Subject 3

1. v
The story I would like to tell you about is my experience as junior counsellor in a summer camp in Robin Hood
Camp in Maine, near Boston.
« Reflect on a personal accomplishment which has helped you to develop your
understanding of yourself and the world around you. »
WHO AM I?

2. First, let me introduce
you to my duties
Two years ago, I worked as a counsellor for one month in an
international summer camp. I had previously been to this
camp as a camper for 4 years running. I was in charge of a
cabin of 12 girls aged 10 to 12 whom I had to take care of.
• During the day, I also volunteered
to teach fitness and waterski to
younger campers
• My first role was to make daily
life pleasant for the campers
while ensuring camp rules and
values were respected. My daily
duties included :
- Schedule, organisation of the cabin,
roles and cleanliness
- Security and rules
- Entertainment and fun
- Well-being, to ensure that all campers
felt at home and that there were no
problems

3. Challenges I had to handle
• I was the youngest counsellor in camp, and I was nervous at first that it would
be difficult for me to prove my legitimacy as I was only one year older more
than some of the campers I was responsible for.
• Being in charge of the security of campers, I had to be constantly vigilant and
had to be aware and mobilized at anytime of the day. It was really a full-time
job and this is why we also followed a lifeguard training. It was key for me to
develop authority to make the rules well-respected.
• As I was in training, each week I was evaluated on my practice as a counsellor
: on my understanding of each child individually, my knowledge of the rules
and the way I took care of my group.

4. From being a camper
to a counsellor
After 4 years as a camper, it was now my turn to be in charge of a group and provide the children with a
memorable experience, as memorable as mine had been. It was a great occasion of giving back what I had
received. IT was also a complete change of posture.
- I really enjoyed teaching fitness and waterski, and took my assignment
to heart. It was very rewarding to see children progress or accomplish
their goals, and to have played a role in their success.
- The challenge was all the more exciting as I had learned waterski at
camp myself. For me, it was not a question : I had to give as much as the
camp brought me and I gave it 100% of my energy. I was not the one
being looked after anymore, but the one taking care of others.
- With this experience, I have the feeling I have accomplished something
new and grown tremendously. It was extremely rewarding.

5. What this experience
taught me about myself
• I mobilized all my capacities and achieved things that I never thought I
could do.
•Taking care not only of myself but also being responsible of a group was
new for me. I was a bit nervous at first but I immediately appreciated the
challenge. Fostering the well-being of my group was a strong motivation and
naturally came first. I spontanously thought of myselfafter my group.
• I realized I could be obeyed quite easily. But what I enjoyed most was
creating proximity with the group, as the days passed. It took some
perseverance at first but I quickly saw the benefits of my investment . And
my job became a pleasure as I gained experience, and legitimacy.
• In my view, the qualities that were mostly expected to succeed were at the
same time open-mindedness and respect. I realized that listening abilities
were most precious to lead the group efficiently and be seen as naturally
legitimate. Using group dynamics, such as stimulation, energy and creativity
was the best way for me to get what I expected from my team.
• I realized I could also manage under stress, stay calm and reassure others.
One night in particular I overcame my own fear as we were sleeping on our
own in the forest and was proud to have handled this situation with serenity.
• Overall, it was a eye-opening experience and I found I enjoyed having
responsibilities and being a « manager », and as my experience grew I I was
capable of improvising.

6. What skills did it help me develop ?
Impartiality
Even if I was more
attracted by some
children, I felt it was
extremely important not
to let any of my
preferences show
Equality vs
Equity:
Some children
needed more
attention than
others and they
did not all need
the same kind
of attention. I
understood the
nuance
between
impartiality and
justice.
Communication
The importance of
giving clear
indications,
establishing and
communicating rules,
identifying, issuing
and explaining roles,
Benevolent authority
The idea was to find the right
balance between authority and
friendliness, which was not
always easy as I was not much
older than some girls.
Adaptability and
flexibility
To children’s atmosphere
and to their lifestyle. I had
to take time for me when
they were asleep and I
was sure they will not need
me anymore.
Patience:
Take the necessary time to try to
get things done, but with firmness.
Calm and organisation
Not to be overwhelmed
Delegation
To help them to develop their self.
Listening
Put myself on their level, listen to them, understand them
better, reassure them and anticipate their reactions.

7. My first management
experience…
During my summer class in Oxford this
year, I discovered the different types of
management styles. This made me
understand that you are brought to use
management skills in many situations. I
realized that my Robin Hood
experience was in fact a full-time
management experience.
And I became aware of the wealth of qualities and skills a manager
needs to master! I can list only some of them here :
FUN
TRUST
EXCHANGE
HANDS ON
ELOQUENCECHALLENGE
VISION
INNOVATION
LEADERSHIP MINDSET
DETERMINATION
DYNAMISM
LISTENING

8. Reflecting on management skills :
What makes a good manager ?
Leadership
Coach
Vision
Care
Control
A manager has to be clear about what he expects, what he wants the team to achieve. It is necessary that to guide his team,
he sets specific objectifs and CONTROLS their progress regularly. A manager is also supposed to manage time schedules
and budget and can choose to reward or give negative feedback.
LEADERSHIP comes from charisma, communication and social skills, the ability to give a sense of purpose and
motivation and to motivate others, innovation and vision. It is also important for a manager to know how to take a step back
to analyse the situation and identify how and what you can improve.
.
In my view, a good manager has to have VISION : the ability to identify and communicate a clear vision of the future of
the company and of its goals is key for members of the team to understand what is expected of them.
It is also important that a manager tries to understand the people who are working with him and CARES for them : by
feeling respected and supported by their superior, team-members will be more motivated and their work will be more
thorough. As a result, they will be willing to bring a stronger contribution. To be the model can also be a strong asset.

9. What I can conclude from this experience
• If you want to accomplish something with a team, you need to make them understand that they are
essentiel for this success.
• The way you speak and you act with your team is the key.
• Even if at the beginning it was not always easy, facing the problem helps to resolve it. This was the most
exciting part. When you are able to deal with your issue, you make the world around you more positive
and pleasant to live in.
• Sharing with people from all around the world helps to improve. People from different cultures and ages
are a real strength, because each person brings something different. They enable you to take a step
back on situations and on the way you act.
• I couldn’t have imagined that I would create such links with the people I worked for and with, I
discovered the power of working together. I really leave the camp with the feeling that this experience
helped me to become an adult.

10. Why IE will help me in achieve my goals?
Even if today I do
not know in which
kind of environment
I will start my career,
I just know that
thanks to IE I will
have the expected
skills and
competences.