A Guide for the Summer Camp Theater Teacher

Abstract

The summer camp theater teacher is the individual who supplies theater curriculum at a camp. Because of the diverse range of types of camps, the nature of the summer camp theater teachers and their roles may vary greatly from camp to camp. For instance, a summer camp theater teacher may have a teaching space and a group of campers to work with in a resident camp. The theater teacher may be called upon to write a musical, throw together costumes and make a set in the process. The teacher may come in twice a week or daily to work with any campers that choose the activity to work on conflict resolution skills through theater. Regardless of the outcomes and circumstances which may vary from camp to camp, the theater teacher is an important part of the camp experience to any camper who has contact with theater that summer. I have compiled this guide for the summer camp theater teacher for several reasons. At the most basic level, this is the final step in completing my Senior Individualized Project (SIP) at Kalamazoo College. However, it is also an opportunity for me to share my experience with other camp theater teachers and potential camp and non-camp theater teachers. Motivated by the frustrations of fumbling through the first summer at a new camp, I seek to communicate the ups and downs of my experience to others, trying to head off some of the negative aspects of my experience while hopefully providing others an opportunity for success without quite as many failures. This guide is intended as resource to those new to the position of summer camp theater teacher as well as the veterans of the position. This guide offers games, information, and anecdotes to aid a camp counselor in preparing for- and getting through -the summer.