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I'm new to this!

aedggns
New User

Apr 13, 2006, 11:30 PM

Post #1 of 5 (15584 views)

I'm new to this!	Quote \| Reply

Hi,

I have been hired as the director for the first time. I was just wondering if anyone had any tips for me.

Thanks

Amanda

SCFFACampDir
New User

Oct 4, 2007, 1:29 PM

Post #2 of 5 (11220 views)

Re: [aedggns] I'm new to this! [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Well first you can get yourself a mirror and look into it and ask yourself "Am I sure I want to do this?" Just joking. Being a camp director is in my opinion the greatest job out there. You will have many days that you will want to bang your head against a wall, but you will have 5 times as many that you will not being able to wipe the smile off your face! Two major components I would give your are:

Always Have Fun: if you get to where you dont enjoy it, dont do it! You will hurt yourself and the kids in the long run!

Take care of your staff: You staff is what makes KEEPS the ball rolling. We as Directos may start it but its up to them. Train them well, treat them well, and the will do will! You will be surprised how much a pat on the back and an "atta boy/girl" will go when your staff is working hard for you. They are the ones that make us look good, so be sure to pass the praise on to them!

GOOD LUCK

stephenwinbaum
Communications Coordinator

Oct 5, 2007, 12:21 PM

Post #3 of 5 (11198 views)

Re: [aedggns] I'm new to this! [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Hi Amanda

Thanks for the question.

If you are a camp director from the U.S. I recommend that you explore the educational offerings of the American Camp Association. The ACA offers formal training sessions for new camp directors.

Check out these links:

If you work outside of the U.S. I can recommend other possibilities ~ write back!

Stephen Winbaum - Communications Coordinator - MySummerCamps.com

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(This post was edited by stephenwinbaum on Oct 5, 2007, 12:22 PM)

ctcampguys
New User

Nov 7, 2007, 7:46 PM

Post #4 of 5 (10805 views)

Re: [aedggns] I'm new to this! [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Amanda,

People say being a camp director is a life changing career. It's more like a LIVES changing career. In your role you are going to have a huge impact on your staff, campers and families. The responsibilities are many, but the rewards out number them with an exponent.

The first thing to do is get a calendar and clearly plot out what tasks you are going to address when. You have a lot of things to do, create and distribute a brochure, interview and hire staff, make program arrangements, and on and on. Unless you plan your work and work your plan you may find yourself always feeling like you are scrambling to catch up.

Another good idea is to check out our article titled "Good to Great" by clicking on this link -- http://www.ctcampguys.com/articles.htm

And feel free to contact us for any input.

Patrick Connelly

Connecticut Camp Guys, LLC- A premiere camp consulting and staff training group

Sharing the Fun and Energy of Camp

(This post was edited by stephenwinbaum on Nov 12, 2007, 9:43 AM)

KTbugs
New User

Feb 1, 2008, 7:40 PM

Post #5 of 5 (10113 views)

Re: [aedggns] I'm new to this! [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Amanda~

I was very much in your shoes last year, and spend alot of time worried about it. However the best thing anyone told me was that "You'll find your staff". Meaning that year one will be hard with a fresh start- however you'll find staff that will beleive in what you beleive and work their best to make it happen- once that happens alot seems to fall into place.

Above all though- always beleive you can do it- and never forget to ask other camp folks! We are a unique type of people!

Bugs