1. Day Camp Counselor Training

2. What do counselors do? Work directly with the children
Move them through activities while managing behavior
Build relationships of trust and respect

3. Who makes a good counselor?
Works well with children and adults
Has fun but establishes boundaries
Promotes good hygiene and nutrition
Empowers others
Has conflict resolution and behavior management skills
Is a positive role models
Has good communication and problem solving skills
Is a team player

4. Basic Responsibilities
Camper Wellbeing
Make sure campers are safe, happy and respected
Create a safe environment physically, mentally and emotionally
Provide supervision
You are responsible for the behavior management of the campers you are assigned at all times
However, if you see a camper in need, lending a helping hand to another counselor is always encouraged

5. Morning:
Prepare for afternoon activities/field trips
Lend a helping hand in the Learning Centers
Facilitate snack and watch campers during that time so that teachers can have a break
Lunch:
Eat with the children
Once they are finished, play games, sing songs or read until afternoon activities
Afternoon:
Attend daily field trips
Supervise, participate, and coordinate activities (as determined by your director)

6. Meal Times
Eat with the children and promote conversation regarding positive things that happened during the day, compliment as much as possible
Encourage manners: say “Please,” and “Thank you”
Encourage the use of silverware
Nutrition and no-waste focus: When going through the food line, encourage healthy choices and modest portions, making clear that seconds may be available
Help children clean up and place dishes, trash and recyclables in the correct places
If required by the facility, counselors and their campers may be responsible for cleaning the dining area
Wiping down tables, sweeping and mopping
Using a chart with rotations is most effective

7. Activities Planning Large group games in the afternoon
Multiple back-up plans for rainy days
Short games on the fly for awkward hiccups in the schedule
Execution
Participation by all counselors is required
Kids will look to you
if you are excited, they will be as well
if you are bored or not engaged, they will follow which can lead to behavioral issues

8. Actions and Consequences
You should control the environment, not react to it
Clearly communicate your expectations to campers
Establish rules and consequences on the first day and maintain them throughout the week
Be consistent in situations and among children
Be patient and listen to the campers
Help campers communicate through conflicts
Teach the child to self-regulate and self-analyze by asking “yes” and “no” questions to determine the root of the problem
Help campers to understand that they control the outcome of situations by the choices they make
Staff members should not contradict one another

9. Miscellaneous Tips and Tricks
Establish your authority at the beginning of the week to encourage respect
Other than a few minutes of free time between activities, there should be no unplanned downtime because it can lead to loss of control
Be aware that by Wednesday many campers and volunteers will be tired. Make an effort to maintain your energy so that the campers will follow.
Be mindful of your need for rest so that you can perform at your best
Remember: IT’S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS!!

10. Non-negotiable’s No alcohol, even if you are 21+
If you smoke and are 18+, NEVER let the kids see you smoking (it is better if you avoid smoking all together)
Leaving camp property after children arrive is not allowed
Do not use obscene or explicit language in front of the campers
No PDA
Phones/electronic devices are prohibited around children (it is best to put them away for the week)

11. Counselor Downtime
The recommendation is that counselors should be present all day in order to build stronger relationships with the children. However, it is at the discretion of the director
Some day camps only require counselors to be present from 12-4pm
However, having counselors present during the morning helps build their relationships with the children
Whenever you feel that you need a break because you are feeling overwhelmed, notify the head counselor
Ask for help if and when you need it