2023 American Camp Association, Inc. Not only can our services save you precious time, money and effort but they also offer peace of mind by knowing that your staff 2023 Staff Training Issue of Camping Magazine Mon, 02/20/2023 - 15:12 Except in cases of an independent contractor, a camp is vicariously liable for the acts of its staff, committed in the course of employment. What passions do they want to help students chase? ACA Staff Training Certificates of Added Qualifications Further, particularly in today's "Millennial" culture, if written information is overwhelming, unrealistic, cumbersome, or unorganized, staff may simply not read (or ignore) it and end up not following the written guidance. Responsible problem solvers, expert communicators, team players, and those who are energetic and flexiblehow do you find them and how do you train them effectively? Lets help each other. WCU Stories July 10, 2023. Camps and related organizations should consult with a licensed attorney regarding application of relevant state and federal law, as well as considerations regarding their specific business or operation. One activity for building your summer camp leadership team comes from the book Rules of the Red Rubber Ball by author Kevin Carroll Katalyst. To achieve this compatibility, applicants and the camp must exchange information, so each can know what to expect and what is expected of them. Shes trained with hundreds of camps/organizations and balances research-based techniques with the fun and energy only a camp director could have. share their expertise, insights and original resources through paid and free downloadable products. 2, ST.25, ST.30, ST.40, AD.19, AD.20. Nowadays, most hiring happens online. C.O.P.E course, 65 ft. At the end of the day, trainings come with a cost, but they also come with potential savings and long-term revenue. We take into consideration the type of training (virtual or in-person), the location, the duration, the topic (s), the level of customization, the trainer, travel, and so much more. Camp counselors in the area are likely to be more committed because they are working within their communities. Encourage staff participation and question-and-answer sessions. Training Tool Sheets for Camp Directors and Camp Counselors ET) on HBO and will be . Camp counselor training | Agenda, activities, ideas, & more . The Summer Camp Source is Your #1 Source for Camp Management! Jason Schaitz is a Parks and Recreation Director with 15 years experience managing camps and recreation programs. As you start to plan your staff training week, make sure you incorporate a wide range of helpful experiential topics, from icebreakers, getting-to-know you activities, to activities that help staff embrace their different work styles and gifts. Full time, seasonal staff and area directors are needed for many positions: Scout skills instructors Lifeguards Trading post managers Facilities maintenance When campers do things you approve of, let them know their behavior is appreciated. Since 1994 we have been providing educational resources for all aspects of camp health services. This experiential workshop covers a wide range of helpful staff training topics, including icebreakers, getting-to-know you games, and activities that help staff embrace their different work styles and gifts. Certainly, the training will include study of the camp policies, perhaps with opportunities to act out scenarios to understand application of the policies under various circumstances, or to be quizzed on content. If you need technical assistance submitting your online application, complete a technical assistance request. The answer is simple: CircuiTree's summer camp staffing software tools can help manage the difficulties you may encounter as you train your staffers and manage your summer camp. What seems common sense to a professional running a successful summer camp might not come naturally to them at first. ACN developed the scope and standards of camp nursing practice, leads the way in camp health research and is proud to collaborate with other organizations as we help create healthy camp communities. As summer approaches and college semesters come to a close, camp staff members around the country are gathering to get ready for summer camp and the hundreds of thousands of children who will be in their care. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Everything You Need, to Do Anything You Can Imagine. Summer Camp Staff Training: A Complete Guide - CIRCUITREE The Summer Camp Society works to to shift how adults interact with kids from power over to more partner with by creating communities and content that inspire, connect, and simplify. We build our trainings around your needs. We can't wait. Learn more here. Summer Camp Online Training - BC Recreation and Parks Association Here are a few ways to connect with others in the field: Join a professional association in the industry. Have an orientation and training program to set expectations and review policies. Martinsville, IN 46151-7902Phone: 800-428-2267 Staff may require orientation to not only existing, but new activities and facilities climbing walls, ziplines, and waterfront inflatables for example. The framework might consist of topics like how to build camper self-esteem, providing a safe camp environment, and how to handle conflict between campers. One unique aspect of a summer camp team is that when summer is over, everyone goes home. Once you have your team selected, the real work starts. Hi y'all! Take a moment to start your free subscription. As well, staff should learn about the camp's incident and emergency response procedures for incidents occurring on or off the camp's premises. Floating obstacle course at our waterfront called Rippy World. Let's help each other. During this time off, it is essential to stay in touch with your leadership team. Reach out to Allison at allison@thesummercampsociety.com. Maybe they want to make more friends of their own or learn to paint in their spare time. (What Could Possibly Go Wrong?)" Child Care In New Jersey - Summer Youth Camps However, a camp can be liable for hiring a clearly unqualified independent contractor, or a contractor or anyone else causing harm, whom a court finds is legally acting as an employee or agent of the camp.4 Consider this