Counselor

Guide
2015
Dear CATcamp Counselor,

Welcome! We hope that youre as excited about the opportunity to be a part of CATcamp as we
are. This is your chance to make a significant impact on the lives of incoming students at
Western Carolina University. Across the country, institutions are putting together their own
versions of CATcamp as a way to teach students the ideals, values, history, and traditions. In
addition, we have the opportunity to make CATcampers feel a part of something; a group of
friends, a city, an institution, a college. Be proud that you are one of the chosen few to make that
impact on the next generation of students entering Western Carolina University.
Enclosed is your CATcamp Counselor Guide. This is important. This should be read. This should
be learned. Your Counselor Guide should be with you at all times throughout CATcamp. This
will be your reference guide to everything that is CATcamp. Inside you will find a complete
schedule, in detail. With each activity, presentation, energizer, or team builder, you will find a
detailed description of how to perform each one and how to process it afterwards. With your
CATcamp Counselor Guide, no counselor should be confused.
As we near CATcamp, and during CATcamp, remember what it means to be a Catamount.
Remember why you love this institution. Remember why you want to make an impact on these
new students. Remember that you are making an impact on these students. Trust that if you do
these things, you will be successful. You were chosen for your heart, your passion, and your
desire to make a difference, to make an impact, and because you want others to share and have
the positive experiences you have had. So here is your chance!
Go Cats!!

Tacquice Wiggan Davis & Ronni Williams

Advisor

Advisor

What is CATcamp?
As part of the ongoing educational leadership experience at Western Carolina University and the
Office for Leadership and Student Involvement, incoming freshmen students will participate in
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a 5day/4night retreat geared towards assisting in the transition from high school to college life.
Our purpose is to expose incoming students to the Western Carolina University community
before move-in day. At CATcamp, students will learn about themselves and what it means to be
a Catamount, learn about and create WCU traditions, meet upperclassmen, meet new friends,
build leadership skills, participate in exciting and challenging activities, and most importantly,
HAVE FUN! CATcampers will create new relationships guaranteed to last throughout college
before their classes even begin!
CATcamp will begin as soon as you check in to Western on Saturday . Our official kick-off takes
place in the evening on Saturday. On Sunday we head off to the Bonclarken Conference Center
in Flat Rock, North Carolina. CATcampers will be housed in this facility and will be provided
with meals and entertainment throughout every day and night ending on August 12, 2015!
CATcamp will be led by undergraduate students, graduate students, and staff that are leaders of
Western Carolina University who truly bleed PURPLE & GOLD, and are great examples of what
it means to successfully transition and excel as a college student. The undergraduate students
will serve as CATcamp counselors and will be a support system and a resource for each and
every CATcamper at CATcamp and beyond!

What happens during CATcamp?

Every CATcamper will be placed into a Litter, led by CATcamp Counselors, just like a true cat
and their family. Each Litter will be the small group cluster that each CATcamper will stay in for
the duration of camp. The Litters will immediately begin bonding and creating their own unique
identity, developing Litter names, performing skits, learning about their fellow CATcampers and
counselors, and quickly becoming a Western Carolina family.
As a large group, CATcampers will have an opportunity to meet EVEN MORE new friends and
CATcamp counselors, engage in get-to-know you activities, team-builders, energizers,
icebreakers, and ropes courses. CATcamp will feature some of Western Carolina Universitys
best and brightest as CATcampers learn about opportunities on campus from their peers and
administrators. CATcamps biggest adventure will be when the CATcampers gets down and dirty
in the LARGEST SHAVING CREAM PARTY EVER at Western Carolina University.

Table of Contents
Overall Schedule

pg. 4
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Bonclarken Conference Center

