If X, Then Y: Teaching Critical Thinking Skills

Camping Magazine, Jan, 2000 by Gwynn M. Powell

Invite a parent panel to camp

Being able to understand the reasoning behind parents' choice to send their children to camp will assist the staff in understanding the true "bottom line" of safety. Hearing it from parents has greater impact than hearing it from camp administrators and gives the staff another context from which to think about the decisions they will be making. Parents are happy to participate, and staff have an opportunity to ask questions. Two tips in getting started: ask staff members to write down one question the day before the panel and then consolidate question topics to present to the panel and make sure at least one of the panelists is comfortable talking about the main priority of picking up one's child alive and in good condition, both physically and emotionally.

Model decision-making

As changes arise during the orientation period, be overt in discussing how you, as an administrator, make decisions. Let staff members hear you verbalize, "If we do this, then the outcomes might be. ..." Ask returning staff to lead a discussion on problems that came up last summer and how they could be handled differently. A thirty-minute brainstorming session using a variety of techniques (nominal group, free-writing, piggy-backing) will yield numerous alternatives and allow opportunities to examine the thinking process. One tip: intentionally separate the idea session into two distinct phases, brainstorming followed by a critique of alternatives.

Review your staff manual

Look at your staff manual and critically consider the information contained within it. Consider separating it into phases, for example, philosophy and program (which could be mailed ahead while staff are thirsty for information) and policy and procedure (refer to it daily during orientation so they get in the habit of referring to it routinely).

Use training videos

Both Camp White Cloud Goes to Court and Cypress Cove offer a different perspective and a dose of reality for the role of "in loco parentis" and each staff member's role in the overall risk-management plan. By discussing the case in light of your own policies, you can help staff feel more comfortable with your emergency plans and support and also feel more accountable in helping as part of the risk-management team. White Cloud helps all staff members gain a new perspective, and Cypress Cove is especially designed for supervisory staff.

Opportunities for critical thinking abound in the summer camp environment. Critical thinking may well be the primary skill that staff will have the opportunity to learn. Very few other summer jobs expect and offer the level of responsibility and decision-making as those at camp. By being intentional about discussing, planning, and implementing training that openly discusses and encourages the use of critical-thinking skills, you have an opportunity to empower staff with unique skills. These skills will not only help them do their jobs better but will help them with life decisions and future jobs.