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The ABCD's of orientation planning.

Article Excerpt
So many topics ... so little time. Planning staff orientation is one of the most time-consuming, difficult tasks camp directors do. Each year, in addition to camp-specific content, new regulations must be included in already overtaxed schedules. With changing weather patterns and school schedules becoming unpredictable, how are camp leaders going to have time to produce quality orientations?

This logistical programming puzzle begins the amazing experience we call camp. Even with all the constraints, most of the important topics get covered, and it seems like just yesterday we were hearing old Uncle Bill tell everyone to conserve water and not to use too much toilet paper. While that speech may never get old, preparing staff for summer 2007 requires a fresh approach with lots of insight. By now you should have a well-prepared, interactive, and fun schedule planned, which features more theater than teaching.

Open your orientation file to assure your existing plan contains exactly the right content to meet your expectations. Start by visualizing the ending (what you want to have accomplished) and work back towards the beginning. Include a variety of tactics for transferring important information while you simultaneously model preferred teaching methods. Important note: keep the orientation schedule as close to the actual schedule as possible. This will help staff become accustomed to their new environment using the natural rhythm of a typical camp day.

Set the Tone

Directors have the responsibility to set the tone for the summer. The three most common ways staff interpret camp culture are:

* unspoken actions appearing in director behavior;

* stories/examples used by supervisors; and

* what is allowed to happen.

Staff will carefully observe everything leaders do and immediately form judgments. New staff will use their backgrounds as students and mentally evaluate everyone in the same manner as they do their teachers. Returning staff will look to reinforce their opinions from the previous year, or in the case of a difficult summer, wait to "see" changes. Caution: camp leaders should transmit both form and structure when using stories as a training technique. This type of teaching provides a direction for the expected norm by conveying trust through relevant camp experiences.

Preparing staff to be proficient in all aspects of camp life is an extremely difficult...