At Camp Winnemucky, the kids have a blast! The first night is spent in riotous living. “Lights out”, occurs three or four times the first night, and finally the counselor goes to sleep so the campers don’t have to listen to his “Now this is the last time I’m going to tell you …” About 3:00 am the last camper sleeps from exhaustion.
In order to gain the most from his/her experience at camp, each camper needs to be mentally awake and emotionally stable -and so does the staff! If you want cooperation, participation and fewer problems, getting a full night’s sleep is absolutely essential to accomplishing these goals.
You can do it without yelling & threatening. And, it can actually be a lot of fun. Anyone can do it.
STEP 1: To the Cabin
Campfire is over. You’re heading back to the cabin, which means BED for the campers.
The game begins. Their goal -“What can we do to avoid ending today?” Your counter WALK WITH THEM. Here’s why.
- This avoids the need to scold later because they got “lost” going to the cabin.
- This gives you another opportunity to get to know them and their reactions.
- You can keep them moving in the right direction.
The only side trip for the campers may be to the nurse. Older ones can be sent. Younger ones may need to be taken. Or go as a group.
Note: do this now or else you will have a major interruption during lights out or later.
STEP 2: How to Handle the First Big Stall
You made it to the cabin. Congratulations! Now, remind them of the next step. “Everyone get your toothbrush. We want to get to the wash-house before everyone else gets there!” Make it a game or contest if you can.
Now comes the first BIG STALL. Remember the objective for the camper is to avoid at all costs “lights out”. He feels it coming so he may try several maneuvers, including:
- “Who took my toothbrush! I left it right here!”
- He may just stand there, talk, and goof around with his buddy.
- As they fly out the cabin door, one may detour to the cabin next door.
- When finally at the wash-house, rather than really washing up, a little waterfight starts.
These are children (even if teens) so this behavior is normal. Counteract, patiently reminding them, ONE AT A TIME, what they ought to be doing. Then just stand there and watch him until he does it. Simple, effective, and kind.
STEP 3: Back to the Cabin
Getting some cabin groups through the wash-up routine may be like trying to hold on to eight slippery fish. Don’t give up, be patient. Before you leave, make sure everyone has used the toilet. Phrase it how you like but make sure it is clearly understood. The rule is,
EVERYBODY GOES. No excuses.
STEP 4: How to Handle the Second Big Stall
At this point each should be changing into her/her P.J.’s but some may be slow to the extreme. The basic rule is that NO CLOTHES are worn to bed that have been worn all day. If a camper is slow or unwilling, offer to help them get started but let them finish. A special note: some children are embarrassed to change in front of others. Clue them in on how to do it under the covers quickly and quietly, don’t force or ridicule.
STEP 5: Into Bed!
Most are changed into jammies, but few are in bed. Give them a time limit or goal. “In 60 seconds, I want everyone IN BED and ready to hear a story.” Most will enjoy a contest. Help individuals quickly take care of last minute details and hop in bed. Work with them. Once you get a camper into bed, don’t let them get out!
STEP 6: Story Time
Start a story, even if they are still making some noise. Maybe start with a question or a low voice.
STEP 7: The “Last Word”
Just before you begin your story, or perhaps somewhere in the middle, tell the kids “When I say, THE END, that’s it for the night -no more talking or questions or bathroom visits.” At the end of the story or discussion, be near a light switch. If you are reading, as you near the last page, flip off the light switch and finish with a flashlight.
STEP 8: How to Handle the Third Big Stall
“I have to go to bathroom!” “Me too!” Did he go before? Did you, as a counselor make sure he went? Then you have an answer, NO. Of course, if you forgot to ask, he has you. You lose, and he wins.
Following this go-round. There will be all kinds of “important” comments to cabin mates or wise cracks. Some even try the old “Good night Sam, Good night Fred …”
At this point the campers get very respectful and want to ask you, “THE WISE ADULT,” some important questions. For all these questions and comments, you have only one answer. “I said that’s it for today, no more talking tonight.” “I’ll answer that tomorrow, not now.”
Remember, once you answer a question, you have broken your own rule about talking. So, MANY questions will follow. YOU said “no more talking”; therefore, the most basic principle is this: YOU cannot continue a conversation either.
Beware of this trap. MOST COUNSELORS fall for this and the kids know it.
A basic principle: Always speak quietly to the individual who is talking, NOT to the group. Never again address the cabin as a whole. ALWAYS speak only to the one person. WHY? The kids rationalize that you are speaking to the others and not them!
STEP 9: How to Handle the Fourth Big Stall (The Big Joke)
Usually it comes after story time and often after the talking has stopped. The little geniuses will start with the mouth noises, rubbing or bumping the wall, crinkling paper, throwing little objects to a friend, or playing with a flashlight.
Hang in there!
- When you know who is doing it, go to that ONE person and tell him (don’t ask) to stop because it’s time to go to sleep, not play games. Part of the game he is playing is “Does the counselor know what I’m doing?”
- If you need to calm a camper down, speak ever so softly close to him and give a lecture that would put anyone to sleep! Tell him he’s been a good camper; it’s been a good day; let’s end the day right; much to do tomorrow so we need a full night’s sleep, etc., etc.
STEP 10: You can Sleep!
Listen for that slow rhythmic breathing. You’ll hear your campers “pass out” one at a time. At last only two or perhaps three campers still have that mild restlessness. Safe? Almost. Sit down on your bunk. If you have Old Squeaky, the campers will hear it. But they are listening for TWO squeaks, not one. It takes one to sit and TWO to lie down. Just sit for another five minutes or so, then lie down with your eyes on the one camper you’re not sure about. More than likely with 10 minutes you will be safe, but a rule of thumb, never leave the cabin. A squeak of the door means “GO” and signal to start a party. If you do need to leave in an emergency, make sure your co-counselor knows you are leaving. Sweet Dreams!