First Class Counselors

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/got-the-job-now-whatOnboarding and Prioritization - What Sets Real First Class Counselors Apart!This episode of First Class Counselors is your guide to rocking the first step of your next summer at camp. Oliver and Matt break down essential skills for new and returning staff, covering everything from nailing the onboarding process to prioritizing your time and staying resilient when things get tough.Key takeaways include:Onboarding like a pro: We'll equip you with the tools and strategies to navigate paperwork, understand camp culture, and impress your camp director.The power of commitment: Discover why dedicating yourself to the full summer unlocks the richest, most rewarding camp experience.Finding balance: Learn how to manage your energy, set expectations with friends and family, and prioritize your well-being while having a blast.-Links from this episode:Wait...Is This a Cult? - Ceremonies and Traditions at Summer Camp - First Class Counselors #68Camp IS a Real Job! With Kim Aycock - First Class Counsellors #7-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningLevel up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!Oliver: Secret SantaMatt: For the Queen - https://shop.critrole.com/products/for-the-queen 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!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/staff-training-expectCongratulations! You're having a wild, wonderful bundle of CAMP!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.-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningLevel 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 learningMatt: 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.-Thanks to our sponsor!Ultimate Camp ResourceVisit 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 

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/storiesGather ‘round the campfire for these funny, impactful and straight-up bizarre 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)-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningLevel up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!Oliver: Digital Organization tips for young camp prosMatt: 4 On a Couch -  https://ultimatecampresource.com/ice-breakers/name-games/#:~:text=Back%20to%20Top%5D-,Four%20People%20on%20a%20Couch,-A%20large%20seating Thanks to our sponsor!Ultimate Camp ResourceVisit 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 

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/gen-aGeneration-A are our campers - how can we effectively work with them at camp?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 uniqueWhat 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 AWhat camp counselors can do to help Gen A have a great time at camp.-Links from this episode:Gen A and Gen Z infographic"A landmark generation": Introducing Gen AlphaWho 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-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningLevel 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 JarThanks to our sponsor!Ultimate Camp ResourceVisit 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 

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/water-safetyWater safety (and fun!) starts with Camp CounselorsMany camps sport a waterfront, a pool or even host a wet and wild Wednesday! Today we want to talk about programming at these water-based activities to make sure campers are safe and having a blast. You may be thinking “wait a minute, I'm not a lifeguard, so why should I listen? While you may not have the official qualifications to be a lifeguard, camp counsellors are the best front-line support for the lifeguard team and are essential for keeping the fun going. Anything involving water has that extra level of danger, so remember that everyone has a part to play in safety.So join us this episode as we unpack:Start with safety - what are the water safety measures that camp counselors are responsible forWhat about when it comes to boating and all of the other water toys at camp?And if you don't have access to a lake or pool? No problem, Oliver's got you covered.-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningLevel up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!Oliver: Have to stay water themed - The game I am going to teach you is called Every drop. This is a rainy day activity but can be done on a sunny day. On rainy days campers simply are given a tarp and have to use it to gather water from the rain. On non rainy days you give them a big blue bucket. These guys are maybe 30 gallons. You can change base off the size of camper. You then hide random basins, water balloons all over camp. Random objects that hold water. They have to fill their bucket and return to you.Matt: Water Games - https://ultimatecampresource.com/camp-games/water-games/ & Alka-Seltzer Necklaces Thanks to our sponsor!Ultimate Camp ResourceVisit 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!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/terrible-staffYou may not like them, you may not counsel like them, but that doesn't mean they suck.It can happen to even the most First Class Counselor. For reasons that may seem perfectly valid and logical, a staff member gets it in their head that one of their co-workers is a terrible staff member. What ensues is drama, hurt feelings and escalations that can take away from the camp experience for others.In this episode, we're not talking about the staff members who break policy or in a legal sense deserve to be fired. Frankly, you aren't going to like everyone - let's get real. But you have to a) respect them as a fellow staff member and b) remember that it's not about that “like” - it's about the camper experience.So join us this episode as we unpack:What does it actually mean to be a good staff member, and is it even your place to judge others?Different traits of camp counselors that you may struggle with, and why that isWhat to do about it. How to move forward in a way that is fair to everyone involved-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningLevel up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!Oliver: Using a standard deck of card for different parts of the day (who goes first, what happens next, etc.)Matt: Attention getters from Ultimate Camp Resource - https://ultimatecampresource.com/camp-staff-resources/top-five-lists/large-group-attention-getters/-Thanks to our sponsor!Ultimate Camp ResourceVisit 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 

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/camp-is-a-cultSummer camp is culty - but in a good way, we swear!If you are new to summer camp and reading this, you may not get the whole “cult” angle.It's a common joke amongst experienced camp staff and directors that camp is essentially a cult. There are many reasons for this, but the main one is how intentional we are with the ceremonies and traditions we have at camp. This ranges from as basic as gathering as a camp in the morning to share an inspirational thought, to literal chanting and burning of the camp logo on a lake. Yes, seriously.Every camp is different, but what makes them the same is that each of them are creating their own immersive “world” for people to live in. These “worlds” have rules, norms, traditions and ceremonies that are integral to helping people feel welcome and wanting to stay a part of it. Tune into this episode to hear Oliver and Matt break down:An overview of ceremonies and tradition at camp. What are they and Why do camps use and have these?How do these translate to camp being “culty”?What is your role as a Camp Counselor in this - what happens if you aren't fully bought in? What if you are?-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningLevel up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!Oliver: Peak a Who or Magic Wallhttps://ultimatecampresource.com/ice-breakers/name-games/#Magic-wall-or-peak-a-who Matt: Jim Cain Bookshttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Jim-Cain/author/B00OBTB3VG?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true--Thanks to our sponsor!Ultimate Camp ResourceVisit 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 

