Camp Renegade

Counselor Training:

Camp Renegade Camp Counselor Training is a key step in preparing teen leaders for a safe, successful, and meaningful camp experience. This required online training equips counselors with the skills they need to confidently lead younger campers, build positive relationships, and respond appropriately in a variety of situations. Topics include youth safety, behavior management, communication, inclusion, and creating a welcoming environment for all participants.

Completing the online training ensures that every counselor understands their role, expectations, and responsibilities before arriving at camp. It helps create consistency across the team, strengthens leadership skills, and supports a safe, fun, and high-quality experience for every camper. When counselors are well prepared, camp runs smoother and everyone has a better experience.

A link for the training will be emailed after registration closes. Please complete the training by May 31.

Volunteer Screening:

Youth who are serving in the role of Camp Counselor must also undergo volunteer screening through Sterling Volunteers. You must be screened prior to attending camp.

1. A permission form will be emailed to parents after Camp Counselor registration closes via Docusign.
2. You will receive a link from Sterling Volunteers (unique to you). Please input your information and go through the on-screen instructions. Please note, there is a fee of $16 to complete the screening.

Camp Renegade is designed to provide youth experiences in an outdoor setting. Outside of offering a fun and safe outdoor experience for youth, these camps aim to develop the youth's life skills. Life skills are defined as abilities that enable successful youth in everyday life. The life skills that we strive to teach are:

• Responsible Citizenship
• Sharing, Teamwork, Cooperation and Conflict Resolution
• Empathy and Concern for others
• Service Learning
• Critical Thinking and Decision Making
• Personal Safety
• Character, Managing Feelings, and Self-responsibility

Camp Renegade provides youth with opportunities to:

• Prepare for and practice spending the night away from home.
• Demonstrate ability to practice safe outdoors skills including: shooting sports, canoeing, fishing, swimming, animals and walking in nature.
• Describe and demonstrate planting procedures for plants.
• Analyze a problem, develop a solution, and invent a prototype to solve an issue relating to nature.
• Serve their community for positive change by participating in a Community Service Project.
• Summarize and follow instructions given to complete specific tasks including: flag raising, crafting, and clean-up.
• Practice leadership skills through the use of teamwork, cooperation, critical thinking and decision making.

General Rules:

• Campers are priority #1. It's your responsibility to make camp a great experience.
• Park cars in designated areas and leave them there.
• Cell phones may ONLY be used during breaks, not in the presence of campers. Cell phones must be kept in your cabin. Mis-use of this policy will result in the removal of the cell phone for the duration of camp.
• Counselors will not leave during camp.
• No change of cabin assignments without adult staff approval.
• Counselors remain in the cabin with campers all night.
• Observe lights out.
• Don't leave cabin after lights out except for emergencies.
• Profanity is prohibited. No swearing, foul language, or name calling.
• No smoking, drugs, or alcohol.
• Keep the grounds clean - pick up trash.

Appearance:

• Counselors will dress appropriately at all times. Look neat and enthusiastic!
• Watch campers for over-exposure to sun.
• Don't let youth overdress in the heat.
• Boys need to wear shirts, except at swimming or canoeing time.
• Footwear is required, except at swimming and bedtime.

Safety:

• BB Guns, Bows/Arrows will be used only during specified times with adult supervision.
• Pond is off-limits unless with adult staff.
• Wear a life jacket at all times when canoeing.
• Swimming pool is closed, except for designated swimming times when the lifeguard is present. No youth inside of the fence any other time.
• Report injuries to adult staff. First aid kit will be located in the dining hall for minor injuries. Fill out an Incident Report with staff.
• No weapons allowed (including pocket knives).
• Campers will check in all medications at registration. Adult staff will administer prescriptions and over-the-counter medications to youth. Report to adult staff in the dining hall.

