Big Emotions, Burnout, and Better Support - with Dane Savoury - First Class Counselors #87
What Camp Staff Learned From the Challenges of Summer 2026
Join Dane and Matt as they reflect on the challenges, surprises, and lessons of summer 2026. From the unexpected success of screen free camp experiences to the growing mental health needs of campers and staff, this conversation explores what counselors and camp directors can learn from the season to make summer 2027 even better. They discuss how to help anxious campers adjust at their own pace, respond to difficult behavior without escalating situations, support staff through emotional challenges, and rethink how breaks are managed. The episode is an honest reminder that camp is both one of the most rewarding and demanding jobs, and that getting better starts with reflection, intentional support, and a willingness to change.
Key Takeaways:
Screen Free Camp Can Be a Positive Experience for Everyone. Dane found that campers adapted well to a policy asking families not to send devices. When most campers understand that phones are not part of the camp experience, going without one can feel normal rather than isolating. A shared screen free environment can help campers connect with each other and fully participate in camp life.
Staff Training Must Include Emotional Regulation and Support. Returning staff bring valuable experience, but familiarity with camp does not make every challenge easy. Counselors need practical strategies for recognizing when they are overwhelmed, taking appropriate breaks, asking for help, and responding to campers in a way that maintains emotional steadiness. Experiencing a difficult moment does not make someone a bad counselor. What matters is learning from it and building better ways to respond.
Camp Directors Should Connect Staff With the Right Mental Health Resources. Counselors and directors can provide care, listen, and offer immediate support, but they are not necessarily equipped to address every mental health concern. Camps should establish clear pathways to appropriate professional resources and encourage staff to seek help when needed. Directors should also avoid becoming the only person staff rely on, building a broader support system that can function even when leadership is unavailable.
Behavior Tip
(Final name to be determined)
Dane: Big emotions require gentle responses
Matt: The Simplicity Parenting Podcast
Host Links:
Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
Dane Savoury, Director of Operations, Camp Amy Molson. Contact Email.
Sponsors:
AMSkier
AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more at https://amskier.com/.
Ultracamp
Camp is about changing lives, not chasing paperwork. Ultracamp builds tools that make camp smoother for today's camp counselor and tomorrow's camp leader. Learn more at https://ultracampmanagement.com/firstclass.