Camp Counselor Training

Camp Counsellor and Staff Training (CCAST)

For Staff: How to Use the CCAST Program

NOTE: Use of the browser Chrome is required for the e-learning modules.

Virtual Staff Training- Ice Breaker- Interactive Get to know us“Jeopardy” Board. Can be used in a Zoom meeting or other virtual setting of up to 25 people.

• Setting the Stage -How to use the Setting the Stage Unit and Resources
  • Creating Camper Constitutions Training this module in the Setting the Stage unit of the Oregon 4-H CCAST Resource library participants will learn to use Camper Constitutions as a method to assist with managing camper behavior. They will also be introduced to the model for the Five Stages of Group Development which provides a kind of behavioral emotional road map to how campers and other staff members will behave over time.
  • Ages and Stages: How Children Develop This module will introduce counselors and staff to a useful framework, “Ages & Stages,” to understand how children grow and change physically, socially, emotionally and intellectually over time. Understanding Ages & Stages can help counselors plan for Youth Program Quality Principles.
  • Youth Program Quality Principles at 4-H Camp This module will introduce counselors and staff to how they can intentionally plan to include the principles of quality youth programs in all aspects of 4-H Camp.
• Communication Props-How to use the Communication Props Unit and Resources
  • Phrases to Live by at Camp The Phrases to Live by at Camp Articulate Interactive Module introduces these phrases, words, and approaches for your counselor’s tool kit.
  • Non-verbal Communication Five key elements of non-verbal communication are presented in the module: Eye contact, Voice fluctuation, Position in the room, Facial expressions and, Hand gestures. Lessons and materials provided for the in-person session reinforce these concepts.
• Bring out their Best Performance- How to use the Bring out their Best Unit and Resources
  • Growing Mindsets at Camp: How to be a Growth Mindset Master: In this module participants will gain an understanding of how to use the theory of Growth Mindsets to help campers succeed at camp and how they can become a Growth Mindset Master. Having a Growth Mindset is one of the Thriving Indicators we look for in 4-Hers. People who have a growth mindset believe they can get better at things by working hard and putting in effort. Counselors can teach campers how to learn, grow and get better through effort.
  • My Brain Made Me Do It!: In this module participants will learn about some parts of the brain and how they work together. They will be introduced to the process of Mindfulness and gain an understanding of how to use the theory of mindfulness to help campers succeed at camp. Counselors can help campers learn to understand their emotions and manage them rather than letting anger or fear rule the day.
  • Understanding Emotional Intelligence: In this module we’ll talk about Emotional Intelligence and take a look at two important components: Empathy and Handling Relationships. Participants will gain an understanding of how to use empathy and compassion to help campers succeed at camp. Positive Emotionality is one of the Thriving Indicators. Counselors can help campers learn to express their emotions rather than hiding their feelings or expressing them in negative ways.