How to Bond with Children as a Camp Counselor

Are you considering taking a job as a camp counselor over the summer? If so you should familiarize yourself with the skills needed to become an efficient counselor. Camp counselors have the job of monitoring children during their activities in summer camp. Many counselors lead and assist the children with their activities.
Many of the children in summer camp look up to camp counselors as friends, big brothers and sisters and because of this, bonding with children is important. Below are some ways to bond with the children during camp.

Be enthusiastic. Summer camp should not be dreadful. Camp should feel like a vacation for kids so it is your job to come to work with a positive and cheerful attitude. Your attitude will greatly influence the children's behavior. If you notice a child with a miserable attitude, encourage him to have fun and engage in activities.

Be encouraging. Some activities may be hard for certain kids to partake in. If you notice a kid having a hard time engaging in an activity, encourage him to try his best. Empower the kid and make him feel like he can do it. Make him feel as though his best is good enough. If you are able to assist the child (without greatly interfering with the supervision of the other children) you should do so.

Be compassionate. Summer camp can be a frightening experience for many children because it is their first time away from home. If you notice a child becoming homesick or that is very timid and out of place, approach that child and be kind. You want to make the child feel comfortable. You can do this by offering a few kind words and getting to know the child's name and making sure that the child knows your name.

Be attentive. As a counselor you might supervise a large group of children. If the group of children is very large you might share the job of supervising the children with another counselor in. It is important to be as attentive as you can when working as a counselor. You need to be aware of all the children and their behaviors. You need to be able to listen to their needs and to adequately help them.

Be Sociable. Don't be distant and cold to the children. The children might be hyper and excited and you should be open to them. Let them see that you are interested in them and want them to have the best time that they can. Listen to their stories and answer their questions. Remember that children like to be treated nicely and if you remain detached towards them when they try to open up to you, they will remember that pain of rejection for the rest of their lives and they might associate camp with negative feelings.

Be patient not sarcastic. As I mentioned earlier many children will be hyper and excited that they are attending summer camp. They might have many questions and constantly ask you for help. You must remember not to be sarcastic to them but to be patient and accommodating to them. Sarcasm will emotionally scar children and will deter some children from expressing their thoughts and feelings to others.