If they are in charge of a lesson, craft or game, they must plan ahead and make sure they have all the supplies ready and set up on time. They’re also responsible for gently prodding their campers to be punctual. Teen counselors have to be on time to meals, the morning meeting at the flag pole, and the activities they lead. “The unique setting of camp demands that our counselors be adaptable, flexible, versatile, independent, to take initiative, to problem solve, to hold themselves and others accountable, to be welcoming and inclusive, to be good listeners and advisers, to self-reflect but also to receive the feedback of others to propel them forward.” Some camps even offer staff communication trainings and morale building activities before camp starts to increase awareness and create discussion about how to get along with others. “The unique experiences they have working with children in the camp setting really helps develop the relational, independence and adaptability components needed for the careers in which many of our counselors are striving toward,” says Ashley Mason, Associate Resident Camp Director for YMCA Camp Thunderbird at Lake Wylie in South Carolina. Being able to do this teaches teens to hone their communication and interpersonal relationship skills. Refined Relationship Skillsįrom fun-centered sports competitions between rival teams to getting chores done for inspection, counselors and campers have to work together. “The campers truly look up to teen counselors as role models – almost like an older sibling,” says Johnson. Teens can connect to kids in ways that adults sometimes can’t, and when teens work at camp, they experience the fulfillment of helping younger kids meet their goals and develop new skills. The Opportunity to Be a Role Modelĭo you remember a teen you looked up to when you were a kid at summer camp? Maybe he or she helped you perfect your back stroke, taught you how to throw a curve ball or gave the perfect advice for dealing with disagreements between friends. Working at camp is fun, but it also gives teens a glimpse into the adult world with the guidance they still need. I think many of them are surprised by how tired they feel at the end of each day!” she says. “It is often their first experience having a job and the responsibilities that come along with it, chief among them interacting and supervising several children at once. According to Darcy Johnson, Dunwoody Nature Center’s Assistant Camp Director and the person in charge of the Junior Counselor program, being a Junior Counselor is a great volunteer opportunity for teens. If they work at a day camp, they must show up on time, care for children and lead activities. If they work at an overnight camp, they must keep their cabin quarters neat and guide younger children to do the same. Camp is an ideal place to build accountability because teens are in charge of other kids or activities, but they are still being supervised. The Y offers many ways for our community to get moving and build healthy habits at our two Health, Fitness & Aquatic Centres the Downtown Victoria Y and Langford Westhills Y.As much as a teen may protest about it, learning responsibility is the gateway to more independence as they grow into adults. An image of employment opportunities in health, fitness and aquatics centres.
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