First Class Counselors

Ten Top Tips for Summer 2026 - First Class Counselors #86

Thu, 21 May 2026 01:00:00 -0400

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/first-class-counselors-pod/ten-top-tips-for-summer-2026

Preparing for a Successful 2026 Summer Camp Season

Join Oliver and Matt for the season finale of First Class Counselors as they count down ten essential tips for the upcoming 2026 summer. This episode provides a quick reference guide for frontline staff focusing on everything from active supervision and safety protocols to the psychology of camper behavior. The hosts discuss how to create a culture of belonging through strength based mindsets and provide actionable tools like facilitation frameworks to ensure every counselor is prepared to lead with confidence and empathy.

Key Takeaways:

Behavior is Communication. When campers act out it is often an expression of an unmet need such as being hungry or tired. Using the HALT acronym allows counselors to address the root cause of challenging behavior while providing grace and maintaining a strong relationship with the child.
Master Facilitation Through Structure. Effective leadership during activities requires clear communication and meaningful reflection. By using the philosophy of one goal and three steps followed by the So What and Now What debriefing method counselors can ensure safety while helping campers apply life lessons beyond the cabin.
Model the Values You Expect. Counselors are professional role models who are always teaching through their actions and energy levels. Maintaining consistent boundaries and following camp rules regarding phone use or physical interactions ensures that campers respect the environment and feel safe within the community.

E.G.E.L – Ever Growing, Ever Learning:

Oliver: 3D Printers

Matt: Gratitude Jars

Host Links:

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

Connecting with Modern Camper Culture - First Class Counselors #85

Thu, 07 May 2026 01:00:00 -0400

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/first-class-counselors-pod/connecting-with-modern-camper-culture

How Digital Media Shapes Modern Camper Expectations

This episode explores the intersection of modern pop culture and the summer camp experience. The team discusses the transition from traditional play to the watching culture of YouTube and streaming services, emphasizing how counselors can use this knowledge to build genuine connections with campers. The conversation breaks down the differences between digital open world environments and physical skill building while offering practical advice on adapting facilitation styles for shorter attention spans and high sensory needs.

Key Takeaways:

Modern entertainment often focuses on the finished product rather than the process, leading to a watching culture where kids witness skills instead of practicing them. Counselors should combat this by building anticipation for activities and slowing down the process to ensure campers learn the mechanical steps behind camp traditions like fire building or archery.
You do not need to be an expert in Roblox or Bluey to connect with kids, but being curious about their interests is vital. Asking campers to teach you about their favorite digital worlds empowers them and creates a social bridge that helps new or hesitant kids feel included in the cabin group.
Digital play has shifted towards open world exploration and constant comparison, which camps can mirror through creative gamification. By rewarding positive character traits like integrity and grace through systems like ‘Green Giant’ points, directors can ensure that comparison remains a tool for celebration rather than just another form of competition.

E.G.E.L – Ever Growing, Ever Learning:

Oliver: Mio Flavoured Water

Matt: Water Skip Ball & Wave / Gate Ball

Sponsors:

Ultracamp
Camp is about changing lives, not chasing paperwork. Ultracamp builds tools that make camp smoother for today's camp counselor and tomorrow's camp leader. Learn more at https://ultracampmanagement.com/firstclass

Host Links:

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

So You Want to Be “On Leadership”? First Class Counselors #84

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:00:00 -0400

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/first-class-counselors-pod/so-you-want-to-be-on-leadership

Understanding the Responsibility and Reality of Summer Camp Leadership Roles

This episode explores the transition from being a frontline counselor to joining the seasonal leadership team. This episode dismantles the myth that leadership is about status or power, instead framing it as a vital shift toward serving staff and maintaining the camp mission from behind the scenes. They discuss how to identify if you are ready for the move, how to start preparing this summer for a promotion next year, and why the best leaders are often the ones who work hardest when no one is watching.

Key Takeaways:

Leadership is Service Not Status. Stepping into a leadership role means moving away from direct camper connections to focus on empowering your fellow staff members. You must be prepared to give up personal glory to ensure that the counselors you lead have everything they need to succeed.
Take Initiative While Maintaining Integrity. If you want to move into leadership, start by solving problems before they are assigned and demonstrating that you can follow camp policies perfectly. Directors look for staff who walk the walk and can be trusted to uphold safety and culture even during their time off.
Prepare for the Reality of Tough Conversations. Being a leader often requires delivering difficult news to staff or parents and holding your peers accountable. Developing the emotional maturity to handle these moments while staying present in the daily joy of camp is the hallmark of a counselor moving into a director role.

E.G.E.L – Ever Growing, Ever Learning:

Oliver: Using plastic chef containers for organizing craft supplies.

Matt: The board game: Sequoia

Sponsors:

Host Links:

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

Be Better at Giving Consequences - with Dane Savoury - First Class Counselors #83

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 01:00:00 -0400

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/first-class-counselors-pod/be-better-at-giving-consequences

Teaching Through Consequences Instead of Punishment

Join Matt and Dane as they dive into part two of their masterclass on summer camp discipline. This episode shifts the focus from general headspace to the practical application of consequences and the art of camper reintegration. They explore how counselors can move away from punitive winning mindsets and instead use every mistake as a teaching opportunity that builds trust rather than breaking it. From navigating power struggles to deciding which hills are actually worth dying on, this conversation provides frontline staff with the tools they need to maintain a positive cabin environment all summer long.

Key Takeaways:

Focus on Teaching Rather Than Hurting. Effective consequences are designed to help a camper learn emotional regulation and social skills rather than simply making them feel bad. When a counselor enters a situation with a teaching mindset they are more likely to remain calm and help the child understand how to make better choices in the future.
Drop the Rope to Avoid Power Struggles. Power struggles occur when both the staff member and the camper are pulling against each other to see who will submit. By practicing self regulation and consciously choosing to drop the rope the counselor remains the adult in the situation and prevents a conflict from escalating into a relationship damaging battle.
Use the Three Buckets of Behavior to Prioritize Interventions. Not every action requires a heavy consequence. Categorizing behaviors into typical actions, safety concerns, and the “f it” bucket allows staff to conserve their energy for what truly matters while letting go of minor issues like mismatched socks or harmless quirks.

E.G.E.L – Ever Growing, Ever Learning:

Dane: Taking FUN Cabin Photos

Matt: DnD Dice

Sponsors:

Host Links:

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Dane Savoury, Director of Operations, Camp Amy Molson. Contact Email.

Are we Disciplining Kids Enough? - with Dane Savoury - First Class Counselors #82

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/first-class-counselors-pod/are-we-disciplining-kids-enough

Reframing Discipline as a Teaching Tool for Every Counselor

Join Matt and Dane as they redefine what it means to lead through discipline in a summer camp setting. Dane shares his twenty-one years of experience working with diverse populations to explain why discipline should be viewed as a teaching tool rather than a punitive measure. The conversation explores how counselors can set themselves up for success by building intentional rela`tionships through play and shared interests before any rules are ever broken.

Key Takeaways:

Focus on Connection Before Correction. Establishing a solid relationship through shared interests creates the necessary trust for discipline to be effective later on. If the first meaningful conversation a counselor has with a child is a correction, the opportunity for a positive influence is already lost.
Frame Rules with Positive Language and the Why. Instead of listing restrictions like don't jump on the bed, counselors should use positive framing such as beds are for sleeping. Explaining the purpose behind a boundary helps campers understand that rules exist for their safety and the respect of the community rather than just to limit their fun.

E.G.E.L – Ever Growing, Ever Learning:

Dane: Games that Fit into your Pocket, UNO

Matt: Darn Tough Socks, or Great Sox

Sponsors:

Host Links:

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Dane Savoury, Director of Operations, Camp Amy Molson. Contact Email.

Using Stats To Master Counseling - First Class Counselors #81

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0500

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/first-class-counselors-pod/using-stats-to-master-counseling

How You Can Become A Data-Driven Leader

This episode dives into the numbers behind great counseling, from safety ratios to camper retention. By treating camp as a measurable social business, staff can identify their strengths, improve their safety efficiency, and track their personal growth throughout the summer. They discuss how to turn qualitative experiences into quantitative success to help every staff member become a first class counselor.

Key Takeaways:

The Behavioral Closing Rate: Professionalism is measured by how effectively a counselor can resolve behavioral issues and communicate them through proper reporting channels.
Conversions and Friendships: Success can be measured through camper return rates and the intentional fostering of friendships that last beyond the summer.
Personal Special Powers: Every first class counselor has a unique magic factor, whether it is a specific skill like ceramics or a jack of all trades ability to facilitate any program on the fly.

E.G.E.L – Ever Growing, Ever Learning:

Oliver: Sorting Hat-Type Ceremony

Matt: G.M.I.C (Great Moments In Camping!)

Sponsors:

Host Links:

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

Should We Send Them Home? - First Class Counselors #80

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/first-class-counselors-pod/should-we-send-them-home

Finding Connection When You Are Frustrated

We’ve all been there. It’s week four, the coffee machine is broken, you are trying to get the cabin to the flagpole on time, and that camper is dragging their feet, making fart noises, and holding the broom upside down during cleanup. You don't necessarily want them sent home, but they are absolutely testing your patience. In this "high empathy" episode, Oliver and Matt validate those feelings of frustration while offering a roadmap to get back on track. They discuss the difference between behavior that is annoying versus behavior that requires a director's intervention, and how checking your own ego can de-escalate the situation.

Key Takeaways:

Identifying Your Triggers: Frustration often stems from specific stressors like lateness, perceived "weaponized incompetence" (like using a push broom incorrectly), or a camper's disinterest in planned activities. Recognizing these triggers is the first step to patience.
Conformity vs. Leadership: Matt challenges counselors to ask why a behavior is frustrating. Is it disrupting the camp experience, or does it simply make you feel like you are losing control or "looking bad" as a leader?
Connection Over Correction: You don't have to like every camper, but you do need to find a connection. Oliver shares a story about using Magic: The Gathering cards to bridge the gap with a disconnected camper.

E.G.E.L – Ever Growing, Ever Learning:

Oliver: Survival Tag, The Game

Matt: Find a water bottle that you love drinking from.

Sponsors:

AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more at amskier.com.

Host Links:

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

Meaningful and Masterful Facilitation - First Class Counselors #79

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 01:00:00 -0500

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/first-class-counselors-pod/meaningful-and-masterful-facilitation

Stop Talking, Start Leading: The Counselor's Guide to Facilitation

Join Oliver and Matt as they delve into the art and science of facilitation—the core skill needed to run first-class activities, whether it's team building, archery, or a simple transition. This episode breaks down the critical stages of leading a group, from the moment they arrive to the final debrief. Learn how to master first impressions, use language effectively to manage attention, utilize props strategically, and employ powerful debriefing techniques that move beyond simply having fun to ensuring campers find real meaning and application in their experiences.

Key Takeaways:

Master the First Impression: Your initial interaction sets the tone. Use confidence, learn names (and address people by name), have well-rehearsed safety guidelines (like flight attendants), and offer a commitment to the group for the activity.
Start with Play to Engage: Use quick, low-explanation, high-energy games (like "Everybody's It") immediately to get participants moving and focused on you as the leader. Use creative instructions to organize groups, such as the "Chicken Wing Circle."
Debriefing is Transference of Learning: The purpose of debriefing is to help participants understand the significance of their experience and transfer those skills (community, communication, teamwork) to the non-camp world. Use the What, So What, Now What structure.

E.G.E.L – Ever Growing, Ever Learning:

Oliver: AI music generator Suno

Matt: Seed Bombs

Sponsors:

Host Links:

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

Building a Culture of Belonging for Every Camper with Lisa Drennan - First Class Counselors #78

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0500

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/first-class-counselors-pod/building-a-culture-of-belonging

The Counselor's Guide to Universal Design, Behavior as Communication, and True Inclusion

Join Oliver, Matt, and special guest Lisa Drennan as they dive deep into creating truly inclusive camp environments. Lisa emphasizes that belonging is the new inclusion. The discussion moves beyond simple access to practical, real-world strategies counselors can use daily, including adopting Universal Design principles, proactively using visual schedules and positive expectations, and understanding that all behavior is communication. Counselors will learn how to focus on camper strengths, manage transitions (like at the waterfront), and advocate for systemic changes to make camp a welcoming space for everyone—staff and campers alike.

This episode includes:

Mindset Shift: Belonging Over Inclusion. The goal isn't just access or inclusion; it's ensuring every camper feels they belong. Start by focusing on a camper's strengths rather than their deficits or diagnoses.
Proactive Communication & Structure: Utilize visual schedules and positive expectation lists daily (and for specific activities like swim time) to reduce anxiety for all campers, especially the neurodivergent. Frame all rules positively (e.g., "Use kind words" instead of "Don't swear").
Behavior as Communication: When challenging behavior occurs, the first step is to find the "why." Behavior signals an unmet need (physiological, environmental, or social). Preventative measures like clear visuals and giving control back to the camper (e.g., transition countdowns) are key.

E.G.E.L – Ever Growing, Ever Learning

Oliver: Using flashcards!

Matt: Small Bags of Lego for Fidgetting

Lisa: Movies and Shows that are inclusive around disabilities: Atypical, The Peanut Butter Falcon, Out of My Mind

Sponsors:

Host Links

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona
Lisa Drennan, Founder of Merge Consulting

Stopping Inappropriate Language in the Moment - First Class Counselors #77

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/first-class-counselors-pod/stopping-inappropriate-language

Words Stick: How to Intervene When Camper Language Crosses the Line

This episode, Oliver and Matt move give counselors the tactical framework needed to intervene immediately and effectively when campers use inappropriate, insensitive, or hurtful language. From the simple swear word to comments that are sexist, racist, or bullying, you'll learn exactly how to respond—whether you hear the comment directly, think you overheard it, or receive a report second-hand. This episode provides the "must-do" steps to address the behavior without alienating the camper, reinforcing that while the action was wrong, the camper is still a valued part of the community.

Highlights from this episode include:

The Essential Pause & Tone Shift: When a camper says something inappropriate, be immediate and direct. Use a strong "counselor voice" and a strategic pause for effect
The Full Value Contract: A proactive tool to establish cabin culture on Day 1. This group exercise shifts the focus from "what we don't do" to "what we should say and do"
Words Float, Hurt Sticks: A powerful guiding principle: while the person who said the hurtful words will likely forget them, the words stick to the person they were directed at.
"We" Over "You" Intervention Language: When addressing a camper privately, use inclusive language like, "That's not something we say here."

Links from the Show:

‘Centre Cam’ Desktop Camera

E.G.E.L – Ever Growing, Ever Learning

Oliver: ACA Camping Magazine

Matt: Previous First Class Counsellor: How to Ace Your Next Camp Interview

Sponsors:

Host Links

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

Inspiring Programs & Traditions from Top Camps - First Class Counsellors #76

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/first-class-counselors-pod/traditions

Steal These Amazing Camp Ideas!

Welcome to Season 8 of First Class Counsellors! Oliver and Matt are back with a brand-new season, starting things off by swapping some of the coolest camp traditions and programs they’ve seen across North America. From celebrating CITs to welcoming first-time campers, this episode is packed with practical, stealable ideas that will help you bring more meaning, fun, and connection to your camp community.

Highlights from this episode include:

The CIT Walk – A reflective tradition that celebrates campers aging out of the program while inspiring younger campers to step into leadership.
Staff Connection Time – How one camp intentionally builds space into the schedule for staff to rest, reconnect, and reset together.
First-Year Camper Traditions – From “first-year breakfasts” to camp song videos, little touches that help new campers feel instantly included.
Steps in the Right Direction – A shout-out system using stickers (or buttons!) to recognize acts of kindness and celebrate community wins.
STEM Adventures – Inspiration from Newton’s Attic, a camp in Kentucky that blends engineering, creativity, and play into unforgettable programs.

Links from the Show:

Newton’s Attic Camp: https://newtonsattic.com/

Y of the Pines - Gamification of programs. https://ycamp.org/overnight-camp-for-boys-nj

E.G.E.L – Ever Growing, Ever Learning

Oliver: Inflatable costume race
Matt: Shrinky Dinks / Shirink Art
- Buy them here: https://shrinky-dink.com/
- Shrinky Dinks Guide: https://abeautifulmess.com/shrinky-dinks-ultimate-guide/

Sponsors:
AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more at amskier.com.

Let’s Get Real About Camp Staff Expectations - First Class Counselors #75

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

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

We need to be honest about how hard (and how great) it is to be a camp counselor!

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

Links from this episode:

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

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

You've Got the Job!...Now What? - First Class Counselors #74

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

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

Onboarding and Prioritization - What Sets Real First Class Counselors Apart!

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.

Links from this episode:

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

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!

What to Expect When You're Expecting...Staff Training! - First Class Counselors #73

Thu, 16 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

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

Congratulations! You’re having a wild, wonderful bundle of CAMP!

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.

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

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.

Thanks to our sponsor!

Ultimate Camp Resource

Visit UltimateCampResource.com for 1,000+ free camp games, songs, skits, activities, and more! Follow us on social at fb: ulticamp | IG: ultimatecampresource | TT: ultimatecampresource | YT: ultimatecampresource.

Download a free games e-book here: https://itsacampthing.com/collections/e-books/products/40-camp-games-pdf

Stories that Shaped Us - First Class Counselors #72

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0500

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

Gather ‘round the campfire for these funny, impactful and straight-up bizarre stories!

Today is not a topic but a feel. A vibe if you will.

We’ve been in camping for some time now and that means we have collected a few stories to share. Not a campfire story but just personal stories of our time as camp people. You might have run into an old camp friend and feel like a moment has never passed. Sometimes you can run into another person who has done camp and can swap stories.

This is one of the things camp does, brings us together.

Enjoy our short and special stories:

Funny stories (fart pillows and pudding)
Impactful stories (friends getting fired and septic tank fighting)
Heartwarming stories (seeing starts and talent shows)

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

Oliver: Digital Organization tips for young camp pros
Matt: 4 On a Couch - https://ultimatecampresource.com/ice-breakers/name-games/#:~:text=Back%20to%20Top%5D-,Four%20People%20on%20a%20Couch,-A%20large%20seating

Thanks to our sponsor!

Ultimate Camp Resource

Download a free games e-book here: https://itsacampthing.com/collections/e-books/products/40-camp-games-pdf

Generation A - Our Campers - First Class Counselors #71

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

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

Generation-A are our campers - how can we effectively work with them at camp?

Generation-A, or Gen-A are kids that are born between 2010 and 2024. Born the same year as the release of the iPad, most socially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the generation that is currently almost 100% of the summer camp population.

It seems like the post-pandemic camper population is a bit of a beast these days. Camps hiring social workers and doubling down on social skills to respond, but are these solutions seem to be missing what’s important about the day to day interactions with campers - you know - the things that camp counsellors do every day with kids.

Counselors have always had an extremely unique relationship with campers. Not seen as an adult (but an adult figure), not quite a teacher (but definitely leads) - this dynamic sets up an important developmental coaching opportunity that counselors can leverage.

The first step? Let’s meet Gen A where they’re at and think about what we can do to make camp the best experience we can for them!

So join us this episode as we unpack:

Let’s meet Gen A - who are they and what makes them unique
What is different about Gen A than the previous generations (Gen Z and the Millenials)
Why it’s important that we focus on relationship building with Gen A
What camp counselors can do to help Gen A have a great time at camp.

Links from this episode:

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

Oliver: “The King of Sharks” story, from Ultimate Camp Resource https://ultimatecampresource.com/campfire-stories/campfire-stories-legends/the-king-of-sharks/
Matt: Warm Fuzzy Jar

Thanks to our sponsor!

Ultimate Camp Resource

Download a free games e-book here: https://itsacampthing.com/collections/e-books/products/40-camp-games-pdf

Water Safety and Water Programs - First Class Counselors #70

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

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

Water safety (and fun!) starts with Camp Counselors

Many camps sport a waterfront, a pool or even host a wet and wild Wednesday! Today we want to talk about programming at these water-based activities to make sure campers are safe and having a blast.

You may be thinking “wait a minute, I’m not a lifeguard, so why should I listen? While you may not have the official qualifications to be a lifeguard, camp counsellors are the best front-line support for the lifeguard team and are essential for keeping the fun going. Anything involving water has that extra level of danger, so remember that everyone has a part to play in safety.

So join us this episode as we unpack:

Start with safety - what are the water safety measures that camp counselors are responsible for
What about when it comes to boating and all of the other water toys at camp?
And if you don’t have access to a lake or pool? No problem, Oliver’s got you covered.

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

Oliver: Have to stay water themed - The game I am going to teach you is called Every drop. This is a rainy day activity but can be done on a sunny day. On rainy days campers simply are given a tarp and have to use it to gather water from the rain. On non rainy days you give them a big blue bucket. These guys are maybe 30 gallons. You can change base off the size of camper. You then hide random basins, water balloons all over camp. Random objects that hold water. They have to fill their bucket and return to you.
Matt: Water Games - https://ultimatecampresource.com/camp-games/water-games/ & Alka-Seltzer Necklaces

Thanks to our sponsor!

Ultimate Camp Resource

Download a free games e-book here: https://itsacampthing.com/collections/e-books/products/40-camp-games-pdf

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!

Are They A Terrible Staff Member...Or Is It Me? - First Class Counselors #69

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 01:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

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

You may not like them, you may not counsel like them, but that doesn’t mean they suck.

It can happen to even the most First Class Counselor. For reasons that may seem perfectly valid and logical, a staff member gets it in their head that one of their co-workers is a terrible staff member. What ensues is drama, hurt feelings and escalations that can take away from the camp experience for others.

In this episode, we’re not talking about the staff members who break policy or in a legal sense deserve to be fired.

Frankly, you aren’t going to like everyone - let’s get real. But you have to a) respect them as a fellow staff member and b) remember that it’s not about that “like” - it’s about the camper experience.

So join us this episode as we unpack:

What does it actually mean to be a good staff member, and is it even your place to judge others?
Different traits of camp counselors that you may struggle with, and why that is
What to do about it. How to move forward in a way that is fair to everyone involved

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

Oliver: Using a standard deck of card for different parts of the day (who goes first, what happens next, etc.)
Matt: Attention getters from Ultimate Camp Resource - https://ultimatecampresource.com/camp-staff-resources/top-five-lists/large-group-attention-getters/

Thanks to our sponsor!

Ultimate Camp Resource

Download a free games e-book here: https://itsacampthing.com/collections/e-books/products/40-camp-games-pdf

Wait...Is This a Cult? - Ceremonies and Traditions at Summer Camp - First Class Counselors #68

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

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Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/camp-is-a-cult

Summer camp is culty - but in a good way, we swear!

If you are new to summer camp and reading this, you may not get the whole “cult” angle.

It’s a common joke amongst experienced camp staff and directors that camp is essentially a cult. There are many reasons for this, but the main one is how intentional we are with the ceremonies and traditions we have at camp.

This ranges from as basic as gathering as a camp in the morning to share an inspirational thought, to literal chanting and burning of the camp logo on a lake. Yes, seriously.

Every camp is different, but what makes them the same is that each of them are creating their own immersive “world” for people to live in. These “worlds” have rules, norms, traditions and ceremonies that are integral to helping people feel welcome and wanting to stay a part of it.

Tune into this episode to hear Oliver and Matt break down:

An overview of ceremonies and tradition at camp. What are they and Why do camps use and have these?
How do these translate to camp being “culty”?
What is your role as a Camp Counselor in this - what happens if you aren’t fully bought in? What if you are?

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

Oliver: Peak a Who or Magic Wall
https://ultimatecampresource.com/ice-breakers/name-games/#Magic-wall-or-peak-a-who
Matt: Jim Cain Books
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jim-Cain/author/B00OBTB3VG?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true-

Thanks to our sponsor!

Ultimate Camp Resource

Download a free games e-book here: https://itsacampthing.com/collections/e-books/products/40-camp-games-pdf

Meet Your Camp Director - Part 1 - First Class Counselors #67

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

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Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/meet-your-camp-director-1

Part 1 - What we got wrong…

Just who is that person walking around with a clipboard all day?

To most Camp Counselors, the Camp Director is a strange and mythical creature. They’re like a teacher…but completely different. They’re like a boss…but definitely not in the traditional sense.

So who are they?

In this first of a series of episodes, we break down some of the assumptions we had about our Camp Directors growing up, and now, 15(ish) years later, what was (and mostly wasn’t) correct about those assumptions.

Here are some of the assumptions we cover:

Is my Director judging every singly thing I do? Are they going to fire me for messing up?
I bet they are too busy to help me.
All they think about is camp. They definitely don’t have a life outside of camp.
All they care about is money!
They are the WORST communicators

Have you ever had any of those thoughts about your Camp Director? Then this episode is for you!

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

Oliver: 3 tips for all camp schedule making -
1. Timely- give it out early
2. 1-page story
3. Delivery dress up
Matt: Trust Tube from Ultimate Camp Resource https://ultimatecampresource.com/team-building-activities/trust-activities/trust-tube/

Thanks to our sponsor!

Ultimate Camp Resource

Download a free games e-book here: https://itsacampthing.com/collections/e-books/products/40-camp-games-pdf

How to Talk to Adults - First Class Counselors #66

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/how-to-talk-to-adults

You didn’t sign up to be a camp counsellor because you loved talking to adults…right?

In the world of a camp counselor, there is no other part of the job that is simultaneously as short and as important as the interactions you have with the adults that find their way on site.

Whether it’s parents, caregivers, alumni or your camp management, being able to navigate these interactions is essential. A counselor that can make and hold a great conversation with these folks will not only give a great impression of themselves but of the camp they represent.

This definitely takes practice, but we’re here to give you the insider tips and give you a head start on this all-important skill.

In this episode, we cover:

How to Choose Your Audience - Why we have to adjust the way we speak.
How to talk to Parents
- The F.O.R.D method. family, occupation, recreation, dreams
How to Talk to Your Camp Director / Other Adult Supervisor

This is required listening for every camp counselor.

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Oliver: Monarch - from Ultimate Camp Resource
Matt: Online Outdoor Gear Retail Stores
- https://www.thelasthunt.com/ (Canadian)
- https://www.outdooroutlet.com/ (American)
- https://www.northwestoutlet.com/brands/carhartt/ (American)

Thanks to our sponsor!

Ultimate Camp Resource

Download a free games e-book here: https://itsacampthing.com/collections/e-books/products/40-camp-games-pdf

Putting Campers First - Why It's Hard and Why It's Necessary - First Class Counselors #65

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

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Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/campers-first
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It’s not that you come second…well…it kind of is...

Camp counselors are special. Not just because of all the incredible skills you learn and teach, but because it’s one of the only jobs that requires you to prioritize the health and experience of kids in your care - all day. This isn’t easy. It takes a special type of person to do the job.

People call it different things. Putting Campers First, The “Why” of Summer Camp, FTK or “For the Kids” - but whatever you call it, it’s the core of not only what we do, but why we do it.

In this episode, we cover:

The mindset that directors have when they give the “Campers First” expectation
What you need to have prepared before you commit to the Camper First mindset
Is it inherently a personal sacrifice to put campers first?
What does putting campers first actually look like in practice?

This is required listening for every camp counselor.

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E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Oliver: Tower topper - Stand in a circle a little more than arms width from each other. Each person gets a cone; there should be one extra cone in the circle. One person stands in the middle of the circle. Campers chop their feet. When they feel ready they need to run to another cone. It can be any open cone. If they get to that cone they get a point. If the cone is knocked over by the person in the middle gets 5pts or you can just switch the people.
Matt: Double Dice! From Ultimate Camp Resource

Thanks to our sponsor!

Ultimate Camp Resource

Download a free games e-book here: https://itsacampthing.com/collections/e-books/products/40-camp-games-pdf

Campers and Staff These Days (are we boomers?) - First Class Counselors #64

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

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Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/campers-and-staff-these-days

Welcome back! How was your summer?

We’re so grateful to have you folks join us for another season of First Class Counselors. In this episode, Oliver and Matt share a bit about their summers, and what they’re thinking about going into the 2024 season.

Topics:

How would you describe your summer in 3 words?
Share a favourite story from the summer
What are some of the trends and interesting things we noticed about campers and staff this summer?
What are some of the episodes we’re thinking about for season 6 of First Class Counselors?

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Oliver: Blind Taste Test Trend at Camp
Matt: Get a headlamp + digital watch - tools of the trade!

Thanks to our sponsor!

Ultimate Camp Resource

Download a free games e-book here: https://itsacampthing.com/collections/e-books/products/40-camp-games-pdf

Interview Skills to Land the Camp Job of Your Dreams - First Class Counsellors #63

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 23:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/interview-skills-to-land-the-camp-job-of-your-dreams

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These interview skills will set you apart!

It's the most wanted summer job in the world. Honestly, with the recent pay increases, workplace experience and the amazingness of camp it truly is a job people from around the world seek. So how do you stand out in your interview? Today we are going to cover the application process and some of the important parts of the interview.

We recorded this in January so you’re getting Matt and Oliver who have been sitting through interviews for the last month. So take it from these camp directors who have seen over a hundred applications - these are truly insider tricks.

Links from this show

https://www.campratingz.com/
Campstaff.com - https://www.campamerica.com/
IENA - https://www.iena.org/
CCUSA - https://www.ccusa.com/
Camp America - https://www.campamerica.com/
Camp Canada - https://www.campcanada.ca/
Campgig - https://campgig.com/

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Oliver: Downy wrinkle release - https://downy.com/en-us/fabric-softener/wrinkle-spray/wrinkle-releaser
Matt: AnyList App

What is First Class Counselors?

Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.

Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.

Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Eat Like Royalty At Summer Camp - First Class Counselors #62

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

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Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/eat-like-royalty
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Camp food can suck but it doesn’t have to!

In the hierarchy of things we love, food reigns supreme.

But, let’s be honest, camp food can be…well camp food. Sometimes, it’s a step above high school lunch but also not as great as your typical college food hall. It serves the purpose of caloric intake and satisfying the picky eating of a 10-year-old who only likes chicken nuggets in the shapes of dinosaurs. But it becomes repetitive or lacks the flavour and complexity of your young adult's heightened taste.

So as someone that’s going to be at camp all summer, how will not just survive on camp food, but thrive on it!

This episode, we cover:

What to expect at a camp dining hall
Top #foodhacks in the dining hall
Camp snacks and all things secret
Eating out on time off

Links from this show

Yum Yum Sauce
Magical Meals - First Class Counselors Episode

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Oliver: Groupchat + Paired App - or conversationstartersworld.com
Matt: Goodbudget App

What is First Class Counselors?

Intentional First Impressions with Campers - First Class Counselors #61

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

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Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/first-impressions-campers
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What to do the first time you’re alone with campers…

It’s arguably the most stressful time in a camp counsellor’s life. It’s the first day of camp, the caregivers have just left and it’s now just you and the campers. As 10 sets of eyes stare in anticipation, it dawns on you that what you do and say next really matters.

How you spend that first little bit with your campers will set the tone for the session. If you don’t treat it intentionally, it’s going to be something that you, and likely the rest of camp is going to have to work on for the rest of the session.

This episode, we’ll cover:

Why be intentional
What to do in the first 5 minutes of being alone
Things after that
What doesn’t work

Pretty intense, right? So intense that Oliver and I couldn’t take on this one alone. We’re joined by Robynne Howard from the Cairn Family of Camps - a camp who does this first impression thing REALLY well.

So tune in to this “longy, but a goodie”!

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Robynne: Carry a garbage bag around with you. When kids inevitably hand you garbage or need a bandaid, you have space to put your garbage. Plus then you can help pick up garbage that you find around camp
Oliver: Balloon buddy
Matt: Look at your camera during zoom interviews - makes it look like you’re making eye contact with the interviewer

Host Links

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona
Robynne Howard, Camp Director at The Cairn Family of Camps

What is First Class Counselors?

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!

Games You Can Learn and Play in 60 Seconds - First Class Counselors #60

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/60-second-games

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Have 60 seconds? Here are 8 awesome games you can play with campers!

Do you need a minute?

How about a short quick way to play a game that makes a “meh” moment a “Yay!” Moment. It’s episode 60, so we’re talking 60 seconds or less to play a game or add an element to make your moments the moments!

To explain each game Matt and I have 60 seconds on the clock to explain and provide an example. So strap in, because this one will move quickly!

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Oliver: Bug Bite Prevention Ideas
Matt: Tubular Webbing and Raccoon Circles Resource from Jim Cain

Host Links

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

What is First Class Counselors?

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!

You and Your Phone at Summer Camp - First Class Counselors #59

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 01:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/you-and-your-phone-at-summer-camp-
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No phone, no problem! Maybe?

The modern world has always tried to make its way into camp. That’s because camp is meant to be a refuge from the world’s pressures.

In the 90s and early 2000s, many camps even introduced coding. But the invention of the smartphone changed the story, not just for camp but the world. The connection the phone provides means fostering connection off of it has become harder.

A person can only be in so many places at once. So how do we as staff do it? In a world that may only allow us to look away from our phones for an hour, how do we do it for 6 to 10 weeks? That is what we will dive into today.

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Oliver: Career fairs, go for the free stuff
Matt: Bracket Software - https://challonge.com/tournament/bracket_generator

Host Links

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

What is First Class Counselors?

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!

How to (Kindly) Raise Gritty Campers - First Class Counselors #58

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 16:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/how-to-kindly-raise-gritty-campers

You don’t have to sacrifice care and support in order to promote grit!

Perhaps you have heard of Angela Ducksworth’s book “Grit: the power of passion and perseverance” Or if you have been in the camp conference circuit awhile and the opportunity to listen to Dr. Deborah Gilboa speak about resilience.

Or maybe you’ve heard of Jimmy Donaldson, or Mr. Beast speak about the subject of grit, it seems to be found in all successful people.

This idea of overcoming obstacles and pushing through tough situations is part of camp. While camp may be fun and full of games it is also a learning opportunity for your campers. This episode, we want to identify areas where grit building can be found on camp and what you as a counselor can do to help in its development.

Links from this episode:

HALT - Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Oliver: Swaps - Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere. Little craft giveaways. They are made typically on bobby pins and you make them in large quantities as memorabilia. Girls scouts to thank for this one.
Matt: Space Team - App & Board Game

Host Links

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

What is First Class Counselors?

Our Biggest Baddest Blunders - First Class Counselors #57

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0400

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Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/our-biggest-baddest-blunders

It’s not if you’ll make a mistake…it’s when you’ll make one.

We all make mistakes, but the best part about making them at camp is that you are in one of the most supportive work environments ever. Making mistakes is how you know that you’ve pushed your comfort zone, so if you’re lucky enough to make a bunch, you’re going to learn a bunch, too!

Matt and Oliver share some stories of bad decisions, lapses of judgement, or just plain absent-mindedness they made back in the day as summer staff. Then, they’ll share some perspectives on why they made the mistake and how that mistake made them better camp professionals.

Links from this episode:

First Class Counsellor Episode - Camp Relationships

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Oliver - Go to goodwill after Halloween and Christmas, There is always the best stuff.
Matt - Glow in the dark bowling

Host Links

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

What is First Class Counselors?

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!

Taking Camp Home With You - First Class Counselors #56

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 20:00:00 -0400

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/taking-camp-home
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Welcome to Season 5 of First Class Counselors!

Summer is over and you have scrolled through your gallery a bunch remembering how much fun you had.

Camp offered a lot - fun, food, friends. But it also taught you a lot and equip you for life after camp. As you unpack, we unpack all the ways you never truly leave summer camp behind.

Links from this episode:

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Oliver - Dragon eggs, Fill balloons with water and freeze them. You can also add small prizes.
Matt - Camp wide-game: Command and Conquer - Video rules

Host Links

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

What is First Class Counselors?

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!

6 Things You Can Do RIGHT NOW To Prepare for the Summer - First Class Counselors #55

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/6-things-you-can-do-right-now-to-prepare-for-the-summer

Summer is coming…here’s what every First Class Counselor should be doing to prepare!

If you’re listening to this podcast in real-time, then we are in the home stretch. Camp is coming and you can’t stop it now!

This episode is for any camp counselor, but specifically for the ones who are brand new, or any who want to shake off the rust of a few summers away, or for anyone whose year away from camp has felt like a lifetime. So…really everyone!

On this episode, we have 6 quickfire tips for what you can do RIGHT NOW to best prepare yourself for summer.

Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)

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E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Oliver - The Cucumber Potato Chip Technique
Matt - Game - Toro Toro

Host Links

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

What is First Class Counselors?

Self-Evaluations - First Class Counselors #54

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

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

Being able to do this truly separates the counselors, and the First Class Counselors!

One of the best parts about working at camp is the incredibly dynamic skill-set that you leave the job with. Not only do you gain super-human skills when it comes to working with kids, you’ll pick up a ton fmore in the realm of teamwork, creativity, maintenance, cleaning, cooking…do we need to go on?

You grow in an incredible amount of ways - and the job of a good boos/manager is to help point out where you’ve grown and where you still need to grow, right?

Wrong!

Well, not wrong, but if you leave the measurement of your growth to just one or two people writing an evaluation or giving you feedback, you’re missing a massively important person.

Yourself!

The ability to reflect on your own growth and performance, then take independent action to keep pushing is a hard skill to learn. But with a few tips, or rather, a podcast episode, you can put yourself on the path to self-evaluation success and truly get the most out of this summer.

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Oliver: DIY Ring Toss Carnival Game - Rings
Matt: - Up your summer footwear game - Matt’s recco - Chacos

Host Links

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

How to Be Your Director's Best Camp Counselor Ever - First Class Counselors #53

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/be-your-directors-best-counselor

You heard it from the pros…now here’s how to be the best they've ever seen.

If you missed the last episode, you’ll want to listen to it before this one. Listen here:

https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/your-directors-best-counselor

So now that you have listened you might be wondering…why are there so many different types of great counselors?

We learn that the value of a counselor is not always in the skills they offer but the values they represent and provide.

So we are going to work though that…and if you stay to the end, you will hear Matt and I share ours!

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Oliver: Evaluations
Matt: - Clifton Strengths by Gallup

Host Links

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

What is First Class Counselors?

Your Director's Best Camp Counselor Ever - First Class Counselors #52

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/your-directors-best-counselor

Straight from the horse’s…er…camp director’s mouth!

It’s a special episode of First Class Counselors. Oliver and many of our Go Camp Pro Podcast hosts are at the Tri-State Camp Conference, so we thought we’d use that time to our advantage.

In this episode, you will hear camp pros from across North America share their answer to “why was the best camp counselor who ever worked for you, the best camp counselor?”

You’ll hear back to back testimonies in this episode and then on the next one, Oliver and Matt will take back the mic to unpack these responses and give you some more practical tips on how to be the next, best, First Class Counselor!

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Back next episode!

Host Links

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

What is First Class Counselors?

Ages and Stages - part 2 - ages 11 to 16 - First Class Counselors #51

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/ages-and-stages-2

The kings, queens and royalty of sass. These campers need a little bit of extra patience and love.

Last episode, we introduced the emotional, physical and mental triangle of care and how it informs how counselors work with 5-11 years old at camp.

This episode we push into the wild unknowns of puberty and teenagers and share how we can work with their unique place in social-emotional development. These campers are simultaneously in the peak formation of their morals and ideals as well as being in one of the most socially tumultuous times of their lives. It’s a tough time to be a kid and sometimes, a tougher time to be their counselor.

So how do you not only just make it through a week, but thrive through it, forge deep connections AND maybe even teach a future camp staff? That’s why we’re here today. So tune in, friends!

Bonus Links

Thanks for checking out the show notes!

Tim Elmore’s Thermostat vs Thermometer

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Matt - Trickster Cards Site & App
Oliver - Juice Bar

Host Links

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

Ages and Stages - part 1 - ages 5 to 11 - First Class Counselors #50

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/ages-and-stages-1

How to understand, play with and take care of the delightful wee ones at camp.

97.2% of camps in North America run an “ages and stages” session during their staff training.

Ok, we made that number up, but what ISN’T made up is the fact that it’s one of the most important things to learn before starting your summer. This will sound obvious but something that we - and counselors - can easily forget is that kids are different than teens.

When we’re removed from childhood, even by only a few years, we forget that the physical, mental and emotional abilities that we have a decent handle on are still totally in development for our campers.

This two-part series won’t replace a full-on ages & stages session at camp, but it will certainly give you a good working knowledge of not only what you can expect when working with the wee ones, but some insider tips on how to make it as fun and issue-free as possible.

-Bonus Links

Thanks for checking out the show notes!

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Matt - Ontario Milk camp song
Oliver - Throw Clap

Host Links

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

What is First Class Counselors?

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!

Ace Your Next Camp Interview - Gabrielle Raill & Tiff Gratton-McDuffie - First Class Counselors #49

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/ace-your-next-interview

Do you ever wish you could get inside the head of the person interviewing you? Well wish no more!

It’s interview season for many camps! Around the world, camp counselors are preparing to share why they are the right fit for a camp position this summer. So, in the spirit of giving you an insider’s perspective, we have 3 camp directors on the panel who are hiring camp staff RIGHT NOW to tell you exactly what they’re looking for in a candidate.

Say hello to Gabrielle Raill (from Camp Code and CampHacker fame!) and Tiff Gratton-McDuffie (from the Day Camp Pod)! This episode is FULL of gold nuggets, so grab a pen and paper and tune in!

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Back next episode!

Host Links

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona
Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie, Executive Director - Purposeful Play
Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau

What is First Class Counselors?

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!

The International Camp Counselor Experience - with Adam Heslop - First Class Counselors #48

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

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

Whether you’re an international staff member or welcoming an international staff to your camp this summer, this episode is for you!

Did you know that in a normal year, there are over 20,000 international camp staff members that come to North America to experience the summer camp phenomenon? No joke!

Adam Heslop, the Summer Camp Programs Staffing Placement Coordinator from IENA (International Exchange of North America), joins Matt and Oliver to share what it’s really like to prepare to be, and to be an international staff member?

How does Adam know? Because he started off as an international staffer himself! Tune in to hear his stories and the lessons that he has to pass on to new international staffers and the domestic staff that have the opportunity to meet them!

Links From This Episode

From Adam:
- This is the Link to Bridge USA website that has the statistics of the program. Attached is the independent study into the Camp counselor program conducted by the Alliance for cultural exchange. https://j1visa.state.gov/basics/facts-and-figures/

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Oliver: Space Team - Card Game & App
Matt: Merlin Bird ID App
Adam: Learn 5 riddles to have ready to bust out! - Find Adam's here.

Host Links

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona
Adam Heslop, Head of Client Services at IENA

What is First Class Counselors?

Taking Campers On Trip 101 - First Class Counsellors #47

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/taking-campers-on-trip-101

Tripping is in-tents! Here’s how to be a First Class Counselor on trip!

A big event for many camps is the Overnight, the camp out, the out trip. It has many names but is the night where your campers and you are out of the cabin and in some capacity under the stars. It varies by camp how it is done. But it is an important experience for all campers and we are going to make sure you make it a first class experience.

In this episode we’re going to break down how to be prepared for a trip as a counsellor - that means how to both prepare for what you’ll personally need to consider, and the specifics of supervising kids in the wilderness and being an all-around First Class Counsellor on trip.

Links From This Episode

Find them at https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/taking-campers-on-trip-101

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Oliver: I’m a little piece of tin song/game

Matt: - Marco Polo App - Connect with camp friends!

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Host Links

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

What is First Class Counselors?

P.R.A.C.tical Skills the Pandemic Has Taught Camp Counsellors - First Class Counsellors #46

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

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

The pandemic has taught us some important lessons…here’s how to apply that learning to camp (and how to talk about it in a job interview!)

Since the beginning of the pandemic, have you…

Had to wait in a super-long line?
Be hyper-aware of how risky a potential gathering might be?
Change plans on a moment’s notice?
Do something you’ve never done before to learn, gather or connect?

Of course, you have!

When it comes time to apply for your next camp job, you have two years worth of experience to reflect on and translate into the camp context. This episode, Oliver and Matt share the first 4 skills in the form of the acronym P.R.A.C.tical.

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Matt: Paper Football - A great 1 on 1 time-killer game!

Oliver: Inshot Video Editor App - https://inshot.com/

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Host Links

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

What is First Class Counselors?

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!

Injecting Intention and Magic Into the Camp Day - part 2 - First Class Counsellors #45

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/intention-in-camp-day-pt2

You’ve rested up from siesta, now how are you going to crush the rest of the camp day?

