Staff Training Schedule
Wellspring’s staff training offers new and returning staff a fun and educational experience. It is our goal to prepare you with the tools and skills you will require in order to provide a safe and quality experience for our campers. Below is an example of a typical Wellspring staff training.
Day 1: Focus on staff community/staff norms and expectations
This day is spent developing teamwork, trust, and expectations for the entire community. We believe in spending quality time getting to know one another and problem solving through team initiatives. Creating group expectations together aid a smooth working environment for the summer. If we as staff are having fun, our campers will be having fun!
Day 2: Focus on risk management and policies
At all Wellspring programs, it is crucial to spend adequate time reviewing risk avoidance and risk management policies and covering emergency action. This day is spent discussing risk avoidance and risk management, reviewing all our policies and procedures, and addressing issues that staff may be faced with when working with youth at Wellspring.
Day 3: Focus on driving
At all our programs, driving is the activity with the highest risk. This day is spent reviewing the details of the vehicles we will utilize over the summer, transportation policies and procedures, plus a comprehensive driving practicum.
Day 4: Focus on introduction of clinical program
The clinical program is pivotal to Wellspring’s success. Our clinical team spends this day training the staff on the clinical program. This day clarifies what our clinical program entails and helps prepare our counselors to handle situations that may arise in working with our campers.
Day 5: Focus on activities – Demo Day!
This day takes staff through a typical day of activities from morning walk to evening activity. It is an opportunity to experience many of the activities the campers will participate in over the summer as well as give specialty instructors a change to practice teaching. We also cover pertinent information regarding the delivery and supervision expectations of staff. For our adventure programs this will include a chance to visit the outdoor areas that will be utilized in the program and to understand the expectations the of outdoor trip program.
Day 6: Focus on campers
This day is spent reviewing who each of our campers are and addressing special needs. Counselors move into their bunks and make them a welcoming place for campers.
Day 7: Day off
This is a great opportunity to explore the wonderful areas where our programs operate.
Day 8: Prepare for camper arrivals!
Staff return from a day off, add finishing touches to our accommodations, and prepare for families to arrive the following day.
First Aid and CPR
Depending on the program, camp counselors may partake in a one day Red Cross CPR training, or a five day Advanced Wilderness First Aid training (at our Adventure Camps). This independent training provides certification to our staff and prepares them for potential emergency situations.
