In Episode 149, I’m talking with repeat podcast guest Stephen Gray Wallace about his new book, Impact: An Introduction to Counseling, Mentoring, and Youth Development. The book offers insightful commentary on the important role of mentors in the lives of children and teens. While it specifically addresses camp counselors, Impact is equally relevant for all key youth influencers, including parents, teachers, and coaches.
Ep. 27: Raising Teens who Thrive with Stephen Wallace
Ep. 92: Creating Strong Relationships with Teens
Stephen has broad experience as a school psychologist and adolescent/family counselor. He is president and director of the Center for Adolescent Research and Education (CARE), a former associate research professor at Susquehanna University, and the past national chairman and chief executive officer at SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions/Students Against Driving Drunk). Stephen also works with the American Camp Association (ACA) as a feature magazine writer, media spokesperson and faculty member at its e-Institute for Professional Development.
Review of IMPACT
Decades of experience and research are packed into Wallace’s guide for leaders at summer camp. Wallace communicates the responsibility and life-changing impact counselors can have and the many facets of their role, which go far beyond what most people think of when they hear the job “camp counselor.” Covering a multitude of topics that are critical for counselors to understand, with discussion questions at the end of each chapter, the book is user-friendly and can be quickly incorporated into staff training. Lists that offer key takeaways of each concept on topics including developmental stages, disciplinary dos and don’ts, leadership styles, and effective teaching techniques (to name just a few) are instrumental as both a reference and training tool for camp staff. IMPACT needs to be assigned reading for every camp counselor, as the guide clearly communicates the magnitude of the responsibility counselors have for the physical and emotional well-being of other people’s children, the critical importance of developing positive relationships with each of the campers they serve, and an understanding of what to expect and how to handle the different challenges they will face. Camp leaders wanting to be informed and have a positive impact (without having to read the scores of books and articles Stephen Wallace has read) need to read IMPACT and keep it as a resource to refer to when planning training and coaching staff.
– Audrey Monke, camp director, speaker, & author of Happy Campers: 9 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Kids Who Become Thriving Adults
Big Ideas
• Sharing appropriately with our kids can build our relationships with them and allow them to see us as humans, not as someone who “has it all figured out.”
• It’s important to allow the people we lead (kids or adults) to help create the “Why” or the mission statement behind what we’re doing.
• There are resources geared toward camp counselors that can be applicable to parents and anyone who works with kids.
Quotes
Audrey: These things that we teach our camp counselors are equally applicable for coaches, teachers, parents, really, anyone who works with kids.
Audrey: Our own challenge or resilience stories are really good to share with the kids we work with.
Audrey: As parents, we see our kids as they were, and not as they are, we remember them being very small. We also know their weaknesses so well that sometimes we can underestimate their abilities.
Stephen: We can remind our counselors and staff that we care about them as people by asking questions that aren’t just about their schedule for the day.
Stephen: I ask them, “Who are your favorite people? Who made you feel loved and taken care of? Who made you laugh? What made you cry? How did you feel about being away from home?” Because I always say our own experiences as children is probably our best guide and that goes for parents as well.
Stephen: Kids need mentors of all ages, but the close in age mentors are so powerful because kids really can relate to them and see themselves in them.
Resources/Links
Age Group Characteristics
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IMPACT: An Introduction to Counseling, Mentoring, and Youth Development by Stephen Wallace
CARE: Center for Adolescent Research and Education
Answering Why by Mark C. Perna
The Teenage Brain by Frances E. Jensen
Boys and Sex by Peggy Orenstein
One Simple Thing
Ep. 133: What’s Working (and What’s Not!) During COVID-19
My Favorite
Don’t face depression alone―advanced tools for teens.
You can feel better and The Depression Workbook for Teens is going to help you do it. Drawing on the most effective and up-to-date techniques―including cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness―this depression workbook is filled with helpful exercises designed specifically for teens that will help you conquer depression. Develop the skills you need to manage your emotional wellbeing and bring happiness back into your life.
Get information all about depression―its symptoms, causes, and risk factors―so you can identify the differences between normal stress and depression. There is a light at the end of the tunnel―The Depression Workbook for Teens will show you the way.
The Depression Workbook for Teens includes:
Just for teens―Tackle your depression head-on using a depression workbook filled with strategies written with your unique needs (and time constraints) in mind.
Useful tools―With quizzes, journaling prompts, conversation starters, and more, you’ll discover simple skill-building exercises to improve your mood and build your self-esteem.
Practical problem solving―Find ways to work through the challenges you’re facing―including fighting with your parents, getting up in the morning, struggling with homework, and more.
The Depression Workbook for Teens gives you the helping hand you need to get through this difficult time.
Related Posts & Episodes
Ep. 27: Raising Teens who Thrive with Stephen Wallace
Ep. 92: Creating Strong Relationships with Teens
Ep. 81: The Power of One with Travis Allison
Ep. 87: The Impact of Camp Experiences with Laurie Browne, Ph.D.
Ep. 123: Connection Comes First
Ep. 89: The Power of Connection to Build Good Men with Michael Reichert, Ph.D.
Ep. 121: The Power of Showing Up with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
Ep. 68: 12 Parenting Tips for Happier, More Connected Families
