Y camp offers children opportunities to make friends, discover new interests, build confidence, and create lasting memories. Behind those experiences is a team of dedicated staff members who have spent weeks preparing for the responsibility of guiding and supporting young people.
While campers may only see the fun once summer begins, YMCA staff know that thoughtful preparation is one of the most important parts of creating the kind of camp experience that keeps children excited to come back year after year.
YMCA camp directors and counselors spend months planning activities, building schedules, and preparing for the thousands of children who will come to Y camp this summer.
One of the most important parts of that preparation happens before camp even begins: training the staff who help create a safe, welcoming, and memorable experience for every camper.
Laying the Foundation for Summer
This June, nearly 200 YMCA camp staff members will gather for an association-wide training focused on the skills they will use through the summer. From camper engagement and leadership development to communication, teamwork, and creating positive experiences for children, the day is designed to help counselors feel confident and prepared before camp begins.
While camp directors spend months coordinating schedules, activities, and logistics, they know that counselors are at the heart of the camp experience.
“We know that our staff that we hire and train, that’s where the rubber meets the road,” said Jake Irish, the Senior Youth Program Director who helps coordinate YMCA camp programming across Pierce and Kitsap Counties. “We’ve been working on how to provide a consistently great camp experience.”
This year’s training will also bring together staff from other YMCA departments and guest presenters who can share expertise and fresh perspectives, giving counselors additional tools to support campers throughout the summer.
Building Strong Teams
For many counselors, training is the first opportunity to meet the teammates they’ll work alongside all summer.
Camp leaders say those early connections are an important part of creating successful camp environments. Before campers arrive, counselors spend time learning from one another, practicing teamwork, and building positive relationships that create a positive atmosphere for children.
“We’re excited to meet our team and start building those skills together,” said Kathryn Tonsager, Youth Program Director from the Mel Korum Family YMCA, whose team will host this year's training.
The training also serves as a chance for both new and returning staff to learn from one another. Whether it’s a counselor preparing for their first summer or a veteran camp leader returning for another season, everyone brings valuable experiences to the conversation.