How to become a good counselor

If you are coming to camp for the first time, try to collect the maximum amount of information about it. How are housing, dining, medical offices administration of the room leaders and other strategic locations; the daily routine in the camp, the official and unofficial traditions, the number of units and approximate age of the children they will facilitate your further work. Learn all it is not so difficult - the sites of camps, official pages in social networks to help you. Also some camps organize a preliminary training, in which you can "live" to get acquainted with the future place of work and residence.

"Calmness, only calmness!" Those words should be your main motto for this shift. It involves communication not only with children but also with the administration of the camp, partner (second counselor), parents of children... by the Way, about your parents. In some camps with their parents all the questions addressed to educators, so don't forget to clarify this point.

And now, the camp chosen, all necessary information is collected. What's next? Next you should define the desired age of the children. How to decide on which squad to sign up in the counselors? What's the best age? This question has no single answer, since each age its own characteristics, difficulties and power UPS. Here you will find books on developmental psychology, as well as a great many sites on this topic.

Necessary clothing and documents depending on the camp, both can vary, and sometimes considerably, but still there and unchanged. Of the document is a medical record card, statement about the available vaccinations. Clothes - a hat, pants (sportswear or jeans), light shoes, t-shirts-t-shirts and a couple of warm things. Even in the hottest countries happen cold days, do not forget also about night fire with the squad and, of course, planning meetings, which are often held after hours.

So, the preparations are complete. Or not? If possible, you should study the outline mesh of the upcoming change before the start of the shift. So you will be able to think about each of the activities to plan their work. If imagination and creativity you have very tight, prepare in advance one or two rooms on each of the performances. And then in the camp will only have to modify these options with the children and how to rehearse. Also you can think about the name of the squad, the motto, the squadron area. The probability that the plan-grid you will first see only the camp in the beginning of the shift. In this case, do not despair and try to learn about traditionally held in the camp activities. And then follow the above scheme.

A few words about the squadron area. This is exactly what should take care in advance. Consider the approximate sketch, design, layout. Some pieces can be done at home and bring to camp. It can be various pictures for decoration, and the various "sheets free", "mood screens" and so on. Each camp counselor issued office supplies: paints, brushes, colored paper, scissors, but they are always sorely lacking. And therefore, you should take care of this "on the beach". Should also take care about the design of the squadron common room (corridor, veranda), because bare walls are so boring!

And here you are in the camp. Documents and clothing in order, the office recruited a stock, the squadron's area is beautifully decorated, the name and motto of the party with the children learnt to the event. What's next? And then it's simple. Keep an eye on the children, listen to their problems, and help organized all kinds of game in any free minute. About the games with the children, incidentally, also should take care in advance. As the music and costumes for the rooms. And, most importantly, don't be afraid to ask for help! The other counselors, the teacher, the administration - all members of the camp staff friendly!