Counselor Survival Kit

As you get ready to welcome this summer’s camp counselors, consider creating a “survival kit”.

Common kit components can include a flashlight, watch, first aid kit, water bottle, stickers, list of games, sunscreen, pen and notebook.

But Curt “Moose” Jackson at SummerCampProgramDirector.com suggests a more whimsical approach.

Here is his list of items to add:

Bandage Strip
To remind you to heal hurt feelings, either yours or someone else’s.

Lifesaver Candy
To remind you that you can come to me if you need someone to talk to.

Hugs & Kisses Candies
To make everything worthwhile.

Candy Hugs
To remind you everyone needs a hug or a compliment every day.

Bath Salts
To “take you away” when you need a quiet break.

Pearl-Colored Bath Oil Beads
To remind you that your pearls of wisdom will touch many lives.

Rubberband
To remind you to be flexible — things might not always go the way you want, but it can be worked out.

Battery
To help you keep going, and going, and going…… (like the Energizer Bunny).

Animal Crackers
For when your cabin seems like a zoo.

Jingle Bell
So you can ring for help if you need it; we’re here to help each other.

Rubber Glove
For when you need a helping hand.

Smiley Face Sticker
To remind you to wear a happy face — here’s one for when it seems difficult.

Flower Pot
To remind you that you are here to plant the seeds of _________.

Clothespin
To help you “hang in there”.

Penny
To remind you that you are a priceless part of our camp.

Toothpick
To remind yourself to pick the good qualities in your campers.

Eraser
To remind you that everyone makes mistakes. That’s okay; we learn by our errors.

Mint
To remind you that you are worth a mint to us.

Stick of Gum
To remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything.

Jolly Ranchers
For when you need a little happiness.

100 Grand Candy Bar
So you will be paid what you are worth.

Button
To remind you that some things are best left unsaid.

Tissue
So you can dry the tears of wounded child.

Rainbow
To remind you that after every storm there is a calm.

Paper Clip
To help you hold it together when everything seems to fall apart.

Sweet and Sour Tarts
To remind you to appreciate your campers’ differences.

Cotton Ball
To cushion the rough roads ahead.

Fortune Cookie
To remind you that it is your campers’ good fortune to have you as their counselor.

Gold Chocolate Coins
To remind you that you are worth your weight in gold.

Sticker
To remind you that we all stick together and help each other.

Star
To remind you to shine and always try your best.

Gold Thread
To remind you that friendship ties our hearts together.