Reply To: Ten Things Your Child's Counselor Wishes You Knew

Hi, guys, thanks for responding!

zeena_kasta: I’m a girl, and so was my camper. She was just extremely difficult to deal with the first day, and after a really exasperating time I went to the head and asked for advice. She goes, “Oh, right, I forgot to tell you she’s autistic. By the way, can you shadow her?”

I did not go back to that camp. She wasn’t severely autistic (the parents weren’t stupid or anything) but she was difficult and I was only twelve; I didn’t know how to deal with her.

Shuki_Baroi: I’m a nursery age counselor, not a sleepaway counselor, so naturally everything I say applies to that age because that’s what I know. About parents saying that money’s a bit tight, saying it exactly like that, or writing it in a note, and handing over an envelope with a smile is enough for any counselor and I hope isn’t too embarrassing. If it is, just say something like “Sorry we can’t give a tip.” We’ll understand.

ambush and blabla: You are so right! blabla in particular; I didn’t get a tip from one kid because she would go home and complain. She was just homesick and didn’t want to be in camp in the first place. Trust me, she had a GREAT time.

Another point: Do not expect us to single-handedly toilet train your kids. If they are not at least in the process, don’t send them to camp unless they are in a toddler bunk. We are not responsible for doing it for you.

Also, don’t come in on the first day and tell us to take away the kid’s pacifier. You want him to hate us even more?