What is a Wyonegonic Counselor?

Wyonegonic was founded in 1902 and since that time, the camp tradition of focusing on youth development still holds strong. In our second century, we continue to live up to the high standards and tradition of excellence in summer camping that our families have expected for generations. Our campers hail from across the country and around the world for either a three and a half or seven week session. Campers are drawn to Wyonegonic because of our rich tradition, varied activities, and most importantly because of the close relationships established with peers and counselors. What makes Wyonegonic so special is the spirit instilled by the staff. They are the heart and soul of our program and community.

A Wyonegonic counselor is at camp for nine weeks that includes an intensive week of pre-camp training and a two-day follow-up after the campers depart. Many counselors arrive earlier to receive certification training for their specific activity areas.

Camp life is simple. It is essential that counselors have a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Counselors live with campers in rustic cabins along the lake shore. Your cabin is home for the campers. This is where feelings of comfort, belonging and creativity are fostered. As a counselor you create an environment with your cabin group that is like a small family within the larger camp community. Good counselor leadership is the key to a happy summer and it is important to be actively involved in your camper’s daily lives. Campers come to Wyonegonic to gain values and life skills that will help them develop. YOU as a counselor play the most important part in her growth. You will be assisting each camper with her relationship with others, her program decisions, and challenging her with new goals.

Most counselors teach in a primary activity area and will also teach or assist in a secondary area. Our program includes all waterfront and boating activities, a low and high ropes course, creative arts, tennis, archery, outdoor living skills, ecology, horseback riding and wilderness trips. If you enjoy working with young children, you have a natural teaching ability. You may not have experience in an activity area, but with your dedication and desire coupled with our guidance you will succeed. A willingness to work hard, to strive for excellence, to learn and pay particular attention to each camper will help you be an effective teacher. Counselors are responsible under the direction of their respective activity supervisors to plan and execute daily and weekly lesson plans.

Our campers progress through different levels in each activity area. It is our hope to assist each child to improve her skill level. We also want to entice her to try new things and take risks. We do this in a non-competitive and nurturing atmosphere with good attention to individual needs and quality instruction. It is amazing how much our campers learn about themselves and their abilities in a few short weeks.

In addition to their role in the cabin and teaching in activity areas, counselors will have additional duties in their units. These duties include planning a weekly evening program, taking a turn being on duty in the evenings, and other tasks necessary for the functioning of camp. We are a community that works together for the common good.