Summer Camp Advice For Scouters

Summer camp advice for Scouters from a former camp director.

When I was a camp director the Scouts were never really  a significant challenge. My biggest challenges often  came from the ‘adult’ leaders who accompany the Scouts to camp.

• Don’t over-do it and make yourself into a time bomb.
  When hot tired, hungry, and thirsty get cool, rested, fed, and hydrated. I tend to be cranky if I don’t look after myself  (years of observation prove that many of my fellow leaders may share the same problem).
• Camp staff members are great people.
  Younger staffers are learning and growing just like your Scouts – be considerate and supportive of them.
• Never berate, criticize, argue with or yell at a staff member, youth leader or fellow adult leader in the presence of Scouts.
  No matter how much you think they deserve it. A quiet talk at an appropriate distance will usually solve the problem (and the problem may turn out to be yours).
• Don’t “pull rank”.
  You are a Scoutmaster, not a general or an admiral, so there really isn’t any rank to pull is there? You occupy a position that demands respect in and of itself, but don’t make a big deal out of it. Don’t ask for special privileges or try to impress staff members with your self importance.
• Get with the program and encourage your Scouts to join in.
  Even if the program, in your humble opinion, isn’t all that good. A lively audience does more than anything to enliven and energize a performer.
• Participate in ceremonies, traditions and practices of the camp even if they are unfamiliar to you.
  Camps and camp staffs are proud of their traditions; imposing your way of doing things on their program is a rude as imposing your way of doing things in someone else’s home.
• Carefully monitor any inter-troop rivalries that may develop.
  Scout aged boys are hyper-competitive and often need to be reminded about fairness, courtesy and sportsmanship. Set the tone of gentlemanly competition and require it of your Scouts.
• Give your youth leadersallthe responsibility for success.
  See that they understand what needs to be done, how and why and then observe from a great distance. Check in with them every evening, ask lots of questions and put your oar in only when it is asked or it is matter of safety.
• **Be proud of your Scouts, encourage them, congratulate them, admire them. Don’t try to be one of them.**When the rare opportunity to join in at the boy level presents itself jump in, but don’t interfere with their fun.
• Be as patient with your shortcomings as you are with those of your Scouts.
  Don’t sacrifice the perfectly good on the altar of perfection.