Switching from Camper to Counsellor
The first week of CIT we focused on building teamwork, communication and independence in the camp environment. The program is run to resemble elements of camp. We focused on experiential learning, running activities that challenged them to learn about themselves and our campers!
There was a strong emphasis on understanding the needs of our campers and how to meet these needs. They learned different strategies to support children through challenges they may face at camp.
Later in the program they will be running choice programs for our campers. To prepare them for this we spent a lot of time developing facilitation skills through modelling, reflecting and practicing.
Our second week of CIT was filled with action-packed activities that helped our counsellors-in-training develop their skills. We started off our week going through some basic first aid and what the CIT role is during an emergency. We also practiced making resumes and interview skills to extend our skills beyond camp. We wrapped up our training by preparing for any challenging behaviours we might see with campers and practicing how to handle them!
In the afternoons this week, each CIT facilitated a choice program! Having already planned and practiced during week 1, each CIT was ready to take on the challenge and lead campers in Bracelet Making, Button Making and Water Games. All of the CIT’s gave their best effort and all the campers had a lot of fun at their programs!
On Friday afternoon, we joined day camps at Village Square pool to go swimming! They joined campers in the pool and helped facilitate the fun for them by going on slides, jumping in the waves and playing in the water park!
We made sure to have lots of fun during our first two weeks two, cooking lunch together during week 1, and going to get ice cream and hang out by the river during week 2!
In our third week, also known as intern week, we focused on shadowing counsellors and developing relationships with campers. This week the CITs were living up to their titles as counsellors in training.
During choice, clubs and social skills programs, the CITs were tasked with guiding kiddos to their respective activities with their counsellors and even participating with them whether that be building spaghetti and marshmallow structures, playing kickball or helping make slime. On Thursday, we went to Calaway Park with campers and had so much fun joining them on rides and making strong connections!
Because of the close contact with campers, they also learn how to develop their confidence with speaking to the kids while also developing the tools they need to succeed as a counsellor.
We learned lots from our time with day camps, and we can’t wait for what we will learn next!