-

About Us/History

pg. 5

Bonclarken Map of Facilities

pg. 6

Bonclarken Facilities

pg. 7

Rules and Procedures

pg. 8 - 9

Detail Schedule
-

Day 1

pg. 10

Day 2

pg. 11 15

Day 3

pg. 15 - 19

Day 4

pg. 19 22

Day 5

pg. 22 25

Counselor Directory

pg. 26

Activities & Energizers

-

NOTES

pg. 27- 29

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schedule

Bonclarken Conference Center

Page | 4

Welcome! Come to Bonclarkens Conference Center and discover how restful, relaxing and
rejuvenating a retreat or conference can be. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western
North Carolina, Bonclarken offers a variety of accommodations for groups of five to 350 guests.
About Us
Bonclarken is the conference center of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Our roots
are traced to the Reformation, particularly the work of John Calvin and John Knox. Scottish
immigrants who came to America in search of religious freedom brought the faith to these
shores.
Mission
Bonclarkens mission is to provide and promote a Christian environment for inspiration and
renewal, worship, education, fellowship, and recreation by the power of the Holy Spirit.
History
The Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church began holding a summer Bible conference in
Gastonia, North Carolina in 1915. The conference was very popular and well attended. However,
in 1920, the conference planners learned the facility hosting the conference was to be sold.
Efforts to buy the facility were unsuccessful, so a new meeting location was needed.
Looking for a location with cooler summer temperatures, the mountains of western North
Carolina were selected to begin the search. Gods providence led a realtor in Hendersonville to
suggest a particular location: a beautiful sixty-three acre estate, containing a massive home and
the Heidelberg Gardens, for sale in Flat Rock. The location was perfect for the conference and
was purchased on August 31, 1921.
Since 1921, Bonclarken has had a good, clear vision to serve as a Christian environment for
inspiration and renewal.
Dining
Bonclarkens skilled chefs and staff will care for all your dining needs so you can relax and enjoy
your time with one another.
Meals at Bonclarken are served in a self-serve, buffet format. Lunch and dinner meals include
salad and deserts.

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MAP OF BONCLARKEN

BONCLARKEN CONFERENCE CENTER

LODGING FACILITIES

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Janeens Cottage #1 and #2

Heated and Air-Conditioned
2 separate units
Each has 3 Bedrooms (one counselor room and two camper rooms)
Counselor Room has one queen bed
First Camper Room has 8 bunks
Second Camper Room has 10 bunks
One bathroom with 2 sinks, 3 toilets, and 3 showers
Small sitting area with kitchenette
Maximum Number of Guests Accommodated: 20 per unit
White Oak Cottage
Heated and Air-Conditioned
4 Bedrooms (one counselor room and three camper rooms)
Counselor Room has one queen bed and 3 bunks
Camper Room on first floor has 14 bunks
2 Camper Rooms on second floor have 10 bunks in each
Each Camper Room has a bathroom with 2 sinks, 2 toilets, and 2 showers
Counselor Room has a bathroom with 1 sink, 1 toilet, and 1 shower
Lobby area with Refrigerator and Sink
Large Front Porch with Rocking Chairs
Maximum Number of Guests Accommodated: 39
York Cottage
Heated and Air-Conditioned
4 Bedrooms (one counselor room and three camper rooms)
Counselor room has 2 bunks
Camper Room on first floor has 8 bunks
Camper Rooms on second floor have 8 bunks each
Each Camper Room has a bathroom with 2 sinks, 2 toilets, and 2 showers
Counselor Room has a bathroom with 1 sink, 1 toilet, and 1 shower / sink is shared with Camper
Room
Lobby area with Refrigerator and Sink
Large Front Porch with Rocking Chairs
Maximum Number of Guests Accommodated: 26
Agape Cottage
Heated and Air-Conditioned
4 Bedrooms (one counselor room and three camper rooms)
Counselor Room has one queen bed and 2 bunks
Camper Room on first floor has 8 bunks
Camper Rooms on second floor have 10 bunks each
Bathroom on first floor has 2 sinks, 4 toilets, and 3 showers
Bathrooms on second floor each have 3 sinks, 2 toilets, and 2 showers
Lobby area with Refrigerator and Sink
Large Front Porch with Rocking Chairs
Maximum Number of Guests Accommodated: 32

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Page | 8

Saturday Day 1
Saturday, August 8th 11:00am 1:00pm: Check-in
Check in will happen throughout the day with students moving into their future Western homes.
Students will take the majority of this day to explore the area and settle in before meeting up
later Saturday evening (at 6:00 pm) for dinner and the official start of CATcamp.
While checking in, students will need several things. Here is their Check-in Check-list:
- Name and information
- Medical Form
- Cat Card
- Waiver signed (child or adult; IF under 18 parent must sign waiver)
- Picture (headshot)
- A large SMILEYoure Starting College!!
Saturday, August 8th 1:00pm-5:30: Getting Adjusted
During this time campers and parents are free to settle in to campus, unpack, and explore
Cullowhee and Sylva. Counselors will get a rest period before returning to help their campers
and parents make their way to the kick-off meetings.
Saturday, August 8th 6:00pm 8:00pm: Camper Dinner/Kick-Off (Blue Ridge)
-