Missed part 1? Check it out here: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/intention-in-camp-day

This is part 2 of Oliver and Matt going through the Camp Winona schedule and talk about some of their favourite ways to make each moment special. Episode 1 will cover wake-up to rest hour.

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Matt: Egyptian War / Slap Down Card Game

Oliver: Collectable Aprons! It’s an apron for the kitchen, for arts and crafts, and in a pinch , a cape!

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Host Links

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

What is First Class Counselors?

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!

Injecting Intention and Magic Into the Camp Day - part 1 - First Class Counsellors #44

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/intention-in-camp-day

From the rising of the sun to rest hour - here’s how to absolutely rock a camp day.

Every day at camp is a new opportunity. An opportunity to connect, an opportunity to have fun, or an opportunity to change a camper’s life forever.

However, it can be a little daunting to consistently come up with something incredible with something fantastic for every single moment of the day. And, while we wouldn’t advise trying to fill every single moment, it’s never a bad idea to have your backpack full of ideas to make the most of every moment.

For the next two episodes, Oliver and Matt go through the Camp Winona schedule and talk about some of their favourite ways to make each moment special. Episode 1 will cover wake-up to rest hour.

Here we go!

Show Links!

The Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Matt: Deer Ears & Owl Eyes

Oliver: A camp counsellor classic - a solid carabiner to hold your keys and a Tile to keep track of them!

Host Links

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

What is First Class Counselors?

How to Make a Cabin a Home for Campers (and yourself!) - First Class Counselors #43

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/make-a-cabin-home

Home is where the bunk is…at least it is at camp!

For nearly 8 weeks a small converted shed will be your place of residency. For many camps a cabin is a room with just bunks. Sometimes you are lucky to have walls and those with a bathroom could be considered pampered. But how do you make this temporary residence feel like home for you and for your campers?

For day camp counsellors you have the challenge of doing this but without the physical 4 walls. How can you take all of the personalization, the rituals and the leverage you get from using the physical space? It’s tough, but it’s totally possible. This episode will have something for everyone, so tune in and let’s figure out how to help your campers feel at home at camp.

On this episode you’ll hear:

The reality of cabin life for you and campers - how to not be de-feeted!
Creating an environment of belonging - right from the beginning
The look of a cabin that says “welcome home”
Creating “home” throughout the week
How to use tradition and ritual to help keep that feeling of home strong even when campers actually go home.

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Bonus Links!
Oliver's favourite stickers!

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Matt: Daily gratitude journaling.

5 things you’re grateful for, 3 things you’re proud of from the past 24 hours, 1 goal for the next 24 hours

Oliver: Tea! For any occasion. Seriously…Oliver’s been on a huge tea-kick lately!

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Host Links

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

What is First Class Counselors?

Best Cabin Bonding Ideas - First Class Counselors #42

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

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

Camp friendships last a lifetime - here’s how to help your campers make them!

Counselors know how strong that camp friendships are. But do you remember way back when you were a camper? Do you remember your first camp friend? Chances are, your counselor had a big part in helping you forge that friendship.

So now, like all things at camp, it’s time to pay it forward!

In this episode, Oliver and Matt discuss their favourite ideas for helping a cabin form their most fantastic friendships ever.

On this episode you’ll hear:

Why is camp the perfect place for camp friendships to form?
How to start your week off with building friendships
How to keep the momentum going
Camp activities and times perfect for forging friendships
Ending the week with a band and sending them home with new friends for life!

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Matt: The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award - US - Canada

Oliver: Oliver’s best (and most gross) “touch of something scary” ideas

Marshmallows in water - Eyeballs
Hot dogs, carrots - Fingers
Wet tortilla - Skin
Raisins with something sticking (honey or maple syrup) - Boogers
Sliced almonds - Finger nails’
Over cooked rice - Maggots

Host Links

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

What is First Class Counselors?

What To Do When There's Wild Weather - First Class Counselors #41

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

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

Rain or (extreme) shine, it’s First Class Counselor Time!

What a gift the rain is.

Many kids are growing up to learn that the moment it starts raining, that outdoor playtime is over.

At camp, we have the opportunity to flip the script, and through our example, teach campers to embrace the rain and either use it to have a great time or have a great time in spite of it!

Don’t get us wrong, it’s a bummer when you have a great program that you want to run and a thunderstorm or extreme heat day forces you to re-think it. However, if you’ve planned it right and use some of the tips from this episode, you’ll be able to pivot into the BEST RAIN PLAN EVER.

On this episode you’ll hear:

What you need to know about how camps and you need to approach programming in the rain and extreme heat.
Some thoughts and awesome activities when it’s rainy
- Kid-friendly card games - https://www.todaysparent.com/family/activities/10-kid-friendly-card-games/
- Jim Cain’s Find Something to Do
Even more ideas for when it’s HOT HOT HOT!
A few other pro tips and tricks

Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)

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E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Matt: Just like Mom - Your New Favourite Evening Program - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAkx6tnMZOc&ab_channel=Canada%27sGameShows

Oliver: Get dirty once a week. Go build a shelter in the woods, build a sandcastle at the beach, do a wacky exploding science experience. Make a mess. These tasks make us problem solve and keep our brains fresh plus teach us how to have fun and be used to getting dirty. Send me a picture through Facebook.

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Host Links

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

What is First Class Counselors?

Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrid from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Top Tips for Recovering from and Reflecting on the Past Summer - First Class Counselors #40

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -0400

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/reflect-on-last-summer

Lots of learning from Season 3 of First Class Counselors! Here’s what will help you MOST for this coming summer!

Welcome back to another season of First Class Counselors!

We’re starting this season off where the summer of 2021 ended. For some camps, it started to feel a bit more normal, but for many, it was a hard one.

Camp counselors were truly on the front line of the pandemic this summer. After a year full of screens and small social bubbles, both the campers and their counselors faced the social and behavioural realities of life outside of the Zoom room.

With no mute button, no way to turn the camera off and having to wear non-sweatpants and PJs all day, it was, to say the least, tough.

So after a tough summer, how do you move forward? When you love camp, but it’s kicked the crap out of you, how do you even think about next summer?

Here’s the secret - you don’t. Recover, reflect then think about next year.

It would be easy to just wash the summer off of you like your perma-dirt Teva tan, but First Class Counselors never settle for the easy path.

This episode is all about reflection and recovery. Matt and Oliver will give you their top tips for how to intentionally move forward after a tough year.

On this episode you’ll hear:

Creating a reflection document of the summer to look back on later
Ideas for mental and physical decompressing
Problem-solving tactics for making 2022 your best summer yet
How to make sure you have gotten everything camp has to offer (that means a great reference from your director!)

What do you think of the Podcast? Any ideas? Let Matt know! - matt@gocamp.pro
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E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Matt: Senses Walk & Nature ID Apps (Seek, Google Lens, Merlin, Picture Mushroom, Picture This, PlantNet)

Oliver - Some of Oliver’s favourite campfire slow jams (tune in and you’ll get to hear Oliver sing!)
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Host Links

Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

What is First Class Counselors?

Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Lessons for This Summer from Season 3 - First Class Counselors #39

Thu, 20 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/lessons-from-season-3

Lots of learning from Season 3 of First Class Counselors! Here’s what will help you MOST for this coming summer!

And what a season it’s been! We’ve covered everything from camp counsellor financial decisions to essential skills, with some good ol’ fashion camp games in between. We’ve welcomed sensational guests and even had our first-ever collaboration with another Podcast.

As we wrap up this season, we’ll talk about some of our favourite episodes and talk about some of the major takeaways and how they’ll apply to this coming summer.

Here are our picks for our favourite of Season 3!

Matt

Oliver

Any ideas for Season 4? Let Matt know - matt@gocamp.pro

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E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Oliver - 3rd Person Introductions - “His name is Oliver, he enjoys ice cream, he thinks speaking in the third person makes him cool.”

Matt - Group Juggling - by Jim Cain

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Host Links

Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

What is First Class Counselors?

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!

Expectations for Being a Counselor In COVID Times - with Andy Pritikin - First Class Counselors #38

Thu, 06 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

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

Here’s the inside scoop on what being a counselor is like at camp is going to be like during the COVID-19 pandemic

Today we’re speaking to counsellors who will be working at camp during a global pandemic.

That’s right DURING! COVID isn’t over just because we’ve got a few million vaccines in arms and there are a lot of things that will be different about camp from any other year. So on this episode, we’re going to give you the inside scoop on what being a counsellor at a COVID-considerate camp is going to look like this summer.

We’ll cover what the on-the-ground perspective is going to look like, what directors expectations are going to be, what to do if you’re feeling overwhelmed, and some things to ask before you start.

Oliver is away today, in full-on summer camp mode so we’ve recruited a pro for this topic - someone who has not only been at camp but RAN camp during a pandemic - well, the same pandemic back last summer.

Andy Pritikin is the director of Liberty Lake day camp in the Philly Suburbs and is also the host of the Day Camp Pod - a podcast for day camp professionals and budding day camp professionals. What better person to tell you what a director is going to expect than a director himself, so friends please say hello to the man, my friend, Andy Pritikin!

What did you think of this episode? Any ideas for Season 4? Let matt know - matt@gocamp.pro

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Bonus links from this episode:

Conversations Starters World - Awesome get to know you question site

The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team - Patrick Lencioni

First Class Counsellors Episode - Mental Health, Breaks and Self Care at Camp

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E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Andy - Keep a deck of cards on you at all times for rainy days - teach kids how to play basic games, even blackjack just for fun will keep them engaged for awhile

Matt - Get to know you activity - Name Dance Wave

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Host Links

Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp

What is First Class Counselors?

8 Mistakes That Make Your Camp Director's Head Shake - First Class Counselors #37

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/8-Mistakes

Let’s pre-learn from our pre-mistakes. No, seriously.

We all make mistakes. It’s okay.

In fact, camp is built to make sure people can make mistakes to learn and grow from. As a community that fosters growth, it is like a petri dish of mistakes. And like Fleming discovering penicillin great things can come from mistakes. Some things however are just mistakes, we have seen or tried and failed ourselves. Here are the 8 simple mistakes we see counselors make that cause camp directors to shake their heads and go, “why!?”.

As Camp Directors, we don’t take mistakes personally, but we do take them seriously - in everything but something that is fireable, mistakes are opportunities to grow, learn and get better. The other thing about most of these mistakes is that they impact the community. Whether it’s the paperwork that has to be filled out, the camper parents that need to be called or the staff community that needs some healing, it’s a hard way to learn that camp is bigger than just one person. We’re all in this together, folks, so let’s head some of these mistakes off at the pass and get right to the growing.

What is a mistake that you’ve learned from? Please share!

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E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Oliver - Using behaviour-based questions to really get down to the bottom of why people are the way they are.

Matt - Learn some basic yoga and physio stretches. Specifically your ankles and hips. Your knees will thank you. - Check out Yoga with Adrienne

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Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer Camp Professional
Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

What is First Class Counselors?

Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Top Tips for Working with Kids in a Global Pandemic - First Class Counselors #36

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/working-with-pandemic-kids

A preview of the camper behaviour you’ll see this summer, from some firsthand experience.

This episode is for the first summer you are back to in-person programming after/during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Matt and Oliver are here to share their experiences hanging out with kids during the pandemic to give you the inside scoop on what you, as a camp counselor, can expect this summer. Its’ going to be different but we are here to tell you it will be ok.

Matt and Oliver speak from their perspective here so let’s talk about where they’re coming from.

Matt
- Boys at an elementary school (kindergarten to grade 8)
- His 4-year-old nephew
Oliver
- I worked up in CT in a substitute location for virtual schools and an after-school program with kids in the 5th to 8th grade.
- Now I am running an overnight camp in Florida. We just hosted a mini-camp weekend with campers 6 to 17.

Do you have any “pro-tips” from your experience working with kids during the pandemic? Please share!
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E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Oliver - Take some time to learn about the nature around you. Especially if you move to a new area! You can use the Seek augmented reality app to help with this. Just point your phone’s camera a learn away!

Matt - Zoo-Keepers-Game - Listen to this episode to hear more!

(more great socially distant games from Asphalt Green)

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Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer Camp Professional
Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

What is First Class Counselors?

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!

The Avengers Playing Camp Games - with Substantiate - First Class Counselors #35

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

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

If The Avengers took part in Color Games…who would win?

We’re here to answer the big questions.

This episode, we team up with William Glasser and the Substantiate Podcast to take our teams of Avengers and put them to the test in some unique Color Games events.

Tune in to this episode to hear about some unique events you can add to your camp programs this summer.

Part one of this conversation - where we drafted and justified our teams - is over on the Substantiate feed, so check it out there!

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Back Next Episode!

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer Camp Professional
Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

What is First Class Counselors?

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!

Supporting New Staff Members - First Class Counselors #34

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

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

Every year you come back to camp, it becomes less and less about yourself. Here’s how to support the newbies!

We have a 2 for 1 episode for you!

First up, we bring you an exclusive interview with one of the newest and youngest Executive directors of a YMCA camp in North America - exclusive for you! Tune in to hear about how he went from a counsellor just like you to reaching one of his biggest camp dreams out there.

As well, we have a real topic today and it's close to the heart for Oliver. How do you welcome new staff? Camps every year introduce new staff from all over, internationals, never been to camp domestics and first year counselors who were once CITs.

How do you as an experienced staff help them feel as welcomed, included and informed as possible?

It’s not just up to your directors to welcome new staff!

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E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Games, songs, and other super-practical tips that you can use at camp next summer.

Matt: The 4 chord progression for most pop songs -
Guitar - Em - C - G - D | Ukulele - Am - F - C - G

Oliver: The pinecone game! Help your facility staff while playing a game with campers!

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Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer Camp Professional
Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

What is First Class Counselors?

10 Ways to (Intentionally) Fill 5 Minutes - First Class Counselors #33

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/fill-5-minutes

Every moment is precious at camp…even those 5 minutes before you go into a meal!

10 ways to spend 5 minutes with your campers. You need these as a counselor. The days are structured but there will forever be break times and they are vitally important to camper development that we take advantage of those moments. Let’s break down when to pop what activities at what times. Thus improving intentionality and awareness.

It’s not about filling those 5 minutes for the sake of filling 5 minutes either, it’s about engaging your campers intentionally. Even though we give you some games - it’s not just games that you can do in this extra time - think about what your group may need - and program accordingly.

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Bonus Links:

Rita Pierson’s TED Talk - https://www.ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_needs_a_champion?language=en

Conversation Starters - https://conversationstartersworld.com/

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Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer Camp Professional
Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

What is First Class Counselors?

Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up-and-coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

6 Myths About Working at Summer Camp - First Class Counselors #32

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 02:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/6-camp-myths

Don’t listen to the movies - working at Summer Camp is nothing like it - it’s much more real, and much better!

