get It Straight Presented by Goshen County 4-H Camp Counselors Megan Brittingham, 4-H Educator January 13, 2012

Benefits of Camp Counselors – Practical Application: Leadership Team Work Communication “Follow-Through” Time Management Creativity Decision Making Problem Solving Fiscal Responsibility Mentoring Independence Belonging Generosity Mastery (New Skills) Campers – Independence – Generosity – Mastery (New Skills) – Belonging – Leadership – Team Work – Communication – Decision Making – Problem Solving – Socialization – Structure – “Unplugged”

Facilities Church Basement: * Kitchen * Headquarters 2 Outhouses Flag Pole

Limited Facilities Lead to Unlimited Possibilities ORIGINAL and creative camps INCREASE campers INCREASE counselors Making “THE BEST” Better!

Part 1: Lack of Planning on Your Part Does Not Constitute an Emergency on My Part P lanning O rganization P reparation

Planning & Organization

Start Early Debrief and Evaluate Immediately After Camp – SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threat) Evaluation – Review Camper Survey Responses – Answer Camper Survey Formal Camp Planning Begins in January – Select & Publicize Dates ASAP – Theme Selection Camper Suggestions Worksheet Activities

Planning Camp Program Activities TEENS PLAN – Small Committees (3-4) plan classes and programs Develop (and record) Plans Identify Supplies Needed Delegate Leadership Try It Out First – Whole Group make decisions that effect entire camp Location Schedule Special Events Necessary “Big Equipment” (Picnic Tables, Stock Trailer)

Planning Camp Program Activities Adults “Guide from the Side” – Offer ideas, creativity, enthusiasm and resources – Review lesson plans (and suggest changes/updates) and offer improvements (and ask about supplies) – Update schedule and compile information – Support – Train teens on working with campers, teaching, behavior management, role of a counselor, safety and risk management

Preparation Work Days – Make Supply Lists – Create Samples (as necessary) – Develop Rainy Day/Back Up Plans – “Staff Schedule” – Final Details “The Tub System” Pack & Load Everything

Part 2: “You Win With People” -- Woody Hayes Campers, Counselors, Teamwork, Friends/Meeting New People

Campers 7-12 year olds Come together from different communities, clubs, ages and schools Are divided into “Tribes” for programs but have fun together during free times Program keeps everyone moving (no scheduled free time) – No Home Sick – Always involved in something 3 Warm Fuzzies

Counselor-In-Training (CIT) 13 year olds CITs assist in 4-H Camp Planning throughout the year Are Campers 1 st while at Camp but provide support leadership to programs and activities Learn how to be a Camp Counselor from their peers

Counselors year olds Use experience as a camper in planning Camp In addition to planning and running Camp, are trained in working with campers, behavior management, teaching and risk management Train CITs by example

Team Work Starts Early In Planning Process Adults & Counselors Counselors through Camp planning At Camp Team Work is established: Counselors & Campers Adults & Campers Programs, Challenges & More

Friends & Meeting New People By splitting up ‘friend groups’ we allow our campers to step out of their comfort zone. Counselors are assigned a ‘tribe’ to get to know and interact with campers. Campers are allowed to share tents with their friends or siblings. Campers have chances to bond with others over new interests.

Part 3: LEARNING

Campers Learn Fun & Hands-On – Class Stations Usually 4-H Project based Compliment/Fit Theme – Programs Usually involve teamwork, communication and additional 4-H project skills Important “Life Skills” – Belonging – Mastery – Independence – Generosity – “Special”

Counselors Learn Planning, Organization Public Speaking Team Work Resource Management Leadership Working with Others (Patience) Leadership

Part 3: 3 “F”s FUN FOOD FIRE

FUN Keep Campers moving! Including CITs in planning Younger perspective Better perspective Games, challenges and activities

FOOD Simple & Easy Meals – Sloppy Joes, Tacos, Pancakes, Pizzawhich! Families provide snacks – Watermelon, bananas, apples, oranges, cookies Family Carry-In at Camp Closing – Families provide side items – Counselors provide hamburgers & hot dogs Snack Shack – Campers bring money to purchase soda, chocolate, chips, etc. – Additional income

S’more Bag

Camp Fire Skits Songs S’mores Challenges Stories