Note: Advisor will make the announcement that if anyone needs to discuss any
medical information to please see advisor after kick-off

- Parent Talk 6:00 pm -8:00 pm (Killian 104)

The parents will be separated from the campers and will go into Killian 104 to have a parent
talk. This is time for the parents to ask any questions as well as address any anxieties they may
have. During this time the campers will be working on their litter flags as well as having an open
conversation with the counselors to address any anxieties or questions. Parents will be served
light refreshments, however, dinner will only be provided for their camper.
-

Fight song
Western Carolina University
Fight Song
Fight on! You Catamounts,
Fight for purple and gold.
Fight on to victory,
True warriors bold.
Wave the royal banner high,
And let it fill the Western sky.
So, fight on! You Catamounts,
Fight to vic-to-ry!
Western, Western, Go-Western! GoCats

Note:
Please make sure your campers know that name tag switching is NOT
allowed until the last day of CATcamp
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At quarter til the end of every meal, counselors and staff will meet in the
back of dining hall for a mandatory check-in report/update
All meal activities / energizers will be ran by counselors, the advisor will
select the order and leaders for each activity

Sunday Day 2
7:15 am: Counselors arrive at the University Center
8:00am 8:30am: Breakfast/Get on buses
Campers will need to be up and loaded on the buses by 8:30. Snacks for breakfast will be
provided.
8:30am 10:30am: Bus Ride (Load by 8:30, Leave at 9:00 the latest)

CATcamp Advisor and assistant will announce which cabins campers

will be staying in, and where they are during bus ride to Bonclarken.

10:30am 11:00am: Unpack

11:00am 11:45 am: Introduction (In the Gym)
-

Welcome to CATcamp!

Discuss the goals, mission, and vision of CATcamp. Also discuss mailbox locations
Review Bonclarken rules and procedures see page 8
CATcamp Staff Introductions.
-

Hey - Ho

Hey-Ho is a simple attention-getter. This should be used any time a CATcamp Counselor
needs to grab the attention of the CATcampers. This can be at the start of activities or during
activities, if Campers are being loud. Be sure to emphasize a pelvic thrust when saying HUH.
This will mostly be used during Large Group Time.
Leader: HEEEY!
Others: HOOOO!
Everyone: Yo Baby, Yo Baby, Yo HUH!
11:45am-12:00pm: Depart for lunch
12:00pm 1:00pm: Lunch/Fight Song
*Name tags MUST be worn at every meal-Campers CANNOT switch name tags*
Advisor/Staff will call up litters to get in the buffet line. Everyone must bus their own table;
simply take all plates and utensils to the staff.
1:00pm 3:00pm: Small Group Time
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*Campers name tags should be placed inside shirt, hidden so others cannot easily see their
name*
-

Name Aerobics

Objective:
To learn each others names
Items Needed:
None
Directions:
Organize your group into a circle (as counselors, you should not be standing next to each other).
You will go one by one in the circle introducing yourself using an adjective to describe yourself
that begins with same letter as your first name (ex. Silly Steve). Your adjective should be
accompanied with a hand gesture, movement, dance, etc. At that time everyone in the circle
should repeat Silly Steve while doing the motion. Repeat steps to the next person in the circle.
After the next person goes, repeat everyones adjective, name, and gesture all the way back to the
start of the circle.
-

2 Truths and a Lie

Objective:
Learn information about other CATcampers
Items Needed:
Sheet of paper for each person & a pencil
Directions:
Everyone sitting/standing goes around the circle and thinks of two truths to tell and a lie about
themselves or regarding themselves. They write them down on paper. Once they tell all three
statements, the group tries to guess and see which one is the truth about the person.
- Chair sit
*Counselors you will be pairing up with another group, there will be one group with 3 litters*
Objective:
To learn each others names and learn a bit more about each other.
Items Needed:
Chair
Directions:
Placing a chair in front of your group have them go one at a time finding new ways to sit in the
chair. With each camper that goes up have them answer 3- 5 questions about themselves such
as: their name, favorite movie, where they are from, favorite food, major etc. Each camper must
come up with a different way to sit in the chair then what has previously been done.
-

