MODULE 2
Staff Expectations – The Super B's
⏱ 15 min
MODULE TWO · STAFF EXPECTATIONS
The Hero Camp B's
Great camp experiences don't happen by accident. They happen because of intentional, present, engaged staff. These are the commitments we ask of every Hero Camp team member.
RESEARCH: THE COUNSELOR AS MODEL
"Children are more likely to imitate what they observe than to follow what they are told."
— Albert Bandura, Social Learning Theory
Bandura's foundational social learning research confirms what every great counselor instinctively knows: kids are watching you constantly. Modeling is one of the most powerful teaching tools in any environment. When you live the HeroValues — genuinely, not performatively — campers absorb them. When you don't, they notice that too.
The Super B's: Your Commitment to Camp
B1
Be Present
You are the most important ingredient in a great camp experience. No phones during programming. When you're at camp, be at camp — fully.
B2
Be Engaged
Children show respect when they see you care about the work. Your energy sets the temperature of the room. Bring the energy you want to see.
B3
Be Observant
Watch what campers are doing, where they are, and whether they're thriving. Notice the quiet ones. Notice the ones on the edges. Every kid needs to be seen.
B4
Be Clear
Campers need clarity on expectations — every time. Use community agreements to support positive behavior. Clarity is kindness.
B5
Be Kind & Polite
Treat everyone in our community the way you want to be treated. Model the Kindness HeroValue — not just with campers, but with every colleague and parent you interact with.
B6
Be Respectful
Respect goes in every direction — to campers, co-counselors, families, and yourself. Dignity is non-negotiable in every interaction.
B7
Be Honest
We care about you and want to support you — but we need to know when you need help. If you're tired, struggling, or having a hard day, tell us. Honesty is a HeroValue too.
B8
Be the Change
Model the behavior and HeroValues you want to see. Campers do what they see — not what they're told. Be the superhero first, so they can follow.
RESEARCH: IDENTITY-SAFE CLASSROOMS
Psychologists Claude Steele and Geoffrey Cohen found that students — especially those from marginalized groups — perform significantly better and feel more belonging when they believe adults see them as individuals with potential, not as problems to be managed. They called this "identity safety." The Super B's are essentially a guide to creating identity-safe spaces: being present, observant, clear, and respectful signals to every camper that they are valued. This isn't soft — it's evidence-based practice.