TCODS - Tillamook County Outdoor School

Evaluations of the High School Student Counselors' Camp Experiences Filled Out by the Parents of Counselors

2007

(Note that lines take the place of personal information.  The purpose is to share honest comments about the counselors' experiences, not breach any confidentiality.  All personal pronouns have been eliminated along with names.  Also, the order of who responded to each questions changes from question to question.)

3.  What do you think we should tell parents of high school students who sign up to be counselors or tell teachers of those students who wonder if the experience will be worth the time it takes away from important school classes and activities?

• It is an opportunity for social and emotional growth that might change their lives forever.  It gets these teenagers outside of themselves and their own experiences for one week.  It's a great experience!
• Be prepared to have your heart filled with joy, peace & love.  The atmosphere of ODS will forever live within you if you are open to receive it.
• I think it is well worth the experience.  Sometimes learning outside school is far more beneficial than being in class for that week.  The life changes are very important.  It makes students much more rounded and appreciative of who they are and people around them.
• Great for an exchange student to meet other HS kids.
• Our daughter does struggle a bit to get caught up in a few classes but always gets there.  She is fortunate to have some teachers who do not require make up work because they hear what the kids talk about when they return & have decided that the lessons & education received through the experience of being a counselor is equal to class work and very worthwhile.  We agree!
• As _________ put it so well, "It's life changing" and one of the most meaningful experiences in your school life.  This is something that I wish we did more of in school - how you feel about yourself and others, working out problems in a positive way will help you become a whole person and an active participant in life - family, community, world.  Building trust in yourself and others far outweighs anything they'll miss at school.  Changing the lives of kids and making positive bonds with others is the hope for a troubled world.
• Although school classes are very important, the experience that being a counselor, a chance to work positively with younger kids, the camaraderie with the other counselors is an invaluable experience.  I think it bolsters their self-confidence and self-esteem.  It always feels good to be able to help others also.
• It's an important experience, one that translates well into "real life". It has a maturing effect, as only certain life experiences can do.  _____ took on responsibility for others, and that's a big rewarding lesson.

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