Youth Safety:

• At no time should a Counselor or adult staff be alone with a single child where others cannot observe them.
• Never leave a child unsupervised.
• Public restroom supervision: stand in the doorway when child is using the restroom. Send children in pairs to the restroom, whenever possible, with staff person or counselor.
• Do not discriminate regardless of sex, race/ethnicity, religion, or culture.
• Respect child's right to be touched/not touched. Do not touch a child in areas of their body that would be covered by a swim suit. Never touch a child against the child's will.
• When others are present, it is ok to touch a child on the shoulders, arm or upper back.
• Excessive tickling, wrestling with, hitting, or teasing a camper is inappropriate.
• Do not abuse or neglect a child including: physical, verbal, sexual or mental.
• Always portray a positive role model to campers, counselors and staff.
• Storm Shelter is located in the front of the dining hall. Bring campers with a pillow in the case severe weather is threatening in the camp area.

Registration:

• Meet campers upon arrival.
• Take campers to cabins, assist with luggage, finding a bunk and settling in.
• Involve them in get-acquainted games and other group games.
• Point out where things are at camp (pool, restrooms, dining hall, first aid, boundaries of camp, etc.)

Participation:

• Your role is to supervise your campers at all time.
• If you are directly involved in a program or cannot properly supervise your campers, delegate the supervision to another counselor.
• Help direct campers to activities.
• Participate with those that are reluctant, but don't force them. Look for reasons a camper is not involved (fever, lonely, illness, skill level). Your attitude affects theirs - be positive!
• Let them know everyone is expected to try everything at least once.
• Talk about it positively, encourage the fun it can be.
• Help campers with special assignments, flag raising duties, etc.
• Help during craft and other camp activities.

Cabin Duties:

• Cabins will be assigned various camp duties and responsibilities for camp.
• Sign-up for these duties at the counselor training prior to camp. Duties include flag raising/lowering ceremonies and kitchen duties.

Kitchen Duty:

• When you report for kitchen duty have your campers wash their hands first.
• With the camp cook, make serving arrangements and assist in monitoring the serving of the meal.
• Obtain supplies as needed, (i.e. refill on drinks, etc.)
• Mop up any spills as they occur.
• Your group will eat after everyone has been served.
• After the meal, make sure campers throw their waste in the trash barrels.
• Wipe tables and benches with a wet sponge, then place the benches on top of the tables.
• Sweep the entire floor starting at one end and working toward the other end of the dining hall. Replace benches after sweeping.
• Bag and empty trash into dumpster located outside of the dining hall.

Flag Ceremonies:

• Choose a poem or theme to follow, with a patriotic song as part of the ceremony
• Rehearse reading or singing (loudly).
• Teach campers proper flag folding etiquette. Don't let flags touch the ground.
• Get all members of your group organized and involved in the ceremony.
• Quiet all before starting, have hats removed, stand quietly.
• When raising flags, the American Flag goes up first, then 4-H Flag. Flags go up briskly, down slowly.

Singing Time:

• All counselors will participate! Fake it if you don't like to do it. Show enthusiasm.
• Get campers involved. Have lots of songs ready, this is what campers remember!
• Stand by campers who are not participating and encourage them to join in.

Cabin Competition:

• Promote team work and good sportsmanship.

Bag Skits:

• A variety of props will be given to each cabin to assist with skit ideas.
• All cabin members are expected to participate.

Cabin Clean-Out & Check-Out:

• Make sure everyone packs all possessions and removes them from the cabin.
• Check for items that are left, identify and return.
• Sweep cabin floor. Empty trash and take out to the dumpster.
• Close shutters and latch.
• Have adult staff check your cabin before everyone leaves.

Lost & Found:

• Bring all lost and found items to the dining hall and give to an adult staff member. Lost and found will be announced throughout the camp.

Behavior:

• Watch for shifts in behavior, make sure all campers are involved.
• Watch for cliques and bullying - split up, if possible.
• Respect each others' space - in cabins and at sessions.
• NO SWEARING by anyone!

