“Hi Vicki,
This weekend I attended both of the Camp America training days in Auckland. I just wanted to send you an email saying how much I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend, and how highly beneficial it was to attend.

Doe and Gav were excellent to run this program. They covered absolutely everything imaginable - from the flights, airports/transfers, camp life, roles as a counsellor, campers, behaviour, warnings or 'red flags' with campers, after camp and everything imaginable in between. The topics were set out in a logical format, which flowed easily from one subject to the next. The course was set at a good pace, and was in a relaxing, open, friendly, informal environment. Having Stacey there also, who previously was a travel consultant was such a bonus as we enjoyed her knowledge as well.

The tools that were given to us are absolutely invaluable. We were given a folder to keep that included information on what a counsellor was, and should be, together with notes on behaviour management, how to praise and encourage the campers, ice breakers, games and camp songs. We were also taught various ice breakers and games to use at camp, together with songs to teach.

Through talking with them, we learned about both the good and the bad in all types of situations, but everything was always portrayed in a positive way. Nothing was sugar coated, and Doe and Gave were honest in all their answers to our copious amounts of questions. Never did I feel that they ‘skated’ around a difficult answer, and I believe they answered everything more than satisfactorily.

What I felt was important was they taught us how to relate to the campers, and through role playing ourselves, how to deal with all different scenarios that would frequently pop up. The back-pocket tools again, were extremely beneficial to learn. We were taught games that don't require any props, and would be handy to use at dinner time or at times the campers would need to be entertained for a few minutes. Knowing these is so advantageous!

I had felt prior to attending this course that I was pretty much in the dark about my role as a Counsellor, and wasn't exactly sure about what was going to happen at camp, or how far my responsibilities went as far as my campers were concerned. I now feel so much more prepared, confident, in control, and relaxed about heading over to camp.

This course far exceeded my expectations, and feel that I am at so much more of an advantage for having attended and listened and learned such a huge amount of knowledge from Doe and Gav. I have never been so completely enthralled and engrossed before at any course I’ve attended, nor have I interacted so willingly before.

This course should most definitely be strongly suggested and recommended for all Camp participants, as I cannot stress enough how fabulous and invaluable it was to attend. Kind regards”

Katie Davis
Camp America Training Participant