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/meet-your-camp-director-1Part 1 - What we got wrong…Just who is that person walking around with a clipboard all day?To most Camp Counselors, the Camp Director is a strange and mythical creature. They're like a teacher…but completely different. They're like a boss…but definitely not in the traditional sense.So who are they?In this first of a series of episodes, we break down some of the assumptions we had about our Camp Directors growing up, and now, 15(ish) years later, what was (and mostly wasn't) correct about those assumptions.Here are some of the assumptions we cover:Is my Director  judging every singly thing I do? Are they going to fire me for messing up?I bet they are too busy to help me.All they think about is camp. They definitely don't have a life outside of camp.All they care about is money!They are the WORST communicatorsHave you ever had any of those thoughts about your Camp Director? Then this episode is for you!E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningLevel up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!Oliver: 3 tips for all camp schedule making - Timely- give it out early1-page storyDelivery dress upMatt: Trust Tube from Ultimate Camp Resource https://ultimatecampresource.com/team-building-activities/trust-activities/trust-tube/-Thanks to our sponsor!Ultimate Camp ResourceVisit 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 

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/how-to-talk-to-adultsYou didn't sign up to be a camp counsellor because you loved talking to adults…right?In the world of a camp counselor, there is no other part of the job that is simultaneously as short and as important as the interactions you have with the adults that find their way on site.Whether it's parents, caregivers, alumni or your camp management, being able to navigate these interactions is essential. A counselor that can make and hold a great conversation with these folks will not only give a great impression of themselves but of the camp they represent.This definitely takes practice, but we're here to give you the insider tips and give you a head start on this all-important skill.In this episode, we cover:How to Choose Your Audience - Why we have to adjust the way we speak.How to talk to ParentsThe F.O.R.D method. family, occupation, recreation, dreamsHow to Talk to Your Camp Director / Other Adult SupervisorThis is required listening for every camp counselor.E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningOliver: Monarch - from Ultimate Camp Resource Matt: Online Outdoor Gear Retail Storeshttps://www.thelasthunt.com/ (Canadian)https://www.outdooroutlet.com/ (American)https://www.northwestoutlet.com/brands/carhartt/ (American)-Thanks to our sponsor!Ultimate Camp ResourceVisit 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 

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/campers-first-It's not that you come second…well…it kind of is...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” expectationWhat you need to have prepared before you commit to the Camper First mindsetIs 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 LearningOliver: 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-Thanks to our sponsor!Ultimate Camp ResourceVisit 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 

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/campers-and-staff-these-daysWelcome back! How was your summer?We're so grateful to have you folks join us for another season of First Class Counselors. In this episode, Oliver and Matt share a bit about their summers, and what they're thinking about going into the 2024 season.Topics:How would you describe your summer in 3 words?Share a favourite story from the summerWhat are some of the trends and interesting things we noticed about campers and staff this summer?What are some of the episodes we're thinking about for season 6 of First Class Counselors?-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningOliver: Blind Taste Test Trend at CampMatt: Get a headlamp + digital watch - tools of the trade!-Thanks to our sponsor!Ultimate Camp ResourceVisit 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 

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/interview-skills-to-land-the-camp-job-of-your-dreams--These interview skills will set you apart!It's the most wanted summer job in the world. Honestly, with the recent pay increases, workplace experience and the amazingness of camp it truly is a job people from around the world seek. So how do you stand out in your interview? Today we are going to cover the application process and some of the important parts of the interview. We recorded this in January so you're getting Matt and Oliver who have been sitting through interviews for the last month. So take it from these camp directors who have seen over a hundred applications - these are truly insider tricks.-Links from this showhttps://www.campratingz.com/ Campstaff.com - https://www.campamerica.com/ IENA - https://www.iena.org/ CCUSA - https://www.ccusa.com/ Camp America - https://www.campamerica.com/ Camp Canada - https://www.campcanada.ca/Campgig - https://campgig.com/-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningOliver: Downy wrinkle release - https://downy.com/en-us/fabric-softener/wrinkle-spray/wrinkle-releaser Matt: AnyList App-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn't for you. It's time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we'll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/eat-like-royalty-Camp food can suck but it doesn't have to!In the hierarchy of things we love, food reigns supreme.But, let's be honest, camp food can be…well camp food. Sometimes, it's a step above high school lunch but also not as great as your typical college food hall. It serves the purpose of caloric intake and satisfying the picky eating of a 10-year-old who only likes chicken nuggets in the shapes of dinosaurs. But it becomes repetitive or lacks the flavour and complexity of your young adult's heightened taste.So as someone that's going to be at camp all summer, how will not just survive on camp food, but thrive on it!This episode, we cover:What to expect at a camp dining hallTop #foodhacks in the dining hallCamp snacks and all things secretEating out on time off-Links from this showYum Yum SauceMagical Meals - First Class Counselors Episode-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningOliver: Groupchat + Paired App - or conversationstartersworld.com Matt: Goodbudget App-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn't for you. It's time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we'll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/first-impressions-campersWhat to do the first time you're alone with campers…It's arguably the most stressful time in a camp counsellor's life. It's the first day of camp, the caregivers have just left and it's now just you and the campers. As 10 sets of eyes stare in anticipation, it dawns on you that what you do and say next really matters. How you spend that first little bit with your campers will set the tone for the session. If you don't treat it intentionally, it's going to be something that you, and likely the rest of camp is going to have to work on for the rest of the session.This episode, we'll cover:Why be intentionalWhat to do in the first 5 minutes of being aloneThings after thatWhat doesn't workPretty intense, right? So intense that Oliver and I couldn't take on this one alone. We're joined by Robynne Howard from the Cairn Family of Camps - a camp who does this first impression thing REALLY well.So tune in to this “longy, but a goodie”!-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningRobynne: Carry a garbage bag around with you. When kids inevitably hand you garbage or need a bandaid, you have space to put your garbage. Plus then you can help pick up garbage that you find around campOliver: Balloon buddyMatt: Look at your camera during zoom interviews - makes it look like you're making eye contact with the interviewerHost LinksMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp WinonaRobynne Howard, Camp Director at The Cairn Family of CampsWhat is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn't for you. It's time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we'll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.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!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/60-second-games-Have 60 seconds? Here are 8 awesome games you can play with campers!Do you need a minute? How about a short quick way to play a game that makes a “meh” moment a “Yay!” Moment. It's episode 60, so we're talking 60 seconds or less to play a game or add an element to make your moments the moments!To explain each game Matt and I have 60 seconds on the clock to explain and provide an example. So strap in, because this one will move quickly!