Inspiring Programs & Traditions from Top Camps - First Class Counsellors #76

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/first-class-counselors-pod/traditions

Steal These Amazing Camp Ideas!

Welcome to Season 8 of First Class Counsellors! Oliver and Matt are back with a brand-new season, starting things off by swapping some of the coolest camp traditions and programs they’ve seen across North America. From celebrating CITs to welcoming first-time campers, this episode is packed with practical, stealable ideas that will help you bring more meaning, fun, and connection to your camp community.

Highlights from this episode include:

• The CIT Walk – A reflective tradition that celebrates campers aging out of the program while inspiring younger campers to step into leadership.
• Staff Connection Time – How one camp intentionally builds space into the schedule for staff to rest, reconnect, and reset together.
• First-Year Camper Traditions – From “first-year breakfasts” to camp song videos, little touches that help new campers feel instantly included.
• Steps in the Right Direction – A shout-out system using stickers (or buttons!) to recognize acts of kindness and celebrate community wins.
• STEM Adventures – Inspiration from Newton’s Attic, a camp in Kentucky that blends engineering, creativity, and play into unforgettable programs.

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Links from the Show:

Newton’s Attic Camp: https://newtonsattic.com/

Y of the Pines - Gamification of programs.  https://ycamp.org/overnight-camp-for-boys-nj

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E.G.E.L – Ever Growing, Ever Learning

• Oliver: Inflatable costume race
• Matt: Shrinky Dinks / Shirink Art
  • Buy them here: https://shrinky-dink.com/
  • Shrinky Dinks Guide: https://abeautifulmess.com/shrinky-dinks-ultimate-guide/

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Sponsors:
AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more at amskier.com.