The document provides guidance for camp counselors on building cabin culture through intentional framework and activities. It recommends starting with the end in mind and having a flexible plan that incorporates rituals, closings, welcoming activities, games, initiatives, behavioral guidance, group activities, and discussions. Specific activity examples are provided for each category. The goal is to engage campers, build community, and provide opportunities for learning, collaboration, and fun. Counselors are advised to thoughtfully craft meaningful traditions and consistently apply expectations and positive reinforcement.

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CRAFTING CABIN CULTURE
Shawn Moriarty, MA.
YMCA Camp Santa Maria
The Triple C’s of Being a
Camp Counselor

2. +
The Basic Framework
 INTENTIONAL
 Start with the END IN MIND
 Use a FRAMEWORK
 Embrace FLEXIBILITY
 Craft a PLAN
 Keep it INTERACTIVE and
Community based.

3. + Compass Framework
Rituals
Closings
Welcoming
Games
Initiatives
Behavioral
Guidance
Group
Activities
Discussions

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Welcoming:
 Saying HELLO
 Make people feel glad to be there
 Opening campfires
 Name Games
 Cabin Contracts
 Signs

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Games:
 Focus on fun and getting people comfortable and engaged.
 Some examples:
 A What?
 Everybody’s it!
 Name Pass
 Create a Shake!
 AND REMEMBER…
Have F.U.N.N

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Initiatives:
 Building collaboration
 Communication skills
 Examples
 Everybody Up!
 Group Juggle
 Leadership Sherpa
 MAKE SURE YOUR STAFF HAVE AN UNDERSTANDING OF
TEAMBUILDING AND EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION!!!!

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Behavioral Guidance
It is all about CHOICES!
 Praise Publically – Criticize Privately
 Train your staff in these skills- It will make your summer easier
if you are a supervisor!
 Set expectations early! And stick to them!
 Consider a cabin FVC or Cabin Motto.
 Make it a conversation.
 Remember, Behavioral Guidance applies to staff as well!

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Behavioral Guidance pt. 2
 Get to know the campers in the cabin.
 Guide close-up.
 Establish expectations and rules early.
 Keep your foot near/on the brake
 Actively supervise
 Use effective praise

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Group Activities
 Cabin flag or banner.
 Cabin cheers
 Create a “what to do this week” list
 Pronks-Positive Pranks/ Pay it forward!
 Special missions.
 Service learning for any age. Giving back to camp.

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Discussions
 Use scheduled times to talk about life and camp.
 Sample ideas,
 Have you ever.
 Boundary Breakers
 Rose/ Thorn
 Vespers
 Fish Bowl
 Council
 Incorporate special items-Talking objects-candles, etc.

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Rituals
Bringing more meaning to our work
 Place them intentionally
 Tie them into your camp culture.
 Candles/ fire/ water/ natural areas/ special camp places
 Special for different ages - groups.
 Make sure you have a welcoming and closing ceremonies.
 Make them unique for each session.

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Closings:
 Just one word
 Inside-outside hug
 Wood Cookies-Wookies
 Group Story
 Time Capsule
 Closing Camp Fire
 Candle light service

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That’s all folks!
 QUESTIONS.
 COMMENTS.
Shawn Moriarty
303-709-2464
shawn.moriarty@ymcabv.org