Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/gen-a Generation-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 ..read more

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/water-safety Water safety (and fun!) starts with Camp Counselors Many 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 keep ..read more

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/terrible-staff You 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 ..read more

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