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

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Join 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.

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Oliver: Using flashcards!

Matt: Small Bags of Lego for Fidgetting

Lisa: Movies and Shows that are inclusive around disabilities: Atypical, The Peanut Butter Falcon, Out of My Mind

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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.

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• Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
• Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona
• Lisa Drennan, Founder of Merge Consulting

Use 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 ↗

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

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This 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.

• 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 effect
• The 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." 

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• ‘Centre Cam’ Desktop Camera

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Oliver: ACA Camping Magazine 

Matt: Previous First Class Counsellor: How to Ace Your Next Camp Interview

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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.

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• Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
• Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

Use 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 ↗

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/first-class-counselors-pod/traditions

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.

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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

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E.G.E.L – Ever Growing, Ever Learning

• Oliver: Inflatable costume race
• Matt: Shrinky Dinks / Shirink Art
  • Buy them here: https://shrinky-dink.com/
  • Shrinky Dinks Guide: https://abeautifulmess.com/shrinky-dinks-ultimate-guide/

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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.

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/expectations

Join Oliver Gregan and Matt Wilfrid as they delve into the crucial aspects of starting a career as a camp counselor in part two of their series. The discussion highlights vital tips and expectations for new counselors, focusing on the importance of preparation, safety, and understanding the multifaceted roles at camp. They emphasize the significance of being coachable, competent, and enthusiastic while managing the daily responsibilities that come with caring for campers. The episode also includes practical advice to navigate the challenges and unlock the personal growth that comes with the job.

Key takeaways include:

• Camp Counseling is Demanding: It's not just about having fun with kids.  It involves significant responsibility, including ensuring camper safety, managing behavior, and handling unexpected situations. The job can be physically demanding, requiring long hours in potentially challenging outdoor conditions.   
• Hidden Responsibilities:  Beyond the core duties, counselors often find themselves tackling a variety of tasks, from helping kids with basic needs to assisting with camp maintenance. Flexibility and adaptability are essential.
• Personal Growth Opportunities: While challenging, camp counseling offers valuable opportunities for personal and professional development. Counselors gain skills in leadership, problem-solving, communication, and risk management. They also learn to be resourceful, resilient, and responsible.   
• 7.  Impact on Others: Counselors' actions and attitudes have a ripple effect on campers and fellow staff members. It's crucial to be mindful of how your behavior influences the camp environment and strive to contribute positively to the camp community.   
• 8.  The Rewards Outweigh the Challenges: Despite the demands and challenges, camp counseling is an incredibly rewarding experience. It offers the chance to make a difference in children's lives, build lasting relationships, and gain valuable life skills that extend far beyond the camp setting.   
•  Sources and related content

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• Wait...Is This a Cult? - Ceremonies and Traditions at Summer Camp - First Class Counselors #68
• Camp IS a Real Job! With Kim Aycock - First Class Counsellors #7

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Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

• Oliver: The Bag Game
• Matt: Get a Harmonica! Here’s a beginner video!

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/got-the-job-now-what

This episode of First Class Counselors is your guide to rocking the first step of your next summer at camp. Oliver and Matt break down essential skills for new and returning staff, covering everything from nailing the onboarding process to prioritizing your time and staying resilient when things get tough.

Key takeaways include:

• Onboarding like a pro: We'll equip you with the tools and strategies to navigate paperwork, understand camp culture, and impress your camp director.
• The power of commitment: Discover why dedicating yourself to the full summer unlocks the richest, most rewarding camp experience.
• Finding balance: Learn how to manage your energy, set expectations with friends and family, and prioritize your well-being while having a blast.

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• Wait...Is This a Cult? - Ceremonies and Traditions at Summer Camp - First Class Counselors #68
• Camp IS a Real Job! With Kim Aycock - First Class Counsellors #7

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Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

• Oliver: Secret Santa
• Matt: For the Queen - https://shop.critrole.com/products/for-the-queen 

This is free professional development for your counsellors! We would love your feedback. Please leave your comments below, or, send Matt an email! Thank you!

Use 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 ↗

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/staff-training-expect

Staff training season is upon us (that is, if you’re listening to this episode in May) and while camp staff around the world are finishing up the school year, camp directors are putting the final touches on staff training.

If you’ve never been, or are newer to staff training before it’s this entirely different world, within an entirely different world. It’s school, but way better, and way more tiring.

But this is an extremely important time for you to prepare for the wonderful work ahead so this episode is dedicated to not just what to expect at staff training, but Oliver and my pro-tips on how to thrive in staff training.

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Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

• Oliver: The Learning Pyramid - Stack the learning style of the session with another one to maximize the learning
• Matt: A staff training fidget to help you stay engaged - A good fidget is one that doesn’t distract you or others from absorbing the material of the session. 1-handed, silent, solo.

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Ultimate Camp Resource

Visit UltimateCampResource.com for 1,000+ free camp games, songs, skits, activities, and more! Follow us on social at fb: ulticamp | IG: ultimatecampresource | TT: ultimatecampresource | YT: ultimatecampresource.  

Download a free games e-book here: https://itsacampthing.com/collections/e-books/products/40-camp-games-pdf 

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/stories

Today is not a topic but a feel. A vibe if you will.

We’ve been in camping for some time now and that means we have collected a few stories to share. Not a campfire story but just personal stories of our time as camp people. You might have run into an old camp friend and feel like a moment has never passed. Sometimes you can run into another person who has done camp and can swap stories. 

This is one of the things camp does, brings us together. 

