Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

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

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.

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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.

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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

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

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

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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

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

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

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

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.

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• Gen A and Gen Z infographic
• "A landmark generation": Introducing Gen Alpha
• Who is Generation Alpha?
• Traits And Values ​​of The Alpha Generation. What Should Employers Prepare For?
• 3 ways Gen Alpha is different from Gen Z—and what it means for marketers

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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

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