"Help!"
Camper Behavior
Camper Behavior
You notice a camper is barely eating during multiple meals
Encourage the camper to try a few bites, offer alternative approved options if available, monitor intake, and notify Yana, Edith, or Alex if the concern continues
A camper gets a deep cut with heavy bleeding
Follow first aid procedures and call the nurse for assistance
You slept only 4 hours because you stayed up late socializing
Prioritize hydration, nutrition, and rest during breaks. Remain professional and recognize that your choices affect camper care
You are assigned a co-madrich you've never met before
Spend time getting to know each other, communication styles, strengths, expectations, and boundaries before campers arrive
You hear gossip about another staff member
Avoid participating and redirect the conversation
A camper refuses to participate in Maccabia
Offer choices, encourage participation in a modified role (scorekeeper, helper, observer), and avoid forcing participation.
A camper threatens to hurt themselves or someone else
Ensure immediate safety, stay with the camper, and notify leadership immediately
Campers only listen to your co-madrich
Coordinate with your partner to share leadership responsibilities and build stronger relationships with campers
A new counselor has a different approach to campers than you do
Be open-minded, collaborate, and learn from each other's experiences
During free time, campers overhear counselors discussing their dating lives, personal drama, and other private conversations
Counselors should be mindful that campers are always listening. Personal conversations should remain professional, age-appropriate, and take place away from campers whenever possible. Staff should model the behavior and language they expect from campers
A camper has worn the same clothes for three days and has not changed
Privately encourage the camper to change, offer support, and notify leadership if hygiene concerns continue
A camper reports being bullied
Take it seriously, separate involved campers if needed, and report it immediately
You feel yourself getting frustrated and impatient with campers
Take a brief staff break if available, ask for support, regulate yourself before responding, and avoid reacting emotionally
Returning staff are making inside jokes and excluding new counselors
Intentionally include everyone and help build a welcoming camp community
You arrive to morning lineup wearing a crop top, yoga shorts, and slides because it's hot outside.
Staff should follow camp dress code and wear appropriate clothing that allows them to safely supervise and participate in activities
A camper is crying after lights out because they are homesick
Reassure the camper, sit nearby briefly, offer coping strategies, remind them of the morning schedule, and maintain bedtime expectations
A camper tells you something concerning about home
Do not promise secrecy; report it to camp leadership immediately
You feel sick and think you may have a fever
Inform your supervisor and visit the nurse. Camp cannot function safely if staff hide illnesses
During Madrichovka, you receive feedback that feels unfair and is hard to hear
Take a breath, listen fully, ask clarifying questions if needed, and view feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism. Great counselors are coachable even when feedback is difficult to hear
Several counselors are casually cursing in front of campers, and campers begin repeating the language
Staff should model appropriate language at all times. Campers often imitate counselor behavior