At camp, the relationship between a counselor and camper is unlike anything else. Different from the adults in their lives such as teachers, therapists or parents, camp counselors bring a unique blend of fun, energy and care that helps them connect with campers in a special way. At Keshet, this kindness and encouragement create a space where campers feel safe to try new things, have fun and simply be themselves. There is a magic in this connection that you won’t often see anywhere else—a magic that keeps our campers and counselors coming back summer after summer.
We may be biased when we say that Keshet has the best staff, but the impact they make on campers speaks for itself. All year long, Keshet’s full-time camp team seeks out the most empathetic people who are committed to making a difference and fostering meaningful experiences for everyone. Our counselors are often high school or college-aged students who become so passionate about their work at Keshet that they pursue careers in special education, social work or related fields. Before camp begins, we train all staff in best practices for inclusive programming, behavior management and safety to ensure every counselor is prepared to meet the unique needs of our campers.
Even though summer is just getting started, our staff have already witnessed countless breakthroughs with campers. This progress is a direct result of the genuine relationships counselors build—relationships rooted in kindness, support and a deep understanding of each camper’s needs.
Building a Sense of Trust
Trust is the foundation for campers to feel safe and confident enough to try new things. At Camp Keshet North, a counselor connected with a first-time camper who usually relies on watching his favorite performer on YouTube to feel calm. Because he trusts the counselor, he is willing to try activities like the trampoline, balance beam and playing the tambourine—and discovered he actually enjoyed them.
Encouraging Participation Through Personal Connection
Once trust is established, counselors tap into what motivates each camper to encourage active participation. Creative, personalized strategies make camp engaging and fun. At Elaine Frank Apachi, for example, Keshet staff created a car-themed visual schedule for a camper with a strong interest in cars. This thoughtful tool helped spark excitement for daily activities and boosted the camper’s participation throughout the day.
Modeling Independence and Choice
Counselors at Camp Keshet South foster independence by offering campers meaningful choices throughout their day. From simple decisions like where to sit during an activity to bigger choices such as selecting between a messy sensory project or sand art, campers learn to advocate for themselves and build confidence. This supportive environment empowers campers to grow while having fun.
Being Their Biggest Advocate and Cheerleader
Sometimes encouraging participation isn’t about jumping right in. It’s about creating the right environment where campers feel safe to take risks at their own pace. At Apachi Old Town, a counselor has already developed a strong bond with a camper who struggled with bigger emotions when losing games or feeling embarrassed in groups. Through steady encouragement and support, the camper is learning that it’s okay to lose, making new friends and gaining the confidence to try new things even when it is hard.
Creating a Sense of Belonging
Friendships form quickly at Keshet because everyone belongs and can be themselves. At Keshet On-The-Go, two campers instantly gravitated toward each other on the first day and found joy in sharing activities together. Our counselors play a crucial role in making these connections happen by designing low-pressure inclusive activities that encourage natural and comfortable interactions.
These stories represent just a few of the incredible moments already happening this summer across Keshet camps. The bonds between counselors and campers are at the heart of everything we do, helping each child grow at their own pace and feel truly part of our community. As the summer continues, we look forward to more meaningful moments and connections forming one camper and one counselor at a time.
