Subscribe to the Network2 Types of Camp Training
As we were walking around the cabins last night – my friend Jason and I were talking about how each of the respective leaders were doing exactly what we expected. Some were towing the line – others had a lose grip on control of their cabin. Some leaders were loud and crazy, others were quiet and reserved. Some let their kids get away with murder, others stopped pranks at the idea stage. And even though we have had little or no problems at camp this year, as I looked at the situation, I thought we should potentially add a second layer to our camp training. Here’s what we do right now and an idea for next year:
What we already do – general training (group)
We have a volunteer meeting before camp set up the week before we leave. All of the counselors assemble together and we talk about the general expectations and the heart of the trip. We go over the camp schedule, talk about some of the quirks of the camp and hit on specific rules that we felt needed to be highlighted before camp. It is a great chance for everyone to be in community, pray and gear up for the big trip.What we need to add – specific training (individual)
What if we took some time in additionto the general training, and spent one-on-one time with each leader.We looked at what happened in previous years at camp (if applicable) and set them up to win this year. We spend time beforehand thinking about their personality and typical interaction with students and helped specifically guide them in the areas where they are weak. If we see a potential weakness, we help guide them to a better place before something arises at camp.
Is it more work? It sure is. But I think it would be worth it!
JG
So…I’ve been spending time “debriefing” the year with each of my leaders. Sitting down one on one with them certainly isn’t urgent and frankly there’s tons of other stuff I need to be doing but man…it has been some fantastic and amazing time. I’ve gathered ideas for this next year, heard success stories and highlights from last year that I didn’t even know about. I’m thinking of how I can spend more and more one on one time with leaders. Time well spent.
I love those impromptu evaluations and some of the ideas that just leap out of our heads. Unfortunatly many of those great ideas are the ones I fail to follow up on. They often do produce more work but also more fruit.
As a side, when do you do an end of summer eval/debrief/review? and do you include your staff (volunteers)?