Appreciating staff surprises that make a difference.An enchanted en·chant tr.v. en·chant·ed, en·chant·ing, en·chants 1. To cast a spell over; bewitch. 2. To attract and delight; entrance. See Synonyms at charm. creature quietly moves through the night, stuffing surprises into staff shoes left at the door... New, clean, dry socks appear in the staff house after 10 days of rain... Campers present staff with jewel-encrusted crowns... Root beer floats replace mounds of paper work... Showing camp staff that they're appreciated is an easily-over-looked but extremely important part of keeping morale high. While incorporating morale builders Noun 1. morale builder - something or someone who influences by building or strengthening morale influence - a cognitive factor that tends to have an effect on what you do; "her wishes had a great influence on his thinking" into your summer schedule can be challenging, it is possible. Whether you are a counselor or a camp director, you can show other staff members how much they're appreciated. Activities that staff do not expect offer the greatest rewards. Some of these events require advance preparation, while others can be carried out spontaneously spontaneously Medtalk Without treatment . Let campers show appreciation Involving campers in staff-appreciation activities offers several benefits. Campers can offer creative and original ideas of their own while participating in activities they enjoy. The campers' involvement will also remind the staff how special they are to the campers. Queen for a day Keep a list of staff birthdays or choose a "staff member of the week (or day)" and ask campers to help plan a surprise. Campers can sing songs to the staff members, make them crowns, or present them with certificates of appreciation. The Johnny Burger Ask campers to name a camp food after each staff member and list the name on the camp menu. Every time the camp serves that food, the staff member receives special attention. Standing ovation Campers love to applaud a job well done. Encourage clapping hands for kitchen staff after a favorite meal, for the health center staff after a pre-trip safety talk, or whenever they see the maintenance staff fixing a rail and making camp safer. Staff surprising staff Other morale builders can bring staff together to share their experiences or to simply relax. Appreciation activities help build morale. Most of these events can take place before campers get up, during rest hour, or during time off. Administrative and support staff can help with the campers when a surprise is planned for counselors. Safety, of course, remains paramount. It is essential to have clear plans for the campers during these brief events. Counselors and program staff can plan events with campers to surprise the administrative and support staff. All staff should realize that the events are set up to offer them a reprieve reprieve (rĭprēv`): in law, see pardon. , not an extended break. Enchanted troll event Tell staff the legend of the enchanted troll who was saved by a camper many centuries ago. Legend holds that the troll promised to return to the camp each year in thanks for the camper's kindness Kindness See also Generosity. Allworthy, Squire Tom Jones’s goodhearted foster father. [Br. Lit. . Even though they cannot see the troll, staff who leave their shoes on the thresholds of their tents will know that the troll was there. Rainy rain·y adj. rain·i·er, rain·i·est Characterized by, full of, or bringing rain. rain  i·ness n.Adj. day event After days of rain, purchase sunshine cookies from a local bakery and new socks from a convenience store to distribute to staff. (Can be combined with the enchanted troll's visits, above.) Breakfast in bed Administrative staff, dressed as clowns
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Root beer float party Ask staff to come to the camp office to fill out more forms. Surprise them with floats in personalized per·son·al·ize tr.v. per·son·al·ized, per·son·al·iz·ing, per·son·al·iz·es 1. To take (a general remark or characterization) in a personal manner. 2. To attribute human or personal qualities to; personify. mugs from the camp trading post trading post See post. . Other ways to show appreciation While these quick activities are an important part of building staff morale and showing your appreciation, there are many other important steps you can take. Hearing and responding to each other's concerns is a crucial part of creating a successful staff team. Fostering communication and collaboration among staff members will give them energy and encourage bonding. Responding to staff members' needs is as important as responding to campers' needs. Show the staff at your camp how much you appreciate them. The possibilities are endless. Cheryl Elfering directs Camp May Flather for the Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capitol Capitol, seat of the U.S. Congress Capitol, seat of the U.S. government at Washington, D.C. It is the city's dominating monument, built on an elevated site that was chosen by George Washington in consultation with Major Pierre L'Enfant. and is an American Camping Association standards visitor. She is currently completing her master's degree master's degree n. An academic degree conferred by a college or university upon those who complete at least one year of prescribed study beyond the bachelor's degree. Noun 1. in special education at Marywood College in Scranton, Pa. |
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