Illness/Injury:

• If your group is having problems, talk to the campers involved. Don't accuse. Listen to both sides.
• Do not strike, but a change in tone of voice may be appropriate.
• Let adult staff member know if problem persists.
• See resources on positive ways of dealing with problem behaviors.

Mealtime:

• Show respect for food prepared, cooks, kitchen helpers; avoid complaints.
• Observe table manners.
• No excessive noise, loud talking, etc.
• Be alert for campers not eating or drinking at the table.

Bedtime:

• Restroom - shower - brush teeth, etc.
• Help as needed
• Include all campers in cabin activities to "wind down."
• If problems arise, deal with them first, then report to adult staff.
• Observe lights out.
• Have flashlight handy.

Homesickness:

• Keep campers busy and involved.
• Don't call attention to the problem(s).
• Talk about the day at camp, things they enjoyed, what to look forward to the next day, their friends, etc.
• If problems arise, deal with them first, then report to an adult staff member.

Character Traits & Qualifications of 4-H Camp Renegade Counselors

• Like children and have an interest in children - all kinds and ages.
• Intelligence is essential to understand, guide and make adjustments to campers.
• Good character and personality are essential to be respected and set an example.
• Love of the outdoors in all kinds of weather.
• Ability to work hard - by yourself and with others. Camping is fun and should be pleasant, but it is not a holiday.
• Ability to sense and assume responsibility without having to be told everything every time.
• Emotional maturity and stability to guide you, to accept criticism and be self-confident.
• Be courteous, unselfish, prompt, and reliable.
• Be interested in the camp, its traditions and ideas; events and activities; the campers, their ideas, likes and dislikes and problems.
• Health and safety conscious - be aware of your campers' health; take all precautions to prevent accidents.
• Have faith in your abilities and your campers' abilities.

The Essentials:

• Counselor Guidebook
• Bedroll/Sleeping Bag/Pillow
• Flashlight
• Alarm Clock
• Towels
• Toiletries: Soap, Shampoo, etc.
• Cup for drinking
• Swimsuit
• Comfortable Tennis Shoes
• Flip Flops - for Pool, Canoeing & Showering
• Sunscreen
• Insect Repellent
• Clothing - Cool for Hot Summer Days
• Lightweight Jacket & Sweatshirt
• Power Strip
• Ideas for Songs, Games, and Cabin Activities
• Props for Games - Ball, Glove, Frisbee, Beach Ball, etc.

Nice to Have:

• Camera
• Fan
• Paper, Pencils, Markers
• Masking Tape
• Food, Candy, Snacks
• Stuffed Animal
• Small Night Light

We ask each Camp Counselor to lead their cabin to help with portions of camp. The following are roles that will need to be fulfilled by Camp Counselors and their campers.

• Opening Ceremony & Flag Raising
• Tuesday - Lunch Servers
• Tuesday - Lunch Clean-up
• Tuesday - Supper Servers
• Tuesday - Supper Clean-up
• Tuesday - Flag Lowering
• Camp Fire
• Wednesday - Flag Raising
• Wednesday - Breakfast Servers
• Wednesday - Lunch Servers
• Wednesday - Lunch Clean-up
• Closing Ceremony & Flag Lowering
• Song Leader

5-8 Year Olds - Early Childhood:

• Learn best if they are physically active.
• Are learning how to use their bodies by mastering physical skills.
• Are more interested in process than product. Interested in doing activities other than creating a specific product or "doing well" in the activity.
• Are wrapped up in themself.
• Are learning how to be friends. May have several "best friends:
• Boys and girls may enjoy playing together.
• Thinking is concrete.
• Are easily motivated and eager to try something new.
• Deal with here and now - interest span short.
• Are naturally curious and want to make sense of their world.
• Sensitive to criticism - don't accept failure well.
• Have strong desire for affection and attention of adults. Are moving from dependence on parents to dependence on another adult.
• Seek adult approval because not confident enough to set their own standards:

What this Means to the Camp Counselor:

• Counselor may become very important in their eyes.
• They respond affectionately to counselors who look after their needs, show an interest in them, and are fair and capable of humor and imagination.
• Activities need to be ACTIVE! Rules and rituals are important but it is very hard for this children this age to lose. Cooperative games and activities are more enjoyable. Minimize competitive games.

