Problem/Hurting Campers-Ness Lake

Problem/Hurting Campers Seminar

In every cabin there are a variety of kids that have specific needs, or fit into different categories. It is important to build relationships with all of them, but there will be different approaches and methods that will need to be taken.

1. Hurting Campers
-Campers who come from broken homes (single parent, divorce, death of a parent, etc.)
-These kids are sensitive
-May get upset over little things

What to Do…
-Be sensitive to them
-Give them more time than others-one on ones will be good
-Comfort them, and love them
Do not…
-Make them feel like they are alone or different from the others
-Ignore them, and their needs

2. Know-It-Alls
-Campers who have gone to church their whole life
-Know all the stories and the answers
-They find themselves in familiar territory, so they are more comfortable
-Tend to have a leader personality

What to Do…
-Give them time to talk
-Challenge them without making them feel stupid
-Make them realize that God is more than just bible stories

3. Loud Mouths
-They are louder than the rest of the cabin; seek attention
-Usually take on a leadership role in the cabin (possibly a bit of a bully)
-Maybe have been to camp for a few years

What to Do…
-Make them feel important-Give them jobs and specific duties in the cabin
-Make time for one-on-ones with them
-Give them their time, but do not let them take over
The Bully
-tends to pick on other kids
-forms cliques and is exclusive
-usually has a low self-esteem-will put others down to make themselves feel better.
What to Do… -Explain to them which behavior is not allowed
-Still show them love in discipline


4. Quiet, Don’t Want to Participate Campers
-Shy, do not like to speak up a lot
-Do not like to get involved in certain or most activities (cabin times, games, chapel, beach parties, cabin discussions, etc.)
-Tend to pull away from the group

What to Do…
-They will need extra attention, and it is important it is given
-One-on-ones will work best with them
-Encourage them to participate in everything (as stubborn as they may be)
-Encourage the rest of the cabin to include them (esp. the leaders)
-You may not always get through to them, but do not get discouraged and do not give up on them. (Pray for them!)

5. The Cling-Ons
-Even from day one, these campers will stick to you like glue
-They want to be with you at every activity and free-time
-There may be reasons for their needs-they may not get enough attention at home (single parent, middle child, etc.)
-May come to the point that they call you mommy or daddy.

What to Do…
-Give them attention but also set limits
-Encourage them to make new friends
-They need to learn to do camp on their own-Independence.
Do Not…
-Let them call you mommy or daddy
-Let them sleep with you
-Spend all your time with them

6. Campers with a Bad Self Image
-Low self esteem
-Give in to peer pressure
-Eating disorders
-Loners
-Weak social skills

What to Do…
-Usually older campers (older int., teens)
-We need to set an example of a strong character
-Listen to their struggles, care for their needs
-Do not make fun of people (who go to your school, etc.-this may affect your campers)
-Try to build confidence in them
-BE SENSITIVE


What it comes down to is that we are to love every child that walks into our cabin, as difficult as it may be. We do not know what home they come from or background, but we need to be sensitive. Relationships are key, but most of all we need to love.