Chapter 6

Do we care about what others think of us?

3 Major Components that have a major effect on campers growth & improvement:

1. Camp environment or facilities

2. Camp program or what is done at camp

3. Camp personnel

How to get campers to do what you want

• Threats – taking away swimming time– not long term effect because the threat is soon

removed• Sometimes it does work on young (6 to 11 or 12 years)• Not really on teenagers• Being too authoritarian leads to increased acting out

• Much better to create an atmosphere of inclusion and rule following…because they want to.

• Recognize the genuine needs and interest of a child rather than simply impose your values.

• Don’t try to manipulate campers to get them to do what you want– Instead ask yourself how you can work together

with the campers to achieve • This requires feedback• And 2-way communication

• Help the camper understand the “why” of what your are asking– Whenever possible help them understand how what

you are requesting (rule, task etc.) is beneficial to them

• Ex. Eating correctly will help them qualify for the swim test

“Help people to do those things that will satisfy their needs and desires”

Common Needs and Desires

• Fundamental Needs

• Need for Affection

• Need for Achievement

• Need for Security

• Need for New Experiences

• Need for Recognition and Approval

Developmental Stages of Youth

• Developmental Stages

• Erickson Stages

Camper 6 to 8

• Individualistic period– Still largely self-centered– A bit fickle– Show more interest in pleasing adults

• Thus, a bit of praise or approval goes a long way

– Muscle control is limited– Very active– Important to get them to try many skills, sample

everything

Camper 9 to 11• Beginning to prize the approval of their peers above that of

parents and other adults.

• Also entering hero worship and may adopt one

• Improved coordination

• Enjoy working in groups

• Can be all about a task….then in a few days not interested….watch for this

• Avoid using sarcasm or ridicule! – They are easily wounded at this age

• Say things like “let’s” instead of direct demand or pressure

Camper 12 to 15

• Often referred to as “gang age”– Self-interests are now becoming subservient to a deeper loyalty to the

group• Usually more so for boys than girls

– Fitting in becomes so strong….standing out can be catastrophic

• Tend to resist authority and easily aroused against it– Instead employ peer pressure in constructive ways

• Find the leader and get him/her to help you in your efforts

• Crush central

• Puberty…need I say more?– Emotional, moody, insecurity, in-love (or so they think)….etc

Camper 16 to 18

• Becoming adults physically and somewhat mentally…which may at time confuse and embarrass them

• Anxious to achieve a place of status and acceptance among peers

• Experimental quests– Drugs, sex, etc

Basic Emotions• Love

• Fear

• Worry

• Inferiority feelings

• Anger

• Jealousy

How Learning Takes Place

1. The law of exercise

2. The law of readiness

3. The law of effect

4. The law of reinforcement• Most important principal for changing behavior