Being a counselor is a tough job, but it is really fun and rewarding at the same time. Sometimes, many of us go into being a camp counselor because we need a summer job, but some of us do it for the rewarding experience. A lot of us go into careers working with kids or other individuals because our jobs as counselors inspire us to make a difference in someone else's life. Here's how to do that.
1. Know your campers' names.
Don't go in by calling "Hey, you!" or "You with the pink hat on!"
2. Get to know more than their name.
3. Go all out.
Kids love it when you're silly! It makes them comfortable being silly, as well.
4. Dress up on dress up days.
Why would you not want to go all out?!
5. Establish respect between camper and counselor.
They'll see you as a friend, but there has to be that respect between the two of you.
6. Make camp enjoyable for them.
7. Make them feel like they matter.
Some kids coming into camp feel as though they shouldn't be at camp, so make them feel important and wanted.
8. Always have a smile on, even if you're feeling down in the gutter.
Don't let kids sense you're upset about something; leave it at the door. Once you enter camp, that problem doesn't exist.
9. Be goofy.
Kids don't want someone who is stiff and strict; be goofy when doing things like lining up and getting ready.
10. Be a tad bit mysterious.
11. Get to know the parents.
12. Encourage every form of good behavior.
13. Be the role model some of them need.
