CUYAMACA
OUTDOOR SCHOOL
Dear Junior Counselor,
WELCOME! Congratulations on being chosen as a junior counselor at Cuyamaca Outdoor
School. We greatly appreciate your help in making this week of environmental education
possible for the sixth grade school students. As a junior counselor, you will play a key role
in ensuring a successful week at the outdoor school. Junior Counselors have the most
contact with the students of any leader at the outdoor school. You will be one of the
strongest influences on them during their week of environmental education and they will
remember you for the rest of their lives! You have an awesome responsibility and we will do
everything we can to support your development as a successful leader.
This handbook is the beginning of our support for you and your role as a leader at the
outdoor school--please read it! In the first section I will give you a brief overview of the
outdoor school and answer common questions about the program, schedules, our
environment, and our facilities. The middle section is all about YOU, your roles and
responsibilities as Junior Counselor, tips for success, and the short answers to questions
such
as:
“Do I ever get a break?” (Yes! see page 3 )
“How do I help get these kids to go to sleep when they’re so wound up?”
(Use our Junior-Counselor-tested tips and tricks! see page 6).
The last section covers getting ready for your week with us including a checklist of things to
do before your departure, a packing list, and a special note about your health care,
medications, and safety. Your forms, including your Junior Counselor Contract,
Permission, and Health forms, are attached at the end.
ABOUT THE CUYAMACA OUTDOOR SCHOOL
Who are we? The Cuyamaca Outdoor School is a part of the San Diego County Office
of Education and is certified by the California Outdoor School Administrator’s
Association as meeting all curriculum, staff, and facility standards for a Residential
Outdoor Science School. We have been in continuous operation since 1946 and share
our outdoor classroom with over five thousand elementary students per year.
What are we doing here? It’s simple; we are here to make certain that each week at
Cuyamaca Outdoor School every student is a success. We provide the following four
educational programs:
1.
Elementary students gain hands-on understanding and appreciation of nature
while developing positive life skills;
2.
Middle school students participate in an education and leadership mentoring
program;
3.
Classroom teachers receive training and practical experience in outdoor
education;
4.
Outdoor School staff continue their individual professional development.
What is a typical program like? Programs are four or five days long. Each program
begins with arrival and an orientation just before lunch. The midweek includes assisting
classes, supervising and training throughout the week, and conclude with closure
activities, evaluations, a last round of campfire songs, and departure just before noon
with a last snack before the trip home. The program days are filled with outdoor classes
and activities from 7:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m. A typical daily schedule follows:
7:00 a.m.
7:30 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
8:45 a.m.
9:15 a.m.
12:15 p.m.
1:15 p.m.
4:15 p.m.
5:15 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:45 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
9:15 p.m.
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Students in cabin getting ready for the day
Breakfast
Students meet with Classroom Teachers
Students get ready for hikes in the cabin
Morning Nature Study Class
Lunch followed by quick clean-up
Afternoon Nature Study Class
Showers
Dinner
Students have cabin time
Evening Program
Evening Activities, Junior Counselor meet with Cuyamaca mentors
Prepare for bed, 9:30 p.m. lights out, 9:45 p.m. all quiet,
Camp Teachers on duty
Where are we & what is it like here? We are in the Cuyamaca State Park. The area
was once home to the Kumeyaay people who have left evidence behind. There are
some stands of pine, cedar, oak and lots of meadows. In the meadows we can see
deer, squirrels and other small animals. In fall and late spring the daytime temperatures
are in the 60’s to 70’s, nighttime lows are in the 40’s. We sometimes get snow from
November through February with daytime highs in the 40’s and overnight lows in the
20’s. The weather can surprise us so be prepared.
How are the facilities? We have big cabins with small living spaces within called
dens. Our cabins have all the basics- heat, light, bunk beds, doors, and windows. Each
cabin has showers and restrooms in the center (you don’t have to go outside!), and a
center open bedroom where the night cabin leaders stay. Yes- there are curtains on the
showers. Yes- there are doors on the stalls, and Yes- the toilets flush  . The kitchen,
(yes-the food is good, and you can have seconds and thirds), offices and dining hall are
in the center of the school. The Health Center is in the middle of the whole site so
everyone can get there easily.
ABOUT BEING A JUNIOR COUNSELOR
“Best experience of my life!” “Exhausting!” “Be strict from the start- I tried to be too nice.”