-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningOliver: Bug Bite Prevention IdeasMatt: Tubular Webbing and Raccoon Circles Resource from Jim Cain-Host LinksMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn't for you. It's time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we'll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.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!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/you-and-your-phone-at-summer-camp--No phone, no problem! Maybe?The modern world has always tried to make its way into camp. That's because camp is meant to be a refuge from the world's pressures.  In the 90s and early 2000s, many camps even introduced coding. But the invention of the smartphone changed the story, not just for camp but the world. The connection the phone provides means fostering connection off of it has become harder. A person can only be in so many places at once. So how do we as staff do it? In a world that may only allow us to look away from our phones for an hour, how do we do it for 6 to 10 weeks? That is what we will dive into today.-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningOliver:  Career fairs, go for the free stuffMatt: Bracket Software - https://challonge.com/tournament/bracket_generator-Host LinksMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn't for you. It's time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we'll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.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!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/how-to-kindly-raise-gritty-campersYou don't have to sacrifice care and support in order to promote grit!Perhaps you have heard of Angela Ducksworth's book  “Grit: the power of passion and perseverance” Or if you have been in the camp conference circuit awhile and the opportunity to listen to Dr. Deborah Gilboa speak about resilience. Or maybe you've heard of Jimmy Donaldson, or Mr. Beast speak about the subject of grit, it seems to be found in all successful people. This idea of overcoming obstacles and pushing through tough situations is part of camp. While camp may be fun and full of games it is also a learning opportunity for your campers. This episode, we want to identify areas where grit building can be found on camp and what you as a counselor can do to help in its development.-Links from this episode:HALT - Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningOliver: Swaps - Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere. Little craft giveaways. They are made typically on bobby pins and you make them in large quantities as memorabilia. Girls scouts to thank for this one.Matt: Space Team - App & Board Game-Host LinksMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn't for you. It's time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we'll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/our-biggest-baddest-blundersIt's not if you'll make a mistake…it's when you'll make one.We all make mistakes, but the best part about making them at camp is that you are in one of the most supportive work environments ever. Making mistakes is how you know that you've pushed your comfort zone, so if you're lucky enough to make a bunch, you're going to learn a bunch, too!Matt and Oliver share some stories of bad decisions, lapses of judgement, or just plain absent-mindedness they made back in the day as summer staff. Then, they'll share some perspectives on why they made the mistake and how that mistake made them better camp professionals.-Links from this episode:First Class Counsellor Episode - Camp Relationships-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningOliver - Go to goodwill after Halloween and Christmas, There is always the best stuff.Matt - Glow in the dark bowling-Host LinksMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn't for you. It's time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we'll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.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!***Join 5-Minute Fridays today at gocamp.pro/5MF***

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/taking-camp-home-Welcome to Season 5 of First Class Counselors!Summer is over and you have scrolled through your gallery a bunch remembering how much fun you had. Camp offered a lot - fun, food, friends. But it also taught you a lot and equip you for life after camp. As you unpack, we unpack all the ways you never truly leave summer camp behind.-Links from this episode:First Class Counsellor Episode - Camp SickGo Camp Pro NewsletterFarnham Street - Brain Food Email NewsletterACA Magazine-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningOliver -  Dragon eggs, Fill balloons with water and freeze them. You can also add small prizes. Matt - Camp wide-game: Command and Conquer - Video rules-Host LinksMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn't for you. It's time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we'll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.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!***Join 5-Minute Fridays today at gocamp.pro/5MF***

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/6-things-you-can-do-right-now-to-prepare-for-the-summerSummer is coming…here's what every First Class Counselor should be doing to prepare!If you're listening to this podcast in real-time, then we are in the home stretch. Camp is coming and you can't stop it now!This episode is for any camp counselor, but specifically for the ones who are brand new, or any who want to shake off the rust of a few summers away, or for anyone whose year away from camp has felt like a lifetime. So…really everyone!On this episode, we have 6 quickfire tips for what you can do RIGHT NOW to best prepare yourself for summer.-Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningOliver -  The Cucumber Potato Chip TechniqueMatt - Game - Toro Toro-Host LinksMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn't for you. It's time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we'll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/self-evaluationsBeing able to do this truly separates the counselors, and the First Class Counselors!One of the best parts about working at camp is the incredibly dynamic skill-set that you leave the job with. Not only do you gain super-human skills when it comes to working with kids, you'll pick up a ton fmore in the realm of teamwork, creativity, maintenance, cleaning, cooking…do we need to go on?You grow in an incredible amount of ways - and the job of a good boos/manager is to help point out where you've grown and where you still need to grow, right?Wrong!Well, not wrong, but if you leave the measurement of your growth to just one or two people writing an evaluation or giving you feedback, you're missing a massively important person.Yourself!The ability to reflect on your own growth and performance, then take independent action to keep pushing is a hard skill to learn. But with a few tips, or rather, a podcast episode, you can put yourself on the path to self-evaluation success and truly get the most out of this summer.-Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningOliver:  DIY Ring Toss Carnival Game - RingsMatt: - Up your summer footwear game - Matt's recco - Chacos-Host LinksMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/be-your-directors-best-counselorYou heard it from the pros…now here's how to be the best they've ever seen.If you missed the last episode, you'll want to listen to it before this one. Listen here:https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/your-directors-best-counselorSo now that you have listened you might be wondering…why are there so many different types of great counselors? We learn that the value of a counselor is not always in the skills they offer but the values they represent and provide. So we are going to work though that…and if you stay to the end, you will hear Matt and I share ours!-Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningOliver:  EvaluationsMatt: - Clifton Strengths by Gallup-Host LinksMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn't for you. It's time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we'll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/your-directors-best-counselorStraight from the horse's…er…camp director's mouth!It's a special episode of First Class Counselors. Oliver and many of our Go Camp Pro Podcast hosts are at the Tri-State Camp Conference, so we thought we'd use that time to our advantage.In this episode, you will hear camp pros from across North America share their answer to “why was the best camp counselor who ever worked for you, the best camp counselor?”You'll hear back to back testimonies in this episode and then on the next one, Oliver and Matt will take back the mic to unpack these responses and give you some more practical tips on how to be the next, best, First Class Counselor!-Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningBack next episode!-Host LinksMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn't for you. It's time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we'll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/ages-and-stages-2The kings, queens and royalty of sass. These campers need a little bit of extra patience and love.Last episode, we introduced the emotional, physical and mental triangle of care and how it informs how counselors work with 5-11 years old at camp.This episode we push into the wild unknowns of puberty and teenagers and share how we can work with their unique place in social-emotional development. These campers are simultaneously in the peak formation of their morals and ideals as well as being in one of the most socially tumultuous times of their lives. It's a tough time to be a kid and sometimes, a tougher time to be their counselor.So how do you not only just make it through a week, but thrive through it, forge deep connections AND maybe even teach a future camp staff? That's why we're here today. So tune in, friends!-Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)-Bonus LinksThanks for checking out the show notes!Tim Elmore's Thermostat vs Thermometer-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningMatt - Trickster Cards Site & AppOliver - Juice Bar-Host LinksMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/ages-and-stages-1How to understand, play with and take care of the delightful wee ones at camp.97.2% of camps in North America run an “ages and stages” session during their staff training.Ok, we made that number up, but what ISN'T made up is the fact that it's one of the most important things to learn before starting your summer. This will sound obvious but something that we - and counselors - can easily forget is that kids are different than teens.When we're removed from childhood, even by only a few years, we forget that the physical, mental and emotional abilities that we have a decent handle on are still totally in development for our campers.This two-part series won't replace a full-on ages & stages session at camp, but it will certainly give you a good working knowledge of not only what you can expect when working with the wee ones, but some insider tips on how to make it as fun and issue-free as possible.-Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)-Bonus LinksThanks for checking out the show notes!Piaget's Stages of DevelopmentErikson's Stages of DevelopmentVygotsky's Stages of Development-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningMatt - Ontario Milk camp songOliver - Throw Clap-Host LinksMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn't for you. It's time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we'll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.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!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/ace-your-next-interviewDo you ever wish you could get inside the head of the person interviewing you? Well wish no more!It's interview season for many camps! Around the world, camp counselors are preparing to share why they are the right fit for a camp position this summer. So, in the spirit of giving you an insider's perspective, we have 3 camp directors on the panel who are hiring camp staff RIGHT NOW to tell you exactly what they're looking for in a candidate.Say hello to Gabrielle Raill (from Camp Code and CampHacker fame!) and Tiff Gratton-McDuffie (from the Day Camp Pod)! This episode is FULL of gold nuggets, so grab a pen and paper and tune in!-Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningBack next episode!-Host LinksMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp WinonaTiffany Gratton-McDuffie, Executive Director - Purposeful PlayGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn't for you. It's time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we'll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.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!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/international-counselor-experienceWhether you're an international staff member or welcoming an international staff to your camp this summer, this episode is for you!Did you know that in a normal year, there are over 20,000 international camp staff members that come to North America to experience the summer camp phenomenon? No joke!Adam Heslop, the Summer Camp Programs Staffing Placement Coordinator from IENA (International Exchange of North America), joins Matt and Oliver to share what it's really like to prepare to be, and to be an international staff member?How does Adam know? Because he started off as an international staffer himself! Tune in to hear his stories and the lessons that he has to pass on to new international staffers and the domestic staff that have the opportunity to meet them!-Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)-Links From This EpisodeFrom Adam: This is the Link to Bridge USA website that has the statistics of the program. Attached is the independent study into the Camp counselor program conducted by the Alliance for cultural exchange. https://j1visa.state.gov/basics/facts-and-figures/-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningOliver: Space Team - Card Game & AppMatt: Merlin Bird ID AppAdam: Learn 5 riddles to have ready to bust out! - Find Adam's here. -Host LinksMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp WinonaAdam Heslop, Head of Client Services at IENA-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn't for you. It's time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we'll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/taking-campers-on-trip-101Tripping is in-tents! Here's how to be a First Class Counselor on trip!A big event for many camps is the Overnight, the camp out, the out trip. It has many names but is the night where your campers and you are out of the cabin and in some capacity under the stars. It varies by camp how it is done. But it is an important experience for all campers and we are going to make sure you make it a first class experience. In this episode we're going to break down how to be prepared for a trip as a counsellor - that means how to both prepare for what you'll personally need to consider, and the specifics of supervising kids in the wilderness and being an all-around First Class Counsellor on trip.-Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)-Links From This EpisodeFind them at https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/taking-campers-on-trip-101 -E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningOliver: I'm a little piece of tin  song/gameMatt: - Marco Polo App - Connect with camp friends!-Host LinksMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn't for you. It's time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we'll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/pandemic-practical-skillsThe pandemic has taught us some important lessons…here's how to apply that learning to camp (and how to talk about it in a job interview!)Since the beginning of the pandemic, have you…Had to wait in a super-long line?Be hyper-aware of how risky a potential gathering might be?Change plans on a moment's notice?Do something you've never done before to learn, gather or connect?Of course, you have!When it comes time to apply for your next camp job, you have two years worth of experience to reflect on and translate into the camp context. This episode, Oliver and Matt share the first 4 skills in the form of the acronym P.R.A.C.tical.-Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningMatt: Paper Football - A great 1 on 1 time-killer game!Oliver:  Inshot Video Editor App - https://inshot.com/-Host LinksMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn't for you. It's time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we'll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.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!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/intention-in-camp-day-pt2You've rested up from siesta, now how are you going to crush the rest of the camp day?Missed part 1? Check it out here: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/intention-in-camp-dayThis is part 2 of Oliver and Matt going through the Camp Winona schedule and talk about some of their favourite ways to make each moment special. Episode 1 will cover wake-up to rest hour.-Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningMatt: Egyptian War / Slap Down Card GameOliver:  Collectable Aprons! It's an apron for the kitchen, for arts and crafts, and in a pinch , a cape!-Host LinksMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn't for you. It's time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we'll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.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!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/intention-in-camp-dayFrom the rising of the sun to rest hour - here's how to absolutely rock a camp day.Every day at camp is a new opportunity. An opportunity to connect, an opportunity to have fun, or an opportunity to change a camper's life forever.However, it can be a little daunting to consistently come up with something incredible with something fantastic for every single moment of the day. And, while we wouldn't advise trying to fill every single moment, it's never a bad idea to have your backpack full of ideas to make the most of every moment.For the next two episodes, Oliver and Matt go through the Camp Winona schedule and talk about some of their favourite ways to make each moment special. Episode 1 will cover wake-up to rest hour.Here we go!-Show Links!The Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address-Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningMatt: Deer Ears & Owl EyesOliver:  A camp counsellor classic - a solid carabiner to hold your keys and a Tile to keep track of them!Host LinksMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp WinonaWhat is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn't for you. It's time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we'll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/make-a-cabin-homeHome is where the bunk is…at least it is at camp!For nearly 8 weeks a small converted shed will be your place of residency. For many camps a cabin is a room with just bunks. Sometimes you are lucky to have walls and those with a bathroom could be considered pampered. But how do you make this temporary residence feel like home for you and for your campers?For day camp counsellors you have the challenge of doing this but without the physical 4 walls. How can you take all of the personalization, the rituals and the leverage you get from using the physical space? It's tough, but it's totally possible. This episode will have something for everyone, so tune in and let's figure out how to help your campers feel at home at camp.On this episode you'll hear:The reality of cabin life for you and campers - how to not be de-feeted!Creating an environment of belonging - right from the beginningThe look of a cabin that says “welcome home”Creating “home” throughout the weekHow to use tradition and ritual to help keep that feeling of home strong even when campers actually go home.-Bonus Links!Oliver's favourite stickers!-Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningMatt: Daily gratitude journaling.5 things you're grateful for, 3 things you're proud of from the past 24 hours, 1 goal for the next 24 hoursOliver:  Tea! For any occasion. Seriously…Oliver's been on a huge tea-kick lately!-Host LinksMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn't for you. It's time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we'll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/cabin-bonding-ideasCamp friendships last a lifetime - here's how to help your campers make them!Counselors know how strong that camp friendships are. But do you remember way back when you were a camper? Do you remember your first camp friend? Chances are, your counselor had a big part in helping you forge that friendship.So now, like all things at camp, it's time to pay it forward!In this episode, Oliver and Matt discuss their favourite ideas for helping a cabin form their most fantastic friendships ever.On this episode you'll hear:Why is camp the perfect place for camp friendships to form?How to start your week off with building friendshipsHow to keep the momentum goingCamp activities and times perfect for forging friendshipsEnding the week with a band and sending them home with new friends for life!-Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningMatt: The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - US - CanadaOliver:  Oliver's best (and most gross) “touch of something scary” ideasMarshmallows in water - EyeballsHot dogs, carrots - FingersWet tortilla - Skin Raisins with something sticking (honey or maple syrup) - BoogersSliced almonds - Finger nails'Over cooked rice - Maggots-Host LinksMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn't for you. It's time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we'll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrd from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/wild-weatherRain or (extreme) shine, it's First Class Counselor Time!What a gift the rain is.Many kids are growing up to learn that the moment it starts raining, that outdoor playtime is over.At camp, we have the opportunity to flip the script, and through our example, teach campers to embrace the rain and either use it to have a great time or have a great time in spite of it!Don't get us wrong, it's a bummer when you have a great program that you want to run and a thunderstorm or extreme heat day forces you to re-think it. However, if you've planned it right and use some of the tips from this episode, you'll be able to pivot into the BEST RAIN PLAN EVER.On this episode you'll hear:What you need to know about how camps and you need to approach programming in the rain and extreme heat.Some thoughts and awesome activities when it's rainyKid-friendly card games - https://www.todaysparent.com/family/activities/10-kid-friendly-card-games/Jim Cain's Find Something to DoEven more ideas for when it's HOT HOT HOT!A few other pro tips and tricks-Do you read the show notes?  Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningMatt: Just like Mom - Your New Favourite Evening Program - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAkx6tnMZOc&ab_channel=Canada%27sGameShows Oliver:  Get dirty once a week. Go build a shelter in the woods, build a sandcastle at the beach, do a wacky exploding science experience. Make a mess. These tasks make us problem solve and keep our brains fresh plus teach us how to have fun and be used to getting dirty. Send me a picture through Facebook.-Host LinksMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn't for you. It's time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we'll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrid from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/reflect-on-last-summerLots of learning from Season 3 of First Class Counselors! Here's what will help you MOST for this coming summer!Welcome back to another season of First Class Counselors!We're starting this season off where the summer of 2021 ended. For some camps, it started to feel a bit more normal, but for many, it was a hard one.Camp counselors were truly on the front line of the pandemic this summer. After a year full of screens and small social bubbles, both the campers and their counselors faced the social and behavioural realities of life outside of the Zoom room.With no mute button, no way to turn the camera off and having to wear non-sweatpants and PJs all day, it was, to say the least, tough.So after a tough summer, how do you move forward? When you love camp, but it's kicked the crap out of you, how do you even think about next summer?Here's the secret - you don't. Recover, reflect then think about next year.It would be easy to just wash the summer off of you like your perma-dirt Teva tan, but First Class Counselors never settle for the easy path.This episode is all about reflection and recovery. Matt and Oliver will give you their top tips for how to intentionally move forward after a tough year.On this episode you'll hear:Creating a reflection document of the summer to look back on laterIdeas for mental and physical decompressingProblem-solving tactics for making 2022 your best summer yetHow to make sure you have gotten everything camp has to offer (that means a great reference from your director!)-What do you think of the Podcast? Any ideas? Let Matt know! - matt@gocamp.pro-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningMatt: Senses Walk & Nature ID Apps (Seek, Google Lens, Merlin, Picture Mushroom, Picture This, PlantNet)Oliver - Some of Oliver's favourite campfire slow jams (tune in and you'll get to hear Oliver sing!)-Host LinksMatt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn't for you. It's time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we'll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.----5-Minute Fridays! To find out more and register, head over to http://gocamp.pro/5mf

