Question:
What if one of the campers does something wrong, and he asks a Junior Counselor not to tell on him; what should we do?

Answer:
As Junior Counselors we try to get close to the campers in order to bring them to Christ. What if one of the campers does something wrong, and he asks a Junior Counselor not to tell on him; what should we do? — We must be careful what we promise, for we become part of the wrong if we hide it (Leviticus 5:1). But if we do make a promise it is a sacred vow which should not be broken except for the Lord’s honor, and the good of the person involved. As Counselors at camp we should set the example by not breaking the rules. The kids are always watching us. When we know some wrong, we should not spread it as gossip, but only tell a Senior Counselor.

God has uniquely fitted each Christian, but we need to seek to please the Lord and to trust Him to lead and give the strength to counsel at camp. Cabin atmosphere is affected especially by the Junior Counselors. Helping bunk-mates to relate warmly to one another, creates the spirit that builds a great camp. Ask the Lord to give you love, and a sense of His love for each one at camp, and seek to show His love o to each one there. What shall we do if we n • find kids fighting physically? (1) Separate the kids calmly. (2) Sit the kids down and question them about what caused them to fight, and try to get to the root of the problem. We need to be careful not to talk about another kid to the others. The kids pick up on that.
When we first get to camp, show them love by helping them get oriented as to what is going on. Then, as soon as you can, talk to everyone in your cabin. Tell them: (1) That you are there for them, not just to rule over them. (2) Try to talk on their level. (3) Introduce yourself right away by telling something about yourself and why you are there. This will put them at ease. (4) Ask them about themselves. This will show your concern for them. These four things should help stop fights and give a good cabin atmosphere.

If kids are scared of the dark: (1) Have a flashlight. (2) Tell them that they do not need to fear, because the Lord is watching over them and you will be there for them. Always show love!!
Cabin Devotions is a time to show God through you. Coordinate with the lesson of the week. Counselors are tired and it is a trying time. We should be patient, and be a good testimony. Give them a chance to open up! This may be a time to review what you had during the day. It’s a very important time, and should be quiet and informal.
How should you explain to kids how to be saved? –Show them verses in the Bible. Show Titus 3:5, Romans 3:10, and Ephesians 2:8,9 to those who think that salvation is by baptism or by other works. Any decisions that are made other than by the Holy Spirit’s moving are worthless (John 3:5, 1 Corinthians 3:9). So let us be occupied with Christ and thus have the “fruit of the Spirit” seen in our lives, so the Lord can use us for His honor and glory and the blessing of precious souls, “being fruitful in every good work” (Colossians 1:10, Galatians 5:22, 23).
Notes were taken by April Helsel on November 28, 1992 at a retreat for Junior Counselors at Camp