Dynamics
"They're always good cop, and I'm always bad cop"...
Has this happened to you? How do you balance your roles?
- What tools are available to identify whether this is occurring?
Checking in, Midpoint meeting, open communication, etc.
Is ICEP a vacation?
- We're going to be experiencing incredible things, but don't get it twisted: the kids come first.
- Keep each other in check by focusing on the task at hand, and keep each other sane by understanding when your Co may need to relax.
You've met your co and you've immediately hit it off. You're excited about the trip and there are no issues in sight. Will this continue?
NAURRRR.
Although y'all will hopefully be besties, you will most definitely have clashes. It's easy to get along in a controlled environment AKA camp.
- How will you handle issues as they arise?
- How can you learn about your Co's conflict resolution style in order to get ahead of issues?
"I'm nervous, my co leader has been going to camp for 10 years+- and I feel out my depth."
We are each in this room for a reason, and everyone is bringing their own rich experience. We all have the capability to give these kids an amazing summer.
- Have you chatted to your co about what they think they bring to the table?
- Do you recognise and understand why you are here?
Wow. Wait a minute. I think I may be having romantical feelings for my Co.
WOAH.
What should I do?
Although we respect love in a 3 part round, there's a time and a place!
ICEP is about forging relationships with campers and staff alike. The purpose of the trip, however, is to create lasting memories for your campers! Kid's are perceptive, and acting on this impulse will change the dynamic of the trip for all involved.
A camper is going through some mental health issues, and decides to confide in one of the leaders. From that point on, whenever the camper feels upset or needs to vent they continue to go only to that leader.
How do you feel as the other leader in this particular situation?
You might want to help, but ask yourself whether you including yourself would help or hurt the situation.
- What can you do for the camper, and your Co?
- What else can you take on to spread the load?
Conflict arises.
A recent decision from your co that you don't agree with has rubbed you the wrong way. You're worried about bringing up the decision, because you don't want to step on their toes...
How do you proceed?
Take the time to understand why the decision made you feel the way you did, and be rational about it.
Be open as to why the decision was made and understand that your leadership styles will differ.
TRUST.
"I'm tired from lack of sleep and have little time to myself. What tools are available to me?"
Inevitably you will collapse in happy exhaustion at the end of this trip. But that collapse can't come too early.
How will you rely on your Co to understand your energy levels?
How can you find ways to recharge in an intense environment? Do you know these things for your Co?
You're beefing with your Co and the kids are starting to notice, how can you adapt your conflict resolution styles to avoid this?
Everyone handles conflict differently! Before your trip starts, chat about how you best receive feedback and/or criticism
Ask yourself questions like:
- Do you like direct feedback OR a compliment sandwich?
- How do disagreements impact your mood and ability to remain level-headed?
What are the 5 love languages, and why might they be important to know?
5 Love Languages
- Is this applicable for just your Co, or can you also use these with your campers?
How can you become comfortable with handling your co at both their best and worst?
This trip will be the adventure of a lifetime, but it doesn't mean that it won't challenge you and your co dynamic in many ways.
-How can you make sure that your co knows how to identify and support you when you're at your worst?
You pick up that your co is off kilter, and beating themselves up over a group decision that they made.
How do you bring this up without making them feel self-conscious about it?
From the get go, try to frame how you best receive feedback and even practice with one another.
Always support the ideas of the other person, showing a united front (even when your not) is of the utmost importance.