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/lessons-from-season-3Lots of learning from Season 3 of First Class Counselors! Here’s what will help you MOST for this coming summer!And what a season it’s been! We’ve covered everything from camp counsellor financial decisions to essential skills, with some good ol’ fashion camp games in between. We’ve welcomed sensational guests and even had our first-ever collaboration with another Podcast.As we wrap up this season, we’ll talk about some of our favourite episodes and talk about some of the major takeaways and how they’ll apply to this coming summer.Here are our picks for our favourite of Season 3!MattSupporting New Staff MembersCreating Wonder and MagicThis Will Make Your a Better Camp ProgrammerOliverBeing an Ally to Women at CampCamper Friendly LanguageCamp Counselor Financials-Any ideas for Season 4? Let Matt know - matt@gocamp.pro-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningOliver - 3rd Person Introductions - “His name is Oliver, he enjoys ice cream, he thinks speaking in the third person makes him cool.”Matt - Group Juggling - by Jim Cain-Host LinksMatt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.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!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/expectations-covid-timesHere’s the inside scoop on what being a counselor is like at camp is going to be like during the COVID-19 pandemicToday we’re speaking to counsellors who will be working at camp during a global pandemic. That’s right DURING! COVID isn’t over just because we’ve got a few million vaccines in arms and there are a lot of things that will be different about camp from any other year. So on this episode, we’re going to give you the inside scoop on what being a counsellor at a COVID-considerate camp is going to look like this summer. We’ll cover what the on-the-ground perspective is going to look like, what directors expectations are going to be, what to do if you’re feeling overwhelmed, and some things to ask before you start.Oliver is away today, in full-on summer camp mode so we’ve recruited a pro for this topic - someone who has not only been at camp but RAN camp during a pandemic - well, the same pandemic back last summer.Andy Pritikin is the director of Liberty Lake day camp in the Philly Suburbs and is also the host of the Day Camp Pod - a podcast for day camp professionals and budding day camp professionals. What better person to tell you what a director is going to expect than a director himself, so friends please say hello to the man, my friend, Andy Pritikin!-What did you think of this episode? Any ideas for Season 4? Let matt know - matt@gocamp.pro-Bonus links from this episode:Conversations Starters World - Awesome get to know you question siteThe 5 Dysfunctions of a Team - Patrick Lencioni First Class Counsellors Episode - Mental Health, Breaks and Self Care at Camp0E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningAndy - Keep a deck of cards on you at all times for rainy days - teach kids how to play basic games, even blackjack just for fun will keep them engaged for awhile Matt - Get to know you activity - Name Dance Wave-Host LinksMatt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProAndy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/8-MistakesLet’s pre-learn from our pre-mistakes. No, seriously.We all make mistakes. It’s okay.In fact, camp is built to make sure people can make mistakes to learn and grow from. As a community that fosters growth, it is like a petri dish of mistakes. And like Fleming discovering penicillin great things can come from mistakes. Some things however are just mistakes, we have seen or tried and failed ourselves. Here are the 8 simple mistakes we see counselors make that cause camp directors to shake their heads and go, “why!?”. As Camp Directors, we don’t take mistakes personally, but we do take them seriously - in everything but something that is fireable, mistakes are opportunities to grow, learn and get better. The other thing about most of these mistakes is that they impact the community. Whether it’s the paperwork that has to be filled out, the camper parents that need to be called or the staff community that needs some healing, it’s a hard way to learn that camp is bigger than just one person. We’re all in this together, folks, so let’s head some of these mistakes off at the pass and get right to the growing.What is a mistake that you’ve learned from? Please share!-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningOliver - Using behaviour-based questions to really get down to the bottom of why people are the way they are.Matt - Learn some basic yoga and physio stretches. Specifically your ankles and hips. Your knees will thank you. - Check out Yoga with Adrienne-Host LinksOliver Gregan, Summer Camp ProfessionalMatt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/working-with-pandemic-kidsA preview of the camper behaviour you’ll see this summer, from some firsthand experience.This episode is for the first summer you are back to in-person programming after/during the COVID-19 pandemic. Matt and Oliver are here to share their experiences hanging out with kids during the pandemic to give you the inside scoop on what you, as a camp counselor, can expect this summer. Its’ going to be different but we are here to tell you it will be ok.Matt and Oliver speak from their perspective here so let’s talk about where they’re coming from.MattBoys at an elementary school (kindergarten to grade 8)His 4-year-old nephewOliverI worked up in CT in a substitute location for virtual schools and an after-school program with kids in the 5th to 8th grade. Now I am running an overnight camp in Florida. We just hosted a mini-camp weekend with campers 6 to 17. Do you have any “pro-tips” from your experience working with kids during the pandemic? Please share!-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningOliver - Take some time to learn about the nature around you. Especially if you move to a new area! You can use the Seek augmented reality app to help with this. Just point your phone’s camera a learn away!Matt - Zoo-Keepers-Game - Listen to this episode to hear more!(more great socially distant games from Asphalt Green)-Host LinksOliver Gregan, Summer Camp ProfessionalMatt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.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!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/avengers-camp-gamesIf The Avengers took part in Color Games…who would win?We’re here to answer the big questions.This episode, we team up with William Glasser and the Substantiate Podcast to take our teams of Avengers and put them to the test in some unique Color Games events.Tune in to this episode to hear about some unique events you can add to your camp programs this summer.Part one of this conversation - where we drafted and justified our teams - is over on the Substantiate feed, so check it out there!E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningBack Next Episode!Host LinksOliver Gregan, Summer Camp ProfessionalMatt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProWhat is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.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!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/supporting-new-staffEvery year you come back to camp, it becomes less and less about yourself. Here’s how to support the newbies!We have a 2 for 1 episode for you!First up, we bring you an exclusive interview with one of the newest and youngest Executive directors of a YMCA camp in North America - exclusive for you! Tune in to hear about how he went from a counsellor just like you to reaching one of his biggest camp dreams out there.As well, we have a real topic today and it's close to the heart for Oliver. How do you welcome new staff? Camps every year introduce new staff from all over, internationals, never been to camp domestics and first year counselors who were once CITs.How do you as an experienced staff help them feel as welcomed, included and informed as possible?It’s not just up to your directors to welcome new staff!