Ninja Destruction

Objective:
To show your inner ninja skills and be the last one standing
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Items Needed:
N/A
Directions:
1. Start in a circle standing within touching distance.
2. The game moves clockwise starting with the Ninja Master
3. Ninja Master says, Ninja Destruction and the whole circle strike a pose.
4. Ninja Master starts by attempting to strike (must be hand-to-hand contact) another player.
5. The target gets one swift movement to miss the strike. Once strike is attempted both players
must remain in ending position. If the target is hit then he or she is out. If not, the player stays
in and the player clockwise from the Ninja Master has a turn.
6. The game continues like this until all players are out.
3:00pm 5:00pm: Large Group Session
Team-building Activities!
-

Captains Coming

Objective:
Follow the directions and be the last one standing.
Items Needed:
N/A
Directions:
The role of the Captain is to call out the actions and dismiss the players who don't do the actions
quick enough, correctly or who break from character. Once the captain calls an action, each
player has 3-4 seconds to start performing the action. If they don't find a group fast enough or
perform the right action, they are out of the game.
Here is an explanation of each of the actions...
1. Captain's Coming! Everyone stands at "attention" (in a salute), and they cant move from
this position until the caller says, "At Ease!" If they laugh or break from the attention, they are
dismissed.
2. To the ship! Players run to their right.
3. To the shore! Players run to their left.
4. Man Overboard! One person drops to one knee the other stands behind them, puts a hand
on their shoulder. Both scan the ocean for the overboard man.
5. Crows Nest!: Three players stand backs to each other and lock arms at the elbows to form
the crows nest and sing row, row, row your boat
6. Mess Table!: Four players squat in a circle like sitting at table and pretend to eat like they
haven't eaten in days; make really loud eating sounds like "YUM YUM YUM YUM YUM!"
7. Walk the Plank!: Five people stand in a single file line hands on the shoulders of person in
front of them
8. Mermaid!: each player individually thrust out right hip, places right hand on that hip,
stands on one foot, takes left hand and makes a big exaggerated wave and yells out "heyyyy
sailor!"
9. Swab the deck!: each player individually bends knees and acts as if they were mopping the
floor board in swaying motion

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Team Rock, Paper, Scissor

Objective:
To beat each opponent you face in 1-on-1 Rock, Paper, Scissors and ultimately be the last person
standing. All while collecting a supporting crowd along the way.
Items Needed:
N/A
Directions:
This is exactly like Rock, Paper, Scissors with individuals. 1, 2, 3, SHOOT (reveal sign on
SHOOT). Rock beats Scissors, Paper beats Rock, and Scissor beats Paper. The game begins 1 on
1, whoever they originally pair with. Students will play a best 2 out of 3 match. The loser of the 2
out of 3 match will now become part of the supporting crowd for whoever beat them. After the
first round, the number of participants will be cut in half, each winner with a supporter.
The second round the remaining members pair up again and repeat a 2 out of 3 match. This
time, the winners supporting crowd will include their original opponent PLUS the additional of
their new opponent AND that persons supporting crowd, making the winners supporting
crowd grow from 1 person to 3 people.
Pruie
Objective: Students will be able to understand themselves on a deeper level, identifying what it
means to be part of the out group and then become part of the in group.
Items Needed:
Blindfolds (bandanas) & designated space large enough for all participants
Directions:
Explain beforehand that bumping should be gentle and bandanas will be used to keep their
eyes closed.
Everyone walks around with their eyes close and hands straight out in front of them in a
designated space. When you bump into someone, ask Pruie? If they ask Pruie? back to you
then they are not the person you are looking for and you continue looking amongst the crowd.
The facilitator has whispered to one person, telling him/her that they are Pruie. Pruie does not
have to close their eyes and if someone bumps into them and asks Pruie? they do not respond.
This is your clue to join onto them and remove your bandana. The fun comes when there are few
people left to find Pruie.
5:00pm-5:45pm: Shower/Rest Time
*Tentative based on duration of large group activities*
5:45pm Depart for dinner
6:00pm-7:00pm: Dinner/Fight Song!
*Name tags must be worn at every meal*
Dinner begins promptly at 6:00pm. Advisor/Staff will call up litters to get in the buffet line.
Everyone must bus their own table; simply take all plates and utensils to the staff.
We will conclude dinner with the Fight Song:
Western Carolina University
Fight Song
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Fight on! You Catamounts,

Fight for purple and gold.
Fight on to victory,
True warriors bold.
Wave the royal banner high,
And let it fill the Western sky.
So, fight on! You Catamounts,
Fight to vic-to-ry!
Western, Western, Go-Western! Go--Cats!
After the fight song, Litters will remain in cafeteria while small group activity is being organized.
Litters will be called up and instructed when to leave by advisor.
*Advisor will instruct staff on activity set up*
7:15pm 9:30pm (approximately): Small Group Time
-