Junior counselors have a lot to say at the end of the week- but the good ones never say
it was easy or boring!
A good way to visualize the experience is to think of yourself in a week-long play:




You are in at least four different roles (sometimes all at the same time)
You are “on-stage” almost 24 hours a day
There are about 125 other actors (students, cabin leaders, teachers, permanent
staff)
AND- No one knows their lines because there is no script! Everyone has to just
play out their roles doing the best that they can! Oh - and it’s not a play, it’s real.
Your duties as a junior counselor begin when you step onto the school grounds
to board the bus for the Outdoor School. These duties end when you say goodbye to students and teachers.
TIME OFF - Except for the first and last day, you will have approximately two
hours off each day during a morning or an afternoon class period. During this
time you may shower (note posted times when showers are closed for sanitizing)
nap, hike (with another group), or do homework.
As a Junior Counselor you are a part of our staff for the week. Our Junior
Counselor Coordinator and other staff will give you tips and training throughout the
week as well as providing you with feedback after class, daily summaries and
mentoring, and an end-of-program evaluation. We are committed to your success and
the development of your leadership skills. If you’re having problems at any time please
talk to us about it.
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What are my “roles”?
1)
First and foremost your primary role is as a committed team player on our
outdoor school education team. Whatever choices you make must support the
team goals and strategies. The team leadership includes the outdoor school
principal, head teachers, camp teachers, night cabin leaders and other staff. Our
Junior Counselor Coordinator (your personal mentor or “coach” if you prefer) for
the week, and is the primary trainer for the junior counselors. We will have junior
counselor “team meetings” on the day you arrive and one each morning and
evening throughout the program to make sure communication is happening and
we are all on the same page.
2)
Another obvious role is as the big sister or big brother to your cabin den. You
ARE the role model in your cabin den! This means that you have to do all kinds
of crazy grown up things like:
Help students say “I’m sorry” to another child when they need to
Remind them of things over and over again
Help them change toward more successful behavior
3)
And, most importantly, create a safe and secure “Home” in your cabin for every
child. The tips in this handbook (pg.5) will help you get started, our meetings will
carry you forward. Your other roles during the week will include (but will certainly
NOT be limited to) being the Teacher’s Aide with naturalists or camp teachers on
classes each day and being Coach and/or Referee for students during recess
each day.
What are the major responsibilities? Of course, overall you are responsible for
being a good role model for the students, a positive helper to the classroom teachers,
camp teachers, night cabin leaders and other junior counselors (see the tips section and
specifics below for how to get started, there will be LOTS more to come in our training
sessions), and an active and enthusiastic member of our team. It’s easiest to think of
the specific responsibilities in terms of the flow of the program. Here’s an overviewagain; there will be more details once you get here 1.
It may seem silly to bring it up, but your first responsibility is to read (and
to really think about) this handbook, then make certain you follow the checklist of
things to do before your program departure....otherwise you won’t be able to be here!
2.
Before boarding the bus: Check-in with the classroom teachers or the
administrator, give them your paperwork, and ask for direction on how you can help with
organizing luggage and students.
3.
During bus travel: Set a positive tone with the students. Make sure the
junior counselors are located throughout the bus, rather than sitting all together. By
doing this you can better help the classroom teachers with supervision and ensure
establishing a positive rapport with the students.
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4.
On arrival: Supervise students’ use of restroom (yes, you can “go” also),
unload luggage, meet the outdoor school head teacher and principal, begin training,
share ideas and goals and begin building our team for the week.
5.
In staff meetings: Listen actively, contribute ideas appropriately, help us
stay on task and be positive!
6.
At meals: Be in charge of your table! Help students find their place, take
role, maintain and model table manners, assign responsibilities to students, and direct
clean up activities at your table.
7.
In the cabin: Again, be a good role model (see “tips” on p.6), and know
that we will provide more help with this when you get here. This includes assuring
student safety and appropriateness, getting them all involved in positive activities at all
times and referring them out for help with behavior issues. Make certain that all school
rules are followed at all times.
8.
In class and during Evening Program activities: Assist the instructor;
contribute to an appropriately enthusiastic tone. You are responsible for assisting with
one class and with evening program each full day, the other class period will be your
break time (two hours). Ask questions when something isn’t clear to you. Help the
students avoid distracting behavior. If we’re doing an all-day class we’ll try to make it
up to you by cutting our evening meeting short.