The mythos of camp is one filled with legends and mystery. While much of it falls in the realms of you just need to be there to understand or it’s locked away in the secrecy of never can tell games there are a few things we can bust for you today. What is true and untrue about some myths you have heard about camp?

Our Podcasts are usually specifically geared towards camp counsellors, and are usually pretty skill-based, but we’re doing this for Camp Directors and Camp staff who want to recruit other staff to work at camp.

If you’re listening to this because a Camp Director or friend told you to listen to this - welcome! It’s great to have you.

We’re excited to help share some way to tell people what camp is really all about.

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Bonus Links:

First Class Counselors Podcast Episode: Camp IS a Real Job! With Kim Aycock

First Class Counselors Podcast Episode: Camp Counselor Financials

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E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Games, songs, and other super-practical tips that you can use at camp next summer.

Oliver: Campfire Cooking. The Campfire Cookbook: 80 Imaginative Recipes for Cooking Outdoors

Matt: Finger Calculator Game (Add’em up)

-

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer Camp Professional
Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

What is First Class Counselors?

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!

This Will Make You A Better Camp Programmer - First Class Counselors #31

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 02:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

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

Every camp counselor is, or will be, a programmer someday. No matter how basic your session is, there are a few things that you can do to make them the best they can be

Programs.

At most camps you are going to end up leading a program. It could be guitar, swim lessons or archery There are honestly hundreds of programs camps can offer. Some require special training or are an established skill you should already know how to do. But for many counselors it is your first time teaching, leading or instructing.

Being an incredible athlete or artist will not guarantee greatness in your program period. But these simple skills, tricks and techniques might. Today we are specifically covering programs campers sign up for and repeat throughout the week or are coming to for an extended period of time.

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Games, songs, and other super-practical tips that you can use at camp next summer.

Oliver: Theme your days. Start a group text with your camp friends and link a calendar. On that calendar put a bunch of random themes that you would normally have at camp and send each other pictures of the day.

Matt: Use a role-playing game 20-sided dice to gamify your camp experiences!

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer Camp Professional
Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

What is First Class Counselors?

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!

Camper-Friendly Language - First Class Counsellors #30

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

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

A camp counselor’s words can change a child’s life. Here’s how to handle that incredible responsibility with care, grace, and skill.

You are a hero to your campers.

Whether you like it or not, those kids are going to think you’re the coolest thing since sliced bread and want to be just like you. This means that we always need to make sure that through our words and actions, we’re teaching them, by example, that what we say and do matter.

This episode, Matt and Oliver cover the words part. They put their heads together and break down how the language we use with campers can lead them, comfort them, correct them and inspire them.

So untwist those tongues and put on your thinking caps, because this episode is a good one!

Links from this episode:

Book About Resiliency - Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway
Book About Negotiation - Never Split the Difference

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Games, songs, and other super-practical tips that you can use at camp next summer.

Oliver: The Plant Project - Take a plant, smash it, and bring it back to life with a new pot. Great nurturing practice for camp!

Matt: Team Body Project Workouts

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer Camp Professional
Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

What is First Class Counselors?

Humble Brags and Future Endeavors - First Class Counselors #29

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 02:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/humble-brags-2020

Let’s purposefully reflect on 2020 and prepare for the year ahead.

We’re posting this as 2020 comes to a close.

If you’re viewing this from the future, congrats, you’re still here!

2020 was a weird year, but COVID certainly didn’t stop the learning, growing and changing that would happen any other year.

So for this episode, the last of the year, Oliver and Matt reflect on the 2020 year, look forward to 2021 and talk a little about goal-setting through the eyes of a camp counselor.

Tune in to hear about:

Oliver and Matt’s personal and professional wins of the year
Their resolutions going forward
Some big, ambitious goals for camp staff in 2021
What goes into creating a successful resolution.

Links from this episode:

Go Camp Pro’s USELetter Sign-Up
Oliver’s Goal-Setting Worksheet for Camp Staff

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Games, songs, and other super-practical tips that you can use at camp next summer.

Oliver: Use The Pomodoro Method to GET STUFF DONE.

Matt: Make it a new year’s resolution to learn how to play Ukulele!

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer Camp Professional
Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

What is First Class Counselors?

10 Things You'd NEVER Expect a Camp Counselor Does at Camp - First Class Counselors #28

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 02:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/10-counsellor-jobs

Camp Couneslors do whatever needs to be done to give campers the best summer camp experience they can.

“Other duties as required”. It's a short sentence at the end of a job description that means an awful lot. Today we are going to share some of our stories that fall into this jurisdiction. These are the stories where it is the job that just has to get done, the weird tasks we have had to perform and the unexpected flexibility needed from counselors who are doing their best.

We hope for first-time counselors this may identify the responsibilities of being a counselor. For those who have a few summers under their belt these are some great stories that may help you down the line.

Links from this episode:

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Games, songs, and other super-practical tips that you can use at camp next summer.

Oliver:

Simple bets- small and don’t let it escalate. Be a good judge of if your cabin can handle it, but it can be a lot of fun.

Things you can bet

A push up (at any time)
A bouquet of grass
Door manager for the day
10 tree hugs
A list of names for my future children
A portrait of me
5 compliments before bed

Matt: Nature game - Find a Tree

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer Camp Professional
Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

What is First Class Counselors?

Being an Ally to Women in Camping - with Rachel Kent and Ruby Compton - First Class Counselors #27

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 02:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

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

It’s time for the men of the camping industry to step up, step down, and better support our women colleagues in camp.

The camp industry, as a whole, participates in structural inequality. Period.

It’s easy to get caught in the trap of believing that because we create the separate, magical and intentional community at camp, that we are too insulated from the crap of the outside world. In some ways, we definitely exist in a bubble, but that is not the case when it comes to structural racism, sexism and other forms of inequality.

In this episode of First Class Counsellors, we begin a series on using our privilege, power, and knowledge of the camp industry to look at issues of inequality from the ground up - and that means starting with camp counsellors.

To start, Oliver and Matt are joined by Go Camp Pro podcast pros Ruby Compton (of Camp Code fame) and Rachel Kent (of Beyond Camp fame). Together they talk about their experiences being on both sides of sexism and how our young, male counsellors can better support their female-identifying co-workers.

Finally, Rachel and Ruby share about their involvement with the Women in Camp Summit and the work the conference and movement does to empower, educate and foster the growth of women in the camping industry.

Together, our four hosts cover:

Their counselling experience and how their genders impacted their time at camp.
From a counsellor's scope, where do / have we seen inequality between men and women at camp exist?
What can male camp counsellors do to be better allies to their female co-staff?
How the Women in Camp Summit began and what this year’s summit will look like
Why were the “allies event” and “allies fund” created for this year?
Much, much more!

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Games, songs, and other super-practical tips that you can use at camp next summer.

Oliver: Fairy Letters (check out the video for this one to see it)

Matt: Heads or Tails, 2 minute elimination game

Ruby: Fairy House turned into mini ninja training ground

Rachel: Eco Police - Giving campers the task of looking out for camp’s environmental impact.

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer Camp Professional
Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Rachel Kent, Coordinator, Member Risk - Girl Guides of Canada
Ruby Compton, Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby Outdoors

What is First Class Counselors?

Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counse

Camp Counselor Financials - First Class Counselors #26

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 02:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find more at https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/camp-counselor-financials

Should you spend your own money on camp stuff? No. Well…sometimes…well…okay, just listen to this episode!

This one has been a bee in our bonnet for a long time. Camp counselors make so little money, but often spend so much of it on things they use at camp and we’re here to stand on our soapbox and say NO MORE!

Granted, there are some times to invest in gear, games or self-care, but at the end of the day you should never have to spend big bucks to be a First Class Counselor!

Tune in to this episode to learn about:

How does pay work in the summer camp world and why is it generally so low?
What are some of the benefits of working at camp beyond the pay?
What should you NOT spend your hard-earned pay on? When may it be okay?
Hear about Matt and Oliver’s most shameful camp purchases so you don’t have to make their mistake!

If you have any feedback, or a suggestion for a future FCC show, send Matt an email at matt@gocamp.pro

Bonus Material - Thanks for reading the show notes!

Ubuntu Cards
Matt as Captain Planet: (check the show notes!)

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing, Ever Learning.

Games, songs, and other super-practical tips that you can use at camp next summer.

Oliver:

Put it on a graph, chart, infographic

Is cereal a soup
Is water wet
Most popular questions google is asked
Most common thoughts of dogs

Matt:

DIY Disc Golf Course

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell
Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

What is First Class Counselors?

Bonus Episode - The Women of Go Camp Pro Podcasts

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 14:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/blog/women-of-gcp-podcast

What do you call it when you gather a bunch of female camp and podcasting pros in a room? You call it AWESOME.

In today’s special crossover episode, Beth Allison from Camp Code hosts a conversation with several of the women who podcast with Go Camp Pro. Today’s episode features Rachel Kent and Cassie Bloy from Beyond Camp, Sam Thompson from the Day Camp Pod, Kelly Schuna from The Camp Owner’s Podcast, and Ruby Compton from Camp Code and Gabrielle Raill from CampHacker and Camp Code.

Listen in as these women discuss their mentors who inspired them in the industry, challenges women face working at camp and advice for new camp pros. Interestingly, all of these women have also attended the Women in Camp Summit in previous years. During the episode, they discuss some of their biggest takeaways from the event as well as what they are most looking forward to for this year’s Live Virtual Summit taking place December 2-3. Find out more about the Women in Camp Summit Live Virtual event at https://www.womenincampsummit.com.

Gabrielle announced this year’s Summit will also feature the first of the “Becoming Allies” series with an event titled “Becoming Allies: Supporting Women in Camp” on December 4. Folks who want to participate in the Allies event can register through this link: https://acai.wildapricot.org/event-4051965

The Women in Camp Summit needs your support!

The planning team for the Summit has set a $7,500 fundraising goal to offer scholarships to attendees and off-set the costs of hosting this unique professional development event. Every dollar counts. Donate today and donate again on the Day of Giving for the Women in Camp Summit on November 24. Donate here: https://acai.wildapricot.org/allies/

Love this episode?

Find more Podcast goodness at gocamp.pro/podcast. Also, if you want to support the work that we do, please consider subscribing to the shows, and leaving us a rating in your favourite Podcast app.

On This Episode:

Beth Allison, Camp Consultant and Co-Owner - Go Camp Pro
Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau
Ruby Compton, Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby Outdoors
Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch
Cassie Bloy, Consultant & Freelance Camp Director - Stephane Richard Development Consulting
Rachel Kent, Coordinator, Member Risk - Girl Guides of Canada

Sensational Storytelling - First Class Counselors #25

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 02:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

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

Being able to spin a great story: A skill for every First Class Counselor to learn. Joe Richards, Camp Director, Podcaster and Storytelling Wizard is here to teach you how.

Telling a great story is much more than sitting down on a stump, shining a flashlight under your chin and telling a story that you’ve memorized.

If you want your stories to draw campers in, transport them to another world and hang on your every word, it takes a lot!. As with any hard-skill like this, it’s going to take both knowledge and practice to get it right. So First Class Counselors is here to give you a great start on the knowledge piece.

Joining Oliver and Matt is Joe Richards, Executive Director at Pearce Williams and co-host of the CampHacker Podcast. Joe’s experience in storytelling is deep and wide, beginning from his time as a counselor and carrying through a University thesis on the subject and now in his work teaching other staff at Pearce Williams.

Tune in to this episode to learn about:

Are scary stories okay at camp?
Why are stories so connected to the camp experience?
Where do you start if you think you have no storytelling skills?
What tricks do you use to capture attention?
What resources do you use when trying to find or even make a great story?
Hear a great example of a story from Joe!

If you have any feedback, or a suggestion for a future FCC show, send Matt an email at matt@gocamp.pro

Bonus Material - Thanks for reading the show notes!

Joe’s Canadian Camping Magazine Archive Project
The Cremation of Sam Mcgee
The 5-Rules of Storytelling:-

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Games, songs, and other super-practical tips that you can use at camp next summer.

Matt: Never-Can-Tell: Snaps

Oliver: Rory’s Story Cubes

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell
Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

What is First Class Counselors?

6 Essential Skills for Camp Counsellors - First Class Counselors #24

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 02:00:00 -0400

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/6-essential-skills

If you can master these 6 skills, you’re probably a First Class Counselor!

Let's cut to the chase. These 6 skills are absolutely essential for a camp counselor to have.

In this episode, Oliver and Matt break down the skills and how you can work on them.

Here are the skills:

Saying Yes
Asking Questions and Listening Properly
Be Prepared, but Be Flexible
Sight on Safety
Support on the Sideline
Practice Positivity

Tune in to this episode to learn about these skills and how to develop them before next summer.

If you have any feedback, or a suggestion for a future FCC show, send Matt an email at matt@gocamp.pro

Bonus Material - Thanks for reading the show notes!

SMEAT - The ultimate safety acronym
- S - Sharp & Dangerous Objects
- M - Mass, anything heavy or that will be affected by weight
- E - Energy - what is the energy level required to participate safely
- A - Area - is the activity area well defined and clear of hazards, distractions or other dangers
- T - Temperature - Is the material hot or are the weather conditions acceptable to participate
Beyond Camp: Toxic Positivity

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Games, songs, and other super-practical tips that you can use at camp next summer.

Matt: Dragons and Knights (also known as Grilled Cheese)

Oliver: 3 Blind Card Game (heads up, there’s a curse word in the actual title)

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell
Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

What is First Class Counselors?

Creating Wonder and Magic for Campers - First Class Counselors #23

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 02:00:00 -0400

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

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

With this skill, First Class Counselors create an extraordinary world to welcome campers into! Let’s make it magical!

Do you ever wonder why some counselors are next level, you could almost say first class?

How do they create wondrous moments and stories that campers remember for years to come?
How do they make star gazing incredible?
Cabin cleaning an event to look forward to? Or themed days completely immersive?

In the industry, we call it camp magic.

In this episode, Oliver and Matt define and share ways to be magical.

We like to say we are in the memory-making business. What can you do to make sure campers remember their inexperience at camp?

Tune in to this episode to hear about:

What does “camp magic” even mean?
What does camp magic look like? Why do some people say it’s invisible?
14+ tips on how to create wonder and magic for your campers this summer
How to make these magical moments actually happen?
Much, much more!

If you have any feedback, or a suggestion for a future FCC show, send Matt an email at matt@gocamp.pro

Bonus Material - Thanks for reading the show notes!

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Games, songs, and other super-practical tips that you can use at camp next summer.

Matt: Camp Song - Ticky Tack (give this episode a listen to hear it!)

Oliver: Improv Game - Questions Only

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell
Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

What is First Class Counselors?

Camp and Back to School (during a pandemic) - First Class Counselors #22

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 02:00:00 -0400

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find links and show notes at https://gocamp.pro/fcc

You’re back to school and we’re back to Podcasting. Welcome to First Class Counselors Season 3!

It’s so great to be back.

Now we’re excited to be back to the podcast…but you may not be so excited about being back to school. We get it and we hear you.

So in our mission to keep talking about the things that matter most to camp counselors, we’re here to talk about how the skills that camp teaches can help during tough transitions like back to school.

To help us unpack this we welcome Thomas Dewar, a staff member at The Cairn Family of Camps in Ontario. Thomas is a music student at Western University in London, Ontario. He was a virtual camp staff during the summer of 2020, and is now in full back to school mode.

We’re so grateful to get Thomas’ perspective on how camp has given him the skills to manage back a normal, and this not so normal, transition.

We hope you enjoy this episode!

If you have any feedback, or a suggestion for a future FCC show, send Matt an email at matt@gocamp.pro

E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever Learning

Games, songs, and other super-practical tips that you can use at camp next summer.

Thomas: The Dinosaur Song (video coming soon!)

Matt: Game: Change 3 Things Game

Oliver: Write a letter to foster some of your social circles.

Funny letter prompts:

“A podcast I listen to told me to do this…”
“Wanted to let you know I want to hang out more often”
“I found this restaurant that is a nice place to meet up”
“I always wanted to skydive but I need you buddy”
“If school sucks send me a letter back and I will rescue you when you least need it”
“Here is a list of transcribed pick up lines so you can make new friends. I know you are lost without me”
“I am not desperate. But i did write this by hand, find an envelope, relearn how to address a letter, purchase a stamp and drop this in a mailbox to talk to you when I could have sent a text.”

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell
Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

Guest

Thomas Dewar, Music Student - Trombone Performance - Camp Staff at The Cairn Family of Camps

What is First Class Counsellors?

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!

Setting Goals for Summer 2020 and 2021 - First Class Counselors #21

Thu, 21 May 2020 06:00:00 -0400

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Thanks for the season, friends! Let’s recap and set some goals for whenever your next summer at camp will be.

Welcome to the season finale of season 2 of First Class Counsellors!

At the end of every summer, it’s important that you, as a counselor take some time to reflect on the many lessons that you learned from the summer.

It’s equally important to think about those lessons in the context of whatever is next.

That was the plan for this episode. We wanted to reflect on our entire season of episodes and think about what stood out as some important lessons or trends as we talked.

Then we planned on using those lessons and trends to help you set goals for the summer of 2020 at camp.

Then - COVID happened. Both Oliver and Matt’s camp communities have been directed to close overnight programs for the summer.

So, as any First Class Counselor would, they adapted and thought about goals that would apply in 2020 whether or not camp was running in 2020 and then how to think ahead to 2021.

Tune in to this episode to hear about:

Matt and Oliver’s favourite episodes from Season 2 of First Class Counselors
Some of the most practical skills for counselors in camp and as they think about what’s next
Some of the biggest trends they spotted in the process of producing this season
Thoughts on how COVID is going to impact this summer for camp staff
Goal setting for 2020 and 2021
News on Season 3 of First Class Counsellors and how to stay in touch over the summer.

If you have any feedback, or a suggestion for a future FCC show, send Matt an email at matt@gocamp.pro

Get Ready - Counsellors, do this NOW to level up your counselling skills.

Goals for 2020 and 2021

2020 - If camp is open

Matt: If camp is open, be the best team-player. Camp is going to look different this summer, but it’s your job to have the most fun, ever in the process.

Oliver: You are front-line safety supervisors. You have an incredible amount of responsibility to keep kids safe while still bringing the camp spirit. Treat that responsibility seriously. We thank you for this role you are taking on.

2020 - If camp is closed

Matt and Oliver: Treat this summer as a sabbatical. Work hard to grow your skills and learn more so you can come back without missing a step in 2021.

2021

Matt and Oliver: Come back. Do everything you can to not lose that camp spirit and come back in 2021. Camp, and the kids, will need you.

Bonus Resources

Visit https://www.camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell
Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

How to Receive (and Give!) Feedback - First Class Counselors #20

Thu, 07 May 2020 06:00:00 -0400

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

First Class Counsellors show their maturity when they are able to receive and follow through on feedback. Here’s how to do it.

Welcome to episode 20 of First Class Counsellors!

Feedback. As a counselor you get a lot of feedback. Most of it is typically tough to hear or difficult to adapt to.

You are ultimately responsible for your behaviour and there are some things you may need to change.

How you receive that feedback and interpret it is important.

We are mostly going to talk about the tough conversations today but we want everyone to know that feedback is all positive because it is all aimed to get better. If you keep that growth mindset these conversations will not only be productive but a lot easier.

On this episode of First Class Counselors, we give you the tools to both receive and give feedback in the most productive was possible.

Tune in to this episode to hear about:

What’s it like for the person giving feedback?
Tips for listening to feedback so you get the most out of it
How to make the change that the feedback is asking you to make
What changes when it comes to evaluations?
How to give feedback to a co-counselor?
What about positive feedback? How do we give and receive it?

We hope you enjoy this episode, and most importantly, find it useful!

If you have any feedback, or a suggestion for a future FCC show, send Matt an email at matt@gocamp.pro

Get Ready - Counselors, do this NOW to level up your counselling skills

Oliver: Draw a picture of your favorite camp song, send it to your director
Matt: The Crisis Text Line offers text-based support in Canada, Ireland, the UK, and the US. Services can also be accessed via Facebook Messenger. This service was just expanded to Canada and Ireland so your stakeholders may not be aware of it.

Check out the access numbers here https://www.crisistextline.org/.

Please note that it appears that parts of the website indicate that service hasn't launched in Ireland yet. But there is a contact number for Ireland on the landing page, so it looks like service is available but not fully ramped up yet.

Crisis Text Line is also looking for volunteers in all the countries they service and this could be a great opportunity for your staff and volunteers to support their communities at this time.

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell
Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

What is First Class Counsellors?

This is free professional development for your counsellors! We would love your feedback. Please leave your comments below, or,

Be the Best Co - First Class Counselors #19

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 06:00:00 -0400

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Learning how to be a great co-counselor will be one of the most important life skills you take away from camp. Here’s how to do it.

Welcome to episode 19 of First Class Counsellors!

One of the best parts about camp is that we get to live and work with people that can become our nearest and dearest friends.

However, to get to that point, you have to understand that it takes work, and it’s not always easy.

The camp job can be hard. Working and living with the same people is sometimes HARDER. This isn’t a group project. You may have 2 whole months with these people and even when it gets hard, it’s still your job to be good to each other.

A good co-counseling relationship will inevitably mean that the campers have a good week, and of course, that’s what we want.

On this episode of First Class Counselors, we give you the tools to not only be an incredible co-worker at camp, but a great co-worker for the rest of your lives.

Tune in to this episode to hear about:

How to support the mental, emotional and physical health of your Co
How to support your Co in their big moments to step up and take leadership
Tips for keeping each other accountable for doing the best possible job you can
What do you do if you don’t like your Co? What if you HATE them?
How to support the rest of your co-workers in the everyday places at camp

We hope you enjoy this episode, and most importantly, find it useful!

If you have any feedback, or a suggestion for a future FCC show, send Matt an email at matt@gocamp.pro

Get Ready - Counsellors, do this NOW to level up your counselling skills

Oliver: 100 Humans on Netflix
Matt: Discover your Love Language! Take this simple quiz!

Super Supervision - First Class Counselors #18

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 06:00:00 -0400

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Being a great, active, engaged supervisor is what really sets a First Class Counselor apart. Here’s how to do it.

Welcome to episode 18 of First Class Counselors!

When you hear the word “supervise” it may conjure up a picture of a parent sitting on a park bench watching their kid play on a jungle gym.

Let’s get this straight. That is NOT what we’re talking about here.

When a “First Class” camp counselor is “supervising” campers, it’s almost like they are using a superpower. They can spot problems before they even happen. They are connecting with kids. They are supporting their colleagues. Is this amazing skill something counsellors just KNOW?

No! But it’s one of those things that usually has to come with a bit of experience.

On this episode of First Class Counselors, we hack the supervision superpower and give even brand new counsellors the keys to unlock their inner supervision superhero.

Tune in to this episode to hear about:

What are the different levels of supervision? What’s the difference between “zone” and “person” coverage?
The DARLING supervision framework (h/t to James Davis and the Summer Camp Society for this idea)
Where are the most important areas for stellar supervision at camp?
How to make supervision engaging for both you and the campers you are caring for?

We hope you enjoy this episode, and most importantly, find it useful!

If you have any feedback, or a suggestion for a future FCC show, send Matt an email at matt@gocamp.pro

Get Ready - Counselors, do this NOW to level up your counselling skills

Oliver: Mark Rober, a Youtuber who makes learning STEM activities extremely engaging! - (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY1kMZp36IQSyNx_9h4mpCg)

Matt: Pick up a new instrument NOW! You won’t learn when you’re at camp unless someone offers staff lessons (which there likely won’t be time for) and if you know the basic chords, and have a capo, you can play most camp songs and go from there.

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Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell
Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

-

What is First Class Counselors?

Health and Hygiene at Camp - First Class Counsellors #17

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0400

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Be the cleanest (and the coolest!) counsellor this summer!

Welcome to episode 17 of First Class Counsellors!

This episode was recorded in mid-March, 2020. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we thought that it would be the right time to address something that will definitely be useful this coming summer and every summer after it.

Camp is a dirty place - and sometimes that’s part of the fun! Who doesn’t love jumping in mud puddles, rolling in the grass and blowing off that questionable amount of dirt that fell off your pancake you dropped on the ground on a canoe trip.

Even so, especially in the summer following the COVID-19 outbreak, there is a necessity to keep each other safe, by monitoring our health and keeping hygiene in the front of your mind.

It’s something that EVERY camp director thinks about, but as a new counsellor, you’re focused on SO many things, you might not always consider something like this. That’s why we’re covering all things health and hygiene in this episode of First Class Counsellors.

Tune in to this episode to hear about:

Why health and hygiene is important at camp, not just when we’re in the middle of a pandemic
All of the different places where you should consider health and hygiene this summer
How the camp medic/nurse can help, and how you can help them to keep camp clean and people healthy
A bunch of ways to make cleaning and saying healthy fun!

We hope you enjoy this episode, and most importantly, find it useful!

If you have any feedback, or a suggestion for a future FCC show, send Matt an email at matt@gocamp.pro

Get Ready - Counsellors, do this NOW to level up your counselling skills

Oliver:

Wash your hands - no seriously! Find a great camp song that lasts for 20 seconds. Wash your hands while singing the song. You can even record it and send it to your director for their social media!

Matt:

Learn some fun no-touch icebreakers! You can find a bunch of them in books like this one - https://amzn.to/3aem2bm

Bonus Resources!

The Leadership Poem that Matt’s been trying to find forever - https://imgur.com/gallery/AQfwnEX
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs - https://www.thoughtco.com/maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-4582571
“Clean as Hell” - Washing Hands Parody - https://youtu.be/5OK0fPYWUf0
Go Camp Pro’s COVID-19 & Camp Master Resource Page
Go Camp Pro’s Camps & COVID-19 (free) Slack team (even if you have an existing Slack account you'll need to create another one for this new Team)

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell
Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

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

How to Make Friends at Camp - First Class Counsellors #16

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0400

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*Please note: First Class Counsellors is moving to it's own Podcast feed. The next episode, releasing on March 26th will not be in this feed. Look for First Class counsellors is your favourite Podcast App and subscribe there!*

How to make the type of friends that will be in your wedding party - at camp!

Welcome to episode 16 of First Class Counsellors!

Matt here. I usually write these posts in the 3rd person, but this episode really hits home for me.

99% of my closest friends are camp friends.

I had a rough high-school experience. I wasn’t able to find a solid group of friends and never really felt like I had a group of people that loved me for who I really was.

Camp changed everything for me.

Because of camp, I found out what I was missing in those relationships at home. Camp people got me. Over the course of one, maybe two summers, I felt like I had a community of people that supported me and that I could turn to whenever I was in need. We stayed connected in the off-season and grew closer and closer with every year.

Fast-forward 13 years. Every person in mine and my wife’s wedding party was a camp person. We spend every new-years together and talk in a group message almost every day.

I’m truly blessed.

Now, not every person’s camp experience will like mine. I had the privilege of being the best friend of the director’s son and I was a long-time camper before becoming a staff member. I wasn’t an international staff member and didn’t have to understand both the culture of camp AND the country I was in.

My privilege aside. I truly believe that camp is one of the best places to make lifelong friends and that’s why we did a whole podcast episode on it.

Tune in to this episode to hear about:

Why the conditions at camp are perfect for making friends
How to make friends at camp this summer
Ways to have great camp friends and still prioritize your job
A whole lot of other ideas on how to form lifelong connections this summer

We hope you enjoy this episode, and most importantly, find it useful!

If you have any feedback or a suggestion for a future FCC show, send Matt an email at matt@gocamp.pro

Get Ready - Counsellors, do this NOW to level up your counselling skills

Oliver:

Get a BUNCH of high-quality stickers! People love putting them on their water-bottles and you can use them as rewards for people remembering their water-bottles.

Matt:

Get yourself a good backpack for this summer. In Matt’s camp bag, you’ll always find:
- A mini first aid kit
- A GOOD raincoat
- Deck of cards or small board games
- Hackey Sack or small ball
- Waterbottle & Coffee Mug
- Extra socks
- Granola bar if you’re allowed

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell
Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

Inspirational Initiative-Taking - First Class Counsellors #15

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 06:00:00 -0500

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Every all-star camp staff we know is an excellent initiative-taker. Here’s how to learn it, and do it.

Welcome to episode 15 of First Class Counsellors!

A raised hand. Someone picking up garbage. A voice, calling out in the darkness, “what else can I do?”.

A Camp Director’s dream!

How have we not talked about this yet!?

There may not be any studies to back this up, but it definitely wouldn’t be outlandish to say that any camp staff that would be called “great”, is likely great at taking initiative.

Staff who know what needs to be done, do it, and ask what else can be done is so incredibly valuable for any organization. When you have a camp staff full of people that take initiative, it means that things are always kept clean, that camp programs are always being made better and that in general, that people are making good decisions.

For you as a counsellor, having an initiative-mindset is like having a superpower. The intuition to see and solve a problem, or better-yet anticipate a problem and get ahead of it will make you a dream employee wherever you go.

That being said, if you’re still working on this superpower, fear not! It, like many all-star qualities, takes time to develop.

Wouldn’t it be great if you didn’t have to wait for the summer to hone your initiative skills?

Well, wait no more! This episode is for you!

Tune in to this episode of First Class Counsellors to hear Oliver and Matt discuss how to develop this critical camp staff skill. You’ll hear about:

The definition of initiative in the summer camp context

Common places at camp where all-star camp staff know to take initiative

How to be appropriately recognized for the great initiative-taking that you will do

How to positively affect your camp’s culture by encouraging others to take initiative

Many more practical ways to strengthen your initiative-taking muscles this summer

We hope you enjoy this episode, and most importantly, find it useful!

