First Class Counselors

Camp counselors have the most important job at summer camp. Period. A great camp staff will have kids wanting to come back to camp year after year. First Class Counsellors is here to make great camp staff. Each week, we’ll cover practical and accessible tips that will level up your camp counselor skills. Our two hosts, Oliver Gregan, Summer and Families Camp Director at YMCA Camp Jewell and Matt Honsberger from Go Camp Pro are excited to be able to provide this resource to camp counselors.

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First Class Counselors

Meaningful and Masterful Facilitation - First Class Counselors #79

November 27, 2025 • First Class Counsellors - from Go Camp Pro • Episode 79

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/first-class-counselors-pod/meaningful-and-masterful-facilitation

Stop Talking, Start Leading: The Counselor's Guide to Facilitation

Join Oliver and Matt as they delve into the art and science of facilitation—the core skill needed to run first-class activities, whether it's team building, archery, or a simple transition. This episode breaks down the critical stages of leading a group, from the moment they arrive to the final debrief. Learn how to master first impressions, use language effectively to manage attention, utilize props strategically, and employ powerful debriefing techniques that move beyond simply having fun to ensuring campers find real meaning and application in their experiences.

Key Takeaways:

Master the First Impression: Your initial interaction sets the tone. Use confidence, learn names (and address people by name), have well-rehearsed safety guidelines (like flight attendants), and offer a commitment to the group for the activity.
Start with Play to Engage: Use quick, low-explanation, high-energy games (like "Everybody's It") immediately to get participants moving and focused on you as the leader. Use creative instructions to organize groups, such as the "Chicken Wing Circle."
Debriefing is Transference of Learning: The purpose of debriefing is to help participants understand the significance of their experience and transfer those skills (community, communication, teamwork) to the non-camp world. Use the What, So What, Now What structure.

E.G.E.L – Ever Growing, Ever Learning:

Oliver: AI music generator Suno

Matt: Seed Bombs

Sponsors:

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

Host Links:

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

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Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis.

Think your camp is getting calmer, stronger, and resilient? Stop guessing—use the Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic to get a baseline in minutes, then track progress quarter by quarter. https://camp.mba/travis ↗