Leadership Essentials Topics
Leadership
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Advanced Skills for Working with Difficult Parents, Part I
Using Empathy and Diplomacy to Create Partnerships: Part I
By Dr. Chris Thurber
Children aren't our only camp clients. Directors and experienced staff know that partnerships with parents are an indispensable component of a successful season. In this entertaining, two-part module, you'll witness five categories of difficult parents along with realistic and clever ways to respond…all without compromising your campers' best interests. Part I: Overwhelmed Parents and Anxious Parents.
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Advanced Skills for Working with Difficult Parents, Part II
Using Empathy and Diplomacy to Create Partnerships: Part II
By Dr. Chris Thurber
Children aren't our only camp clients. Directors and experienced staff know that partnerships with parents are an indispensable component of a successful season. In this entertaining, two-part module, you'll witness five categories of difficult parents along with realistic and clever ways to respond...all without compromising your campers' best interests. Part II: Bossy, Defiant, and Unhappy Parents.
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Best Boys, Part I (New)
Healthy Masculine Role Models
By Michael Thompson, PhD
World-famous psychologist and New York Times best-selling author Dr. Michael Thompson shares insights, observations, and humor about boys and masculinity. Your male staff can become a powerful force against the two-dimensional, media-driven view of masculinity by setting a healthy example and understanding how and why boys yearn for friendship, moral clarity, and membership in the tribe.
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Best Boys, Part II (New)
Rituals, Play, and the Boy Code
By Michael Thompson, PhD
In Part II of this landmark series, Dr. Thompson discusses how rituals feed boys’ need for social connection; how unstructured free play nurtures healthy risk-taking; and how the competitive wiring of boys tempts them to compete. The “boy code” may mislead boys into believing they need to hide their emotions and win their masculinity through tests, but staff can lead boys into a healthier self-concept.
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Classic Problem Solving
Using Options and Evaluation to Reach Group Consensus
By Dr. Chris Thurber
Classic problem solving is a powerful way to use the group's wisdom to find a solution that works for everyone. In this insightful module, you'll watch elegant, step-by-step examples of camp staff sitting down with real campers to solve common problems. No leader should be without this fundamental conflict resolution tool-kit. Far superior to blaming or shaming.
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Cultural Competence in Youth Programs
How to Boost Your Multicultural IQ
By Kevin Gordon
Instead of pretending to be “color blind,” this module encourages youth leaders to notice and appreciate the wonderful cultural differences among people. Unintentional segregation, racist misunderstandings, unfulfilled potential, and missed friendships can all be avoided by suspending stereotypes, admitting ignorance, and listening with an open mind.
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Day Camp Dynamics, Part I
Drop Off, Parent Communication, and Pick-Up
By Steve Maguire
Experienced teacher and day camp director Steve Maguire dives into the fun fundamentals of working at day camp in this unique module series. Part I showcases the logistics and opportunities of drop-offs and pick-ups. Beyond simple accountability, these transition times are opportunities for building relationships, clarifying misunderstandings, and partnering with parents to maximize the benefits of camp.
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Day Camp Dynamics, Part II
Off-Site Trips and Group Management Tips
By Steve Maguire
Experienced teacher and day camp director Steve Maguire dives into the fun fundamentals of working at day camp in this unique module series. Part II illustrates advanced group management techniques with young children and the five best practices for safely transporting groups to and from an off-site location, such as the beach. This edifying two-part series is a must-see for all dedicated day camp staff.
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Day Camp Dynamics, Part III
Transition and Adjustment
By Steve Maguire
Dropping their son or daughter off at day camp for the first time can be hard for any parent, but the wise approaches in this module will help reassure even the most anxious moms and dads. Part III in this series is loaded with tips that promote good adjustment for children and families, including pre-season contact, opening-day welcomes, and warm interactions.
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Girl Power
Guiding Principles of Strong Female Leadership
By Kevin Gordon
Girls in contemporary Western cultures are subtly socialized to stifle their authentic voices. This illuminating module challenges the notion that girls should be passive and demure. See how healthy female power comes from a combination of strong female role models, real decision-making power, encouragement to share opinions, and opportunities to lead.
