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

It’s not that you come second…well…kind of?

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.

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

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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


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!