Thank you for taking part in the QML Leadership Master Class Course! This curriculum was originally created to train our leadership participants in 2021 in an online format. We hope you enjoy this special QML program and we’re excited to talk about these concepts during Training Week!
We’ll be approaching this course through the lens of the Tuckman’s Stages of Group Development: Form, Storm, Norm, Perform. But let’s start off with those crucial moments when we first meet each other…. First Impressions.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
What is the difference between: conveying and communicating?
What is the difference between: vibe and tone?
How can we be in control without being controlling?
Make a list of good questions to ask when walking a camper and their guardians to the cabin for the first time.
How do you prepare for a moment that requires professionalism? When do you start preparing?
Please watch this video about body language:
Ted Talk: Amy Cuddy - Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are
https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_may_shape_who_you_are?language=en
STAFF FORMING
“Co” co-, prefix, comes from Latin, where it has the meaning “…jointly, together.” (https://www.wordreference.com/definition/CO). We use the term “Co” in reference to your Co-Counsellors, and it implies that you are working together as one.
How can you demonstrate that you’re a good Co?
What would you expect out of a Co?
What factors affect Group Dynamics?
Please watch this video by Tyler Waye about Teamwork:
CAMPER GROUP FORMING
*PLEASE NOTE: The concept of ‘id’, ‘ego’ and ‘super ego’ (psychoanalytics) is the only Freudian theory I reference, and I cannot co-sign his other theories. However, the term ‘ego’ is used widely enough that it’s valuable to consider the other two elements of the theory. These categories allow us to discuss personality dynamics in a clinical, non-gossipy, kind of way.
Id: Basic ‘Primal’ Instincts/Reactions
Ego: Sense of Self
Super Ego: Learned Behaviour/Societal Norms (Eg. Manners)
Take the lead and guide the camper experience from the GET-GO!
Be prepared for any type of game you may need to lead. Create several lists of different types of games in your notebook: Name Games, Low Energy Games (circle, sitting, etc.), High Energy Games (Tag, etc.), Big Group Games (Stones, etc.), Travel Games (scream race, stop light, etc.), Cooperative Games (human knot, etc.), Team Building Activities (concentric circles, etc.), Brain Teasers (“This is a”, “Never Can Tells”, etc.), or anything else you can think of!
Please watch this video by Robin Booth about setting boundaries:
How to set quick boundaries without upsetting your children.
STAFF STORMING
Staff Storming occurs when counsellors aren’t communicating properly, when they are distracted from their responsibilities, and when they feel like they are being treated unfairly.
This week’s topic is a little more serious, so please come prepared for our next Zoom session with some reflections on when you have experienced conflict with a team or coworker. How was it resolved? What was important in that moment?
Before we take on the Counsellor role, it is important to know what is expected out of us. Take a good look at the eval forms to see what qualities we are looking for.
Please watch this video of Dorothy Walker explaining: 3 Ways to Resolve a Conflict
CAMPER STORMING
Camper conflict is inevitable! We need to understand who our campers are as individuals, as a group, and become pro-active to help guide their energy. It’s not always about what they want… it’s about what they need. Do they need more structure? Do they need to get their energy out? Do they need to get more rest? Do they need more attention? Do they need to establish new boundaries along the way? Do we need to get their guardian involved?
The role of the Resource Director is to guide the counsellors toward the best solutions for those campers who are having a difficult time. Communicating with the Resource Director is essential to brainstorm ideas for success and help establish a line of communication with a campers’ guardian.
Please watch this video by Samantha Garcia about conflict resolution from a youth perspective:
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Please watch this video by Invisible People featuring Noah. *Please note, this video contains difficult and mature themes. This video is meant to highlight the ‘camper as a backpack’ metaphor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQt1T8xO1jw
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Please look at these handouts titled: Prickly Pickles. This is a framework to understand scenarios that may involve emergency services or 3rd party intervention.
STAFF NORMING
Discovering our new “normal” after a storm is essential to move forward. We are responsible for teaching, encouraging, and supporting each other, but eventually, we all need to click into gear and get in sync. When we’re working together and we get in the groove, we'll experience something together called: ‘FLOW STATE’.
Please watch this video called “You are contagious” by Vanessa Van Edwards
CAMPER NORMING
Camper Norming is the gateway to our final step ‘performing’. When the campers become comfortable with each other, they are more likely to let their guard down and be themselves.
For this week, please come prepared with a ‘recommendation’ that you would feel comfortable offering to a camper. It needs to be something wholesome, that you are genuinely interested in. When they go home from camp and research your recommendation, they should not be corrupted by the other material they find from this artist, activity, series, game, etc. We need to connect with our campers, so give them some insight into what you think is worthwhile!
STAFF PERFORM
The Staff Perform Stage is an important component of the Quin-Mo-Lac enthusiasm. It’s a readiness to lead, a willingness to be playful, an awareness of the moment and the ability to create something out of nothing. When we can perform together, we’re trusting and supporting each other. The camp is our canvas to create something unique and meaningful!
Please watch this video by Dave Morris: The Way of Improvisation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUO-pWJ0riQ&feature=youtu.be
CAMPER PERFORM
The ‘Camper Perform’ stage describes the optimal experience a camper can have. Are they connecting with each other? Are they learning about themselves?
Campers need to have trust in order to thrive. They need to care about each other and respect each other in order to get the most out of the camp experience!
Please watch this video by Simon Link about: Kids Need Recess
GRADUATION
The final note of wisdom comes from don Miguel Ruiz, who wrote “The 4 Agreements”. These are helpful reminders for camp, and our everyday lives.
We hope you’re feeling inspired and ready for the summer ahead!
*A very special thank you to QML Alumni, Paul and Mike Brogee for their contribution to our course…. A performance of ‘Paddle Away’. Make sure to check out their band, Long Range Hustle, and scroll down for a clip from another performance in the QML Dining Hall!