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Rules Were Made to Be Positive
Creating Expectations Campers Want to Live Up To
By Scott Arizala
Because your brain first processes the positive in any statement, it can be confusing and ineffective to give campers a string of negative admonishments. A better way to achieve compliant behavior is to explain games, rules, and activities using positive statements. The examples in this original module show you how to turn "Don't cross the line" into "Stay on your side" with marvelous results.
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Stop Yelling: Get the HINT
Seven Simple Ways to Engage Cooperation
By Dr. Chris Thurber
If you’re not careful, some of your campers’ minor, annoying misbehaviors can get under your skin and turn you into a world-class grouch. This inventive module provides easy alternatives to yelling and other energy-draining reactions. HINT stands for High Impact Nominally Taxing leadership. Here are seven effortless approaches to shaping children's positive behavior.
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We Squashed It! (Conflict Resolution)
Collaborative Problem Solving for High-Conflict Situations
By Scott Arizala
Rethink your outdated approach to conflict resolution. New research with explosive children shows that the best solution involves a combination of empathy, exploring needs, and teaching skills in self-expression, hypothetical thinking, and emotion regulation. By showing you how to focus on human needs, this module illustrates the best way to cool hot tempers and promote durable behavior change.
Youth Development and Play
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Becoming a Youth Development Professional
Making the Transition from ME to KIDS
By Dr. Chris Thurber
Day and overnight camps are powerful, positive developmental experiences for children. Their growth hinges on the quality of their relationship with you, so it is essential that you begin considering yourself a youth development professional. This honest module explains how to transition from focusing on yourself to focusing on the needs of the young people you’ll serve.
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Cultivating Patience
Creating a Calm Presence for Learning and Leadership
By Scott Arizala
Ever feel as if you're going to lose it because the kids aren't listening? We all have, at some point. Ironically, of all the essential leadership skills for youth development professionals, patience may be the most important and the most neglected. This remarkable module uses realistic pairs of bad and good examples to teach novel ways of fostering lasting patience. Never "lose it" again!
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Effective Debriefing Tools and Techniques
Learn to Play and Play to Learn
By Michelle Cummings
Too many youth programs run at a frantic pace, rarely giving young people opportunities to reflect on what they’ve learned and how they’ve learned it. This lively module is loaded with easy and advanced debriefing methods you can start using immediately. Unlike other approaches, you’ll learn activities that give young people the power to take the lead in debriefing.
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Equity & Diversity
The Fabric of Camp
By Dr. Chris Thurber
Celebrating the differences among people introduces a whole new level of enjoyment to the experience of day or overnight camp. It may be human to fear differences at first, but a skillful leader can guide the group toward a deep appreciation of all that makes us unique. This pioneering module cleverly showcases children's perspectives on diversity at camp.
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Face-to-Face (Differently Abled Youth)
Interacting with Differently Abled Youth
By Kurt Podeszwa
Should you assist a young person who cannot walk or see or hear? If so, how? Is it acceptable to ask differently abled youth about their condition, be it paralysis, burn scars, or prosthetics? This module draws viewers into realistic scenarios that illustrate best practices for engaging all youth with different abilities. Vital viewing for staff at inclusive schools and camps.
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Hello Games
Invite, Include, and Inquire
By Faith Evans
Tired of the same old icebreakers and name games? Bust out some of the innovative games from this module and get everyone playing, laughing, and feeling part of the group. When campers feel welcome and included on the first day of camp, they form the kind of close friendships that prevent homesickness, cliques, and bullying. These "hello games" will help you make a warm first impression.
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Jewish Perspectives on Staff Happiness and Stamina (New)
Staying Internally Motivated All Summer Long
By Dr. Caren Baruch-Feldman
Judaism emphasizes positive thinking as a key to positive outcomes. Jewish tradition also underscores how positive thinking combines with kind actions to create positive experiences and authentic happiness. In this module, Dr. Feldman shares five healthy ways to think and act that will enhance staff motivation all summer long. Learn to feel grateful, think positively, and see obstacles as opportunities.
