Objectives:
USAI2012 – Leadership Programs – Camp Counselor Training.pdf
- Training in theory and practice to become a certified American camp counselor
- Development of teamwork and leadership abilities
- Understanding of the American camp culture
Who: Students who are 16 or 17 years old with a high command of the English language
When: Months of July and August (minimum 4 weeks, 6 recommended)
Where: Camps in Virginia and New York tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT and Pennsylvania)
Lodging: Cabins with other American monitors and counselors
Program Description:
The Camp Counselor Program is designed to train young international students to serve as counselors at American camps. The objective of the program is to create future camp leaders (counselors, directors, etc.) and therefore it is essential that international students have a very good level of English. The training places emphasis on teambuilding, child behavior, emergency procedures, camp program and administration, staffing patterns, and instructional techniques.
During the first week students spend time observing and “shadowing” counselors and other staff to further build skills in areas relating to children, positive discipline, organizational techniques, etc. Lifeguard training also takes place during the program. After completing basic camp training, students are assigned to live with campers age 6-12 years under the supervision of a Senior Counselor.
The program ends with a Certificate of Completion and a Diploma of First Aid and Rescue from the Red Cross. The students that successfully complete the program can apply for work as camp counselors in the U.S. upon reaching 18 years of age.