Life Road Maps

Objectives:
To learn about each other through re-creating important/significant moments of our lives and
sharing them
Items Needed:
Big Chart Paper & Markers
Directions:
Explain the object. Our Life Road Maps will already be completed. Hold yours up as an example.
One of the counselors should share before drawing begins, the other counselor will wait until
everyone is completed. Lead by example. Keep it somewhat short, yet be impactful. What are
significant moments in your life? Examples: Deaths in your family; Successful and/or
unsuccessful relationships that have shaped you; difficult times in your life; are there some
things that only few people know about you, that youd be willing to share? Allow for everyone to
complete their Life Road Map while being conscience of the time. When everyone is completed,
allow for a volunteer to go first. The time for sharing is flexible. Do not rush to get done in the
allotted time. Let this be an opportunity for everyone to really learn about each other and you
about your litter.
Processing:
Was this difficult for your Litters to share information? How do you all feel about your
relationships with each other?
9:30pm 10:30pm: Evening Activities; Campfire/Smores
*Alternate rain activity: Ice cream social in the gym, staff will pick up items during activity

Monday Day 3
7:30am-7:45am: Counselors ensure all campers are awake
7:45am-8:00am: Depart for breakfast
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8:00am 9:00am: Breakfast

Make sure Litter is AWAKE in Time
*Name tags must be worn at every meal*
Energizer AAWE:
-

Alive, Alert, Awake, Enthusiastic

Directions:
Leader tells the group to sing with him/her:

Im alive, awake, alert, enthusiastic;

Im alive, awake, alert, enthusiastic;
Im alive, awake, alert, Im alert, awake, alive;
Im alive awake alert enthusiastic.
As they sing this they move their finger up and out, then their hands, then arms, then their
entire body.
Fight Song
9:00am 12:00pm: Bonclarken Activities (Zip-Line, Swing, & Climbing Tower)
Campers and Counselors have the option to do a zip-line, climbing tower or swing activity all
supervised by Bonclarken staff. Participants have the option to do all three, one, or neither of
the offered activities.
*Alternate activities in the gym for those who do not want to participate*
11:45am-12:00pm: Depart for lunch
12:00pm 1:00pm: Lunch/Fight Song
*Name tags must be worn at every meal*
1:00pm 3:00pm: Small Group Session
-

Blanket Drop

Objective:
To see how well you know everyones name.
Items Needed:
A blanket or tarp
Directions:
Divide the group into two teams. When the blanket goes up they select one or more Campers to
go up to the blanket, when it drops the first person to say the others name wins and the loser
joins the winning team. Continue until there is just one team.
Blind Numerical Order
Objective:
For campers form a straight line in order without talking or seeing each other.
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Items Needed:
Blind fold
Directions:
This exercise is simple all campers are to line up in order of their numbers without seeing each
other or speaking.
- Tarp Flip
*There will be two rounds*
Round 1: Individual litters
Round 2: Pair up
Objective:
Work as a unit to communicate to flip the tarp.
Items Needed:
One tarp
Directions:
Lay the tarp on the floor. Instruct the whole group to stand on the tarp. Once the group is
standing on the tarp, challenge them to completely flip it over so that everyone is standing on
the other side of the tarp. At no time may anyone get off of the tarp or touch the ground during
this activity. If anyones foot is off the tarp at any time the entire group must begin again.
3:00pm 3:15pm: Break
3:15pm 5:45pm: Small Group Session These two activities should be played at
the same time. Place middle barrier in gym down and have 2 or 3 spider webs set
up on one side and 2 or 3 hidden paths set up on the other side (depending on size
of groups and materials you have). Once completed, groups will switch to other
activity.
- Spider Web
*This activity may make some campers uncomfortable, be aware and be sure to debrief after*
Objective:
To work together to get the entire team from one side of the web to the other, without going
through the same section twice. Once every hole has been used, the process can begin again.
Items Needed:
Spider web
Directions:
Campers will start off on one side of the web and they are to communicate and work together to
get all members to the other side of the web. The trick is the members are not allowed to go
through the same section of the web more than once. Once every hole has been used, the
remaining capers will be able to utilize a hole for the second time. Counselors should be
encouraging and mindful of comfort level during this activity. Counselors also should be mindful
to not give campers any solutions. If a counselor is unsure if the group can do something they
must ask a staff member or the advisor.

