Communication At Camp
Communication at camp is crucial. Daily schedules, changes to class locations, and rainy day adjustments are just a few of the challenges that require us to share information succinctly and effectively. Effective communication requires us to use several methods, some of which are redundant, but together, they help us ensure everyone is looped in at the right time.
- 📌 Posted Schedules - As campers cannot access devices, the daily schedule is posted each morning at the Office, Theater, Pav, and Rehearsal Studios. Changes to this schedule will be updated after lunch and announced at mealtimes.
Slack - Slack allows us to share announcements with the entire staff or smaller groups (Counselors, Production, Leadership). In addition, the Daily Call will be posted in the #dailycall channel, and changes to the locations, schedules, and other "at the moment" information will be announced in the #fullstaff channel.
- 👥 Face-To-Face - Nothing beats the sharing of information face-to-face. It allows for clarifications, questions, and input from the team. Daily meetings for Non-Cabin & Cabin staff, along with leadership's availability to share information throughout camp "on foot," ensures even those who are in the middle of class or simply "unplugged" are kept up to date on changes as well.
*Download the Slack app now, and then head over to the Ghostlight Pre-Camp Training to complete your onboarding. This can be a great place to get connected and say hello!
Quick Tips for Working with Neurodivergent Campers
The following tips were adapted from a training session on working with neurodivergent campers. Ultimately, we at Ghostlight believe firmly that when we create an environment that supports neurodivergent campers, we are actually supporting all campers.
- ❓Be careful about "stacking" multiple questions. Stick with one question at a time.
- 🎧 Meet your campers where they are. Consider how you might change an environment rather than a camper.
- ℹ️ Front-load information. Take campers on a tour and explain what will happen where, and how camp will operate.
- ✋🏽 "Thank you, Five!" Give campers reminders of how much time is left so abrupt endings aren't jarring. (Also, everything will take 5 minutes longer than you think.)
- 😖 Meltdowns may happen.
- If YOU are overwhelmed, tap out and ask for help.
- Use hydraulics to be on the camper's level.
- Get them to a safe space where they can process and self-regulate.
- Don't jump in too soon and try to regulate for the camper.*
We also found a great article in ADDitude magazine on supporting campers in making friends. The article specifically speaks to supporting campers with ADHD, but again, we can imagine these insights supporting a lot of campers.
*We will discuss approaching meltdowns and heightened situations during staff training!
Forms Reminder
Have you completed your forms yet? New staff, have you begun your training on Canvas? Now, as we round the corner to June, is a great time to jump in!
Did you miss last week's email? Just joining the Weekly Call? Check out the Staff Updates page to catch up anytime!
Bookmark: http://www.ghostlighttheatercamp.com/staff-updates