Safety
True or False: Children must be supervised at ALL times by an adult staff member.
TRUE
What type of footwear should be worn by counselors each day?
SNEAKERS!
A camper falls and scrapes their knee during an activity. What steps do you take?
- Minor injury = bring to office if EMT is not available
-Major injury= call EMT + Admin Staff
It’s a hot, sunny day at camp, and you notice some campers looking tired, sluggish, or complaining of headaches. You suspect they might be dehydrated. What do you do?
- Stop for a water break.
- Find a shaded area/ reach out to director for a schedule change
- Get EMT if necessary
What time are counselors expected to be at camp?
Gather by 8:00 am. Be on time!
A camper consistently refuses to join group activities and isolates themselves. How do you encourage their involvement without forcing them?
First, approach camper calmy to check in. One option is to look for small, low-pressure ways to involve them. For example, you might ask them to help with a specific task related to the activity, like handing out materials or keeping score. This gives them a role without requiring full participation and can help them feel included.
What do you do if you notice a camper is lost or missing?
1. Stop activity and take attendance
2. Remain calm
3. Notify Camp Directors/ Camp Office of missing camper
4. Send counselor to search all places visited prior
What time should daily camper attendance be submitted? Where should it be submitted?
Daily attendance should be submitted prior to leaving for the first activity. It should be texted to the office by the head counselor.
A camper is hesitant to leave their parent during morning drop-off. What can you do to make the camper more comfortable?
-Greet the camper warmly at drop-off and get to their level so they feel acknowledged and seen
-invite them to walk help with a small task that could get them involved
- Seek support from admin if needed
How many staff members should be in the locker room while changing after a swim period?
DAILY DOUBLE!!!!!!!
There should be two staff members in the locker room while changing after the swim period.
Name 3 things you should check to see if campers have during arrival.
- Money for events (ex. ice cream trucks)
- Lunch
- bathing suits (swim groups)
What does a “successful day” at camp look like for a camper — and what’s a counselors role in making that happen?
From the camper’s perspective, a successful day likely includes:
Feeling safe — emotionally and physically; Being included — not left out, ignored, or teased; Having fun — laughter, play, and joy.
As a counselor, your job is to:
Set the tone: Your attitude is contagious. Positive energy and patience go a long way.
What is the camper to adult ratio that should always be followed?
There should be at least 1 adult staff member for every 8 children in your group (Upper Groups)
There should be at least 1 adult staff member for every 6 children in your group (Lower Groups)
How often should attendance be taken?
Attendance should be taken before and after each transition!
You and your co-counselor disagree on how to handle a group. It’s affecting the campers and the group dynamics. What do you do?
- Communication!
"I’d love to talk through how we can work better together."
If the counselors still can’t agree or the conflict continues to affect the group, bring it to a supervisor—not to complain, but to ask for guidance in resolving it so the group can have the best experience.