9.
During recess: You’re in charge of helping the students find fun and
engaging activities. If not needed to referee, join in, but be prepared to leave a game to
assist students needing help.
Showers
Supervise students’ health and safety - prevent running, pushing, and other behavior
that might result in injury. As students at this age are very sensitive about their personal
appearance, it is of importance that you act strongly to prevent teasing behavior or
name calling. Cameras are not permitted in the bathrooms, showers or cabins.
Bedtime
At bedtime you will escort your students back to their cabin. Please note that all
students and staff need to wear pajamas or sweats to bed in case an emergency
demands they quickly leave their cabin.
The Night Cabin Leaders will direct activities, tell stories and run bedtime. You can help
by being a good role model in your den, letting the students see that it’s quiet time when
lights are out.
Your most important responsibility is to assist with the supervision necessary to
maintain the health, safety, and well being of the students. Ensure that student
guidelines are followed by you as well as by the students.
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SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS
When Talking with the Students
1.
Be specific in your directions and requests.
For example: State "The all-quiet bell rang, and I want you to stop talking
now, " rather than "Behave yourself."
2.
Be matter-of-fact rather than ask permission.
For example: State "Please be ready for showers in five minutes" rather
than "Get ready for showers, O.K.?"
3.
Refrain from name calling.
For example: state "You need to stop running NOW and walk" rather than
"Chill, brats!"
4.
Refrain from asking questions that cannot be answered.
For example: State "You were asked to stop teasing George. You did not.
Now you must go to the office" rather than "Why can't you stop being such
a pain?"
MANAGING STUDENT BEHAVIOR
Suggestions for working with your cabin group:
1.
Learn the names of the students in your cabin group: do your best to do
so by dinner the first day.
2.
Find something positive about each student. Compliment in public,
criticize in private; offer praise in front of others, but take a student quietly
aside when you need to speak to him or her about a needed change in
behavior.
3.
When reprimanding or praising a student, describe the behavior rather
than the person. "Stop running! Please walk," rather than "You Idiot!
Can't you remember anything?" or "I appreciate how well you swept the
floor! Thank You." rather than saying "Hey, you're not so stupid after all!"
4.
Delegate responsibility. Divide a job into smaller tasks and allow students
their choice of duties.
CAMPFIRE AND LARGE-GROUP HIKES
Stay with your students during hikes and campfire programs. Junior counselors
should not stand or sit next to other junior counselors to improve control, safety and
good interaction with the students.
What are the Rules? As a California Outdoor School we all have to follow the same
rules that apply to any school. For starters, that means no alcohol/drugs/or tobacco of
any kind are permitted, no acts of violence or threats of violence, and no weapons or
potential weapons of any kind. Refrain from discussing topics inappropriate to a school
setting or to your role as a responsible leader of sixth grade students. You are still
under all the rules and policies of your middle school while you are here.
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PROHIBITED ACTIONS:
The following disciplinary measures are STRICTLY FORBIDDEN:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Administering corporal punishment (eg. spanking, shoving, shaking);
Assigning push ups or other exercises;
Requiring the student to do something embarrassing;
Using abusive, foul or humiliating language;
Threatening the student with consequences that will not be administered.
Examples: "I'll punch the next person I see doing that." "The next person
who talks will sleep outside." "I'll call your parents and have them take you
home".
The Cuyamaca staff, the head teacher, the classroom teacher, and the principal are all
available for assistance with discipline.
DISMISSAL FROM THE OUTDOOR SCHOOL
Of course any staff member, junior counselor or permanent staff, will be
suspended from duty and sent home for severely inappropriate behavior such as the
use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or failure to follow the directions of the permanent staff.
Additionally, a junior counselor will be sent home if the principal determines that their
continued presence will undermine the success of the program or other staff.
When a junior counselor is to be dismissed, the principal will meet with the junior
counselor to discuss the circumstances giving cause for the dismissal. The principal will
then notify the principal(s) of the school(s) attending that the junior counselor has been
dismissed. The school principal(s) will then notify the junior counselor’s parent(s) to
make arrangement for transportation home.
The outdoor school principal will send a written report of the events leading to the
dismissal to the junior counselor’s school and any other school(s) attending.
