Seasonal staff members attend a two-week-long staff training which is held before campers arrive at camp. During that training, we review all of the policies and procedures, as well as all emergency and safety practices. We also train the counselors on how to handle camper issues like homesickness, bullying, and discipline.
The Director and Assistant Director also use that week to evaluate the staff and determine which age group each counselor should be placed with, and which counselors will make the best team in each cabin. Counselors are also trained on how to lead the activities they will be working on during the summer,
Throughout the summer the counselors receive additional feedback from the Director and Assistant Director to improve their performance at activities and in the cabin.
Training topics during staff training include:
- Emergency Procedures
- Discipline Policies
- Waterfront safety
- Lifeguarding, CPR, First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, Archery, and Low Ropes certifications
- Child Protection Plan
- Appropriate behavior for working with youth of all ages
- Staff policies (e.g., privacy expectations, alcohol and drug policies, time off, etc.)
- Staff role in camper health
- How to lead and facilitate activities
- Dealing with homesickness
- Communication with parents
- Daily schedule and routines (e.g, cabin cleanup, mealtimes, activities)
- Camp Fire and Camp Tannadoonah Mission, Vision, and Values
- History and Traditions
- Team building and staff bonding
- And sooo much more!
