YMCA Counselor in Training

Dynamics and Behavior
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Dynamics and Behavior
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We hope to use this page to keep members updated on each other and on the latest happenings within the organization.

Member Information

On the First Day of a Session…
GREET EACH CAMPER INDIVIDUALLY AND SMILE 
Smile a lot!  It sends a message of welcome and friendship
Make eye contact! It connects you to campers
Introduce each camper to all the other campers in the group
Learn each camper’s name
Enthusiasm is contagious! Be enthusiastic!
 
During the Next Few Days…
(By now you should know each of your campers by name)

SMILE SOME MORE! 

Smile a lot!  It sends a message of welcome and friendship

Move toward campers! Be willing to go to them

Include each camper in activities

Learn some things about each camper: favorite sports team, TV show, super hero, pet, animal, hobby, or camp activity

Encourage each camper to make a new friend

Basic Thoughts on Discipline

 The most effective discipline is to have positive counselors that model how they want the campers to behave.  Purpose, direction, and a well planned, organized, and carried out experience is key to good discipline.

 Remember, not all discipline problems have their root at camp.  Influences outside of camp can cause a camper to react to the counselor or the camp experience.  Being in a new, close community, program pressures, and a busy activity situation may also cause a camper to be negative.

 The basic camp rule is “to treat others that way you want to be treated”, and to only do things that help others to do their best.  This rule goes for counselors as well as campers.  If there is a problem, first try to solve it with the least possible action.  Use eye contact, sit next to camper(s), and involve them in the activity.  If this does not work, talk directly to them.  Calmly and clearly talk with them about their negative behavior and get an agreement from them to do better at changing their behavior.  If further steps are needed, they can include…

-         Move the camper next to you

-         Have another counselor try and talk to your camper

-         Have the director talk to your camper

-         Time out session (Talk to director first, then within sight of you at all times)

-         Phone call to the parents (BY DIRECTOR ONLY)

-         Expulsion from camp (BY DIRECTOR ONLY)

 Things to remember:

  1. Be firm at first.  You can always loosen up after the first few days.  It is very difficult to do the opposite and tighten up after a lax start.
  2. Physical punishment or verbal abuse is never used.  No push up, laps, etc.
  3. Discuss with campers definite guideline to acceptable behavior.
  4. Praise in public, discipline in private.
  5. Cultivate a sense of humor, it can relieve tension.
  6. Don’t work yourself into a corner.
  7. Avoid sarcasm, ridicule and humiliation.
  8. Practice what you preach, courtesy, respect, and follow the rules.
  9. Be consistent and follow through on what you say.  Make the punishment fit the crime
  10. Do not punish all for the behavior of a few.
Do not scream

Stages of Group Dynamics

Stage 1
Forming
Polite stage
Stage 2
Storming
Fight or flight Stage
Stage 3
Norming
Stage where a group forms
Stage 4
Performing
Stage where they act as a group
Stage 5
Reforming
Saying goodbye

High Morale…  A quick “How to”

A positive attitude regarding discipline, cooperation, courage, confidence and enthusiasm needs to be developed.

The way in which a leader approaches the group will make a big difference.  Much of the leaders success will depend upon the degree to which they are able to involve the campers in the decision that govern group discipline and program participation.

Enthusiasm is contagious.  If the leader exhibits a high degree of enthusiasm and interest in all camp activities, this attitude usually will be reflected in the campers.

You are “looked up to” by the campers.  Your attitude, willingness to participate in all activities, and method of leadership will determine the kind of experience your campers will have.

Find a way to make even drab activities fun.  Make cleaning a game.  Reward the quite people by letting them be first in line.  No camper likes to be last, they will soon figure out the rules and follow them.

If an entire group resists an idea, don’t force it.  The group’s morale will drop dramatically if they are forced to do something they don’t want to do.

 Positive Reinforcement

It is very important that the CIT knows the impact that their own actions have on the campers.

            By being a positive role model and encouraging positive choices, you will help to prevent further negative actions.

            How would you expect a child to follow your directions if they saw that you had paid no attention to something that a director asked of you?

Why should a camper participate in games and songs when the counselor they look up to won’t?

As a CIT…

 

Your social life comes second

 

 You insure the campers are having fun

then think about yourself

(Don’t be surprised if it happens at the same time.)

 

You go last in line

 

You ask if you can help

 

You have fun

You encourage participation by participating!!!

Eugene Family YMCA
2055 Patterson Eugene OR, 97405
541-554-9265