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS
Junior counselors will at all times enforce the rules and policies of the outdoor
school. Students who violate these rules are to be sent with a responsible escort to a
camp teacher for disciplinary action and counseling. If the situation warrants, send a
pair of students to bring a camp teacher to the scene. If you are uncertain as to what
course of action to take, consult with camp teacher or classroom teacher.
An infraction of the rules by a student will result in his/her name and the details of
the incident being entered in the referral book in the office. A “referral” means
disciplinary counseling and a commitment, made by the student, to change their
behavior.
1) First referral = results in a student’s first referral or written warning.
2) Second referral = conference with their school teacher and missing the
next recess activity.
3) Third referral = Phone call home and a plan is developed with the
student’s help to insure they can stay at outdoor school
4) Fourth referral = Student is suspended from Outdoor School.
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SUGGESTED CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT LIST
Cuyamaca Outdoor School is at 2,200 feet in elevation. You may want to check
the weather forecast before packing. Nights and early mornings are chilly, be prepared.
Old clothes are ideal. If in doubt, it is better to over pack rather than to under pack.
Leave the more brightly colored clothing home to avoid attracting bees and wasps. A
complete change for each day is recommended since you will be outdoors and active.
CLOTHING:
Pajamas
Jacket/Sweater
Underwear
Long pants
Socks
T-shirts (sleeves required)
Comfortable shoes
COLD WEATHER CLOTHING:
Mittens/Gloves
Warm hat
Waterproof boots
Long Underwear
Extra Socks (not cotton if possible)
Raincoat/Poncho/Large garbage bag
SUPPLIES:
Sleeping bag or
Sheets & Blankets
Pillow
Water bottle
Watch
Pencil/Pen
Camera/Film
Towel/Washcloth
Soap/Shampoo
Chap stick
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Hand lotion
Sunscreen
Sandals for shower
Notebook/Paper
Envelopes/stamps
ITEMS TO BE KEPT AT HOME
Money (less than $10 ok) Candy or other food
Guns
Knives
Comic Books
Radios
Tape players
Electronic Games
Boomboxes
**Gum
CD players
Curling Irons
Hatchet ·
Walkie-talkies
Cell phones
(no reception in mountains)
**With permission from the visiting teacher(s) and the bus driver, gum may be permissible
EN ROUTE ONLY to and from the Outdoor School to help equalize ear pressure.
For safety reasons shorts cannot be worn on classes or hikes; however you may bring a couple of
pairs for late afternoon, evening (cabin time)
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JUNIOR COUNSELOR CONTRACT
I hereby volunteer to participate as a junior counselor at Cuyamaca Outdoor School. I
understand that I will be participating in an education and leadership mentoring program and that I will
receive room and board for volunteering my services.
I also understand that I will be responsible for assisting in the supervision of students for most
of the 24-hour day; that I will be living with students. I will be accompanying students on classes and
during the evening activities.
I agree to abide by the general policies and procedures outlined in the Junior Counselor
Information booklet as well as by the specific training and direction I receive at the outdoor school
from the staff. I understand that a failure to abide by my middle school or outdoor school policies or a
failure to follow the guidance and direction of the staff will result in disciplinary consequences which
may include being sent home from outdoor school, and suspension or expulsion from school
I understand that the principal is available to me as a resource should I need assistance in
performing my duties.
I HAVE RECEIVED AND READ A COMPLETE COPY OF THE JUNIOR COUNSELOR
INFORMATION BOOKLET.
I give permission for my child to participate in the following field trip activity:
OUTDOOR SCIENCE SCHOOL TRIP TO CUYAMACA OUTDOOR SCHOOL. I understand that as
an outdoor education center my child will be hiking an average of 5 to 6 miles per day and will be
exposed to the inherent risks associated with natural and outdoor recreation settings.
I further understand that my child may be filmed or photographed during their trip for media
coverage or promotional purposes and give permission for such non-commercial use. I also
understand that the Cuyamaca Outdoor School and staff are not responsible for lost, damaged, or
stolen goods.
Nature of trip: OUTDOOR SCIENCE, NATURE STUDY, LIFE SKILLS, & RECREATION
Location of activity: Cuyamaca Outdoor School, nearby Field Locations, and Transit Routes
Dates of trip:
___________
Signature of junior counselor (In Ink)
_______________________ Date
Print name
_________
Parent Signature
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__________
_____
INSERT STUDENT HEALTH FORM HERE
And medical authorization sheet
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