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- Hidden Path
Objective:
Work with the communication skills as well as listening skills. Also works with memorization.
Items Needed:
Tape to make 9X9 grid and counselors must have a path drawn out. (All paths must contain the
same amount of steps to reach the other end. Staff and advisor make up paths)
Directions:
The group is to try to make it across the grid by walking on the hidden path. There is only one
selected leader and that person is the only one that is allowed to talk. All players must make it
across the grid by memorizing the path and listen to the leader.
5:45pm-6:00pm: Depart for Dinner
6:00pm 7:00pm: Dinner/Fight Song
*Name tags must be worn at every meal*
7:00pm 8:00pm: Litter Skit Planning
-

Litter Skits Planning (Each skit should be no longer than 5 minutes in

length)

Objectives:
Bonding with litter and show the litters personalities to the rest of the campers, while having a
lot of fun. Must have a PSA message relating to college. PSA must include key word (fun) given
by advisor and be related to the topic assigned by the advisor
Items Needed:
Skit Props
Directions:
Skits will be performed by each litter the following morning, which will introduce everyone and
create an even closer bond between litters. Throughout CATcamp, campers may create inside
jokes or really want to base the skit off of a song or a show; this is the place to let the campers
shine! Let their imaginations run wild!
8:00pm- 10:30pm: Cross the Line
-

Cross the Line Brian Boyer and Veratta Pegram-Floyd (Case

Managers)

Objective:
Break personal boundaries continuing with the momentum from Life Road Maps. This is a
large group activity and will help Campers realize that there are others just like them and they
will not be alone in the experience of transitioning into college.
Items Needed:
Cross the Line Questions, tape
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Directions:
Cross the Line is a very powerful activity at CATcamp. Brian Boyer and Veratta will call out a list
of circumstances and if it applies to you, you simply cross and turn around and look at the
people on the other side. The room should be quiet to allow campers time to reflect and respect
their peers. The impact, however, is so powerful it rocks the very foundation of its participants.
Counselors and incoming freshmen stand side by side as they watch their peers and friends
cross that line over and over again for reasons no one should ever have to cross the line for. At
the end there will be a section for student to ask questions and discuss their thoughts, reactions,
and feelings.

Tuesday Day 4
7:30am-7:45am: Counselors ensure all campers are awake
7:45am-8:00am: Depart for breakfast
8:00am 9:00am: Breakfast
Make sure Litter is AWAKE in Time
*Name tags must be worn at every meal*
Energizer Baby Shark:
Baby Shark
Verse #1: Baby Shark, doo do, doo do, do do (4 times) 1 hand
Verse #2: Mama Shark, doo do, doo do, do do (4 times) both hands open, clapping
Verse #3: Daddy Shark, doo do, doo do, do do (4 times) both arms
Verse #4: Grandma Shark, doo do, doo do, do do (4 times) both hands, fists clapping
Verse #5: Grandpa Shark, doo do, doo do, do do (4 times) elbows clapping
Verse #6: Went For A Swim, doo do, doo do, do do (4 times) swimming motion
Verse #7: Saw a Shark, doo do, doo do, do do (4 times) hands above head, like shark
Verse #8: Swam Away, doo do, doo do, do do (4 times) swimming motion fast
Verse #9: Shark Attack, doo do, doo do, do do (4 times) flailing arms
Verse #10: Lost a Leg, doo do, doo do, do do (4 times) hop on one foot
Verse #11: Happy Shark, doo do, doo do, do do (4 times) rub belly w/ hand on head like shark
Fight Song
9:15am 10:45am: Litter Skit Performed
-

Litter Skits Performed

Objectives:
Bonding with litter and show the litters personalities to the rest of the campers, while having a
lot of fun. Must have a PSA message relating to college. PSA must include key word (fun) given
by advisor and be related to the topic assigned by the advisor
Items Needed:
Skit Props
Directions:
Skits will be performed by each litter. Each litter is given 5 minutes for performance.
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People to People (If time allows after litter skits)

Note: This activity can take place another day if time needs to be killed!
Objective:
Follow the directions and have someone available to perform the activities
Items Needed:
N/A
Directions:
Form 2 circles, 1 large one and 1 small one inside of that, and make sure the one circle is
traveling clockwise while the other moves counter clockwise. Then the leader will say different
combinations that the group in one circle has to try to get to with someone in the opposite circle
(right hand to right hand, left foot to right foot, head to head, right hand to left leg, etc). The
pairs must maintain all called combination until they switch partner. Anyone without a partner
is out and the game continues until there is one last combination called.
10:45am 11:45am: Small Group
-

