What is a camp counselor?


 

                            What is a Counselor?





Teton Valley Ranch, Wyoming, 1959By Rev. Ernest F. Campbell (pictured back row, far right)

[This was a talk give to counselors at the beginning of the camping season at the Teton Valley Ranch in Jackson Hole 

Wyoming—Ernie’s remarks are an encouragement and a reminder of the great responsibility it is to be a camp counselor]

Who is a Camp Counselor? A camp counselor is not a “something” -- he or she is first, a somebody. 

Many people think of counselors as being; storytellers, instructors, camping experts, etc. The truth is, 

that the best counselors are not just outstanding because of skills they may have – but also because they 

are great people. Before they were counselors, they were first…. somebody.

They had established themselves as people with standards and values of life that you could admire. 

You are chosen to be counselors to lead campers (who will look up to you) at a time in their development 

\when they are in a highly idealistic and influential age. What will they see? I expect they will see in a 

gifted counselor, and someone who is…


  1. Fair
  2. Enthusiastic
  3. Interested in them



I could make a long list of the qualities found in a good counselor, but let’s look only at these three.



There is only one person who was ever a perfect somebody… Jesus Christ…. and for that reason,

He is the world’s greatest counselor – and what is more, He is our greatest counselor. For by His life,

He leads us. Let’s look at the way of Christ in the light of the  three qualities a good counselor needs,

that I have listed above.



Fair – “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.”



Campers make mistakes -- but counselors do too. It is very easy for us to fall in with (silently agree

with the campers who may be making life more miserable (bullying) another, weaker camper. 

What do I  mean by that? Even the camper we may like the least, for maddening mannerisms –

corny jokes –  different opinions – bad breath (just to name a few challenges), may only know the

growing strength  of God’s love for them THROUGH YOU! Let’ give as much fair treatment as we

ask for ourselves. They all need your support, now more than ever!



Enthusiastic – “His first miracle at the wedding of Cana.”



Jesus responded to the needs of the moment. He was asked to help the celebration of the wedding 

continue by providing just what the moment needed. He listened to the need and responded. When you 

are counselors, enter into the spirit of things. Look around you and join in! Nothing can kill a good time 

faster than one “bored” counselor! The way we (the counselors) enter into the Ranch program – is the 

way the campers will respond. Make sure your reasons for not supporting an activity are not selfish. 

Find positives in every situation.



Interested in them! – “Zacchaeus was the chief tax collector and rich! After meeting Jesus and hosting  

a meal in his home Zacchaeus said, “Behold Lord, half of my goods I will give to the poor, and 

if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will restore it fourfold!”



You cannot judge a book by the cover. Some campers may appear to have everything, to have nothing 

outwardly wrong or difficult in their lives. Take the time to get to know them in a deeper way. Many are 

lonely and have so much to offer. We should always take the time to listen and care for them. 



We must all endeavor to improve our skills, but they are not nearly as important as being the kind 

of somebody  in which a camper can find an understanding friend. Love is the sunshine of human

growth… all we have to do is let God’s love flow through us. And, (by the way) counselors are human 

too – sometimes the kindest and most important thing we can say to a fellow counselor is, “Well, how 

did it go today?” or “I bet you’re beat!”


Is it difficult being a counselor? Yes, it is! But with God as our guide and with His support, perhaps 

we can help make this world just a little bit nicer and a better place to live. One beloved camper at a time.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Annual Meeting Epiphany 3 C Going His Way

 Annual Meeting Epiphany 3 C Going His Way January 26, 1992 By Rev. Ernest F. Campbell I’ve been a priest for 40 years and I’ve been to my share of annual meetings. To be perfectly honest, I have not particularly enjoyed the responsibility of standing in front of a widely diversified, and in some cases, highly opinionated group of vote packing parishioner who now have the opportunity to talk back. I used to have this nightmarish fantasy that someone would jump up at the meeting and tear into something, or somebody, or me with breath taking precision. It never happened. In forty years, it never happened. But I submit to you that chairing the annual meeting was for me an annual test of my faith. I can see our Lord smiling at me, a teacher of faith, and saying, “Remember: I am with you always… no matter what… even at annual meetings.” The annual meeting, as I remember, with the smallest attendance, was at St. marks in Evanston, Ill. There the Rector insisted that everyone read their r...
Read more

Epiphany 3 C The Ripple Effect

 Epiphany 3 C The Ripple Effect January 27, 2013 By Rev. Ernest F. Campbell You have heard me mention the Men’s Proper’s Breakfast: that for the past 40 years has met weekly at 7:00 a.m. every Wednesday (unless Wednesday falls on Christmas or New Years Day) to discuss the lessons assigned by the lectionary for the upcoming Sunday. We pray that we may hear what God wants each of us to hear, and for the will to let God’s word change the direction of our individual and corporate lives. Any and all questions are welcome. A few weeks ago, the subject of the school shooting at Newtown, Connecticut invited comment. What would 15 old men, who consider God’s word every week of the year, have to say about that heartbreaking tragedy? Our discussion turned to guns, mental health and young white males who turn violent. We wondered what wisdom, we, and others, might possess that, if it were systematically being passed on, could possibly make a difference. How do we help young men know that they ...
Read more

Palm Sunday C Irresistible Theology

Image
 Palm Sunday C Irresistible Theology March 19, 1989 By Rev. Ernest F. Campbell The world seems to be caught up in a deadly argument. The greater the commitment to an idea, a cause, or a person; the greater the intensity of energy and power that gets mustered for battle.  A simple appeal for support becomes buglers call to make war. When Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians, he was in Rome… in prison. Reports had come to him that two women had quarreled in the church at Philippi. Their argument was endangering the peace. His letter is an appeal to maintain the unity of the church. Not even the healthiest church is immune from the danger of evil’s energy unleashed. If the devil had his way, he would destroy all meaningful and nurturing relationships. In writing to the church at Philippi, Paul identifies three great agents of disunity: There is selfish ambition. Those who instead of trying to advance the work… advance themselves. There is the desire for personal prestige...
Read more