If you have any feedback, or a suggestion for a future FCC show, send Matt an email at matt@gocamp.pro

Get Ready - Counsellors, do this NOW to level up your counselling skills

Oliver:

Make a list of the behaviours you want to see from yourself this summer and make a plan on how you’ll work on those. Make an action plan 10 items per behaviour and keep that list on you in the summer. Behaviour change takes time!

Matt:

Make a personal packing list for camp. Then share it with your friends, share it with camp to give to new staff, maybe even make a video of yourself packing for your camp to share on social media!

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell

Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

Working Well with Teens - First Class Counsellors #14

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 06:00:00 -0500

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Being the “cool” counsellor really isn’t all it’s cracked up to be…

Welcome to episode 14 of First Class Counsellors!

One of the best things about producing a podcast is when you get to hear from your listeners.

Even if it’s just a “hey, thanks!”, it really is appreciated to hear someone “talk” back after hours of us talking into our unresponsive microphones!

What’s even more appreciate is when our listeners reach out with a show suggestion! That’s where the inspiration for this episode came from. Here’s an excerpt from what we received from a Camp Director:

“We do our best to keep a 3-year age difference between staff and campers, but our youngest staff members still interact with our oldest campers during meals and all-camp activities. And, even a more experienced counselor can make these mistakes. I'd love to hear what you guys think! “

Those types of emails are why we’re here as a Podcast. Oliver and Matt saw this email, dropped everything, and got recording!

Tune in to this episode to talk through boundary-setting with teens, and more:

What types of camp programs draw teens to camp? Why do they choose to come to them?

What are some of the best parts about working with teens? How about the not-so-great parts?

How to set boundaries with teens in a way that recognizes their maturity, but draws a hard line at what is and isn’t appropriate

Ways to set teens up for success as they get ready to become camp staff

Some ideas for counsellors who want to work with teens someday

And as we always say, FOLLOW YOUR POLICIES FIRST, then try our advice ;)

Like our awesome listener, if you have a suggestion for a future FCC show, send Matt an email at matt@gocamp.pro

Get Ready - Counsellors, do this NOW to level up your counselling skills

Oliver:

Are you sitting there wondering if you should come back to camp? Make up your mind now!!! We are in February, but this also makes sense in December or November for many camps. I'm finishing off my hiring and I know some staff are going to be disappointed they don’t have a job this summer, but they haven't applied. Get on it and reach out to someone who might be losing camp in their lives

Matt:

Do a social media audit and compare what you see in your posts to your “camp self”. Is this the type of person you would be comfortable showing to a camper or camper’s parent? What messages are you sending out about yourself? Even if it’s a “finsta”, think about if you’re proud of the type of person you are showing off to the world.

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell

Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

Bonus Resource - Because you read the show notes, and you’re awesome!

Awesome things to do that can only be done with teens

Oliver:

They prep a program

PG 13 movie night!!! Bum bum bum

Late nights and sleep-ins

Serious challenge activities

Talent shows with actual talent

Late-night porch talks about the complexity of the universe, life and beyond

Matt:

Night Games & Night Hikes

Cleanest Cabins - First Class Counsellors #13

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 06:00:00 -0500

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Cleaning your cabin with campers. It doesn’t need to be as painful and boring as it usually is!

Welcome to episode 13 of First Class Counsellors!

Don’t you hate it when you watch people litter? Or how about when people leave their shopping cart in the middle of the lot? It probably makes you think, “dang, I bet that person didn’t go to summer camp!”.

One of the biggest lessons that we can teach our campers is the value of serving their community. We have the incredible opportunity to help them understand that their actions have the ability to make other people’s lives easier through simple acts. When we have campers collecting the plates after a meal, doing a camp-wide chore, or even cleaning their cabin, we teach them that they are responsible for taking care of their neighbours and camp through acts of service.

That’s all well and good, but cleaning the cabin can still be the WORST. Right?

We hear you. If parents around the world struggle to get their kids to clean their rooms every day, then we’ve got to muster all of our camp magic and creativity to make it happen at camp. Let’s do this together! First Class Counsellors is here to help.

Tune in to this episode. We’ll guide you through:

The standard of clean that every cabin should keep itself to

How to get every camper on board with cleaning - even the ones who HATE it!

Creative ways to make the cabin cleaning process a little less painful and a lot more magical

Some pro tips for deep cleans, things every camper/staff miss and how to keep your local health and fire inspector happy

A shout out to MTV cribs - and a super cool program idea for your cabin!

As usual, we hope that what we offer to your staff is incredibly useful. If you do send this along, we would be happy to hear about it. Please let us know by emailing Matt at matt@gocamp.pro

Get Ready - Counsellors, do this NOW to level up your counselling skills

Oliver:

Take time to draw a picture or pictures of camp. Send them on to your camp director and they can post it on social media as a counselor art contest. It can be a game - can you guess what the picture is or which staff member drew it?

Matt:

Get your application and/or paperwork in. This time of year is the time when the keeners can shine. If you can get all your stuff in and even start on any pre-training, your directors will love you for it and know that you are someone they can count on.

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell

Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

What is First Class Counsellors?

Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp coun

Magical Meals - First Class Counsellors #12

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 06:00:00 -0500

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Welcome to episode 12 of First Class Counsellors! The best counsellors are the ones that take every opportunity to be intentional about the time they spend with their campers. A meal can often be one of the most overlooked chances to make connections with kids, and that sort of makes sense. At meals, there are so many things to pay attention to: are the kids eating? Did they get enough food? Are they all at the table? It’s not easy! Once you’ve got the basics down though, then it’s time for the fun to start! Meals are such a great time to have fun, make conversation and overall, make connections with our campers. These days, some kids may not have the type of home-life where they sit away from a TV or a video, so this is our opportunity to show them something awesomely different! it’s your time to shine and that’s where this show is here to help. Join Oliver and Matt for this deep-dive into how to make meals better than just normal. In this episode, you’ll learn: The basics about how dining halls work at different camps What you need to look out for while kids are eating How to help campers who are picky eaters try new foods Some strategies and games for making meaningful conversation at the table. Some games and activities that you can try to add some magic into the meal. Remember that as you listen to this episode: As we always say, make sure you’re following your camp’s policies and procedures. Don’t promise campers anything you can’t deliver on or anything would be against the way that your camp has trained you on. When in doubt about using a strategy, ask! - As usual, we hope that what we offer to your staff is incredibly useful. If you do send this along, we would be happy to hear about it. Please let us know by emailing Matt at matt@gocamp.pro - Get Ready - Counsellors, do this NOW to level up your counselling skills Oliver: Find a way to have your table at your chest when you eat your next meal. When you do this, you find out real quick why campers are always spilling things or standing up or sitting in weird positions. Matt: Think about your global impact when you are eating or at the grocery store this week. When you go to the grocery store, how hard is it to buy food that isn’t in packaging or to not use reusable bags. Think about that to help shape your experiences to pass on to campers. Host Links Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro What is First Class Counsellors? Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives. Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training. Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp. 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! Bonus Content - Thanks for reading the show notes! Oliver’s list of creative meal options. If you want to know more about these, send Oliver an email - oliver.gregan@ghymca.org Picnics Caveman meals Silent meals Blind folded 1 on 1 Tied together meals No table meals High table meals Working lunches Campfire meal Make a plate for a friend Serve another table Entertainment meal Poker meals Foriegn language meals Large utensils Upside down Under the table/mole people meal Themed meals On a boat meal

Interlude - Stories About Missing Home - First Class Counsellors Podcast

Thu, 02 Jan 2020 06:00:00 -0500

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Happy New Year!

We’re taking some time off to be with friends and family over the holidays.

That means no new episode this week.

AWWW.

We know, we know. But don’t worry, we’ve still got something for you.

The last episode, we talked about how to help campers who are missing home. As we do, we went long in that episode and didn’t have time to include everything that we talked about.

One piece of content that was cut was Oliver and Matt’s personal stories about missing home in their first couple of years at camp.

That’s what we have for you this episode! Tune-in to hear about how Matt and Oliver’s counsellors helped them overcome their homesickness and fall in love with camp.

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell

Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

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!

Helping Campers Who Are Missing Home - First Class Counsellors #11

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0500

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What to do when campers are missing home.

Welcome to episode 11 of First Class Counsellors!

Campers who are missing home, homesick, whatever you want to call it - it’s something that camp counsellors will face in their camp careers. It’s inevitable and understandable. Our campers love their families, they are nervous about being away and they’re uncomfortable. When they are reacting to those feelings, it’s important that camp counsellors are equipped to both effectively and compassionately help them.

Oliver and Matt swear that they are trying to keep these episodes short, but what can you really expect from a topic as big as this one! Tune in to hear a whole hour of pro-tips and pro-mindsets to have when recognizing and supporting campers who are missing home.

In this episode, you’ll get:

10 signs that a camper may be missing home.

10 ways to prevent missing home from escalating into a camper crying or full-out wanting to home.

20 (YES, 20), different strategies for what to do if (when) a camper is crying or is insisting on going home.

…you can see why this one’s an hour-long :)

Remember that as you listen to this episode:

One strategy will not work for every camper. You’ll have to tweak these and make them work with the information you know about the camper who needs your help.

As we always say, make sure you’re following your camp’s policies and procedures. Don’t promise campers anything you can’t deliver on or anything would be against the way that your camp has trained you on. When in doubt about using a strategy, ask!

As usual, we hope that what we offer to your staff is incredibly useful. If you do send this along, we would be happy to hear about it. Please let us know by emailing Matt at matt@gocamp.pro

Get Ready - Counsellors, do this NOW to level up your counselling skills

Oliver:

Levels of Homesick, take a few minutes after this podcast and layer the levels of homesickness. 1 to going home. How do campers move up, when do other staff become involved?

Matt:

Write a Christmas or holiday card for your family, however you define it, and let them know how grateful you are for them. If you missed home as a camper, maybe send a note to a counsellor who got you to stay or helped you with compassion.

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell

Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

What is First Class Counsellors?

Camp Sick - First Class Counsellors #10

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0500

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What to do when you’re missing camp

Welcome to episode 10 of First Class Counsellors!

Camp is over and you miss it. You want more of it but you have to wait FOREVER ‘till staff training. It can be hard, we get it, and we’re here to help!

To keep the fires of camp love glowing deep in your heart, First Class Counsellors is on the case. In this episode, Matt and Oliver cover some practical ideas on overcoming those missing camp blues and get those camp vibes rolling again.

Tune in to hear more about:

Embracing and leaning into that love of camp with the help of other camp-lovers

Beating the missing camp blues with some self-care techniques and inspiration to do some intentional growing

Some ideas on how to connect with your camp community in ways that will both help you, and your camp

Lots of practical and useful skills that you and your co-counsellors can use this summer.

As usual, we hope that what we offer to your staff is incredibly useful. If you do send this along, we would be happy to hear about it. Please let us know by emailing Matt at matt@gocamp.pro

Get Ready - Counsellors, do this NOW to level up your counselling skills

Oliver: Give information about your camp to the career center, or go to your college career center and look for camps.

Matt: Check out campgig.com or other camp-specific hiring sites. It’s never a bad idea to lift your roots and explore the vast camp world!

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell

Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

What is First Class Counsellors?

Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.

Each week, we will hear from young camp directors and leaders to draw out practical and accessible tips that will level up their counsellor skills.

Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Professionalism for Counsellors - First Class Counsellors #9

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 06:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Welcome to episode 9 of First Class Counsellors!

As we work give Counsellors the skills they need to be the best they can be, we thought it would be important to talk about what separates the counsellors who may stick around for a summer or two and the ones who may have a long camp career ahead of them.

It can be hard to understand what it means to be professional in the camp setting. After all, our dress code is far from formal, we are encouraged to be loud and crazy, and mentions of quarterly reports are usually substituted for cheers that the next meal is chicken burgers.

That being said, the earlier a Camp Counsellor can figure out what it means to truly transition from a camper to a staff role, the better. These professional counsellors know how to get in the game but not take over, how to make a camper laugh, but also how to have a serious talk when needed, and how to set aside anything that gets in the way of giving kids the best week possible.

In this episode, Matt and Oliver talk about breaking down the top 3 barriers that camp staff face when it comes to being “camp professional”. Tune in to hear more about:

Why the transition between camper and staff or being a new staff can be difficult

How to watch out for and avoid becoming an entitled staff member (because Camp Directors can smell entitlement from a MILE away!)

The importance of staying camper focused even when personal friendships can be a distraction

Lots of practical and useful skills that you and your co-counsellors can use this summer.

As usual, we hope that what we offer to your staff is incredibly useful. If you do send this along, we would be happy to hear about it. Please let us know by emailing Matt at matt@gocamp.pro

Get Ready - Counsellors, do this NOW to level up your counselling skills

Oliver: Conference season - get involved. Many conferences look for volunteers. It is a great way to connect with young leaders and established camp pros. Gives a reason to talk.

Matt: Start a camp support network. Email Matt if you’d like to be in on meeting up with another counsellor to talk about their camp and what they’re looking forward to about their summer. Matt will connect you two and you can have the chance to meet up online.

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell

Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

Terrific Transitions - First Class Counsellors #8

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 06:00:00 -0500

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Get your campers from A to B in style!

Welcome to episode 8 of First Class Counsellors!

In our quest to give Counsellors the skills they need to be all-stars, we bring you one show entirely dedicated to transitions. Seriously, 45 minutes on making sure campers are where they need to be at point A, getting them to point B and what to do if you have trouble getting to point B.

It’s one of those parts of camp that you can do poorly, easily, or well, fairly easily, you just need some ideas and inspiration to NOT BE BORING!

To help you not be a boring transitioner, Oliver and Matt touch on:

Creative ways to make sure all your campers are in one place

Games and techniques for getting your campers from point A to point B

The importance of knowing and working with the camp schedule

What to do when transitions aren’t as fresh and clean as you’d hope

Matt’s tangent and rant on why you need to be a good co-worker this summer (how’s he get there? Even he doesn’t know!)

As usual, we hope that what we offer to your staff is incredibly useful. If you do send this along, we would be happy to hear about it. Please let us know by emailing Matt at matt@gocamp.pro

Get Ready - Counsellors, do this NOW to level up your counselling skills

Oliver: Go on to your camp’s social media, website and google location and like, review and comment on something positive. It helps their scores and helps get more campers to camp. Positive ratings online really do help in the algorithms of the internet.

Matt: Interview prep!

Predict some interview questions and prepare answers:

Where will you need the most help in the job where you’re applying

Tell me about something you’re proud of

Why do you want to work at camp?

You better say something about the kids.

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell

Matt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

What is First Class Counsellors?

Camp Directors, this Podcast it’s for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors will be for your counselling staff, or, the staff who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.

Each week, we will hear from young camp directors and leaders to draw out practical and accessible tips that will level up their counsellor skills.

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!

Camp IS a Real Job! With Kim Aycock - First Class Counsellors #7

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 06:00:00 -0400

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Welcome to episode 7 of First Class Counsellors!