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Move It Like You Mean It
Using Body Language to Enhance Communication
By Scott Arizala
Keen awareness of the seven types of non-verbal communication will help all new, returning, and supervisory staff become better communicators. Beyond the basic distinction between safe and unsafe touch lie the powerfully subtle and intricate ways we use our bodies to send messages of support, enthusiasm, invitation, and friendship. Learn quickly how a gesture can be worth a thousand words.
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Outdoor Cooking with Youth (New)
Seven Campfire Favorites to Tempt Your Tastebuds
By Faith Evans
Everything tastes better outside…and each dish is more delicious when it’s cooked over an open fire. In this tantalizing module, foodie Faith Evans and her intrepid team of young cooks guides viewers through the preparation of camp classics such as: English Muffin Pizza, Cherry Cobbler, and Egg-in-a-Hole as well as creative new creations like Squiggle Fun Cakes, Jelly Jammies, and Banana Boats. Yum!
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Playing with a Full Deck
Exciting Low-Prop Games for Groups
By Michelle Cummings
Based on Michelle Cummings’ best-selling book, this module (and the huge handout that comes with it), will give you fresh ideas for fast-moving icebreakers, group problem-solving games, and daily debriefing activities. All you need is an old deck of cards, a new group of young people, and your energy and imagination. Promote insight, friendship, understanding, and fun!
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Programming For All (Differently Abled Youth)
Creative Adaptations for Differently Abled Youth
By Kurt Podeszwa
We all make adaptations every day, such as putting on sunglasses, using a ladder, or donning a baseball glove. Adaptations just make activities easier, safer, or possible…and they can be provided for youth of any ability. Hosted by a director experienced in adaptive programming, this specialized module shows program staff tons of creative adaptations for differently abled youth.
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Rainy Day Games
All Weather Fun
By Faith Evans
Foul weather is an opportunity to play, as you'll learn in this upbeat module on indoor games that cost little or nothing. Using materials you can easily find around your camp, you'll learn step-by-step instructions for creating activities that engage campers, stimulate staff, and transform "Oh no, not another rainy day..." to "Hey, it's raining! Can we play that cool game again?"
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Speaking of Camp
Parents' Advice and Reflections on the Power of Camp
By Dr. Chris Thurber
Here's what all parents want you to know before becoming the substitute caregiver for their most precious possession—their child. Listen carefully here to what moms and dads believe is the value of the camp experience, the important role you play, and the ways in which camp changes children's lives. Nowhere else can you hear real parents sharing valuable advice for youth development professionals.
Mental Health and Behavior
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Bullies and Targets, Part I
Prevention
By Dr. Chris Thurber
Did you know that about 75% of boys and girls report being both bullies and targets at one time or another? That means deciphering who the “real” bully is can be difficult. But what if you could prevent bullying altogether? This revealing module shows how staff can create a nearly bully-free culture with a warm tone, firm expectations, vigilant presence, and kind example.
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Bullies and Targets, Part II
Intervention
By Dr. Chris Thurber
Some bullying behavior is so violent that dismissal is required. For everything else, you’ll need the strong discipline tools in this module. Research shows that zero-tolerance policies fail to teach social skills. Instead, enlightened intervention for bullying requires consistent enforcement of your rules, thoughtful teaching of peaceful interaction, and praise for good behavior.
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Campers with Attention Deficits
Promoting Compliance and Focus
By Dr. Chris Thurber
Although ADHD may be more frequently diagnosed now than ever before, camp staff would be wise to realize that all children have trouble paying attention, all children are energetic and sometimes hyperactive, and all children get distracted. This succinct module provides universal tools to promote attention and minimize distracting, hyperactive behavior. A must-see for all.
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Children with Verbal Learning Disabilities
Using Language to Boost Social Connection
By Cindy Ziobrowski
All children benefit from refining their communication and social skills, but how can you teach campers to use their words in ways that build connections with others? This specialized module showcases ways to capitalize on your camp's rich social environment and boost campers' tact, friendship skills, and language skills. This is the perfect toolkit for working with young, immature, or developmentally delayed youth.
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Good Sportsmanship vs. Foul Play
You Make the Call
By Dr. Joel Haber
Pop culture may celebrate "trash talk" or "dissing" in sports, but just because a behavior is common doesn't mean it's healthy. Day camps and resident camps are ideal places to create nurturing, alternative cultures. The scenarios in this module teach staff to distinguish good from bad sportsmanship and use positive motivation to pick teams fairly, prevent foul play, and promote healthy teamwork.
