Page 13 - Tampa YMCA Summer Camp Staff Resource Guide

ENGAGING CAMPERS
THE CAMPER
Each camper is unique. Each camper is a different child with a different family. These different campers come from different experiences and different backgrounds. Each camper deserves to be treated like an individual. Most campers have come to camp eager for the experience. However, there are also some campers that have come to camp because the parent has thought this will be a good experience. There will be many different motivations for each camper.
THE IDEAL STAFF MEMBER
You have been selected to be a part of this Camper’s life for their time here at the YMCA. Working at camp can be both extremely challenging and extremely rewarding all at the same time. While camp is meant to be a fun experience, staff members must also act responsibly. This requires a balancing act. Both of these factors will play a meaningful part in the camp experience.
The fun factor of camp will always play a supporting role to the responsibility factor. The priority is always the campers first, this means providing a safe, engaging, and enjoyable experience. The “fun” side of working at camp is just a great side effect, not the focus of working at camp.
The ideal staff member is able to deal with the day-to-day demands of the jobs while still serving the campers with dignity, encouragement, accessibility and kindness. Being a staff member requires a balancing act of personal needs and the needs of the campers. A resilient staff member will make the best counselor or instructor. There will be challenges throughout the summer, having the ability to ease back into it and ride through the stresses is a key to success.
In the child-centered world of camp, the staff members are responsible for mixing a group of children into a harmonious unit. Camp is not just a job, this is the opportunity to help a child grow and send them in the right direction.
BEING A ROLE MODEL
Camp is about creating an environment where a person’s self-esteem must be nurtured. Our associates are chosen with the intent of finding people that will fit into this model. We try to find people that have positive attitudes towards themselves and others. This includes the following:
• The ability to build genuine relationships
• Can provide appreciation and consideration
• Creates a positive environment that makes others feel good • Encourages participation from all
TAMPA METROPOLITAN AREA YMCA | SUMMER CAMP STAFF RESOURCE GUIDE 13