Welcome to Camp Counselor Know-How! We’re glad you found us. Our goal is to help prepare camp counselors and other staff involved in organized adventures for kids to become masters of their programs and masters of kids (of all ages). We know that this is no easy task. In fact, if you ask camp counselors about their job, you may find that they say it is the most challenging thing they have ever done. No matter what parents, campers, bosses, friends, college professors, internship coordinators, or anyone else says, being an effective camp counselor is really hard AND really worthwhile. It takes a lot of know-how, a lot of commitment, a lot of courage, a lot of problem-solving, a lot of humility, and a lot of discipline. Anyone who does it well is a truly talented individual. In that same discussion with camp counselors, you may also find that many say that it is the most rewarding thing they have ever done. It is. Camp counselors have a unique opportunity to change the lives of young people and adults alike. Our goal is to help develop the needed know-how.
A Little Backstory
A very long time ago, I (Terry) was a camper at a wonderful summer camp in Colorado. In fact, starting at about 13 years old, I spent eight weeks of every summer at camp climbing mountains, hiking, backpacking, riding horses, horse packing, river rafting, rock climbing in the back country of Rocky Mountain National Park. I made the best friends who I am finding are lasting for a lifetime. I learned skills that taught me courage, discipline, and patience. I was led by amazing young adults – my camp counselors – who I thought walked on water and who I would have followed anywhere. Some of them still hold that very esteemed position in my life, now that I am, well, middle-aged. Through college and a few years after, I was a hiking and backpacking counselor. Recently, I had the good fortune to be a Unit Director for a group of about 60+ girls ages 12-18, 20 counselors and staff, and 24 horses. My unit was just one of the eight units in the camp during the summer. This amazing camp excels in the delivery of the wonderful camp experience to both campers and staff in terms of programs, a community-focused bond, character building, skill development, and just plain fun.
I have gathered together a few camp colleagues who have experienced the life-changing impact of summer camp. We know that in addition to our (favorite – of course, we are admittedly bias) camp in Colorado, there are thousands of amazing summer camps around the country, if not world. And, there are many camp-like organizations striving to do similar things for youth in city organizations, churches, community centers, and other youth serving initiatives. There are adult camps for kids at heart and camp-like fun places like dude ranches for those older kids who just want to …well, be dudes for a few days. Camp counselors (or whatever the title they use in their organization) have much to learn. We want to help – not only from our own diverse experiences, but from the experiences of many others we talk to who have some tips for counselors.
The Camp Counselor Know-How Site
At Camp Counselor Know-How, we provide tips, tricks, and some common sense ideas that might hit the mark with counselors and those supervising counselors in a camp-like situation. Areas of focus include:
- How to Live in Community
- How to Provide Excellent Customer Service
- How To Teach Kids (and Still Make Fun!)
- How to Help Kids Develop Character
- How to Problem Solve and Think Critically
- Tips and Tricks
We’ll be posting our thoughts and experiences regularly and will be inviting some talented others to pitch in. Thanks again for visiting. Check back often and share your own thoughts. Our goal is to help develop the best camp counselors and group leaders possible so that they can impact their kids and adults for a lifetime.
If you ever need a hand or have any questions, feel free to leave them below and I will be more than happy to help you out.
All the best,
Terry Taylor
terry@CampCounselorKnowHow.com