Enjoy our short and special stories:

• Funny stories (fart pillows and pudding)
• Impactful stories (friends getting fired and septic tank fighting)
• Heartwarming stories (seeing starts and talent shows)

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Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

• Oliver: Digital Organization tips for young camp pros
• Matt: 4 On a Couch -  https://ultimatecampresource.com/ice-breakers/name-games/#:~:text=Back%20to%20Top%5D-,Four%20People%20on%20a%20Couch,-A%20large%20seating 

Ultimate Camp Resource

Visit UltimateCampResource.com for 1,000+ free camp games, songs, skits, activities, and more! Follow us on social at fb: ulticamp | IG: ultimatecampresource | TT: ultimatecampresource | YT: ultimatecampresource.  

Download a free games e-book here: https://itsacampthing.com/collections/e-books/products/40-camp-games-pdf 

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/gen-a

Generation-A, or Gen-A are kids that are born between 2010 and 2024. Born the same year as the release of the iPad, most socially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the generation that is currently almost 100% of the summer camp population.

It seems like the post-pandemic camper population is a bit of a beast these days. Camps hiring social workers and doubling down on social skills to respond, but are these solutions seem to be missing what’s important about the day to day interactions with campers - you know - the things that camp counsellors do every day with kids.

Counselors have always had an extremely unique relationship with campers. Not seen as an adult (but an adult figure), not quite a teacher (but definitely leads) - this dynamic sets up an important developmental coaching opportunity that counselors can leverage.

The first step? Let’s meet Gen A where they’re at and think about what we can do to make camp the best experience we can for them!

So join us this episode as we unpack:

• Let’s meet Gen A - who are they and what makes them unique
• What is different about Gen A than the previous generations (Gen Z and the Millenials)
• Why it’s important that we focus on relationship building with Gen A
• What camp counselors can do to help Gen A have a great time at camp.

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• Gen A and Gen Z infographic
• "A landmark generation": Introducing Gen Alpha
• Who is Generation Alpha?
• Traits And Values ​​of The Alpha Generation. What Should Employers Prepare For?
• 3 ways Gen Alpha is different from Gen Z—and what it means for marketers

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Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

• Oliver: “The King of Sharks” story, from Ultimate Camp Resource https://ultimatecampresource.com/campfire-stories/campfire-stories-legends/the-king-of-sharks/
• Matt: Warm Fuzzy Jar

Ultimate Camp Resource

Visit UltimateCampResource.com for 1,000+ free camp games, songs, skits, activities, and more! Follow us on social at fb: ulticamp | IG: ultimatecampresource | TT: ultimatecampresource | YT: ultimatecampresource.  

Download a free games e-book here: https://itsacampthing.com/collections/e-books/products/40-camp-games-pdf 

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/water-safety

Many camps sport a waterfront, a pool or even host a wet and wild Wednesday! Today we want to talk about programming at these water-based activities to make sure campers are safe and having a blast. 

You may be thinking “wait a minute, I’m not a lifeguard, so why should I listen? While you may not have the official qualifications to be a lifeguard, camp counsellors are the best front-line support for the lifeguard team and are essential for keeping the fun going. Anything involving water has that extra level of danger, so remember that everyone has a part to play in safety.

So join us this episode as we unpack:

• Start with safety - what are the water safety measures that camp counselors are responsible for
• What about when it comes to boating and all of the other water toys at camp?
• And if you don’t have access to a lake or pool? No problem, Oliver’s got you covered.

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Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

• Oliver: Have to stay water themed - The game I am going to teach you is called Every drop. This is a rainy day activity but can be done on a sunny day. On rainy days campers simply are given a tarp and have to use it to gather water from the rain. On non rainy days you give them a big blue bucket. These guys are maybe 30 gallons. You can change base off the size of camper. You then hide random basins, water balloons all over camp. Random objects that hold water. They have to fill their bucket and return to you.
• Matt: Water Games - https://ultimatecampresource.com/camp-games/water-games/ & Alka-Seltzer Necklaces 

Ultimate Camp Resource

Visit UltimateCampResource.com for 1,000+ free camp games, songs, skits, activities, and more! Follow us on social at fb: ulticamp | IG: ultimatecampresource | TT: ultimatecampresource | YT: ultimatecampresource.  

Download a free games e-book here: https://itsacampthing.com/collections/e-books/products/40-camp-games-pdf 

This is free professional development for your counsellors! We would love your feedback. Please leave your comments below, or, send Matt an email! Thank you!

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/first-class-counsellors/terrible-staff

It can happen to even the most First Class Counselor. For reasons that may seem perfectly valid and logical, a staff member gets it in their head that one of their co-workers is a terrible staff member. What ensues is drama, hurt feelings and escalations that can take away from the camp experience for others.

In this episode, we’re not talking about the staff members who break policy or in a legal sense deserve to be fired. 

Frankly, you aren’t going to like everyone - let’s get real. But you have to a) respect them as a fellow staff member and b) remember that it’s not about that “like” - it’s about the camper experience.

So join us this episode as we unpack:

• What does it actually mean to be a good staff member, and is it even your place to judge others?
• Different traits of camp counselors that you may struggle with, and why that is
• What to do about it. How to move forward in a way that is fair to everyone involved

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Level up your Camp Counselor skills with these resources!

• Oliver: Using a standard deck of card for different parts of the day (who goes first, what happens next, etc.)
• Matt: Attention getters from Ultimate Camp Resource - https://ultimatecampresource.com/camp-staff-resources/top-five-lists/large-group-attention-getters/

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Ultimate Camp Resource

Visit UltimateCampResource.com for 1,000+ free camp games, songs, skits, activities, and more! Follow us on social at fb: ulticamp | IG: ultimatecampresource | TT: ultimatecampresource | YT: ultimatecampresource.  

Download a free games e-book here: https://itsacampthing.com/collections/e-books/products/40-camp-games-pdf