Cabin Counselor Manual 2013 Final - Interlochen Center for the Arts

The 10 Year Old
Physical Development
• Will have gained weight but not height in this
growth spurt.
• Very active physically; however, boys’ games are
much rougher.
• Individual differences and abilities show up more
dramatically.
• Neatness is not seen as a part of correctness.
• Very critical of both their own and others’ work.
Mental Development
• For the most part, have themselves and their skills
in control.
• Work with great speed and show capacity to
budget time and energy.
• Ready to participate in discussions and enjoy
discussing world affairs and situations.
• Follow leadership and would now rather talk with
an adult than a peer.
• Eager to try the “suggestions” of adults.
• More interested in the here and now than the
future.
Emotional Development
• Generally content and casual.
• Have brief and quickly forgotten bursts of anger.
If they don’t get their own way, bursts will come
more frequently.
• Emotional reactions are “changeable.”
• May become moody and critical at times.
Social Development
• Most are law-abiding citizens who enjoy
democracy.
• Appropriate for them to be part of the rule-making
process.
• Looking for leadership and role models to
emulate.
• Very important for them to be accepted by the rest
of the group.
• Social class differences in attitudes and behaviors
are very strong.
• The female camper who has reached puberty
early may become interested in older males
because those of her own age are not tolerant of
girls.
The 11 Year Old
Physical Development
• Restless and fidgety. Cannot sit still for any length
of time.
• Fatigue easily.
• Awkward and clumsy, need help achieving grace.
• Females’ bodies have begun to mature but,
typically, few boys have begun adolescence.
• Interested in knowing how their bodies function.
Mental Development
• Mentally restless and can’t concentrate as well as
they could previously.
• Definite interest in human reproduction.
• Increased self-reliance and ability.
• Enjoy making decisions; however, can be
impulsive, curious and eager to investigate.
• Growing independence can sometimes bring
trouble.
• They may become so absorbed in “the group” that
other areas may slide.
Emotional Development
• Become self-conscious and insecure about how
they look.
• Have developed a good sense of humor toward
self and others.
• May be rebellious.
• May talk back, love to argue.
• Self-assertive, unaware that they are being
difficult or rude.
• Happy with their peers; grown-ups are thwarters
and irritators.
• Do not respond well to encouragement or
criticism.
• Are often on best or better behavior away from
home.
Social Development
• Like organized games.
• Boys have a low opinion of girls because they
can’t/don’t play as rough.
• Can be taught good manners; they are interested
in doing things right.
• Typically follow a leader, becomes important that
the leader is good.
• Beginning need to share in community projects
and receive community recognition.
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