Counselors Perspective on Contraband

We wanted to share a short letter from some of our counselors about what it’s like for them when campers have things that are against the rules of camp.

None of us as counselors wants to go through the belongings of the campers. It’s a task that none of us look forward to but unfortunately sometimes becomes a necessity when kids have things that are against the rules – food, crystal light, electronics or money. It betrays the trust we work so hard to create and can put a strain on the relationship between us and the campers. We work so hard to make sure the campers have fun and keep them safe, and we work really hard to form a respectful relationship with them. We want to treat them like adults so we can help them grow and mature into the fine young gentlemen that they have the potential to be. Quite often after having to confiscate contraband there is a period of time where tensions are high in the cabin as the campers feel their privacy has been invaded and the counselors feel like their trust has been misplaced or betrayed, which goes exactly against the philosophy we want to implement at North Star.

– North Star 2023 Senior Village Counselors

As parents, we hope that you will help our staff by supporting our policies. Every parent wants their kids to feel that their child’s counselors are on their team, but sending contraband or even turning a blind eye forces the counselors into an oppositional position. It may seem innocent, but food or candy, crystal light or other sugary drinks, phones or electronics, or even money in the cabins all serve to damage your son’s relationship with his counselors.

Thank you for working with us to set up every camper for success!