-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningGames, songs, and other super-practical tips that you can use at camp next summer.Matt: The 4 chord progression for most pop songs - Guitar - Em - C - G - D | Ukulele - Am - F - C - GOliver: The pinecone game! Help your facility staff while playing a game with campers!-Host LinksOliver Gregan, Summer Camp ProfessionalMatt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/fill-5-minutesEvery moment is precious at camp…even those 5 minutes before you go into a meal!10 ways to spend 5 minutes with your campers. You need these as a counselor. The days are structured but there will forever be break times and they are vitally important to camper development that we take advantage of those moments. Let’s break down when to pop what activities at what times. Thus improving intentionality and awareness.It’s not about filling those 5 minutes for the sake of filling 5 minutes either, it’s about engaging your campers intentionally. Even though we give you some games - it’s not just games that you can do in this extra time - think about what your group may need - and program accordingly.-Bonus Links:Rita Pierson’s TED Talk - https://www.ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_needs_a_champion?language=enConversation Starters - https://conversationstartersworld.com/ -Host LinksOliver Gregan, Summer Camp ProfessionalMatt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up-and-coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/6-camp-mythsDon’t listen to the movies - working at Summer Camp is nothing like it - it’s much more real, and much better!The mythos of camp is one filled with legends and mystery. While much of it falls in the realms of you just need to be there to understand or it’s locked away in the secrecy of never can tell games there are a few things we can bust for you today. What is true and untrue about some myths you have heard about camp?Our Podcasts are usually specifically geared towards camp counsellors, and are usually pretty skill-based, but we’re doing this for Camp Directors and Camp staff who want to recruit other staff to work at camp.If you’re listening to this because a Camp Director or friend told you to listen to this - welcome! It’s great to have you.We’re excited to help share some way to tell people what camp is really all about.-Bonus Links:First Class Counselors Podcast Episode: Camp IS a Real Job! With Kim AycockFirst Class Counselors Podcast Episode: Camp Counselor Financials-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningGames, songs, and other super-practical tips that you can use at camp next summer.Oliver: Campfire Cooking. The Campfire Cookbook: 80 Imaginative Recipes for Cooking OutdoorsMatt: Finger Calculator Game (Add’em up)-Host LinksOliver Gregan, Summer Camp ProfessionalMatt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.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!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/better-camp-programmerEvery camp counselor is, or will be, a programmer someday. No matter how basic your session is, there are a few things that you can do to make them the best they can bePrograms. At most camps you are going to end up leading a program. It could be guitar, swim lessons or archery There are honestly hundreds of programs camps can offer. Some require special training or are an established skill you should already know how to do. But for many counselors it is your first time teaching, leading or instructing. Being an incredible athlete or artist will not guarantee greatness in your program period. But these simple skills, tricks and techniques might. Today we are specifically covering programs campers sign up for and repeat throughout the week or are coming to for an extended period of time. -E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningGames, songs, and other super-practical tips that you can use at camp next summer.Oliver: Theme your days. Start a group text with your camp friends and link a calendar. On that calendar put a bunch of random themes that you would normally have at camp and send each other pictures of the day. Matt: Use a role-playing game 20-sided dice to gamify your camp experiences!-Host LinksOliver Gregan, Summer Camp ProfessionalMatt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.-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!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/camper-friendly-languageA camp counselor’s words can change a child’s life. Here’s how to handle that incredible responsibility with care, grace, and skill.You are a hero to your campers.Whether you like it or not, those kids are going to think you’re the coolest thing since sliced bread and want to be just like you. This means that we always need to make sure that through our words and actions, we’re teaching them, by example, that what we say and do matter.This episode, Matt and Oliver cover the words part. They put their heads together and break down how the language we use with campers can lead them, comfort them, correct them and inspire them.So untwist those tongues and put on your thinking caps, because this episode is a good one!-Links from this episode:Book About Resiliency - Feel the Fear and Do it AnywayBook About Negotiation - Never Split the Difference-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningGames, songs, and other super-practical tips that you can use at camp next summer.Oliver: The Plant Project - Take a plant, smash it, and bring it back to life with a new pot. Great nurturing practice for camp!Matt: Team Body Project Workouts-Host LinksOliver Gregan, Summer Camp ProfessionalMatt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/humble-brags-2020Let’s purposefully reflect on 2020 and prepare for the year ahead.We’re posting this as 2020 comes to a close.If you’re viewing this from the future, congrats, you’re still here!2020 was a weird year, but COVID certainly didn’t stop the learning, growing and changing that would happen any other year.So for this episode, the last of the year, Oliver and Matt reflect on the 2020 year, look forward to 2021 and talk a little about goal-setting through the eyes of a camp counselor.Tune in to hear about:Oliver and Matt’s personal and professional wins of the yearTheir resolutions going forwardSome big, ambitious goals for camp staff in 2021What goes into creating a successful resolution.-Links from this episode:Go Camp Pro’s USELetter Sign-UpOliver’s Goal-Setting Worksheet for Camp Staff-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningGames, songs, and other super-practical tips that you can use at camp next summer.Oliver: Use The Pomodoro Method to GET STUFF DONE.Matt: Make it a new year’s resolution to learn how to play Ukulele! -Host LinksOliver Gregan, Summer Camp ProfessionalMatt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/10-counsellor-jobsCamp Couneslors do whatever needs to be done to give campers the best summer camp experience they can.“Other duties as required”. It's a short sentence at the end of a job description that means an awful lot. Today we are going to share some of our stories that fall into this jurisdiction. These are the stories where it is the job that just has to get done, the weird tasks we have had to perform and the unexpected flexibility needed from counselors who are doing their best. We hope for first-time counselors this may identify the responsibilities of being a counselor. For those who have a few summers under their belt these are some great stories that may help you down the line. Links from this episode:350 Water Balloons in One MinutePlanning Perfect Programs - First Class Counsellors #1E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningGames, songs, and other super-practical tips that you can use at camp next summer.Oliver: Simple bets- small and don’t let it escalate. Be a good judge of if your cabin can handle it, but it can be a lot of fun. Things you can betA push up (at any time)A bouquet of grassDoor manager for the day10 tree hugsA list of names for my future childrenA portrait of me5 compliments before bedMatt: Nature game - Find a TreeHost LinksOliver Gregan, Summer Camp ProfessionalMatt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProWhat is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/ally-to-womenIt’s time for the men of the camping industry to step up, step down, and better support our women colleagues in camp.The camp industry, as a whole, participates in structural inequality. Period.It’s easy to get caught in the trap of believing that because we create the separate, magical and intentional