Advice for camping out with 17 2nd graders?

Question

I'm a counselor and this year we get to stay overnight for the first time. We will go through an entire day of camp, pitch tents and sleep overnight and then stay for another full day of camp. I don't think I can do it! It's the first time many of these kids have been away from family camping overnight and it's the first time I've camped EVER!!! They expect many kids to get homesick and the counselors to stay up most of the night to comfort them but I am one of those people who just needs their sleep, especially if we're staying for a full day of camp the next day. Also, I smoke cigarettes, about 15 a day. I won't be able to have one from 8am the first morning until 5pm on the second day!!! How can I handle this?!?! ANY ADVICE?!?!

Answer 1

Normally,  there is more then one counselor for the children,  and normally the rule is to not smoke infront of the children.  

You can go out afer lights out and smoke, or before the kids get up.   So long as the kids have supervision. you can walk away from the group.

And to help you keep kids from getting home sick, you can try a few tricks like.  letting the kids stay up until they fall asleep on their own,   read to them,  do a storygo round,  This is where one person starts the story and every one takes a turn adding something to the story make sure it isn't scary though.

Do the name chain  Go around the room,  each person states name, and a positive word that begins with the same letter of their name the next one repeats what the first person said and adds theirs and so one until you get to the end.

You can handle this the kids are kept pretty busy at camp so they will  be worn out anyhow.  if one does get upset, just sit with them and talk quietly to them reminding them that thier parents will be picking them up soon.  

Most kids that are like 8 or 9 years old, are fine with a overnight away from their parents.  You might just have one or two kids that have a hard time.  lots of coffee.

Answer 2

Wow this sucks, well (personally I think 15 a day is bad) what you do is go to the outhouse or bathroom (if theres at least one near by and your in a camping spot) if not go out to the woods alone and smoke there and deep enough so kids won't follow... but I don't know about watching a lot of brats...

Answer 3

Sorry, no advice, but I am wishing you a lot of luck and have fun! :)

Answer 4

May God be with you.

Answer 5

take lotsa help.

Answer 6

eek, you might need some nicorette gum to make it through with out having a nic fit.

Answer 7

good reason to quite smoking, best of luck

Answer 8

ear plugs, NyQuil all around.  LOL, just kidding, but I can see why you would be nervous.  Take nice deep breaths and tell yourself " I think I can, I think I can".

Good Luck