Activities Camp Counselors Can Plan To Engage Teens

It's usually pretty easy to get young kid excited about summer camp and all of the activities they'll be able to enjoy. However, as campers get older, it can become more challenging to plan events and activities that will keep them engaged. 

Teenagers can still have fun at camp, and it's a good experience for them. However, it's not uncommon for teens to go through a rebellious phase or somehow think they're "too cool" for camp - no matter how long they've been attending. 

As a camp counselor, that can pose a challenge. 

How do you deal with teenagers who would rather be rowdy than follow directions? How do you motivate and inspire the teens who don't want to give you their full attention? Let's cover few ways you can connect and foster a positive summer experience for everyone. 

Managing Large Group of Teen Campers

If you've been counselor for a while, you already know the importance of  camping responsibly when you have a large group - especially when that group is made up of teenagers or you're taking them on an actual camping trip. Whether you're dealing with five kids or 20 teens, keeping everyone organized and in sync will result in a more enjoyable experience or all. 

Keeping everyone together can be bit more challenging when you're dealing with older kids. They might think that they're old enough to venture out on their own to try things that aren't necessarily safe by breaking a rule or not following directions. Having consequences and disciplinary actions in place is important. Your top priority should always be the safety of your campers, no matter their age. However, you can use those natural desires to seem older for your benefits, and create learning moments for your teen campers, too. 

Teach your teenagers about camping responsibility, and give them different ways to take change. By offering them "jobs" that you wouldn't be able to give to younger campers, they'll scratch that itch to seem older and somehow more important. They'll also likely be focused on doing their particular job that they won't wander off or do something they shouldn't. Some of the jobs you can task your teens with include: 

• Creating Checklist;
• Bringing certain supplies; 
• Designating duties for younger campers; 
• Putting out fires; 
• Cleaning up each campsite. 

Sometimes, all it takes is a little responsibility and trust to turn your teens around, so let them jump on those jobs and you're more likely to reel in rowdy behavior. 

Connect Through Conversation 

If a teenager is trying to be rebellious or cause trouble at camp, there could be something deeper going on beneath the surfaces. While you can't let the behavior continue, it's worth having a conversation with them about it rather than punishing them every time they don't follow directions. 

It can feel easier said than done to communicate with and  support a rebellious teen, but than kind of connection can make them feel like they're not alone. Make sure whatever they're feeling is validated. Use some of these tips to make the most of your conversation:

• Stay calm;
• Establish an open communication policy;
• Be respectful;
• Focus on the positive;
• Set clear rules and boundaries; 
• Listen to their needs, wants, and emotions. 

If you're not sure how to  initiate a conversation with campers, ask them about their experience so far. How are they liking camp? Why did they choose this camp? What was their favorite past of the day? The right question can trigger a healthy, meaningful conversation.

When a teenager feels seen and heard, they're less likely to act out. If they know you're on their side and care about them, they're not going to continue to do things to cause extra stress. You likely don't know what's going on at home, and offering your support and understanding while keeping boundaries in place can make a big difference in their life, extending far beyond just that summer. 

Activities Teens Will Enjoy 

Teenagers typically aren't going to enjoy the same activities younger kids participate in at camp. It's important to have some activities specifically designed to keep teens engaged and to ensure they have a positive experience. The more engaged they are, the less likely it is that they'll stop following the rules. 

The sky's the limit when it comes to activities, so don't be afraid to get creative. You can even survey your teenage campers each year to determine what they'd like to see the following year. If you're stuck for ideas or some of your current activities aren't going over so well, try things like: 

• Field sports;
• Geocaching; 
• Late-night campfires;
• Singing and dancing;
• Water balloon volleyball. 

If you do find that some of your campers are getting bored during activities, consider changing things or redirecting them toward something else. That will help to  improve camper behavior and keep them engaged without disturbing other campers. Being a camp counselor to a large group of teenagers can be a fun, exciting, and extremely rewarding experience. However, it's much different than leading younger children. Manage your expectations, stay calm, and consider those differences as you work to keep your teen campers engaged and excited all summer.