Camp Counseling is awesome!

4-H Camp Counselor Training

A critical element
to a successful
camping program!

This site is currently in it's very beginning - much more to come!

Training for Agents!!
Develop Your County Camp Counselor Training Program

Workshops led by Camp Counselor Work Team

Agenda for the day
Registration Form

A work team surrounding the idea of Camp Counselor Training was brought together to assess the need for statewide policies regarding Camp Counselor Training.  This occurred as a result of the study done in WI 4-H about this topic.  In order to make the camp counseling experience a positive educational opportunity, a young person must be properly trained. Well trained counselors will strongly support a successfulcamping experience for all - both campers and staff.

As a work team we decided 6 hours of contact for the counselors with these 5 topics would be necessary.  This time would NOT include planning time.

REQUIRED TOPICS FOR TRAINING

• Problem Solving -
  *Problem Solving -
  Teaching Problem Solving - lesson plan - Toby Grabs, Assistant Director, Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center

• *Environment – Physical and Emotional Health
  Resources from Katy Forsythe, Eau Claire 4-H Youth Agent
  Elements of a Safe and Inclusive Environment and resources
  Teaching Outline for this topic

• Understanding Campers
  Resources from Karen Nelson, Columbia Co 4-H Youth Development Agent
  Understanding Campers - - teaching outline
  Understanding campers handouts
  Ages and Stages of 15-18 year olds
  *Understanding Campers - beginning of resource list

• Attitude Resources from Connie Creighton, Portage County 4-H Youth Development Agent
  Attitude - teaching Outline
  Attitude handout 1 - balloon campers
  Attitude handout 2 - camper sign
  Attitude handout 3 - camp from a parent's point of view
  *Attitude - beginning of resource list
• *Counselor Responsibilities
  Resources from Bob Matysik, LaCrosse County 4-H Youth Agent
  Letter To Counselor from a Parent What does a parent expect? Here is a letter from a parent sharing their thoughts and expectations from their child's camp counselor.
  Counselor Job Description - Sample Help youth to actually see what the expectations might be.
  Counselor Contract - sample Assist youth in making a commitment to their role.
  Teaching Outline for session on Caounselor Responsibilities Already designed for the agent or leader training counsleors for a camping situation.
• Additional topics and resources for further training:
  Ceremonies at Camp - from Sally Schoenike, Dodge County 4-H Youth Agent
• Camp Counselor Backpack - from Karen Nelson, Columbia Co 4-H Youth Agent
  
  Camp Program Suggestions
  http://www.dontlaugh.org/curricula/  (This is the don't laugh at me camp program ... there are other materials for other settings as well.)
  
   Counselor Training Ideas   http://www.louisiana4h.org/en/kids_teens/for_teens/camp/Who+Wants+To+Be+A+Camp+Counselor.htm  (Louisiana Handbook)
  http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/4H_Y2/4h438.pdf  (Kansas State University) Counselor Training Manual
  
  

Top