Staff Training
Two weeks have passed and that means the end of staff training. It was actually really enjoyable! I always wondered what staff training would entail at Americamp so I hope this post helps you get an idea of what it might be like.
I have sat through my fair share of sit down lectures. They all covered topics like health and safety, dealing with homesickness, ADD and ADHD, emergency drills and even bear safety (yes, that’s what to do if you see a bear). There were also a few more. Basically they covered the things we needed to know for when the kids came.
We also had some more interactive training. This included wood cutting with an axe and hatchet, belaying on the rock walls, staff overnights, and goal setting. Now I know goal setting doesn’t sound like the most interactive lecture but as it turned out we were going to chop wooden boards in half with our hands or feet. Defiantly not a conventional training session but it was so entertaining.
Aside from the training itself, this was also the time to get to know people and the local area. You get a few nights off which allow you to go exploring. At AmeriCamp we had a bus which took us all into the local town. International staff got priority because technically our job is meant to be part of a cultural exchange.
The people here are so lovely, there are a few in the team that I haven’t had a chance to get to know. We are a team of 75 which is relitIey small but we are quite close knit.
My advice for training is to throw yourself in when it comes to meeting people. You may also be offered training in something completely random. I now have a food handlers card and know how to belay on a rock wall and some people were trained in archery or on the high ropes. Just take any opportunities they give you.
So now the kids are coming and I’m a little nervous about it but mostly excited. I feel fairly prepared but also as though I still have a lot to learn. I guess it’s a bit like passing you’re driving test, You don’t really know how to drive until you actually get out there and do it yourself.
-Kate Marron
