Hi everyone!

Saw in the other thread some of you guys had some Q's about being a general counselor so I thought I'd post some of my experiences.

I'm at a girl scout camp and the first year I was a general couselor, I'm going back this year as a Unit Leader (which I think is GS speak for head counselor?). I was originally asked back as an assistant director but decided against it because being a counselor is way more fun (what with the pranks and shenanigans and no parents calling to yell at you) so...

Of course it depends on your camp, but general counselors had more time off in a block (2-3 hours at once). Specialists usually only had time-off when they didn't have groups so it would be 20 mins or half and hour here and there. Being a general means you get to experience all the activities, so you'll get to at least try everything offered at your camp. I found if there was an activity I didn't like, I tried to schedule my break at that time (we have a farm which the girls go to twice a week - I'm pretty sure I only went about 3 times the whole summer). Also, if your kids (or other staff for that matter) were doing your head in, sometimes it was possible to swap with other staff from a different unit for a few hours!

Being a Unit Leader I try to get my generals to run an activity each week, for Aussies it's really easy (eg do something about Aus animals etc) so it's a good idea to have a few ideas for programmes. Also, if you get about halfway through camp and decide you'd love to go back, speak with your head counselors or directors about what you can do to learn the skills to get a better job next time. It may just be doing scheduling/ evaluations etc but it looks really good if you apply again.

Anyway, let me know if you've got questions (or about scout camps). Not long to go now!!!!