Hot Seat

Objective:
Learn more facts about the people in their litter
Items Needed:
Chairs
Directions:
Have enough chairs for the group, minus 1 (ex. 10 campers only have 9 chairs). Fix the chairs in
a circle .One person starts off standing in the middle of the circle. The person will state their
name and then make a statement that applies to them as well as others in the group (ex. I am
____ and I have an Instagram). Everyone this statement applies to must get up and run to
another seat (cannot move to the seat directly beside them). Whoever does not find a seat must
then stand in the circle and make another statement for the group. Remember statements that
are said must be true for the person saying it.
- Song Game
*Litters will be counted off to create new groups, counselors will count off litters*
Objective:
For groups to come up with as many real songs as possible to a specific word.
Items Needed:
Pen, paper, and the words
Directions:
Each group will have two minutes to come up with as many real songs as possible, with the given
word for that word ex. Baby. This will done in rounds. Litters will be grouped up and the litter
that wins each round will then face the other winners.
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11:45pm-12:00pm: Depart for lunch

12:00pm 1:00pm: Lunch/Fight Song
*Name tags must be worn at every meal*
1:30pm 2:30pm: Shaving cream party
2:00pm 4:30pm: Pool time
4:30pm 5:45pm: Shower and refresh
5:45pm-6:00pm: Depart for Dinner
6:00pm 7:00pm: Dinner/Fight Song
*Name tags must be worn at every meal*
7:00pm 9:30pm: Boundary Breaking (Small Group)
*When doing boundary breaking go to same location used for Life Road Maps*
Objective:
Help both Counselors and Campers alleviate any burden of anxiety or stress about transitioning
to college and dealing with the life change. The main point is to learn to disclose personal
feelings and worries to strangers in an environment that is free from judgment and full of
support.
Items Needed:
Directions:
Counselors will ask a question beginning simple such as:
What is your favorite TV show?
and move to questions like:
What is one thing you regret in life?
Answer that question, and then have each camper answer that question. The key is that no
camper is rushed to answer it and they can bring personal issues to light and have other campers
give feedback or just be there to support them.
*Staff will meet during this time for staff boundary breaking*
Boundary Breaking Questions: (You do not have to ask all the questions in each
section)

WARMING UP
What is one word that describes how you spent your senior year?
What has been the most annoying habit a boyfriend/girlfriend has ever had?
Whats your favorite hangout?
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If you were a crayon, what color would you be any why?

Have you ever had a crush on a cartoon character?
What is one show you could binge watch for an entire weekend?
What is the weirdest food that you really like?
If you could travel abroad where would you go?
What is your phone background?
BUILDING UP
What habit do you wish you had developed earlier in life?
Where do you find strength?
Whats one thing many people mistakenly assume about you?
In one word, what do you hope for?
What are you glad you let go of?
What were you doing when you lost track of time?
What role do you feel you played in your litter?
What makes a person most attractive?
What is the most common cause of unhappiness?
What habit do you wish you had developed earlier in life?
What is there no substitute for?
Whats your biggest fear with starting college at WCU?
Whats one thing you are nervous to do on your own?
Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?
Whats something you know you do differently than most people?
How come the things that make you happy dont make everyone happy?
Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives
right near you?
Who inspires you most? (Anyone you know or do not know. Family, friends, authors, artists,
leaders, etc.) Which qualities inspire you, in each person?
If happiness were the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
BREAKING THE BOUNDARIES
If you were someone else, what quality would you find attractive about yourself?
What is one thing you would do differently if you knew no one would judge you?
What memory do you wish you could remember more clearly?
Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?
Has your greatest fear ever come true?
What did/do you hide from your parents?
Whats the most embarrassing thing youve done by your own free will and whats the most
embarrassing thing youve done due to someone daring you?
When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing?
What is something that will always be yours?
What is one thing that is keeping you from being 100% happy?
9:30pm 11:00pm: Movie/Game Night/Concert/Ice cream social/Impromptu fun
night

Wednesday Day 5
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7:30am-7:45am: Counselors ensure all campers are awake

