Counselor Training – What does it entail?

At Sugar Bay, we offer youngsters the opportunity to join our active and friendly child-loving team, by participation in our CIT (Counselor in Training) Course. The training is professionally led by Sugar Bay Director; Zoe Ellender, Head Counselor; Chaplin, Head Lifeguard; Watson and Emergency First Response Instructor; Macadamia. 
 

The trainees spend two weeks at camp participating in intense training which includes a series of practical and theoretical challenges.

Here are some of the scheduled activities for the counselors in training: 

 

Programming Manual Discussion and Test

Upon arrival, a Programming Manual is given to trainees. This manual covers subjects such as; how camp runs, how to be a good counselor and what is expected of camp counselors, the hierarchy of the staff at camp, etc. An informative discussion is held about the Programming Manual, and trainees are tested on the knowledge gained from it.

Swim Test and Rainy Day Activities Class

One of the most important skills a counselor will need to possess is the ability to swim in all bodies of water. Our Swim Efficiency Test is in place to determine the swimming strength of the individual trainee, and therefore, determine the direction they will take at Sugar Bay, whether they will specialize in water sports or land activities. The Rainy Day class teaches trainees how to host indoor activities, such as the mechanical surfboard, sumo-suit wrestling, friendship bracelet making, etc. 

 

Pro Counselor Beach Activities Classes and Boat House Talk

The Pro Counselor Beach Activities class teaches trainees how to run classes at the beach such as; sandcastle-building, beach creations, sea swim, beach sports, beach explore and snorkeling. The Boat House Talk is an introduction to all the water sports equipment (Kayaks, Stand-up-paddle-boards, Paddles and Life Jackets) belonging to Sugar Bay, instructions on how to handle them and insight on where and how they are stored.

Arts & Crafts Classes

Sugar Bay has an array of creative arts and crafts activities such as gel candle-making, sherbet straw making, balloon modeling, sun catcher creations, tile decorations, etc. These Arts and Crafts Classes takes you through the processes of these activities step-by-step. 

 

Set-up, Clean-up, and Camper Duty Training

During this stage of training, trainees are taught how to set up for activities with the appropriate equipment and decorations and how to clean up and store items away afterward. The Camper Duty Training is an integral part of knowing what duties you have been appointed as a counselor and understanding how to fulfill them. 

 

First Aid and CPR

This medical class combined with a theory test teaches primary and secondary rescue skills as well as general health-care and camp-based training. Trainees will learn how to rescue drowning victims, attend to certain injuries, snake bites, fractured and broken bones, how to make use of an automotive external defibrillator and shock, spinal injury and serious bleeding management among others. 

 

Theory of Teaching Class

An example class demonstrating an activity will be presented to the trainees. Trainees will learn how to give instructions clearly and concisely, step-by-step, learn about preparation time and cover other theory relating to teaching. 

 

Camp Out Class

Sugar Bay has its own camp out site which is an approximate two-hour hike away from the camp. During this class, trainees are taken to this site, they are given directions on how to get to the site and learn about the camp out procedures, what they need to take with them, etc. 

 

Specialized Classes

A “specialized class” is an opportunity for trainees to showcase their talents and exhibit classes that we never had at Sugar Bay before. Some examples of “specialized classes” include; yoga, beat-boxing classes, spoken-word poetry classes, balloon modeling classes, etc. 

 

Knots Test

It’s important that everyone at Sugar Bay know their ropes with the variety of rope activities camp has to offer. After a series of special knot demonstrations, trainees are tested and evaluated on their knot-making skills. 

 

Land Activities Class

These classes cover all the activities held on land at camp, such as land team building, field sports, biking, bungee trampoline, skateboarding, etc. During these classes, trainees will learn how to host these activities, how and where to store equipment and the safety protocols to ensure the activities run smoothly. 

 

Director’s Talk 

Towards the completion of staff training, we have a Director’s Talk with all trainees. During this talk, Ellender shares some of the Sugar Bay history, discusses her passion for the business and gives career-guiding advice to all the trainees. 

 

Interviews and Evaluations

On their last day of training, the CITs will be given their evaluation results from their squad leader who has been monitoring their performance all week. These evaluations are based on numerical scores and determine the success of the individual’s training as a counselor. An in-depth interview is also held with the trainees during this session, discussing their strengths and weaknesses and finding the best-suited position for them at camp. 

 

Camp Songs & Stories

After two weeks of intense training, trainees are taken to the bonfire site where they enjoy what we call “final campfire”. The purpose of this event is to celebrate the end of a camp and reflect on the week by singing camp songs, sharing stories of personal growth and making campfire smores.

This is just a basic breakdown of some of the activities trainees are involved in during their CIT training week. Our first Counselor in Training course for 2017 takes place next week, from Sunday, 2 July – Saturday, 15 July. 

 

Here are the dates for the CIT courses scheduled thereafter:

• 6-20 August 2017
• 2-14 January 2018

Find out more on what being a counselor at Sugar Bay is all about by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Check out our Counselor Playlist to view our cool counselor videos.