First Class Counselors

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us! Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/water-safety Water safety (and fun!) starts with Camp CounselorsMany 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 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 ta...

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us! 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 ha...

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us! 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, ...

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, b...

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us! Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/campers-first - 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. Peop...

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us! 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 s...

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 - 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 app...

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us! Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/eat-like-royalty - 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 w...

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us! Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/first-impressions-campers - 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...

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us! Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/60-second-games - 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 second...

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- - 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 connect...

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 h...

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us! 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...

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us! Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/taking-camp-home - 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 fro...