This episode is dedicated to all you humble counsellors out there. To the ones who put their heads down and work without asking for anything in return. You don’t want the credit, a camper’s smile is enough.

It’s dedicated to you, because you suck at selling yourself.

Okay. That was harsh but for a lot of young camp staff, we’re not THAT wrong.

Whether your are looking for an off-season job or looking to move on after your time at camp, it’s critical that you understand how to communicate the true value of your experiences at camp to a potential employer. If the employer or recruiter is like millions of adults who never worked at camp, they might look at “Camp xyz” on your resume and they WON’T GET IT.

They won’t know about the long nights looking after a camper who is missing home, being able to improvise a last-minute rain plan, caring for the physical, mental and emotional needs of multiple kids for weeks at a time and the 10,000 other things you do in the summer that makes this the hardest (and best) jobs in the world.

This episode is for you to be able to (metaphorically) reach across the interview table and give the interviewer a (metaphorical) shake and (metaphorically) say to them, “I CHANGE LIVES, EVERY. DAMN. DAY.”

Our hosts Matt and Oliver are joined by the fantastic Kim Aycock to help give you the tools to use camp to rock your next interview. Kim has worked extremely hard with her team and the American Camp Association on Project Real Job, who’s entire goal is to assist with communicating the career-enhancing benefits of working at camp to prospective employees and their parents as well as employers.

We’re so grateful to have Kim join us. Tune in to hear more about:

Kim’s camp origin story

Her involvement with Project Real Job and some of their significant findings

How you can overcome some of the common stereotypes of a camp counsellor

Advice on how to take your camp experience and translate that to your resume and into the interview room

What counsellors can do to start building their resume for next summer at camp.

As usual, we hope that what we offer to your staff is incredibly useful. If you do send this along, we would be happy to hear about it. Please let us know by emailing Matt at matt@gocamp.pro

Get Ready - Counsellors, do this NOW to level up your counselling skills

Oliver: I jokingly told many of my co-workers that it is reading season because it is a bit calmer now at camp and I can spend time reading. So I ordered a bunch of books and have been reading up on all the camp things I can.

Matt: Work on your “why” with a camp friend, then share it with someone who you’ve never talked to about camp before

Kim:
For veteran staff: Reflect on the recent summer and jot down your stories...what was challenging, what you rocked, what you learned, how you grew. Then, think about where you want to go, what you want to work on, and the new things you want to try. Also think about what you are learning now or developing that could help you in the role you aspire to have at camp.

For new staff: bring a notebook and pen so that you can capture all the cool stuff you learn and practice while at camp!

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Directo

The Best Bedtimes - First Class Counsellors #6

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 06:00:00 -0400

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Because bedtime is still program time.

Welcome to episode 6 of First Class Counsellors!

We’re back with more First Class Counsellors! We’re borrowing some rent from the CampHacker Podcast for the start of this season, but we’ll be in our own space soon, so hang tight!

This is a Podcast by young Camp Pros for even younger Camp Pros. Camp Directors, these podcasts are meant for you to train your staff on the little things; the bits of common knowledge that you don’t have time to stuff into staff training, but wish you could.

This season, we are going to really focus in on tangible skills for camp counsellors. Transition times, making meals special, leading games, etc. Our goal is to take the best counselling tips that camp directors and leaders have gathered in their careers and give them away to camp counsellors, for free.

To start off this season, our hosts Matt Honsberger and Oliver Gregan discuss all things bedtime. New camp counsellors may have never had the experience of trying to get a kid to go to bed. Even if they have babysitting with one or two kids, counsellors are 100% in charge of getting 6-10 kids ready for, and in bed, happily, and on time.

It’s. Not. Easy. Let’s get learning!

As usual, we hope that what we offer to your staff is incredibly useful. If you do send this along, we would be happy to hear about it. Please let us know by emailing Matt at matt@gocamp.pro

Get Ready - Counsellors, do this NOW to level up your counselling skills

Oliver: Go offline for two whole days. No screens. Make sure its during normal life too, not on a weekend when you are going on a camping trip anyways. Try to see what it feels like when your campers do it. Journal about it for the three days, one for the day you have your phone back.

Matt: Work on your bedtime routine. Figure out what works for you and how you can apply it to camp next summer

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell

Matt Honsberger, Camp Director at Pearce Williams Summer Camp & Retreat Facility

What is First Class Counsellors?

Camp Directors, this Podcast won’t be for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors will be for your counselling staff, or, the staff who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.

Each week, we will hear from young camp directors and leaders to draw out practical and accessible tips that will level up their counsellor skills.

Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell and Matt Honsberger, Camp Director at Pearce Williams Summer Camp are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

This is free professional development for your counsellors! We would love your feedback. Please leave your comments below, or,

Mental Health, Breaks and Self Care at Camp - First Class Counsellors #5

Thu, 25 Apr 2019 06:00:00 -0400

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Easy ways to practice mental health and self care as a staff member at summer camp.

Welcome to episode 5 of First Class Counsellors!

Camp Directors, this may be our best episode yet. If you’ve been waiting to send one to your staff, this is it.

Here’s why:

We are talking about PRACTICAL, EASY ways for your staff to stay mentally healthy this summer.

Dr. Deborah Gilboa (Dr. G) is our guest. If you don’t know her, Dr. G is a youth development and parenting expert who ALSO happens to be a long-time camper and camp staff member. Needless to say, she is AWESOME at what she does both in her practice and overall for the summer camp industry.

Okay, a bit more. On the fifth episode of First Class Counsellors, Oliver and Matt are joined by the ONE the ONLY, Dr. G to share some ways to help camp staff stay mentally healthy this summer. Dr. G, Matt and Oliver talk about not only why a place as great as camp can sometimes be a place of stress and anxiety, but what all camp staff can do to be resilient and re-focus on having the best summer of their lives.

Tune in to this episode to hear more about:

From a practical and clinical side, why is it important that camp staff be aware and take care of their mental health this summer while at camp?

When it comes to taking breaks DURING a camp session (an hour, or couple hours off, or a night if you’re a day camp staff), what are some great ways to effectively re-charge?

How about when it comes to taking breaks BETWEEN camp sessions, (weekends, change-overs, etc)?

What are some of the things that prevent us from being our mentally healthiest at camp? What are some ways to overcome those challenges?

Any last strategies, tools or things to keep in mind when it comes to being your mentally best at camp?

As usual, we hope that what we offer to your staff is incredibly useful. If you do send this along, we would be happy to hear about it. Please let us know by emailing Matt at matt@gocamp.pro

BONUS NOTES - Because Dr. G is AMAZING.

Check out Dr. G’s “Prescription for Preventing Stressed out Staff. Camp staff, talk to your directors about this and send them these links to check it out.

Watch the video here

Find out more here

Get Ready - Counsellors, do this NOW to level up your counselling skills

Oliver: Video tape yourself singing a camp song, have some friends help if its repeat after me. Send it to your camp director with the message “I am excited for camp.” Or even do a challenge 3 friends thing on social media. Send them to me too, I want to learn some new songs before summer.

Matt: Plan your own session and show your passions to the campers this summer! Feel free to use the session template that we use at Pearce Williams. - Download the template here

Dr. G: Think about how you

Camp Relationships - First Class Counsellors #4

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 06:00:00 -0400

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Welcome to episode 4 of First Class Counsellors!

We’d like to think that you know First Class Counsellors by now. You know that this is a Podcast by young Camp Pros for even younger Camp Pros. Camp Directors, you know that these podcasts are meant for you to train your staff on the little things; the bits of common knowledge that you don’t have time to stuff into staff training, but wish you could.

If you don’t know us and we’re just navel-gazing here, then HEY! You can find our first episode and more about why we’re on the CampHacker feed here.

On the fourth episode of First Class Counsellors, Oliver and Matt are joined by Phoebe Jones from Camp Ten Oaks to talk all about Campships, or Relationships at camp. Phoebe, Matt and Oliver unpack the good, the bad, the policies and the just good ol’ friendly side of relationships at camp. This episode is for all staff, including those who are in a camp relationship, single and thinking about a camp crush right now, or simply want to make platonic, friends with their co-workers and campers this summer.

Tune in to this episode to hear more about:

What are some policies from around the camp world surrounding staff romantic relationships?

What to say to campers when they ask about staff relationships in and out of camp

What are some things to think about when campers are interested in romantic relationships with each other? What do you do if they act on those interests?

Does any of this change when it comes to LGTBQ+ staff/campers?

How to stay out of the DRAMA that can sometimes surround relationships at camp?

If you’re not interested in a romantic relationship at camp, what can you do to create friendships with your fellow counsellors?

How can you build appropriate yet fun friendships with campers that still respects the boundaries that need to be in place.

And as we say off the top of this episode. No matter what we say…ahem…

FOLLOW YOUR STAFF POLICIES!

As usual, we hope that what we offer to your staff is incredibly useful. If you do send this along, we would be happy to hear about it. Please let us know by emailing Matt at matt@gocamp.pro

Get Ready - Counsellors, do this NOW to level up your counselling skills

Oliver: Get a collapsable laundry hamper to keep organized when you’re out and around camp. Kids can put their things in it at a program areas and it creates a hub for campers to gather at. Seriously Oliver, this one is GENIUS!

Matt: From your director: Please Please PLEASE get your paperwork in. You have no idea how helpful it is to not have to dog you for it.

Phoebe: Go out and get a shoe organizer for the door or for your bunk and use it to organize campers things, especially toiletries! SO SMART!

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell

Matt Honsberger, Camp Director at Pearce Williams Summer Camp & Retreat Facility

Phoebe Jones - Staff at Camp Ten Oaks

What is First Class Counsellors?

Camp Directors, this Podcast won’t be for you. It’s time to de

First Time Leaders - First Class Counsellors #3

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 06:00:00 -0500

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Supervising for the first time at camp? This one’s for you!

Welcome to episode 3 of First Class Counsellors! If you’re new to First Class Counsellors, and wondering why it’s in your CampHacker feed, welcome! We’re trying this mini-series out this Spring and mixing it in with your usual CampHacker goodness. You can find our first episode and more about why we’re on the CampHacker feed here.

On our third episode, we are joined by Grace Tierney from YMCA Camp Mason to give your new senior staff some practical tips for how to lead effectively and gracefully this summer. Oliver, Matt and Grace share their stories of stepping up into leadership roles for the first time and some of the practical tips that they picked up along the way.

In this episode, we cover:

What a first foray into supervising can look like

How staff can work to achieve a supervising role that they are interested in

What first time supervisors should start thinking about as soon as they are hired

Some practical advice for someone who is going to be supervising for the first time

How camp is going to change for you as you move forward in leadership positions.

As usual, we hope that what we offer to your staff is incredibly useful. If you do send this along, we would be happy to hear that. Please let us know by emailing Matt at matt@gocamp.pro

Get Ready - Counsellors, do this NOW to level up your counselling skills

Oliver: Read story books and books about how to tell stories to help capture both kids and staff’s attention.

Matt: Start writing your transition report, meet the last person who did your job and get some initial brainstorming on the go NOW!

Grace: Keep listening and reading and being inspired by camp related material. If you’re reading and listening to this, you’re on the right track!

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell

Matt Honsberger, Camp Director at Pearce Williams Summer Camp & Retreat Facility

Grace Tierney, Day Camp Program Director at YMCA Camp Mason

What is First Class Counsellors?

Each week, we will hear from young camp directors and leaders to draw out practical and accessible tips that will level up their counsellor skills.

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!

Camp Skills for Generation Z - First Class Counsellors #2

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 06:00:00 -0500

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

If this is your first time seeing First Class Counsellors in your CampHacker feed, welcome! You can find our first episode here.

On our second episode, we are joined by Isabelle “Zukes” Paradis to discuss how we can best serve our Generation Z staff and campers. Oliver, Matt and Isabelle cover a ton of practical, ready-to-implement ideas that camp counsellors can use to benefit this exciting generation of campers and camp staff.

In this short, episode, we cover

How to capture and retain campers with short attention spans when explaining things at camp

What you can do when campers and staff are open to sharing about their mental health

3 ways to give campers and staff the face-to-face connection that Gen Z craves

Easy ways to help our campers and staff begin to take on independence and take healthy risks

Embracing Gen Z’s entrepreneurial spirit and giving them autonomy over their camp experience

As usual, what we’re getting at here is fast, furious, and it’s incredibly useful for your counselling staff

Get Ready - Counsellors, do this NOW to level up your counselling skills

Oliver: Call a friend who has no connection to camp. Talk to them about what working at camp is really like. Share your ideas, share your stories so they can really understand something this important in your life.

Matt & Isabelle (It’s like they work together!): Buy yourself GOOD camp gear. A GOOD raincoat (not a poncho), a GOOD headlamp (almost any headlamp with good reviews on amazon), a GOOD pair of sandals (Matt’s go to’s are Chacos) and a GOOD water bottle (something that will last and where the mouthpiece won’t get dirty) and a GOOD waterproof watch.

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell

Matt Honsberger, Camp Director at Pearce Williams Summer Camp & Retreat Facility

Isabelle Paradis, Counsellor & Programmer at Pearce Williams Summer Camp & Retreat Facility

What is First Class Counsellors?

Each week, we will hear from young camp directors and leaders to draw out practical and accessible tips that will level up their counsellor skills.

Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell and Matt Honsberger - Camp Director at Pearce Williams Summer Camp are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

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

Something Different - Planning Perfect Programs - First Class Counsellors #1

Mon, 17 Dec 2018 23:01:00 -0500

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Wait…isn’t this the CampHacker Podcast? Yes!, well, no!

This is a preview of something new to come on the CampHacker and Go Camp Pro podcast network.

This is free professional development for your Counsellors.

Each week, we will hear from young camp directors and leaders to draw out practical and accessible tips on how to be a better counsellor.

On our first episode, we’re joined by Jessica Tenhor from Pearce Williams and Rachel Quinn to talk about planning the perfect camp program or session.

In this short, 40 minute episode we cover:

4 magical program (steal away!)

4 programs that take next to no set-up (seriously, your counsellors can use these this summer?)

4 Pro Planning Tips

The inside scoop on what your Director wants from you, as a programmer

4 ways that a counsellor can get ready for the summer NOW.

It’s fast, it’s furious, and we hope that it’s incredibly useful for your counselling staff.

We would love to hear who is passing this on to your staff. Please let us know in the comments below!

Get Ready - Counsellors, do this NOW

Oliver: Seek out local speakers and resources to get inspired

Matt: www.ultimatecampresource.com

Jessica: Bin of Possibilities - quick games, raccoon circle, colouring, small ball, books, bracelet string, etc. that you can pull out during cabin time or rest hour.

Rachel: Keep in contact with people who want to camp with you after the summer is over, and reflect on the summer together. The distance is good for perspective.

Host Links

Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell
Matt Honsberger, Camp Director at Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility

Jessica Tenhor, Alumni of Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility

Rachel , Leadership Staff of YMCA Camp Bernie