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Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/expectations

Join Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrid as they delve into the crucial aspects of starting a career as a camp counselor in part two of their series. The discussion highlights vital tips and expectations for new counselors, focusing on the importance of preparation, safety, and understanding the multifaceted roles at camp. They emphasize the significance of being coachable, competent, and enthusiastic while managing the daily responsibilities that come with caring for campers. The episode also includes practical advice to navigate the challenges and unlock the personal growth that comes with the job.

Key takeaways include:

• Camp Counseling is Demanding: It's not just about having fun with kids. It involves significant responsibility, including ensuring camper safety, managing behavior, and handling unexpected situations. The job can be physically demanding, requiring long hours in potentially challenging outdoor conditions.
• Hidden Responsibilities: Beyond the core duties, counselors often find themselves tackling a variety of tasks, from helping kids with basic needs to assisting with camp maintenance. Flexibility and adaptability are essential.
• Personal Growth Opportunities: While challenging, camp counseling offers valuable opportunities for personal and professional development. Counselors gain skills in leadership, problem-solving, communication, and risk management. They also learn to be resourceful, resilient, and responsible.
• 7. Impact on Others: Counselors' actions and attitudes have a ripple effect on campers and fellow staff members. It's crucial to be mindful of how your behavior influences the camp environment and strive to contribute positively to the camp community.
• 8. The Rewards Outweigh the Challenges: Despite the demands and challenges, camp counseling is an incredibly rewarding experience. It offers the chance to make a difference in children's lives, build lasting relationships, and gain valuable life skills that extend far beyond the camp setting.
• Sources and related content

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• Wait...Is This a Cult? - Ceremonies and Traditions at Summer Camp - First Class Counselors #68
• Camp IS a Real Job! With Kim Aycock - First Class Counsellors #7

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Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

• Oliver: The Bag Game
• Matt: Get a Harmonica! Here’s a beginner video!

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/got-the-job-now-what

This episode of First Class Counselors is your guide to rocking the first step of your next summer at camp. Oliver and Matt break down essential skills for new and returning staff, covering everything from nailing the onboarding process to prioritizing your time and staying resilient when things get tough.

Key takeaways include:

• Onboarding like a pro: We'll equip you with the tools and strategies to navigate paperwork, understand camp culture, and impress your camp director.
• The power of commitment: Discover why dedicating yourself to the full summer unlocks the richest, most rewarding camp experience.
• Finding balance: Learn how to manage your energy, set expectations with friends and family, and prioritize your well-being while having a blast.

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• Wait...Is This a Cult? - Ceremonies and Traditions at Summer Camp - First Class Counselors #68
• Camp IS a Real Job! With Kim Aycock - First Class Counsellors #7

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Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

• Oliver: Secret Santa
• Matt: For the Queen - https://shop.critrole.com/products/for-the-queen

This is free professional development for your counsellors! We would love your feedback. Please leave your comments below, or, send Matt an email! Thank you!

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/staff-training-expect

Staff training season is upon us (that is, if you’re listening to this episode in May) and while camp staff around the world are finishing up the school year, camp directors are putting the final touches on staff training.

If you’ve never been, or are newer to staff training before it’s this entirely different world, within an entirely different world. It’s school, but way better, and way more tiring.

But this is an extremely important time for you to prepare for the wonderful work ahead so this episode is dedicated to not just what to expect at staff training, but Oliver and my pro-tips on how to thrive in staff training.

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Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

• Oliver: The Learning Pyramid - Stack the learning style of the session with another one to maximize the learning
• Matt: A staff training fidget to help you stay engaged - A good fidget is one that doesn’t distract you or others from absorbing the material of the session. 1-handed, silent, solo.

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