community at camp, that we are too insulated from the crap of the outside world. In some ways, we definitely exist in a bubble, but that is not the case when it comes to structural racism, sexism and other forms of inequality.In this episode of First Class Counsellors, we begin a series on using our privilege, power, and knowledge of the camp industry to look at issues of inequality from the ground up - and that means starting with camp counsellors.To start, Oliver and Matt are joined by Go Camp Pro podcast pros Ruby Compton (of Camp Code fame) and Rachel Kent (of Beyond Camp fame). Together they talk about their experiences being on both sides of sexism and how our young, male counsellors can better support their female-identifying co-workers.Finally, Rachel and Ruby share about their involvement with the Women in Camp Summit and the work the conference and movement does to empower, educate and foster the growth of women in the camping industry.Together, our four hosts cover:Their counselling experience and how their genders impacted their time at camp.From a counsellor's scope, where do / have we seen inequality between men and women at camp exist?What can male camp counsellors do to be better allies to their female co-staff? How the Women in Camp Summit began and what this year’s summit will look likeWhy were the “allies event” and “allies fund” created for this year?Much, much more!-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningGames, songs, and other super-practical tips that you can use at camp next summer.Oliver: Fairy Letters (check out the video for this one to see it)Matt: Heads or Tails, 2 minute elimination gameRuby: Fairy House turned into mini ninja training groundRachel: Eco Police - Giving campers the task of looking out for camp’s environmental impact.-Host LinksOliver Gregan, Summer Camp ProfessionalMatt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProRachel Kent, Coordinator, Member Risk - Girl Guides of CanadaRuby Compton, Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby OutdoorsWhat is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Find more at https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/camp-counselor-financialsShould you spend your own money on camp stuff? No. Well…sometimes…well…okay, just listen to this episode!This one has been a bee in our bonnet for a long time. Camp counselors make so little money, but often spend so much of it on things they use at camp and we’re here to stand on our soapbox and say NO MORE!Granted, there are some times to invest in gear, games or self-care, but at the end of the day you should never have to spend big bucks to be a First Class Counselor!Tune in to this episode to learn about: How does pay work in the summer camp world and why is it generally so low?What are some of the benefits of working at camp beyond the pay?What should you NOT spend your hard-earned pay on? When may it be okay?Hear about Matt and Oliver’s most shameful camp purchases so you don’t have to make their mistake!-If you have any feedback, or a suggestion for a future FCC show, send Matt an email at matt@gocamp.pro-Bonus Material - Thanks for reading the show notes!Ubuntu CardsMatt as Captain Planet: (check the show notes!)-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing, Ever Learning.Games, songs, and other super-practical tips that you can use at camp next summer.Oliver: Put it on a graph, chart, infographicIs cereal a soupIs water wetMost popular questions google is askedMost common thoughts of dogs Matt: DIY Disc Golf Course-Host LinksOliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp JewellMatt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/blog/women-of-gcp-podcastWhat do you call it when you gather a bunch of female camp and podcasting pros in a room? You call it AWESOME.In today’s special crossover episode, Beth Allison from Camp Code hosts a conversation with several of the women who podcast with Go Camp Pro. Today’s episode features Rachel Kent and Cassie Bloy from Beyond Camp, Sam Thompson from the Day Camp Pod, Kelly Schuna from The Camp Owner’s Podcast, and Ruby Compton from Camp Code and Gabrielle Raill from CampHacker and Camp Code. Listen in as these women discuss their mentors who inspired them in the industry, challenges women face working at camp and advice for new camp pros. Interestingly, all of these women have also attended the Women in Camp Summit in previous years. During the episode, they discuss some of their biggest takeaways from the event as well as what they are most looking forward to for this year’s Live Virtual Summit taking place December 2-3. Find out more about the Women in Camp Summit Live Virtual event at https://www.womenincampsummit.com.Gabrielle announced this year’s Summit will also feature the first of the “Becoming Allies” series with an event titled “Becoming Allies: Supporting Women in Camp” on December 4. Folks who want to participate in the Allies event can register through this link: https://acai.wildapricot.org/event-4051965-The Women in Camp Summit needs your support! The planning team for the Summit has set a $7,500 fundraising goal to offer scholarships to attendees and off-set the costs of hosting this unique professional development event. Every dollar counts. Donate today and donate again on the Day of Giving for the Women in Camp Summit on November 24. Donate here: https://acai.wildapricot.org/allies/-Love this episode?Find more Podcast goodness at gocamp.pro/podcast. Also, if you want to support the work that we do, please consider subscribing to the shows, and leaving us a rating in your favourite Podcast app.-On This Episode:Beth Allison, Camp Consultant and Co-Owner - Go Camp ProGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp OuareauRuby Compton, Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby OutdoorsSam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park DistrictKelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines RanchCassie Bloy, Consultant & Freelance Camp Director - Stephane Richard Development Consulting Rachel Kent, Coordinator, Member Risk - Girl Guides of Canada

Find full show notes and links at https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/sensational-storiesBeing able to spin a great story: A skill for every First Class Counselor to learn. Joe Richards, Camp Director, Podcaster and Storytelling Wizard is here to teach you how.Telling a great story is much more than sitting down on a stump, shining a flashlight under your chin and telling a story that you’ve memorized.If you want your stories to draw campers in, transport them to another world and hang on your every word, it takes a lot!. As with any hard-skill like this, it’s going to take both knowledge and practice to get it right. So First Class Counselors is here to give you a great start on the knowledge piece. Joining Oliver and Matt is Joe Richards, Executive Director at Pearce Williams and co-host of the CampHacker Podcast. Joe’s experience in storytelling is deep and wide, beginning from his time as a counselor and carrying through a University thesis on the subject and now in his work teaching other staff at Pearce Williams.Tune in to this episode to learn about: Are scary stories okay at camp?Why are stories so connected to the camp experience?Where do you start if you think you have no storytelling skills?What tricks do you use to capture attention?What resources do you use when trying to find or even make a great story?Hear a great example of a story from Joe!-If you have any feedback, or a suggestion for a future FCC show, send Matt an email at matt@gocamp.pro-Bonus Material - Thanks for reading the show notes!Joe’s Canadian Camping Magazine Archive ProjectThe Cremation of Sam McgeeThe 5-Rules of Storytelling:-E.G.E.L - Ever Growing Ever LearningGames, songs, and other super-practical tips that you can use at camp next summer.Matt: Never-Can-Tell: SnapsOliver: Rory’s Story Cubes-Host LinksOliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp JewellMatt Honsberger, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro-What is First Class Counselors?Camp Directors, this Podcast isn’t for you. It’s time to delegate! First Class Counsellors is for your counselling staff, the ones who are on the ground, playing with kids and changing lives.Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counsellor skills. These are things every counsellor should know, but that you may not have time to teach in staff training.Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counsellors and up and coming staff, who they believe, have the most important job at camp.