Cabin Counselor Manual 2013 Final - Interlochen Center for the Arts

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for campers while at camp and are not permitted except when approved by a dean during a change-over weekend. Waterfront All waterfront regulations concerning the safety and welfare of campers (faculty, staff and students) are under the jurisdiction of the division waterfront director. These regulations control all swimming, boating, canoeing and sailing activities. Camp personnel enjoy the facilities of any of the supervised areas and are expected to adhere to the regulations of that area. No swimming or boating activities are permitted on any waterfront when artificial light is required. Small craft owned by any staff member are subject to the regulations of the Camp while moored or in Camp waterfront areas. Understanding Your Role Defining the Role of the Cabin Counselor Defining the role of “Cabin Counselor” is a daunting task; however, several overall factors remain constant in those that are successful. A successful staff member is one who: • Gets along well with others by doing one’s own part and supporting others, is a team player and a positive part of the division and Camp community. • Presents a “United Front” with other staff both in the division and across campus. • Is an active part of the division and Camp group through cooperation, being a participant in group decision making, being supportive of decisions made by others and comparing self-interest in relationship to the best interests of the camper, division and Camp. • Is self-sufficient and self-reliant in relating to campers, divisional and Camp staff, programming, and managing the cabin. • Is open to experiencing new ideas, exploring, observing and participating in the building of camper, divisional and camp relationships. • Participates wholeheartedly in division and camp activities. • Shows others respect in order to earn respect. • Reinforces the positive while working with the negative. • Knows when to take a personal time-out when involved in or managing a difficult situation. • Serves as a positive role model for self-care (healthy eating, regular exercise, sleep). • Maintains a good sense of humor. • Expects the unexpected and is prepared to improvise and maintain a positive attitude. • Effectively communicates with parents, colleagues, and camp students. Defining the Style of the Cabin Counselor Your “style” is the catalyst which creates and stimulates the environment of the cabin. In working with campers of all age groups you will find that various techniques and methods will be needed to reach all of the campers under your care; however, a consistent style is the foundation from which to build successful interactions not only in the cabin but in Main Camp, roving, and in the Dining Hall. The following “styles” are meant to characterize three methods by which a counselor might respond. Two of the styles are at opposite ends of the counseling spectrum while the third is a compilation of the two and is the most effective style from which to work. The “Laissez-Faire” or “Do What You Want” Style is characterized by: • the failure to hold campers responsible for their actions. • a reluctance to seem “uncool” or “un-hip” in the campers’ eyes. • a thinly veiled disdain for division and Camp policies and procedures. • feeling uncomfortable establishing one’s authority in the cabin and division in the first weeks of Camp. • an unwillingness to take the awkward step of confronting or repeatedly confronting individual campers when circumstances warrant it (especially out of fear of damaging a friendship with a camper). • campers learning that this counselor turns a “blind eye” to many situations. • setting the campers up for failure by conditioning them to respond inappropriately when confronted by other staff members who adhere to policy and give appropriate consequences. • the fact that counselors who survive this method usually regret choosing this style. The “Authoritarian” or “Hardball” Style is characterized by: • intolerance and inflexibility. 9
• an exaggerated concern for authority. • a constant need for order and routine. • a cynicism about the “bad” campers and their underlying motives. • a tough, aggressive, punitive and overly rigid adherence to camp rules. • a willingness to employ “ambush” techniques to capture campers and give punitive action. The “Firm But Fair” Style is a combination of the previously-mentioned styles and is the one which we expect counselors to strive for. The Ideal Cabin Counselor Cabin counselors come with their own set of skills and personal baggage. It is important to remember that we are not perfect. We are subject to the same biases and difficulties as everyone else. Our job is to recognize this and work hard toward the following: • Cabin counselors strive to be calm, unflappable, and even-tempered. • Cabin Counselors strive to avoid having biases or prejudices. We recognize the differences in all children and deal with the individual, caring for each one. • Cabin Counselors sometimes have to hide their true feelings from campers if it is not productive or healthy for the children in their care. • Cabin Counselors must work daily not to have favorites. It’s easy to do and can become very obvious to our campers. • Cabin Counselors work daily to provide a living environment that is exciting, stimulating and free, quiet when needed, safe and orderly. • Cabin Counselors must strive to be consistent. • Cabin Counselors are often expected to know all of the answers. Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know but will find out from someone else. • Cabin Counselors need to support each other and work hard to present a united front to the campers. If personal feelings, values or convictions get in the way, discuss them privately with your colleague. Don’t do it in front of campers. 10
Page 1 and 2: CAMP LIFE STAFF 2013 Cabin Counselo
Page 3 and 4: Understanding Your Campers ........
Page 5 and 6: Camp Life Personnel Divisional Stru
Page 7 and 8: Camp Life General Information Camp
Page 9: Practicing - Practicing in the cabi
Page 13 and 14: The 10 Year Old Physical Developmen
Page 15 and 16: Taking Care of Campers Behavior Man
Page 17 and 18: Teaching Appropriate Behavior Plann
Page 19 and 20: Counseling Services and Divisional
Page 21 and 22: 4. Explain your need for their inpu
Page 23 and 24: Fire In the event that fire occurs

Cabin Counselor Manual 2013 Final - Interlochen Center for the Arts

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