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Helping Awkward Children Fit In
Accelerating Social Awareness and Development
By Cindy Ziobrowski
One of the things young people like most about camp is the freedom to be themselves. In that spirit, most social blunders at camp get laughed off or politely ignored. But sometimes, a camper's awkward behavior with his or her peers becomes an obstacle to forming lasting friendships. This module helps ensure that even the most socially inept campers will get sensitive and effective coaching from staff.
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Homesickness at Day & Resident Camps, Part I
Best Practices for Youth Leaders
By Dr. Chris Thurber
Nearly all people miss things about home when they’re away. Left untreated, intense homesickness can ruin a child’s stay and soak up staff time. Here in Part I of this series you’ll find the essential tools for recognizing homesickness and treating it effectively in any setting. Build confidence that you can help campers cope and have a great time away from home.
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Homesickness at Day & Resident Camps, Part II
Supportive Conversation Demonstration
By Dr. Chris Thurber
Well-meaning staff commonly make the mistake of extending conversations about homesickness to an unhealthy duration. Part II of this module series contains an entire, unedited conversation with an actual homesick camper. Although every supportive conversation with a homesick boy or girl is different, the format in this compelling module serves as a valuable template.
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Jewish Perspectives on Child-Staff Relationships (New)
Youth Development Lessons from My Dog, Part I
By Dr. Caren Baruch-Feldman
The Sages of the Talmud say that if we did not have the Torah to guide us, we would be able to learn how to behave from studying the animals. In this original and inspiring module, psychologist Dr. Caren Feldman references both Jewish teachings and her faithful canine to show staff from all faith traditions how to nurture positive relationships, strive for consistency, and avoid power struggles.
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Preventing Gossip and Relational Aggression
Toward Emotional Safety and Inclusiveness
By Dr. Joel Haber
Some people assume that gossip, rumors, and other "mean girl" behavior is just part of growing up. The fact is, this kind of relational aggression can happen among girls and boys—even among male and female staff—and no one should passively accept it as normal. This module, hosted by an international expert on bullying, helps staff understand what relational aggression looks like and how to stop it.
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Skillful Discipline, Part I
Creative Behavior Management and Alternatives to Punishment
By Dr. Chris Thurber
The biggest concern that every new staff member has is that the children won't listen and follow directions. No wonder! If young people aren't compliant, your job gets pretty tough. This innovative module illustrates the six prevention strategies you can use to promote good behavior. Then, you'll learn six core behavior management strategies to use for any misbehavior.
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Skillful Discipline, Part II
Advanced Behavior Management and Alternatives to Punishment
By Dr. Chris Thurber
After mastering the powerful strategies in Skillful Discipline Part I, you’ll be ready to expand your behavior management repertoire. This practical module includes seven more field-tested prevention techniques that promote good behavior, plus seven commanding interventions for misbehaviors. Fourteen fresh approaches that promote durable behavior change.
Physical and Emotional Safety
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Active Lifeguarding
Preparation, Scanning, and Practice
By Dr. Chris Thurber
The camp tradition of hiring newly certified lifeguards without real-world experience is woefully inadequate. Inexperienced lifeguards are often poorly equipped, fail to scan properly, and neglect regular practice of emergency action plans. This crucial module teaches staff how to prepare for their work as lifeguards, scan for distressed or drowning campers, and practice skills and drills. A safety essential.
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Alcohol Beverage Laws
Think Before You Drink
By Jack Erler, Esq.
Each year, talented youth leaders are arrested and dismissed for dangerous alcohol violations. Rather than regretting a poor decision this season, consider the solid recommendations in this sobering module: Obey the law; don’t ask other staff to break the law; avoid the liability of supplying alcohol to minors; appoint a designated driver; and know your consumption limits.
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Child Welfare and Protection (New)
International Best Practices and Policies
By Dr. Chris Thurber
This extended course on child welfare and youth protection contains specialized content for staff at camps, schools, and other youth programs. Combining content from Dr. Christopher Thurber and attorney Jack Erler, this realistic module diminishes abuse potential by illustrating safe policies and sound practices with young people, as well as explaining ethical responses should you suspect abuse.
