4-H Camp Top 10: Make It Great & Get It Straight

Presented by Goshen County 4-H Camp CounselorsMegan Brittingham, 4-H Educator

January 13, 2012

Benefits of Camp• Counselors

– Practical Application:• Leadership• Team Work• Communication• “Follow-Through”• Time Management• Creativity• Decision Making• Problem Solving• Fiscal Responsibility• Mentoring• Independence• Belonging• Generosity • Mastery (New Skills)

• Campers– Independence– Generosity– Mastery (New Skills)– Belonging– Leadership– Team Work– Communication– Decision Making– Problem Solving– Socialization– Structure– “Unplugged”

FacilitiesChurch Basement:

* Kitchen* Headquarters

2 OuthousesFlag Pole

Limited Facilities Lead to Unlimited Possibilities

•ORIGINAL and creative camps•INCREASE campers•INCREASE counselors•Making “THE BEST” Better!

Part 1: Lack of Planning on Your Part Does Not Constitute an Emergency on My Part

Planning

Organization

Preparation

Planning & Organization

Start Early• Debrief and Evaluate Immediately After Camp– SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and

Threat) Evaluation– Review Camper Survey Responses– Answer Camper Survey

• Formal Camp Planning Begins in January– Select & Publicize Dates ASAP– Theme Selection• Camper Suggestions• Worksheet• Activities

Planning Camp Program Activities

•TEENS PLAN– Small Committees (3-4) plan classes and programs

• Develop (and record) Plans• Identify Supplies Needed• Delegate Leadership• Try It Out First

– Whole Group make decisions that effect entire camp• Location• Schedule• Special Events• Necessary “Big Equipment” (Picnic Tables, Stock Trailer)

Planning Camp Program Activities

• Adults “Guide from the Side”– Offer ideas, creativity, enthusiasm and resources– Review lesson plans (and suggest changes/updates)

and offer improvements (and ask about supplies)– Update schedule and compile information– Support– Train teens on working with campers, teaching,

behavior management, role of a counselor, safety and risk management

Preparation• Work Days– Make Supply Lists– Create Samples (as necessary)– Develop Rainy Day/Back Up Plans– “Staff Schedule”– Final Details

• “The Tub System”• Pack & Load Everything

Part 2: “You Win With People” -- Woody Hayes

Campers, Counselors,Teamwork,

Friends/Meeting New People

Campers7-12 year olds

• Come together from different communities, clubs, ages and schools

• Are divided into “Tribes” for programs but have fun together during free times

• Program keeps everyone moving (no scheduled free time)– No Home Sick– Always involved in something

• 3 Warm Fuzzies

Counselor-In-Training (CIT)13 year olds

• CITs assist in 4-H Camp Planning throughout the year

• Are Campers 1st while at Camp but provide support leadership to programs and activities

• Learn how to be a Camp Counselor from their peers

Counselors14-19 year olds

• Use experience as a camper in planning Camp• In addition to planning and running Camp, are

trained in working with campers, behavior management, teaching and risk management

• Train CITs by example

Team Work

•Starts Early In Planning Process • Adults & Counselors• Counselors through Camp planning

At Camp Team Work is established:• Counselors & Campers• Adults & Campers•Programs, Challenges & More

Friends & Meeting New People

• By splitting up ‘friend groups’ we allow our campers to step out of their comfort zone.

• Counselors are assigned a ‘tribe’ to get to know and interact with campers.

• Campers are allowed to share tents with their friends or siblings.

• Campers have chances to bond with others over new interests.

Part 3: LEARNING

Campers Learn

• Fun & Hands-On– Class Stations

• Usually 4-H Project based• Compliment/Fit Theme

– Programs• Usually involve teamwork,

communication and additional 4-H project skills

• Important “Life Skills”– Belonging– Mastery– Independence– Generosity– “Special”

Counselors Learn• Planning, Organization• Public Speaking• Team Work• Resource Management• Leadership• Working with Others

(Patience)• Leadership

Part 3: 3 “F”s•FUN•FOOD•FIRE

FUN• Keep Campers moving!•Including CITs in planning• Younger perspective• Better perspective •Games, challenges and activities

FOOD• Simple & Easy Meals– Sloppy Joes, Tacos, Pancakes, Pizzawhich!

• Families provide snacks– Watermelon, bananas, apples, oranges, cookies

• Family Carry-In at Camp Closing– Families provide side items– Counselors provide hamburgers & hot dogs

• Snack Shack– Campers bring money to purchase soda, chocolate,

chips, etc. – Additional income

S’more Baghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvTXWoD9Nso&noredirect=1

Camp Fire

• Skits• Songs• S’mores• Challenges• Stories