How to Handle Tough Camper Questions
How to Handle Tough Camper Questions
Campers bring their full selves to camp—including their questions, fears, and real-life worries. This interactive 45-minute training session prepares your staff to respond to tough topics like death, divorce, identity, grief, and more with empathy and confidence.
🎯 What This Training Covers:
Reframing staff roles: From “fixer” to “safe, trusted adult”
The 3 A’s Model: Acknowledge, Assess, Assist
Supportive language and boundary-setting
Real-life scenario practice
Knowing when and how to ask for help
🛠️ Included Resources:
“Tough Camper Questions” Scenario Prompts
“Supportive Phrases” Handout for staff to keep
Optional printable: Pocket Cards or Posters for ongoing reminders
💬 Sample Supportive Phrases:
“That’s a really big feeling—thank you for telling me.”
“I don’t have all the answers, but I’m here with you.”
“Let’s find someone who can help even more.”
❤️ Why It Matters: Kids don’t need perfect adults—they need patient ones. Staff who respond with care (not correction) create environments where campers feel seen, heard, and safe to grow.
🔒 Licensed for single-organization use
Disclaimer: All Youth Development Pro training resources are intended for educational use by youth development professionals, educators, and program leaders. These guides are designed to support staff in navigating activities, behaviors, and sensitive conversations with young people in camps, afterschool programs, schools, and similar group settings.
While these materials include strategies for building social-emotional skills and team engagement, they are not a substitute for legal advice, mental health diagnosis, or therapeutic intervention. Facilitators should always follow their organization's policies, consult with supervisors as needed, and escalate any concerns requiring immediate attention to the appropriate authority.
Adult supervision is required for all activities involving children. Adapt all content based on the age, needs, and safety of your participants. Youth Development Pro and its affiliates are not responsible for how materials are interpreted or implemented in individual settings.
Always prioritize the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of both participants and staff.