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Confidentiality for Youth Professionals
It's Not All Secret
By Jack Erler, Esq.
Camps encourage parents to disclose all private medical, mental health, and personal information that will help the camp staff and health care team work with each child. Yet few front-line staff understand the legal and ethical limits of confidentiality. This module clarifies exactly how to protect campers' privacy and take the necessary steps to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information.
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Cyberbullying and Sexting
What Youth Leaders Need to Know
By Dr. Joel Haber
Computers and social networking sites help young people learn and connect. The virtual world also provides opportunities for cyberbullying and sexting—hostile or sexualized messages from one young person to another. This provocative, contemporary module shows how cyberbullying and sexting have infiltrated summer programs and exactly what to do about it.
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Duty of Care, Part I
The Concept of In Loco Parentis
By Jack Erler, Esq.
Think this is just a casual summer job? Think again. Your job as a youth leader includes the enormous responsibility to care for the participating children as if they were your own. You function in place of the parents, or in loco parentis. With startling clarity, this module highlights the responsibilities of all youth leaders and the grave consequences of neglecting that duty.
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Duty of Care, Part II
Applied Strategies for Acting as In Loco Parentis
By Jack Erler, Esq.
In Part I of this module series, you learned how duty of care concepts applied to your job as a youth leader. Here in Part II, you’ll learn seven essential strategies to help you act in a reasonably prudent manner in your role as in loco parentis: self-assessment, participant assessment, equipment assessment, risk analysis, continuous evaluation, go/no-go, and procedure compliance.
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Fire Building and Fire Safety (New)
Traditional Campfire Basics
By Faith Evans
Nothing says camp like a fire, but few outdoor enthusiasts know how to build a safe fire that starts with a single match. In this enlightening (pun intended) module, viewers will learn how to prepare a fire ring, assemble tinder, kindling, and fuel wood, and then light, stoke, and properly extinguish a campfire…all in accordance with Leave-No-Trace practices. First aid for burns is also included.
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Lifeguarding Skills Verification (New)
Ensuring Proficiency Beyond Certification
By Cathy Scheder
A certified lifeguard does not necessarily make a qualified lifeguard, which is why most accrediting organizations for youth programs require a skills verification for waterfront staff. In this practical module, Cathy Scheder—aquatics guru and author of Camp Waterfront Management—demonstrates how to translate a paper certification to a real-life verification of proficiency on your unique waterfront.
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Out of the Pool and Into the Wild (New)
Lifeguarding in Natural Aquatic Environments
By Cathy Scheder
Murky water, mucky bottoms, intense glare, vast acreage, chilly air, burning sun, and even swift currents. Are you ready for the transition from a pool to a lake or river? Most lifeguards hired to work at camps and outdoor youth programs were trained in the controlled environments of classrooms and swimming pools. Step up your game by learning to guard effectively in changing, natural environments.
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Safe Touch & Safe Talk
Protecting Your Campers and Yourself
By Dr. Chris Thurber
One essential component at any high-quality day or overnight camp is the physical and emotional safety of the campers and staff. Although every camp has slightly different guidelines, this frank module demonstrates the essentials of what's forbidden and what's permitted. Adhering to these safe touch and safe talk rules helps protect your campers and you.
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Sexual Harassment
Identification and Prevention
By Jack Erler, Esq.
To reduce liability and create a safe culture at camp, employees must know their rights and responsibilities regarding sexual harassment. This carefully constructed module, hosted by one of the camp world’s most respected attorneys, reviews sexual harassment laws and the proper way to respond if you observe or experience any unwelcome sexual advances, touch, language, or requests for favors.
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Staff Use of the Internet
Promoting Online Leadership-by-Example
By Dr. Chris Thurber
The Internet is public space. If you take your responsibilities as a youth development professional seriously, then your behavior in that space, like all your other public behavior, must set a sterling example for young people to follow. This provocative module provides practical guidelines that promote leadership and integrity. Now is the time to clean up your online presence.
