We L.O.V.E Acronyms! Here are Beth’s, Ruby’s & Gabz’s favourites!

We L.O.V.E them - Nope, that’s not an acronym, simply our way to show how much we enjoy them. We engrave acronyms into the lexicon of camp to ensure that the important things that you want your staff to memorize, are memorable. For Beth, with over 25 years of camp acronym experience, this was one of the hardest episodes for her to record as each host share their three favourite acronyms, and dive into why they are important to them.

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Below is a list of the acronyms shared throughout the episode, so that you can make notes of your favourites and incorporate them in your staff training.

Our Favourite Acronyms!

Ruby - O F N R - nonviolent communication

Observations
Feelings
Needs
Requests

Gabz - S A S - user for camper behaviour management

Stop what you are doing
Approach appropriately
Speak kindly

Beth - S T A N D - help campers have great discussions on important topics--focus efforts on being the person they want to be

Social graces
Take responsibility for your own actions
Ask intelligent questions
Never miss an opportunity to be kind
Do all things with integrity

Ruby - O Z A P - Things you need to state when you are delegating something

Objective
Zoom out
Authority
Priority

Gabz - W O R P - for returning staff during staff training. This can work for staff welcoming campers on opening day.

Welcome
Observe
Role Model
Problem solve - ask new staff members to ask new folks for ideas/their thoughts. If they can’t come up with anything, then they can offer their ideas.

Beth - E D G E (leadership skills) &

Equip themselves & others
Dare to be different
Go Above and Beyond
Envision the future

H E R O (responding to camper/staff needs)

Have everything you need
Engage others (camper or staffer)
Read all the signs
Offer a memory or teachable moment

Ruby - T R A U M A - for tough convos/sensitive issues

Their work
Rapport
Ask questions
U(you) Listen
Mention help
Ask “What’s next?”

Gabz - A S K - To fill in those awkward moments & walks with new friends

Ask something specific
Show them something
Know - Tell them something you know. “Did you know…?”

Beth- T I M E - A way to divide the first 2 hours of staff training to help them sort out their why, discover the mission, build community

Tell your stories
Invest in yourself
Make time for others
Envision the ending

Bonus Resources!

As described in the episode, Beth developed a session around Time

It’s About Time Script

It’s About Time Slideshow

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Leadership Training Best Practice

From Gabrielle Raill

When returning staff members return to camp, they each bring emotional tags with them, holding onto memories from the year before. The role of your staff is to create the best week of camp for their campers; but to do that, you have to help your staff let go of last year. Take the time to validate their experiences, dissect the good and then engage in conversation with staff to identify on how to build from previous experiences to incorporate the things that worked well, to create an unforgettable summer for campers. When you're done planning, celebrate the past and bring in the new camp year with your staff.