Camper Ages and Stages

Knowing some developmental basics for the age group you are working with is an essential first step towards success. While each individual is different, there is a wealth of information online from reliable sources about development. If you're working in a childcare job, you're probably pressed for time. Here, I've put some information together to get to the essential in a pinch!

AmVil Kids : 8 – 12 Year Olds

Kids often like to emulate their counselors and follow their example to a “T”. They are often willing to act silly. They will probably be very participative in Congress, and tend to cling on to your characters!  This is often the first time away from home for many AmVil Kids. They will need a bit more attention during the first few days of camp. You will need to help them get adjusted and make friends. That is the best way to get them through a bout of homesickness. Younger campers will need more sleep, and more reminders about personal hygiene. They will probably need to be reminded where they should be at certain times. Give them the benefit of the doubt when explaining kitchen duty and cleaning chores, because maybe they don’t have chores at home yet!

At these ages we see: 

• Starting to make groups of friends
• Having First feelings of competitivity
• Appearance of Boys vs Girls
• Appearance of "cliques"
• Need to differentiate oneself from younger children
• Girls maturing faster than boys

Suggested Activities for Kids
1. Large-Scale group games
2. Recreational Athletic Games (example: team games)
3. Introduction to sports
4. Arts and crafts
5. Short hikes, nature discovery
6. Singing, dancing, skits
7. Storytelling, comic book creation or games

AmVil Teens 12 - 15 Year Olds

Teens will need the example set by positive, enthusiastic counselors. They do not want to be treated like little kids. As many are going through puberty and are creating a personal identity, they may lack the self-confidence to act silly all the time.  French teens, like all teens, need guidelines, all while having the freedom to choose certain aspects of their day. Ask for their input and give choice when that seems appropriate.

French teens are often surprised by our rigorous camp schedule and they may find it hard to adjust. Don’t take it as an insult to your work! Be sure to give them some space to adjust to this new way of life. Create an environment that helps to cater to their interests as much as possible, all while maintaining the program structure that has been set forth. 

Logic and rules are important for teens. In the case of behavioral issues, use a respectful, caring and logical approach. Use active listening skills.

At these ages we see:
• Physical changes (different for each person)
• Interest for elaborate creations / technique learning
• Definition of interests
• Need for initiative and responsibliity
• Need for high-energy activities
• Need to express self-identity (and have role models)
• Belonging to a group very important
• Appearance of romantic feelings
• Need for logic (RE: rules, limitations)

Suggested Activities

1. Large-Scale Games
2. Athletic Games and Athletic Workshops
3. Elaborated activities (introducing skill)
4. Elaborate arts and crafts (resulting in a finished product)
5. Singing, dancing, skits
6. Nature appreciation activities
7. Teambuilding activities 
8. Activities that allow for initiative, choice, or refusal : This can be through votes, sign ups, free choice, ideas boxes etc.

AmVil Highschoolers 14 - 17 Year Olds

Like the younger teens, these older teens are used to having freedom and choice. Remember that they may experience a huge sense of loss of freedom upon arriving to camp. Older teens will need the example set by positive, enthusiastic counselors who use their personal skills and interests to relate to the campers, and to propose relavent activities in English. Older highschool-aged campers are preparing their BAC exams and have oral English tests to pass. They want to make real progress. That said, they want recreational time and free time. 

They want to be seen as equals. They often want to engage in real conversation as much as possible with their counselors. Counselors must know when to draw the line: they are older but they are not adults. As employees of Nacel: you will not discuss sex, drugs, politics, suicide or alcohol with these older campers. You will not exchange personal information with the campers.

Rules with this age group must be consistent and fair. Personal freedoms should be permitted as much as possible (within the rules).  Logic and rules are important for these older teens. In the case of behavioral issues, use a respectful, caring and logical approach. Use active listening skills.

At these ages we see:
• Self-identity very important, choice
• Need for independance, autonomy
• Need for opposition, debate
• Need for discussion, reflection
• Tendancy to show "ambivalence" 
• Need for group and solitude (privacy)
• Romantic feelings and sexual awareness
• Testing limits (personal and imposed)
• Need for role models and responsibility
• Need for logic (RE: rules, limitations)

Suggested Activities

1. Specialised Activities > organized in Clubs at American village
2. Organisation of debates and discussions
3. Elaborated arts activities (theatre, art, music)
4. Athletics
5. Leadership activities
6. Collectively-organised activities
7. Nature appreciation activities
8. Teambuilding activities 
9. Activities that allow for initiative, choice, or refusal : This can be through votes, sign ups, free choice, ideas boxes etc.

While these are all just suggestions, I hope you will find this information useful in your session preparation!

Have fun!