9-11 Year Olds - Middle Childhood:

• Are quite active with boundless energy.
• Like group activity. Group and club membership is important.
• Like to be with members of one's own sex.
• Have interests that often change rapidly, jumping from one thing to another.
• Usually do best when work is presented in small pieces.
• Need guidance from adults to stay at task to achieve their best performance.
• Admire and imitate older boys and girls.
• Are easily motivated and eager to try something new.
• Do not like to keep records and do not see the value in them.
• Like symbols, ceremonies, and songs.
• Are extremely curious, constantly ask "why".
• Enjoy cooperation.
• Show independence by disobedience, back talk, and rebelliousness.
• Need recognition and praise for doing good work.
• Have feelings of competence that enhance self-concept.
• Don't like comparisons with others.
• Can direct a single, familiar activity.
• Have limited decision-making ability

What this Means to the Camp Counselor:

• It may be challenging to change their mind.
• Let youth have a voice in any rules established in the cabin.
• Encouragement from the counselor can have remarkable results. They want to know how much they have improved and what they should do better next time.
• They respond enthusiastically to counselors who can understand and guide their tremendous energy and mischievousness; tend to idolize the counselor if they measure up to this task.

12-14 Year Olds - Early Adolescence:

• Are concerned about physical development, being liked by friends, social graces, and good grooming (even though they don't like to admit it).
• Change at different rates, according to highly individual "clocks". Can be painfully self-conscious and critical. Are vulnerable to bouts of low self-esteem.
• Are self conscious with many needing help to overcome inferiority complexes.
• Experience emotions that are on a roller coaster ride. Change in hormones and change in thinking contribute to the mood swings.
• Desire a sense of independence, yet they want and need their parents' help.
• Like fan clubs, many have older or adult idols.
• Still depend on parental guidelines.
• Are beginning to question authority and values of parents.
• Peer pressure mounts, first from same sex, then from opposite sex.
• Are interested in activities involving both boys and girls.
• Are interested in sports and active games.
• Are ready for in-depth, longer learning experiences.
• Can take responsibility in planning and evaluating their own work.
• Can plan their own social and recreational activities.
• May avoid difficult tasks.

What This Means to the Camp Counselor:

• They will likely challenge your authority.
• May need extra time in the morning.
• Let youth have a voice in any rules established in the cabin.
• Use peer pressure as a positive influence.
• Encourage youth to be active and have fun.
• Allow members to plan activities. Expect follow through. Let members have responsibility for group activities.

How Kids Develop - Ages & Stages was adapted from 4-H Volunteer Information Series and 4-H Club Leader Resources https://4h.unl.edu/resources/club-leaders, Nebraska 4-H Youth Development.

Skits at 4-H Camp are a longtime favorite, and should be planned, and practiced during your company time the first day of camp. Skits will be performed during the evening program on Day 1.

Skit bags - we have put together various items that may be used as props or to help you come up with a skit idea. Not all items must be used, but they should be returned.

Guidelines:

• Skits usually are fairly short (not more than 5 minutes)
• Involve as many members of your cabin (group) as possible
• Attempt to have a story or message you are trying to share
• Skits are to be entertaining and fun
• Youth with speaking roles should project their voice (be loud) so the audience may hear them
• Skits should not pick on anyone, a group, or other wise be seen as demeaning

Anything you need beyond what is in the skit bag is your responsibility to find, and arrange to use without harming or destroying, and return upon completion.