example: if a camper is injured as a result of the alleged carelessness, inexperience, or inattentiveness of a camp employee, a camper (plaintiff) lawsuit might claim that the camp was negligent in hiring or training the employee (direct liability). Simone founded OAAARS a community of consultants of color that offer social justice centered training to create safe(r) & inclusive workplaces. Before campers arrive, the camp should, preferably, conduct an on-site camp training session (as an alternative or supplement, consider online opportunities perhaps via a mobile app). Were happy to create new trainings that work for you. Nelson believes in the power of relationships and wants to help camp staffs everywhere find ways to connect and help others build connection. Build Your Own Breakout Activities Presentation, Build Your Own Breakout Activities Google Doc (Copyable), Preparing for Your Summer Camp Interview - Melk Kowalkowski (Copyable Google Doc) (PDF), Summer Camp Photography Checklist (Copyable), JEDI Rapid Response Team Job Description Sample, JEDI Rapid Response Team Application Sample, Camper Wellness Job Description (Word) (PDF). Youll be keeping that sense of community alive and well, and helping to create deeper bonds with campers and staff. These types of activities are needed to bring the group into a one band, one sound mindset while not forcing them to give up all individuality. Training in the recognition and value of diversity. *This article contains general information only and is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Bring in an outside group that specializes in teambuilding, or go to a retreat center. Introduction A camp's overarching goal should be running a mission-aligned, safe, and quality program in all facets. Incorporate icebreakers and teambuilding to make the group more cohesive. The Join us for a TED Talk style webinar highlighting the Belonging in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEIB). Learning as you go opportunitieshands-on training and mentor programs work wonders. I am Greg Golf, camp trainer, consultant, former director, and founder/owner of a music production company. Because of our diverse 12,000 plus membership and our exceptional programs, children and adults have the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living lessons that can be learned nowhere else. Reach out if we can help in any way. Families rightfully expect the camp to manage the risks of camp life by identifying the risks and taking steps, as appropriate, to reduce the frequency and severity of losses arising from them. Available now! & Warner, R. P. (2021). It may be challenging under the laws of certain states to set out tasks and expectations, and the consequences of failing to perform satisfactorily (whether in an employment agreement, staff handbook, or otherwise), and, at the same time, maintain an employment-at-will relationship with the staff person. Since then, he has co-founded The Summer Camp Society and Camp Stomping Ground and consulted with countless other camps, companies, and organizations. Her trainings are evidence-based and so much fun. Photo Credit: IHC. Because your summer camp staff will be working directly with children, it is essential that they receive training that is both sound and practical. This page is meant to have a place for directors of local council camps to access a variety of resources that may help your camp operation. Simone Gamble is a community organizer from NYC. Providers also must to comply with the requirements below. Staff time off. 6. 2. So what has recently emerged as significant in the area of camp policies? He has been involved with camps and youth development for over twenty years as a camper . APG v.2012: HR.12, HR.17, OM.8, OM.9, PD.1, APG v.2019: CR. A camp's (or its staff members') violation of the camp's policies is embarrassing and difficult to explain, and frequently moves the needle toward negligence. Before the formal session begins, staff should become familiar with their assigned activities and develop rapport with others in their activity areas. Basics of summer camp staff training Basics of summer camp staff training Last Update Date: June 20, 2023 Hiring a great staff is only a first step. His trainings are engaging, relevant, impactful, and always lecture-free. Many of these resources are on the public domain and are not affiliated with the BSA. Additionally, facilitation exercises help campers develop a sense of belonging. . Management should encourage staff to ask questions to avoid later misunderstandings. Camp Operators/Directors Information - NYC Health Activity Scheduling & Elective Scheduling. If a camp is sued, the allegations of wrongdoing will implicate all factors that credibly might have contributed to the loss. It was created to be an alternative for those who could not attend typical camp conferences due to finances, time or travel. Creating a legendary leadership team can be one of the most rewarding aspects of camp management and growth. Learn the skills you need to succeed. Hired staff should receive and learn camp policies. We will revisit some of those issues and identify other evolving and significant issues, based on changing laws and case law and evolving culture and technology. Just make sure to give positive feedback and ways they can improve for their next position. NRPA advances this vision by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals as a catalyst for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. The employee handbook customarily addresses policies that relate to the status of the employee (full time, part time, seasonal, or otherwise); vacation, sick, or other leave; workers' compensation or other insurance; background checks; drug testing; staff evaluations and employment discipline or termination; searches; and those entitled (or not) to benefits. from Ithaca College, with a double major in Psychology and Sociology with a concentration in Gender Studies. About Scott Arizala. Camp Administration 101: Staff Training And Education ", 6 See our Spring 2009 CampLine article addressing training topics: "Staff Training and Risk Management Key Risk Information for Front Line Staff.". Seeing and hearing how others are operating is a great way to improve a camp. Description by Scott Arizala