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This question is about what a camp counselor does.

How to be a good camp counselor

By Justin Parker - Feb. 20, 2023

To be a good camp counselor, you must develop the right skills, including strong leadership, decision-making abilities, and good communication. Here are the top skills and other qualities you should develop and hone to be a good camp counselor:

  • Strong leadership. Strong leadership skills are some of the most important ones for camp counselors. This is because the role's main responsibility involves guiding children through the camp experiences and keeping them safe.

    Developing and honing skills in this area will help you to have the right amount of confidence needed for the job, especially in large group situations.

  • Decision-making abilities. Decision-making abilities are also very crucial for good camp counselors. Many different types of scenarios can arise during any day at camp.

    Counselors must be able to be observant and exercise good judgment when making decisions during their workday. Again, because this job involves child care, camp counselors must be able to make the right decisions.

  • Good communication skills. Having strong communication skills is another feature of a good camp counselor. This role involves interacting with many different parties, including the following:

    • Children at camp

    • The parents of children

    • Other camp counselors

    • The director and any administrative staff of the camp

Communicating clearly and professionally with all parties is essential to the job. Parents often need detailed information about activities at camp and other matters, while giving clear directions and guidance to children is also crucial for their fun and safety.

Being able to properly speak with coworkers also leads to a better camp experience.

  • Teamwork and collaboration. Camp counselors are normally part of large teams of counselors. The role sees these teams working in various outdoor and indoor settings. Proper teamwork and collaboration skills help to keep the camp organized and running efficiently.

    This is also very important because camp counselors often teach teamwork and collaboration to the campers.

  • Being patient. Jobs that involve children often require caregivers, teachers, or counselors to practice patience. Patience in working with children is important because not all children are the best listeners.

    This is also very important when doing camp activities with strict safety protocols, such as archery. Being patient makes you an accessible camp counselor.

  • Remember, you are a role model. Camp counselors are role models for children. Since many camp counselors are younger and might even be teenagers, they must remember that they are role models to the children.

    Campers will often look up to and tend to emulate counselors closer to them in age, more so than adults.

  • Organization. Camp counselors normally have to juggle several tasks or switch between many activities during a day at camp. This makes staying organized a key feature of being a good camp counselor. Organizational skills help to:

    • Organize camp activities

    • Plan excursions

    • Prepare materials

    • Stick to plans

  • How to be a good camp counselor

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