The Counselor’s Real Job is Confidence Building
Parents often think of camp counselors as activity supervisors. In reality, the most important role our counselors play for first-time campers is helping kids feel safe, capable, and included—especially in that crucial first week.
First-time campers are doing something developmentally significant: practicing independence in a new environment. Our counselors support that transition by combining structure with warmth and staying close enough that kids never feel alone in the experience.
Counselors can’t do this work alone. The most successful first-time campers have parents who:
- Prepare their child emotionally before camp by talking positively about the experience
- Avoid negotiating “escape clauses” like “If you hate it, I’ll come get you”
- Trust the process when counselors report that a homesick moment passed
- Send encouraging letters that focus on pride and camp activities rather than “I miss you so much”
- Communicate concerns directly to leadership rather than trying to coach from home
This partnership works best when parents view counselors as collaborators, not substitutes. Counselors bring training, experience, and on-the-ground perspective. Parents bring deep knowledge of their individual child. Together, these create the conditions for thriving.
The Outcome You Should Expect
With strong counselor support, most first-time campers at Camp Lakota:
- Learn the daily rhythm within days and stop feeling disoriented
- Make at least one meaningful friend quickly, often with counselor facilitation
- Try activities they wouldn’t try at home, emboldened by counselor participation and encouragement
- Become more confident and capable by the end of the session, measurably more independent than when they arrived
That is what thriving looks like at sleepaway camp: not perfection, but growth with steady support.
What You Can Do to Support Your Camper and Their Counselors
Before camp:
- Talk about counselors positively: “Your counselors are trained to help with anything you need”
- Encourage your child to speak up: “If you’re feeling worried, tell your counselor”
- Set realistic expectations: “The first few days might feel hard, and that’s normal”
During camp:
- Trust counselor expertise when they report your child is adjusting well
- Reach out to directors (not counselors directly) if you have concerns
- Send letters that empower rather than create longing
- Remember that counselors care deeply about your child’s wellbeing—they chose this work because they love kids
After camp:
- Ask your child about their counselors—often these relationships are highlights
- Share positive feedback with camp leadership
- Recognize that your child’s growth happened because counselors created safe space for it
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do Camp Lakota counselors have?
All Camp Lakota counselors undergo rigorous background checks, mandatory sexual abuse prevention training, reference verification, and comprehensive interviews. Once at camp, staff complete a week-long orientation covering child development, safety protocols, homesickness management, and camp culture. Many counselors hold certifications in lifeguarding, first aid, or activity-specific areas.
How do counselors help with homesickness?
Our counselors are specifically trained to handle homesickness through normalization, engagement, and support. They help campers by normalizing feelings without amplifying them, keeping campers engaged in activities, creating social connections, and watching for patterns. If homesickness persists beyond 72 hours, directors step in with additional strategies and parent communication.
What is the staff-to-camper ratio at Camp Lakota?
Camp Lakota maintains staff-to-camper ratios that exceed industry standards, ensuring adequate supervision for all activities. Our youngest divisions have additional support through “Camp Moms”—experienced parents who provide extra supervision and comfort for first-time younger campers.
How do counselors handle campers who are shy or reluctant to participate?
Counselors use proximity and modeling rather than forcing participation. They sit near reluctant campers, participate in activities themselves, and create low-pressure invitations. Counselors respect boundaries while keeping doors open for future participation. This approach helps shy campers feel included without pressure.
Can I communicate directly with my child’s counselor?
For routine questions and concerns, we recommend contacting camp directors rather than counselors directly. This ensures consistent communication and allows directors to coordinate with counselors appropriately. In emergencies or urgent situations, directors will facilitate communication as needed.
Learn More About Camp Lakota
- Experience Rookie Day to meet our counselors in person
- Discover what to expect during your child’s camp session
- Read our complete sleepaway camp guide
- Contact us with questions about our counselor training and support systems
- Register for Summer 2026
At Camp Lakota, our counselors are more than activity leaders—they’re confidence builders, inclusion specialists, and emotional anchors for first-time campers. Every hire, every training session, and every daily interaction is designed to help your child feel safe enough to grow.