How to Be the Favorite Camp Counselor

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: June 1, 2022

Summer camps are a great way to have fun, learn, grow, and make new friends. Being a summer camp counselor will allow you to help your campers have the best possible summer. You will work directly with your campers to demonstrate the qualities you want them to demonstrate themselves. By being a good leader and a ethical person you can help your campers enjoy their summer and become their favorite camp counselor.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Becoming The Favorite Counselor

1
Treat your campers as individuals. As soon as your campers arrive you should start getting to know them as individuals and people. Getting to know your campers can help you interact with them better and build a great relationship between the two of you. Your campers will greatly appreciate your interest in their life and will start to view you favorably.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Learn your campers personal interests and engage with them.
- Take a moment to discover each of your campers personalities.
- Don't be afraid to share some of your own personality and interests with your campers.
2
Handle difficult campers carefully. There may be a time when your campers don't want to do something you had in mind, such as cleaning chores. Being too forceful or direct with these campers will only hurt your relationship and cause them to view you with less respect. Keep some of the following points in mind when dealing with a difficult camper:^{[2]
X
Research source}
- If a camper is distracted or doing something other than what they should be you can try joining them for a moment before redirecting them to the task at hand.
- For example, if they are watching a video on their phone instead of cleaning, watch the video with them for a moment before asking them to clean.
- Simple and clear instructions for activities are appreciated by campers.
- Avoid giving negative commands such as “Don't do this”. It will be ineffective and cause the camper to view you negatively.
Advertisement
3
Inspire instead of order. It's all too easy to simply issue commands to your campers. However, they are unlikely to respect you if you don't demonstrate the same qualities and actions that you demand of them. Always make sure you are engaging in the same activities and attitudes that you want your campers to exhibit in order to build respect and earn their trust.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Telling your campers to do something or hold an attitude without doing so yourself can cause your them to view you less favorably.
- Always exhibit the actions and attitudes that you want your campers to display in order to build a better relationship.
4
Take a break. Even though you want to be the camper's favorite counselor it can be a good idea to let other counselors take over for a while. Allowing other counselors to step in can give you a break, allow you to refresh, and you may be able to learn some new techniques from your co-counselor. Taking a break can also let your campers have some rest and look forward to your return.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Sharing your campers with other counselors can create a better camping experience for your campers.
5
Extend kindness to your campers. Campers may be away from their homes for the first time in their life and may be feeling unsure or uneasy at camp. Showing some kindness and empathy to your campers can help make them feel comfortable with you and at camp. Take some time to make them feel welcome, safe, and demonstrate that they have a friend in you.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Always be available to listen to your campers concerns.
- Take time to speak with your campers one-on-one to build rapport.
- Your campers should feel like they can come to you with any issue.
- Demonstrating kindness will go a long way in becoming their favorite counselor.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Being An Effective Counselor

1
Effectively communicate with the campers. The main way in which you will relate and work with your campers is through communication. Using open, supportive, and caring language with your campers can help create bond between you and them, leaving a lasting impression and allowing you to become their favorite camp counselor.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Offer plenty of praise to your campers.
- Speak with all of your campers equally. Don't favor one camper or another.
- Practice active listening, rephrasing you camper's concerns as a summarized question. For example “So you are uncomfortable swimming in the lake?”
- Make each camper feel like they are being cared for and listened to.
2
Be a good role model. Part of being your campers favorite counselor is acting as a great role model. By embodying desirable qualities and attitudes yourself you can help bring them out in your campers as well. Always act as an excellent role model to foster great relationships between you and your campers.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Have a good sense of humor and laugh easily.
- Let your campers know that you trust them.
- Try to keep a positive and upbeat attitude even in challenging situations.
- Don't be afraid to admit a mistake, apologize or not know something.
3
Demonstrate leadership. In order to earn the trust and respect of your campers you will need to demonstrate strong leadership qualities. By showing your confidence and strength as a leader you can help your campers feel confident themselves, allowing you to be viewed as their favorite camp counselor. Review the following characteristics of a good leader:^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Put the needs of others before their own.
- Treat everyone fairly and justly.
- Be respectful of everyone.
- Good leaders are responsible people.
- Practice honesty.
- Show enthusiasm.
- Ease tension in the group and encourages teamwork.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Meeting The Requirements

1
Have the required personal characteristics. Part of being a good camp counselor and a person that the campers enjoy being around is demonstrating certain personal characteristics. By showing your own personable and caring nature you can help bring that out in the campers as well. Review some of the following characteristics that a good camp counselor can express:
- Honesty.
- Openness to others and ideas even when in disagreement.
- Sensitivity to others feelings and thoughts.
- Encourage and inspire others.
- Avoid gossip and keep communications open.
2
Understand the duties. Part of being a likable and effective camp counselor is fulfilling your duties required by that role. Many of the roles that are required of a camp counselor will help keep your campers happy, safe, and entertained during their time staying with you at camp.
- You will be responsible for the safety of your campers.
- You and your campers will need to follow camp rules and directions.
- Create and stay on schedules.
- Practice problem solving.
3
Attend training. Don't worry if your haven't had any training or experience. Some summer camps will offer training before your campers arrive. The training provided by the camp will help you do your best in your role as camp counselor. As an example, you can expect to learn in some of the following ways from your training course:
- You will observe other camp counselors in action.
- You will learn how to participate with campers.
- Discuss your experience and learn how to communicate with all types of campers.
- You will be able to get plenty of practice learning your new skills as a camp counselor.

Community Q&A

Question

What if one of my campers doesn't speak English?

Community Answer

You can use a translator app on your phone to communicate with them, or try to see if another camper speaks their language and can help you translate.
Question

I'm a camper and a team captain. Younger kids seem to like me, but they don't listen to me, as "I'm just an older kid, not their counselor, so they don't have to. What should I do?

Stephanie Thomas

Community Answer

A leader is not part of the group as a friend. So you need to be somewhat reserved without seeming to be "better than they are". Set the example by performing tasks better than the rest of the group, and people will come to you. This is a long process. Be approachable without falling into a clique and treat everybody as a valuable member of the whole.