STAFF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Staff Development Programs are designed to teach our older campers counselor-specific skills that would be beneficial to becoming a summer counselor.
Staff Development Program (SDP) Mission Statement
To effectively inform and teach participants the Algonquin culture and leadership skills necessary to be successful as a staff member.
SDP1 (14 years old)
June 13-18
$400
SDP 1 will spend a week learning different programs and everything involved in running a summer camp. Developing both leadership and practical skills, teens will learn how to plan and implement an all-camp game and a cabin activity. The group of future camp leaders will spend the week working together to take the week’s theme and turn it into a fully functional all-camp game. The teens will then run this game for the rest of camp.
During the day, participants will also get the chance to observe different jobs at camp, including maintenance, kitchen, and cabin counselors. In the evening, SDPs will shadow cabin TAPS (end-of-day reflections) and work with the cabin counselor to eventually lead a session at the end of the week.
They will observe all the different jobs at camp, including:
- Maintenance
- Kitchen
- Camp
SDP 2 (15+)
Learning Week: June 27-30
Shadow Week: Option 1: July 11-16 OR Option 2: July 25-30
$500/both weeks
SDP 2 is a two-week experience for older campers who genuinely want to develop their leadership skills.
During the first week of the teens’ stay, the SDP 2 participants will live together in gendered teen cabins to bond and learn from one another. Each day for both weeks, time is spent with other SDPs and the Camp Director in workshops covering topics from behavior management and age characteristics to team-building activities. Additional time is spent with an overnight cabin, allowing the SDPs to engage with their youth campers.
During the second week, the teens live side-by-side with counselors at overnight camp, developing skills and gaining new experiences. With their counselors’ guidance, SDPs take on leadership roles within their cabin, taking on responsibilities and building confidence in leading activities.
This program is designed to transition SDPs from campers to mentors and role models for others. Through the SDP program, these teens develop skills that will benefit them in school, at work, and as they grow into strong young adults.