The earliest mention of counselors in the camp committee minutes was in May of 1933. It read; “Relationship of leader and camper was discussed, working through a self-governing camp council. The idea of having one girl in each hut responsible for her hut was also discussed: the counselor to be nearby, but not in the hut. This developed leadership among the girls. Acquaint each counselor with the others skill and so relate to each other. Use of natural resources in camp, stressed cooperation with staff necessary to put ideas over.”
The camp committee minutes from 1936 stressed the need for a trained counselor for their overnight hikes, the selection of a riding instructor that would fit more readily into the camp activities and perhaps even a junior and senior camp. Sometimes finding the right counselor involved leadership training weekends or specific training for the activity. (Riflery, archery, horseback riding and nursing.)
It is unclear whether counselors in the beginning years actually lived away from the girl’s cabins, but most of the girls interviewed spoke of them present on a cot in each cabin.
The general duties in 1971, as put forth by the YWCA, included living with and having charge for their group, assisting the other counselors and operating within the realm of their specific duties according to the department they were hired to supervise or assist.
Camp training, health exams, and specific attendance at camp activities were mandatory, as was joining the YWCA as a member. The contracts also included the amount of time off during the day and week.
A credo in the seventies was included on the contract. “The center of Camp Maqua is our camper. She is the reason for our camp. All camp life revolves around her. Our duties are to know her, to help her learn to do things for herself, and to help her do things with others. It is for these purposes that we are selected to serve at Camp Maqua. Be a good example to campers at all times!”
The Michigan Camping Association report was in the files, without a date, but it listed the camp emphasis, philosophy and goals, according to director Barbara Haggart (1972-74). Her main emphasis was on fun, but “the philosophy of Camp Maqua is in harmony with that of the YWCA in general—to provide for emotional, social, educational, and spiritual growth in a natural setting.”
The document also reiterated that each staff member was to be aware of their responsibilities “in loco parentis” (in the place of a parent). Since many were teachers or in college to become educators–good judgement, empathy and mature decision-making skills were already taught, but many also had a strong background in camping from their early years.
Planning group activities and spending time with the campers as “participating big sisters” was more of the goal than supervising and the pre-camp training set up the framework to prepare the counselors and counselors in training for their outdoor classrooms.
In 1936, the minutes mentioned that the age limit of all counselors was not to exceed twenty-three and should be at least nineteen in 1960. Licensed nurses were preferred over LPN’s, but was not rigidly adhered to, as was the age of the counselors, but the standards were usually set by the American Camping Association. Counselors in training were usually sixteen and most came up through the ranks of the program.
What do you recall of your responsibilities during your counseling years? At what age did you begin?