What Does a Great Counselor Do?

We’re going to teach you everything you need to know during Orientation, but you might be wondering in the meantime, “what does it take to be a great counselor?” We could tell you a lot of things here, but at the end of the day they all come down to putting our campers first, loving them, serving them, and keeping them safe. If you come into this job ready to work hard, have fun, and make it all about the girls, you will be a great counselor!

Want a few more specifics? Great counselors…

Know that it’s all about the campers! We are here to serve and love each girl that walks through the gates. Great counselors come in knowing that this summer is going to be great, but it’s not about them.
Know that they don’t have to act the way they feel. This is such a life skill! There are days where you will be tired, where you don’t feel like you can teach another class, or serve one more meal. Just because you feel it, doesn’t mean you have to act on it. Put on a smile, say a big prayer, and trust that the Lord will give you strength. This is where growth happens!
Communicate with their Group Leader. She is here for you, and she wants to help you succeed. Tell her what’s going on - whether it’s a difficult camper in your class, or how things are going in your cabin, or just how she can pray for you, she wants to know!
Show up on time. Don’t brush this one off! Getting to your class, cabin, or table ahead of the campers tells them you are ready for them and enables you to greet them and engage them right away. It’s also a huge part of how we keep our campers safe!
Play the “camp game.” We need you on our team! Playing the camp game means supporting camp rules, trusting the Directors, and throwing yourself into camp life. The more you put into Greystone, the more you’ll get out.
Choose to be positive. Living and working in such close proximity, our attitudes matter. Every day we all have to decide to put a smile on our faces and make the best of whatever comes our way.
Ask for help. We do not expect you to have all the answers or know how to handle every situation - no one does! Great counselors know that there is a whole team behind them ready to provide support, they just have to speak up.

Take advantage of every moment to engage with campers. The best conversations often happen walking to class together, sitting at your Dining Hall table, or waiting in line for food. Look for opportunities to ask questions, jump in, and engage with each camper you see. You won’t regret it!
Connect, appreciate, model, and pray for our campers every day. This CAMP acronym guides the way we interact with each other to create a kind community this summer.
Are willing to take the lowest place. This summer, we’re all called to be servants. Nothing is too small or menial. Successful counselors have a helpful, willing spirit to serve where needed.
Know that they can’t do it on their own! We all need Jesus, and you’re going to need Him this summer. You can’t love these campers well on your own - lean on Him in prayer to give you the manna for each day as it comes