7:45am-8:00am: Depart for breakfast
8:00am 9:00am: Breakfast/ Fight Song
Make sure Litter is AWAKE in Time
*Name tags must be worn at every meal*
Energizer Hey Hey Burrito!
(Do as leader says and do)
Leader: Hey Burrito!
(Group copies movements and tone)
Leader: Hey Hey Buritto! (hands over mouth)
(Group copies movements and tone)
Leader: mmmmm yeah buritto yeah (stomp left foot, then right spot while playing a guitar)
(Group copies movements and tone)
Leader: guacamole (hold out the end) (points fingers in the corners, to your face then corners
again)
.. ( mumble on the side) (bend over to your knees then pop back up)
(Group copies movements and tone)
* Do this 4-5 times, same words, same movements different tones and inflections.
One round can be done completely in silence
One round in high pitch
One round in deep pitch
One round in an accent (whichever you chose)
9:00am 10:00am: Pack & clean cabins
*Trash must be gathered and placed in bags outside cabins*

10:00am 10:45am: Small Group Session

Note:
From 10:00 am- 12:00pm staff needs to drive vans down to gym to load all items from gym.
During Staff announcements counselors need to silently remove mailboxes from wall and sort
into litters. Mailboxes should be handed to each individual camper as they are heading to lunch
or directly after lunch. Inform campers that they do not have to read their letters now. They may
want to read privately when they return to campus.
*Location: Gym
-

Letter to Self & Final Mailbox Letters Written

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Objective:
Campers are able to reflect and write a letter to their future self.
Items Needed:
Paper, envelope, and a pen or pencil.
Directions:
To end CATcamp, each student is given an opportunity to reflect. Challenge them to write a
letter to their self, 1 year into the future, the end of the freshman year. What do they want to
have accomplished? What would they want to be doing and feeling? What type of person do they
want to be? Who do they want to surround themselves with? What about the relationships they
have made during CATcamp? Do they hope to stay in touch? How so?
After the students complete this letter, instruct them to write their name on their envelope, and
seal it. Then return the letter to their counselor. Counselors please place letters in alpha order
and place in a binder clip or rubber band them together with a piece of paper on the top of
letters with litter name. These letters must be handed to the advisor who will place them in a
safe place for the reunion.
11:00am-11:30am: Advisor Announcements(Check-in,meals,staff announcements)
11:30am 12:00pm: Large Group Session
-

Coffee Beans

This story will be read at the conclusion. The message is about facing adversity, especially during
their first year of college.
A Carrot, an Egg, and a cup of Coffee
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard
for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired
of fighting and struggling. It seemed as when one problem was solved, a new one arose. Her
mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire.
Soon the pots came to boil. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and
in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word. In
about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them
in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out
and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, Tell me, what you see?
Carrots, eggs, and coffee, she replied. Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel
the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to
take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hardboiled egg. Finally,
the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled, as she tasted its rich
aroma. The daughter then asked, What does it mean, mother? Her mother explained that
each of these objects had faced the same adversity; boiling water and each reacted differently.
The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the
boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had
protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became
hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling
water, they had actually changed the water.
Which are you? When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot,
an egg, or a coffee bean?
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Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I
wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart,
but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial
hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same,
but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or am I like the
coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the
pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean,
when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the
hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How
do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean? Count your blessings,
not your problemsPutting others first makes relationships last. There are moments in life
when you miss someone so much that you just want to pick them from your dreams and hug
them for real! Dont go for looks; they can deceive. Dont go for wealth; even that fades away.
Be the one that can create a smile, because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem
bright. Be the one who puts a smile, in a childs heart May you have enough happiness to
make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and
enough hope to make you happy. The happiest of people dont necessarily have the best of
everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. When you
were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the
end, youre the one who is smiling and everyone around is crying.
Be the coffee bean to those that cross your path.
11:45am: Depart for lunch
12:00pm 1:00pm: Lunch/Fight Song
*Name tags must be worn at every meal*
-Campers will find out the shift(s) they will be working for Freshmen Move-in on Aug 14 th.
1:00pm 3:30pm: Load Buses/Bus Ride- END OF CAMP
**Counselors will be responsible to assist with unloading and unpacking of vehicles upon return
to campus, as well as any additional cleanup help the staff may need**

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Emergency Contacts for Counselors:

Ronni Williams- Advisor of CATcamp
(865)405-1476
Michael Corelli- Advisor of CATcamp
(847)830-0836
*Please note that Ronni and Michael can get in touch
with other staff members as needed. If you are having an
immediate concern and are unable to leave the group
please call or text one of the above

Be the change that you wish to see in the worldMahatma Gandhi

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NOTES

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NOTES

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NOTES

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