What's their secret? How is training effectiveness influenced by characteristics of camp staff? But dont just repeat exactly what youve always done. Interviews start the first weekend of February Cascade Pacific Council hires 300 enthusiastic camp staff annually to serve at our overnight camps throughout Northwest Oregon. Make sure you're happy with your current camp budgeting tools, and if you're not, then take the time to update them. Standards related to staff training, qualifications, and duties in teaching and leading various camp activities. You and the EOT faculty have been a tremendous help to me, both as a counselor and as a student, especially . Located right next to the handicraft lodge and in proximity to the Blue Mountain trailheads, Rotary is one of the fastest campsites to fill up each year. Cite this resource as Gillard, A. As a former YMCA Camp Director, Drew Demery (That Summer Camp Guy) knows the challenges that come with organizing and leading a top notch camp staff training. At Parks & Rec Business (PRB), we know some of life's best moments happen in a public park or recreation program. APG v.2012:Standards: Various PD, PA and PT Standards, APG v.2019: Several standards in ST; various PD and PA Standards. What competencies should summer staff learn during training? A camp should carefully consider, with its legal counsel, issues such as assignment of appropriate tasks, supervision, and applicable state or federal labor laws. A very, very basic range would be $250-$750/hour for virtual and $1,500-$4,000/day for in-person (sometimes plus . In this, the day and age of video games, phones and the like, it has never been more important, or necessary, to get our kids moving. I Am a Camp Looking for Staff One low annual or monthly membership Register Now! Nowadays, most hiring happens online. The American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who, for over 100 years, have joined together to share our knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. Have another idea? 5000 State Road 67 North Charles R. (Reb) Gregg is a practicing attorney in Houston, Texas, specializing in outdoor recreation matters and general litigation. Recruitment is the foundation for building a solid leadership team, so reading more about recruitment tactics can only benefit your staffing team. This is an excellent opportunity for staff to meet each other, and their supervisors, and to learn the hierarchy of authority at the camp, including sources of assistance or guidance. That Summer Camp Guy is here to help. Not only will they know they are being heard and have a say in the operation, but you will get more out of them as employees just by listening. Below are a collection of free and paid resources designed to help you be a happier more effective camp pro. He can be reached at 713-982- 8415, or by email at rgregg@gregglaw.net; rebgregg.com. He also created and manages www.thesummercampsource.com with the goal of providing free resources for any type of camp, afterschool, or childcare program. March 1, 2009 You expect your staff to think on their feet so why not train them on their feet? After writing their answers on sticky notes and placing them on chart paper with everyone elses response, camp counselors then get the opportunity to play with real rubber balls. Any of us who have gone to campor managed oneknows what a difference that individual counselor can make in a young life. Consider that staff are often an excellent judge of some of the specifics contained in a staff manual or other document, particularly program- or activity-specific information, and can provide input in the continued evolution of this guidance. We share your ideas, solutions and stories with the entire parks and recreation community. Summer Camp - Cape Fear Council We take into consideration the type of training (virtual or in-person), the location, the duration, the topic(s), the level of customization, the trainer, travel, and so much more. CUB SCOUT DAY CAMP RESOURCES Cub Scout Day Camp Cub Scout Day Camps are facilitated by local councils and individuals who serve as camp director, program director or staff adviser must be nationally certified by taking the National Camping School Day Camp Administration section. Training Summer Camp Staff Online: Four Tips - Campminder Training Summer Camp Staff Online: Four Tips Arriving at camp with some knowledge under their belts can help counselors build confidence and can make the transition to camp as seamless as possible. Then, consider submitting a story of your own. We know you provide the games, songs, play spaces and programs that allow your community to re-connect with nature, connect with old friends, make new friends and find balance. HAPPY CAMPER LIVE provides FUN, adventure and activities that motivate kids to LEARN, DO and SPARK life changing moments everyday. Staff Training Resource Articles | Summer Camp Ideas This tool provides four checklists and a resources list that camp and youth program administrators can use to operate camps while preventing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting campers, their families, staff, and A violation of the camp's own policies may, in the event of an injury or other loss, allow a plaintiff to successfully argue, without more, the violation of a duty of care owed to the injured person. Their trainings are interactive, thoughtful, and impactful. Do this through phone calls, newsletters, or reunion events. A camp, therefore, should thoughtfully develop its policies refreshing them regularly to promote the well-being of the campers; and train staff to understand and follow those policies. WCU hosts MedCaT summer program. Here are some guidelines to make staff members the best they can be: 1. 8 Videos to Add to Your Staff Training - Summer Camp Programming But any great summer camp director knows that it takes more than knowing how to have fun to be a leader. Thank you so much for being a great help to camp counselors and students alike! 2023 American Camp Association, Inc. Camp management's task is to carefully screen job applicants and strategically place, within its work force, those individuals most compatible with the camp mission, activities, and population. Ultimate Camp Resource is a free resource for Camp Games, Camp Songs, Camp Skits and more.