Suggestions from Veteran Ironwood Counselors
Cabin Devotions
- Ask God during the day to show you what these young people need. Be sensitive.
- Have each camper pray out loud but avoid pressure.
- Make sure campers sit up during cabin devotions.
- Make devotions short and to the point.
- Use testimonies—giving thanks, lessons learned, decisions made, etc.
- List specific prayer requests for cabin group that God can answer that week.
- Re-apply principles taught during the day, but don’t get into a rut.
Lights Out
- Wear out the campers during the day.
- Allow them to talk quietly for awhile; then tell them to be silent.
- Do not allow flashlights; collect them if necessary.
Cabin Unity
- Work as a team; get everyone involved.
- Be an enthusiastic example; work alongside your campers.
- Talk about it!
- Have a group memory project.
- Challenge other cabin groups.
- Emphasize cabin clean-up and win it!
Witnessing to Campers
- Ask them to tell how they were saved and about the changes that took place.
- Get them alone, one-on-one—during the day, after light bell, after service, etc.
- Do it as soon as possible—first day preferably; schedule a definite time.
- Use times when walking and waiting in line; buy up the opportunities.
- Frequently pray for your campers—individually and by name.
- Avoid, “Well, let’s get this part of my job over with.” Genuine concern will be detected by camper.
- When a problem arises, approach it as an opportunity to counsel.
Keys to Personal Growth
- Memorize God’s Word—include counseling verses in your memory plan.
- Have a set time for personal devotions before rising bell.
- Deal with all sin in your life (Proverbs 28:13).
- Remember, you will be giving an account to the Lord for what you do with the opportunities given you this summer.
Loyalty
- To Scripture—if you don’t live it, don’t expect campers to listen when you teach it.
- To Ironwood—other staff and the program. Give yourself to the program, and allow God to work through it and you.
- To campers—earn their respect and trust.
Things I Learned the Hard Way
- An effective counselor spends a lot of time with his campers.
- Remember, Christ through me, or maybe in spite of me. Not, me alone.
- Do right (James 4:17).
- Even though you may not fully understand or agree with an Ironwood policy, actively support and abide by that policy (Hebrews 13:17). The Ironwood leadership is always open to suggestions you may have and is always looking for ways to improve this ministry.
Discipline
- Separate the problem camper from the group and deal with him individually. As a last resort, take him to the program director.
- A “problem” camper has special opportunities to see God’s hand at work in his life, or yours!