First Class Counselors

Should We Send Them Home? - First Class Counselors #80

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/first-class-counselors-pod/should-we-send-them-home-Finding Connection When You Are FrustratedWe’ve all been there. It’s week four, the coffee machine is broken, you are trying to get the cabin to the flagpole on time, and that camper is dragging their feet, making fart noises, and holding the broom upside down during cleanup. You don't necessarily want them sent home, but they are absolutely testing your patience. In this "high empathy" episode, Oliver and Matt validate those feelings of frustration while offering a roadmap to get back on track. They discuss the difference between behavior that is annoying versus behavior that requires a director's intervention, and how checking your own ego can de-escalate the situation.Key Takeaways:Identifying Your Triggers: Frustration often stems from specific stressors like lateness, perceived "weaponized incompetence" (like using a push broom incorrectly), or a camper's disinterest in planned activities. Recognizing these triggers is the first step to patience.Conformity vs. Leadership: Matt challenges counselors to ask why a behavior is frustrating. Is it disrupting the camp experience, or does it simply make you feel like you are losing control or "looking bad" as a leader?Connection Over Correction: You don't have to like every camper, but you do need to find a connection. Oliver shares a story about using Magic: The Gathering cards to bridge the gap with a disconnected camper.-E.G.E.L – Ever Growing, Ever Learning:Oliver: Survival Tag, The GameMatt: Find a water bottle that you love drinking from. -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.-Host Links:Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp WinonaUse the Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic to get a baseline you can measure against every quarter and see whether your improvements are working. Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis. Think your camp is getting calmer, stronger, and resilient? Stop guessing—use the Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic to get a baseline in minutes, then track progress quarter by quarter. https://camp.mba/travis ↗

Meaningful and Masterful Facilitation - First Class Counselors #79

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/first-class-counselors-pod/meaningful-and-masterful-facilitation-Stop Talking, Start Leading: The Counselor's Guide to FacilitationJoin Oliver and Matt as they delve into the art and science of facilitation—the core skill needed to run first-class activities, whether it's team building, archery, or a simple transition. This episode breaks down the critical stages of leading a group, from the moment they arrive to the final debrief. Learn how to master first impressions, use language effectively to manage attention, utilize props strategically, and employ powerful debriefing techniques that move beyond simply having fun to ensuring campers find real meaning and application in their experiences.Key Takeaways:Master the First Impression: Your initial interaction sets the tone. Use confidence, learn names (and address people by name), have well-rehearsed safety guidelines (like flight attendants), and offer a commitment to the group for the activity.Start with Play to Engage: Use quick, low-explanation, high-energy games (like "Everybody's It") immediately to get participants moving and focused on you as the leader. Use creative instructions to organize groups, such as the "Chicken Wing Circle."Debriefing is Transference of Learning: The purpose of debriefing is to help participants understand the significance of their experience and transfer those skills (community, communication, teamwork) to the non-camp world. Use the What, So What, Now What structure.-E.G.E.L – Ever Growing, Ever Learning:Oliver: AI music generator SunoMatt: Seed Bombs-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 https://amskier.com-Host Links:Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp WinonaUse the Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic to get a baseline you can measure against every quarter and see whether your improvements are working. Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis. Think your camp is getting calmer, stronger, and resilient? Stop guessing—use the Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic to get a baseline in minutes, then track progress quarter by quarter. https://camp.mba/travis ↗

Building a Culture of Belonging for Every Camper with Lisa Drennan - First Class Counselors #78

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/first-class-counselors-pod/building-a-culture-of-belonging-The Counselor's Guide to Universal Design, Behavior as Communication, and True InclusionJoin Oliver, Matt, and special guest Lisa Drennan as they dive deep into creating truly inclusive camp environments. Lisa emphasizes that belonging is the new inclusion. The discussion moves beyond simple access to practical, real-world strategies counselors can use daily, including adopting Universal Design principles, proactively using visual schedules and positive expectations, and understanding that all behavior is communication. Counselors will learn how to focus on camper strengths, manage transitions (like at the waterfront), and advocate for systemic changes to make camp a welcoming space for everyone—staff and campers alike. This episode includes:Mindset Shift: Belonging Over Inclusion. The goal isn't just access or inclusion; it's ensuring every camper feels they belong. Start by focusing on a camper's strengths rather than their deficits or diagnoses.Proactive Communication & Structure: Utilize visual schedules and positive expectation lists daily (and for specific activities like swim time) to reduce anxiety for all campers, especially the neurodivergent. Frame all rules positively (e.g., "Use kind words" instead of "Don't swear").Behavior as Communication: When challenging behavior occurs, the first step is to find the "why." Behavior signals an unmet need (physiological, environmental, or social). Preventative measures like clear visuals and giving control back to the camper (e.g., transition countdowns) are key.-E.G.E.L – Ever Growing, Ever LearningOliver: Using flashcards!Matt: Small Bags of Lego for FidgettingLisa: Movies and Shows that are inclusive around disabilities: Atypical, The Peanut Butter Falcon, Out of My Mind-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.-Host LinksMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp WinonaLisa Drennan, Founder of Merge ConsultingUse the Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic to get a baseline you can measure against every quarter and see whether your improvements are working. Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis. Think your camp is getting calmer, stronger, and resilient? Stop guessing—use the Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic to get a baseline in minutes, then track progress quarter by quarter. https://camp.mba/travis ↗

Stopping Inappropriate Language in the Moment - First Class Counselors #77

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/first-class-counselors-pod/stopping-inappropriate-language-Words Stick: How to Intervene When Camper Language Crosses the LineThis episode, Oliver and Matt move give counselors the tactical framework needed to intervene immediately and effectively when campers use inappropriate, insensitive, or hurtful language. From the simple swear word to comments that are sexist, racist, or bullying, you'll learn exactly how to respond—whether you hear the comment directly, think you overheard it, or receive a report second-hand. This episode provides the "must-do" steps to address the behavior without alienating the camper, reinforcing that while the action was wrong, the camper is still a valued part of the community.Highlights from this episode include:The Essential Pause & Tone Shift: When a camper says something inappropriate, be immediate and direct. Use a strong "counselor voice" and a strategic pause for effectThe Full Value Contract: A proactive tool to establish cabin culture on Day 1. This group exercise shifts the focus from "what we don't do" to "what we should say and do" Words Float, Hurt Sticks: A powerful guiding principle: while the person who said the hurtful words will likely forget them, the words stick to the person they were directed at. "We" Over "You" Intervention Language: When addressing a camper privately, use inclusive language like, "That's not something we say here." -Links from the Show:‘Centre Cam’ Desktop Camera-E.G.E.L – Ever Growing, Ever LearningOliver: ACA Camping Magazine Matt: Previous First Class Counsellor: How to Ace Your Next Camp Interview-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.-Host LinksMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProOliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp WinonaUse the Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic to get a baseline you can measure against every quarter and see whether your improvements are working. Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis. Think your camp is getting calmer, stronger, and resilient? Stop guessing—use the Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic to get a baseline in minutes, then track progress quarter by quarter. https://camp.mba/travis ↗

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

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/first-class-counselors-pod/traditionsSteal 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.-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-E.G.E.L – Ever Growing, Ever LearningOliver: Inflatable costume raceMatt: Shrinky Dinks / Shirink ArtBuy them here: https://shrinky-dink.com/Shrinky Dinks Guide: https://abeautifulmess.com/shrinky-dinks-ultimate-guide/-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.