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Swim Checks in Action (New)
Best Practices for Participant Classification
By Cathy Scheder
Swimming is among the oldest and most traditional outdoor activities, but do you know how comfortable and competent each of your participants is in the water? To boost the safety and enjoyment of both youngsters and adults, this practical module shows aquatic staff how to reassure participants, categorize them reliably, and set everyone up for success on the waterfront.
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Weather Watch
Atmospheric ABCs for Summer Program Staff
By Steve Maguire
Weather will affect everything you do at your camp, school, or youth program. Using clear examples and practical techniques, this fact-packed module will teach you what causes weather change, how to predict the weather, and what to do when foul weather strikes. Bonus footage on lightning safety for outdoor programs is a must-see for all youth leaders.
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Wise Use of Time Off
Preventing Burnout and Staying Sharp
By Dr. Chris Thurber
Whether you work at day or overnight camp, you'll need to spend your time of wisely so when you're on duty you're ready for anything. Working at camp takes energy and patience, but if you return to camp exhausted or hung-over, you're likely to burn out quickly. This candid module provides solid advice on managing stress and returning refreshed from time off.
Supervision
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Advanced Staff Supervision, Part I
PEEPL Power, Part I
By Dr. Chris Thurber
When experienced staff are promoted to supervisory positions at camp, they face the double challenge of having zero formal management training and becoming a boss of their peers. This two-part module, developed over 25 years of in-camp management experience, clearly illustrates five principles of supervisory success: Prepare, Encourage, Evaluate, Participate, and Learn. Part I: Prepare and Encourage.
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Advanced Staff Supervision, Part II
PEEPL Power, Part II
By Dr. Chris Thurber
When experienced staff are promoted to supervisory positions at camp, they face the double challenge of having zero formal management training and becoming a boss of their peers. This two-part module, developed over 25 years of in-camp management experience, clearly illustrates five principles of supervisory success: Prepare, Encourage, Evaluate, Participate, and Learn. Part II: Evaluate, Participate, and Learn.
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Behavior-Based Interviewing (New)
Innovative Staff Selection for Peak Performance
By Gary Forster
Most hiring interviews combine small talk with some predictable questions that prospective staff answer in predictable ways. “Well, my biggest weakness is that I work so hard.” Enough! In this refreshingly original module, directors will master a simple strategy that transforms superficial interviews into compelling conversations that reveal volumes about a person’s inner strengths and attitudes.
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Difficult Management Conversations
How Great Leaders Make It Look Easy
By Scott Arizala
Staff who overstep boundaries, underperform, break rules, or fail to integrate feedback require careful conversations with top-level supervisors. Yet even experienced directors sometimes blanch when it’s time to confront staff in trouble. This advanced module guides experienced supervisors through a balanced and logical process for tackling the most difficult management conversations.
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Firing a Staff Member (New)
Professional Guidelines for Termination
By Gary Forster
Firing a staff member is painful, but the health of the children and your organization must always come first. In this advanced module, Gary first outlines how to maximize staff potential by presenting candid feedback. He then shares common reasons for termination and see a professional, step-by-step process for firing staff. The perfect complement to Scott Arizala’s module, Difficult Management Conversations.
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Providing Feedback
Improving Performance and Maintaining Connections
By Dr. Chris Thurber
Whether you're in a supervisory position or not, providing feedback to your colleagues is an essential skill for leadership growth and development. Of course, the barrier to providing feedback is that relationships are at stake. This advanced module describes how to preserve good relationships while providing clear feedback in ways that boost everyone's performance.
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Supervising Junior Leaders
Coaching the Transition from Camper to Counselor
By Dr. Chris Thurber
Day camps and resident camps cultivate many of their strongest staff using junior-counselor, leader-in-training, and counselor-in-training programs. But who among your supervisory staff is really ready for all the immature and impulsive things junior leaders do? This vital module prepares unit leaders and division heads to identify and respond skillfully to the ten most common mistakes junior leaders make.
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Winning Ways of Skilled Supervisors
Five New Pillars of Success
By Scott Arizala
Before embarking on any supervisory role, all senior staff members must adopt the five fundamental practices of Accessibility, Approachability, Being a Team Player, Communicating Clearly, and Delegating Real Responsibility. This succinct module outlines these pillars of supervisory success. Critical for new supervisors looking to start off on the right foot.
