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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/first-class-counselors-pod/big-emotions-burnout-and-better-support

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Join Dane and Matt as they reflect on the challenges, surprises, and lessons of summer 2026. From the unexpected success of screen free camp experiences to the growing mental health needs of campers and staff, this conversation explores what counselors and camp directors can learn from the season to make summer 2027 even better. They discuss how to help anxious campers adjust at their own pace, respond to difficult behavior without escalating situations, support staff through emotional challenges, and rethink how breaks are managed. The episode is an honest reminder that camp is both one of the most rewarding and demanding jobs, and that getting better starts with reflection, intentional support, and a willingness to change.

Key Takeaways:

• Screen Free Camp Can Be a Positive Experience for Everyone. Dane found that campers adapted well to a policy asking families not to send devices. When most campers understand that phones are not part of the camp experience, going without one can feel normal rather than isolating. A shared screen free environment can help campers connect with each other and fully participate in camp life.
• Staff Training Must Include Emotional Regulation and Support. Returning staff bring valuable experience, but familiarity with camp does not make every challenge easy. Counselors need practical strategies for recognizing when they are overwhelmed, taking appropriate breaks, asking for help, and responding to campers in a way that maintains emotional steadiness. Experiencing a difficult moment does not make someone a bad counselor. What matters is learning from it and building better ways to respond.
• Camp Directors Should Connect Staff With the Right Mental Health Resources. Counselors and directors can provide care, listen, and offer immediate support, but they are not necessarily equipped to address every mental health concern. Camps should establish clear pathways to appropriate professional resources and encourage staff to seek help when needed. Directors should also avoid becoming the only person staff rely on, building a broader support system that can function even when leadership is unavailable.

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(Final name to be determined)

Dane: Big emotions require gentle responses

Matt: The Simplicity Parenting Podcast

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• Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
• Dane Savoury, Director of Operations, Camp Amy Molson. Contact Email.

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AMSkier
AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more at https://amskier.com/.

Ultracamp
Camp is about changing lives, not chasing paperwork. Ultracamp builds tools that make camp smoother for today's camp counselor and tomorrow's camp leader. Learn more at https://ultracampmanagement.com/firstclass.

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/first-class-counselors-pod/ten-top-tips-for-summer-2026

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Join Oliver and Matt for the season finale of First Class Counselors as they count down ten essential tips for the upcoming 2026 summer. This episode provides a quick reference guide for frontline staff focusing on everything from active supervision and safety protocols to the psychology of camper behavior. The hosts discuss how to create a culture of belonging through strength based mindsets and provide actionable tools like facilitation frameworks to ensure every counselor is prepared to lead with confidence and empathy.

Key Takeaways:

• Behavior is Communication. When campers act out it is often an expression of an unmet need such as being hungry or tired. Using the HALT acronym allows counselors to address the root cause of challenging behavior while providing grace and maintaining a strong relationship with the child.
• Master Facilitation Through Structure. Effective leadership during activities requires clear communication and meaningful reflection. By using the philosophy of one goal and three steps followed by the So What and Now What debriefing method counselors can ensure safety while helping campers apply life lessons beyond the cabin.
• Model the Values You Expect. Counselors are professional role models who are always teaching through their actions and energy levels. Maintaining consistent boundaries and following camp rules regarding phone use or physical interactions ensures that campers respect the environment and feel safe within the community.

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Oliver: 3D Printers

Matt: Gratitude Jars

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• Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
• Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/first-class-counselors-pod/connecting-with-modern-camper-culture

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This episode explores the intersection of modern pop culture and the summer camp experience. The team discusses the transition from traditional play to the watching culture of YouTube and streaming services, emphasizing how counselors can use this knowledge to build genuine connections with campers. The conversation breaks down the differences between digital open world environments and physical skill building while offering practical advice on adapting facilitation styles for shorter attention spans and high sensory needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Modern entertainment often focuses on the finished product rather than the process, leading to a watching culture where kids witness skills instead of practicing them. Counselors should combat this by building anticipation for activities and slowing down the process to ensure campers learn the mechanical steps behind camp traditions like fire building or archery.
• You do not need to be an expert in Roblox or Bluey to connect with kids, but being curious about their interests is vital. Asking campers to teach you about their favorite digital worlds empowers them and creates a social bridge that helps new or hesitant kids feel included in the cabin group.
• Digital play has shifted towards open world exploration and constant comparison, which camps can mirror through creative gamification. By rewarding positive character traits like integrity and grace through systems like ‘Green Giant’ points, directors can ensure that comparison remains a tool for celebration rather than just another form of competition.

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Oliver: Mio Flavoured Water

Matt: Water Skip Ball & Wave / Gate Ball

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Ultracamp
Camp is about changing lives, not chasing paperwork. Ultracamp builds tools that make camp smoother for today's camp counselor and tomorrow's camp leader. Learn more at https://ultracampmanagement.com/firstclass

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• Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
• Oliver Gregan, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona