Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/camp-is-a-cult Summer 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 ..read more

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/meet-your-camp-director-1 Part 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 ab ..read more

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/how-to-talk-to-adults You 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 gre ..read more

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 on ..read more

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/campers-and-staff-these-days Welcome 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 summer What 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 ..read more

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 si ..read more

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 heightene ..read more

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/first-impressions-campers What 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, an ..read more

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 Learning Oliver: Bug ..read more

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 st ..read more