Cabin Chaos
A camper won’t clean their area during cabin time.
👉 What do you say and do?
What is I would turn it into a game, let them know I'm setting a timer, remind them about cabin inspections, and/or come alongside and help?
A camper says, “This is boring.”
👉 Give a response that redirects, not shuts them down.
What is encourage them by saying something like: I hear you—let’s make it better. I need your help—come try this part with me.
A camper says, “I miss home,” but they aren’t crying and are still participating.
What is:
“That makes sense—being away from home can feel weird at first. What’s something you like to do at home?”
A camper trips, falls, and scrapes their knee.
What is:
“Let’s get you cleaned up—come with me.”
Your group is loud and unfocused before starting an activity.
What is:
“If you can hear my voice clap twice.”
Then:
Two campers are arguing over bunk space. It’s getting louder.
👉 What’s your first move?
What is I would realize that this isn't something they are going to solve on their own and intervene? That might look like playing a game of rock, paper, scissors or choosing a number between 1 and 5 and the closest gets the bunk. I may also offer that one has it one night and the other the next night.
A camper talks back after you give a direction.
What is respond with “Try that again the right way.” (pause, eye contact)
“Thanks—now let’s go.”
A camper is crying at night and says they want to go home.
What is:
“I’m really glad you told me. You’re safe here, and I’m going to stay with you. What was your favorite thing we did today?”
A camper says they feel dizzy during an activity.
What is:
“Sit down right here—I’m staying with you.”
Half your group is engaged, half is not.
What is:
Adjust the activity OR bring energy up:
“Everyone in—this part gets better!”
Then:
A camper refuses to participate in a group activity and sits off to the side.
👉 How do you handle it?
What if I would start by asking a question? Checking in with them and seeing why they aren't participating. I would encourage them to get involved by having them be my partner, make it a challenge, and exhaust all options of getting them involved until potentially including an adult.
A camper keeps interrupting while you’re explaining a game.
What is:
“Hold your thought—I need everyone listening first.”
(pause, scan group)
“Alright, now what was your question?”
A camper becomes overwhelmed during an activity and shuts down or stops participating.
What is:
“Hey—let’s take a quick break together. You don’t have to jump back in right away. Want to stand with me for a minute?”
You notice a camper wandering alone away from your group.
What is:
“Hey—stick with me. We stay together here.”
Your group keeps asking to play gaga ball instead of doing planned activities.
What is:
“We’ll get to that later—right now we’re doing this together.”
Then:
👉 Don’t lose control of the schedule
A camper is being mildly disruptive during focused time (talking, giggling, distracting others).
👉 What do you say without escalating?
What is I would move them to sitting closer to me and hope that my proximity would help them focus? If that doesn't work, I would gently remind them that this is a time to be quiet and focused.
A camper rolls their eyes and refuses to follow directions in front of others.
What is:
(calm, neutral tone)
“We’re all participating. You can join us now, or we can talk about it after—but we’re moving forward.”
A camper is clearly upset but refuses to talk to you.
What is:
“That’s okay—you don’t have to talk right now. I’m here when you’re ready.”
A camper tells you something that makes you uncomfortable, but you’re not sure if it’s serious.
What is:
“Thank you for telling me—I’m really glad you did.”
Then:
👉 When in doubt → pass it up
Transitions between activities are chaotic.
What is:
Give clear direction BEFORE moving:
“When I say go, we move to ___.”
Then:
You walk into your cabin and the group energy feels “off.”
Some campers are quiet, others are whispering, and something clearly happened—but no one tells you what.
👉 What do you do FIRST?
This varies; be prepared to give your answer and be asked follow up questions.
You hear a camper say something rude to another camper—but you didn’t hear the whole thing.
What is:
“Hey—pause for a second. I didn’t catch everything, but I heard something that didn’t sound respectful. What’s going on?”
A camper says, “I don’t feel good,” but won’t explain what’s wrong.
What is:
“Can you tell me what feels off—your body or your feelings?”
You see something that might be unsafe—but you’re not sure if it breaks a rule.
What is:
“I’m going to check on this to make sure everyone is safe.”
Then:
👉 You don’t ignore uncertainty
You planned an activity—but it’s clearly not working.
What is:
“Pause—new plan. We’re switching it up.”
Then:
👉 Confidence > forcing a bad plan