Counselor Roles & Responsibilities
You are this kind of role model for campers—both in behavior and attitude.
What is a positive role model?
When a camper is acting out, it’s often a sign of this.
What is unmet need (like hunger, tiredness, homesickness)?
If one camper is being consistently left out, your first step should be this.
What is talk with the group privately and address it calmly?
A camper may show anxiety by doing this instead of talking about it.
What is acting out or withdrawing?
You should always carry a backpack with these items during camp activities.
What is a water bottle, sunscreen, a first aid kit, fidgets (for campers who are shy or anxious), activity schedule, lip balm, notebook and pen?
This daily meeting with your campers helps set the tone and plan for your cabin.
What is a cabin check-in or daily debrief?
This strategy allows you to acknowledge positive choices instead of just correcting bad ones.
What is positive reinforcement?
Camp is a place where everyone should feel this.
What is safe, accepted and included?
This phrase helps validate a camper's feelings.
What is “It’s okay to feel that way” or “That makes sense”?
If a camper gets injured, your first step is this.
What is assess the situation and call for help?
When in doubt, always do this with concerns about camper safety or well-being.
What is report to your Unit Leader or Director?
This is what you should do before giving a consequence.
What is give a warning or explain expectations?
When campers argue, your job is to help them do this, not just stop the fight.
What is resolve the conflict effectively and respectfully?
Campers with different sensory or emotional needs may benefit from this kind of space or moment.
What is a quiet moment or reset break?
You must always maintain this with your campers, especially during transitions.
What is headcount or line-of-sight supervision?
Even when you’re tired, show this to help campers have a great day.
What is enthusiasm and positivity?
To prevent chaos, you should establish these in your cabin on Day One.
What are clear group/cabin rules or community agreements?
Campers may exclude others because they’re feeling this themselves.
What is insecure or afraid of being left out?
Never promise this if a camper confides something serious.
What is confidentiality (promise not to tell)?
In case of emergency, follow this plan.
What is the camp emergency protocol or chain of command?
NEVER do this -- outside of camp -- under any circumstances.
What is contact anyone associated with camp under the age of 18 and/or share personal information with campers?
You should avoid these three things when disciplining a camper.
What are yelling, shaming and using sarcasm?
When campers see you using inclusive language, they are more likely to do this.
What is model or mirror your behavior?
This type of communication helps campers feel heard.
What is active listening?
These three things should never happen when campers are under your supervision.
What is leave campers alone, lose track of a camper and get distracted by other counselors?