Information for Counselors
Dear Counselor,
Some schools choose to have our own staff as cabin leaders overnight with students, but some choose to select and bring their own overnight counselors. This coming week, YOU are the one making the trip possible.
Your role this week is vital, and how you carry out your responsibilities will affect the students' experience. The following information will guide you as you take on the task of counseling a group of students.
The primary purposes of American Outdoor Education are:
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To study science concepts in nature's classroom.
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Develop awareness and appreciation for the natural environment and its delicate balance.
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Develop a sense of responsibility and cooperation through group living and learning.
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Develop an understanding of self-worth and the worth of others.
Our job is to take care of the details and program so that you can spend the week focusing on your students. Your involvement is essential to our program's success.
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"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did but they will never forget how you made them feel."
- Maya Angelou
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At American Outdoor Education, we believe this statement describes an important aspect of our program. Treating each student with respect and as an adult. As a counselor, we encourage you to engage students during classes, cabin time, activities, and meals.
While outdoor schools are conducted at camps, the program is considered school. Students are expected to conduct themselves just like they would on their own campus. This means we don't allow pranking, food-eating competitions, etc. There will be many recreational activities for students to participate in.
To prevent issues with allergies and animals in the cabins, we request that you do not bring snacks into students' overnight housing. Certain camp facilities offer Snack Shops or Coffee Shops for guests. The school administration determines the limit for students (usually one drink and one candy) on those occasions.