2016 Space Camp Counselor Experience Evaluation Summary

Space Camp counselors participated in a post-program evaluation. 8 of 14 participants completed the Qualtrics survey. Participants rated their experience highly and would recommend it to others. In every category, students improved their leadership knowledge and ability.

1. How would you rate your experience as a Space Camp counselor?

Figure 1: Program Experience 2. How did the training meet your expectations? Was what you learned applicable and appropriate to what you came to this training for?

Figure 2: Expectations of Program 3. - What suggestions do you have for future Space Camp counselor trainings/experiences?  I would do more things with both the adult leader group and the counselor group  to be able to have the counselors work together more  Have more simple games (without props) set up for down times. Examples: ninja/ wolf pack/ frogger  Make sure that the blue shirt and other youth are aware that you are a leader. Don't be afraid to tell the blue shirt that you are a counselor if they are unaware. Try to get as much leadership as possible, even if something such as leading a game goes wrong, you'll know what to do next time.  I would have liked A few get to know you games only with counselors at the training.  I would suggest having more teleconferences so that some of them could become optional. If that isn't possible, I suggest posting a list of when the teleconferences are before having people apply for space camp counselor.  None (2)

4. Please rate your experiences before and after the class related to each of the following topics. Think back to before January when rating your knowledge before the class.

Figure 3: Growth Through Program

X-Axis (Question) Y-Axis (Mean) 1. I understand and can identify the different stages of 1 = Strongly Disagree group development (forming, norming, etc.) 2 – Disagree 2. I can use my knowledge of the stages of group 3 = Agree development to benefit groups I am in charge of 4 = Strongly Agree (numbers switched from survey for visualization) 3. I understand and can identify the different decision making styles (directive, collaborative, etc.) 4. I am comfortable using different decision making styles when working with a group 5. I understand the 4 leadership styles (relationship master, spontaneous motivator, driver, analyst/architect) 6. I understand where I am in the leadership quadrant and how that affects how I work with others 7. I understand the developmental stage of middle schoolers and am able to work with them because of that 8. I am able to lead an activity that I created 9. I am comfortable leading a group of peers

5. What did you get most out of at the training weekend?

Figure 4: Most Beneficial Topic of Training 6. How did this affect your experience as a counselor?  Practicing activities for Space Place and bus ride o I think this helped me to lead the activities, even if they weren't mine. It gave me a better sense of what to do and how to lead the activities. o Making sure that my activities worked really haloed me feel more confident in leading them  Group Dynamics o Learning how different groups functioned made it easier to help lead my team.  Ages and Stages o I think it was easier to understand the cognitive capacity of children at different ages and adjust accordingly  4 Leadership Styles o I functioned better as a counselor and was able to make the experience better for me and much team.  Teambuilding o it became more interesting and gave me a different perspective on the trip o I was really comfortable coming into the trip knowing the group of people so well that I would be working closely with at camp. o Attending training weekend helped my experience as a counselor in many ways. For example, I got to work with and get to know my fellow counsellors so that when the trip came around we could collaborate, and have fun times while on the bus and at Space Camp. 7. How has this experience changed the way you lead a group?  I think that after this I am much more willing to step up and talk to someone that I don't know. I'm not great at holding a conversation with strangers, but this definitely helped me a bunch.  it gave me more ideas about how to get attention and lead activities  It has added to my knowledge of peoples differences and how to work through different situations with them.

 I feel more confident leading a larger group when I have back up and knowledge of where we are going.

 This experience showed me that sometimes you have to be a little bit more stern on some kids if they continue to not listen to you. It also showed me that to lead a group you need to be involved individually so that they respect you and you respect them: also get to know them so that when it comes time to following instructions or listening to you they will because they respect you.

 I am more comfortable leading others.

 I lead more involved with the grpuppy instead of closed off making dictatorial decisions.

 I think that now that I have been a counselor some group leading activities have been easier for me, and now it is easier for me to be able to quickly organize a game.

8. Would you recommend being a Space Camp counselor to other youth?

Figure 5: Likelihood of Recommending Program to Others 9. Tell us how your communication and teamwork functioned with your adult leader(s).  Tell us how your communication and teamwork functioned with your adult lead...  If the group wasn't doing anything at the moment, our adult leaders might suggest a game to play, or just engage in conversation with some of the campers. I would do the same thing too, but I think all of us working as a team helped to make the experience more fun for the campers.  they agreed with the way I communicated

 Very well!

 I was able to talk to them about not being recognized as a youth leader and have them talk to our blue shirt. Also once the blue shirt left on Sunday they allowed me to be the leader of youth while we communicated about where to go.

 I was able to communicate and function with my adult advisors very well. My adults advisors would ask how It was going or how the campers have been acting and I was able to work with them very well. When I have questions they could help or when I needed them for something they gladly helped.

 My communication with my adult was very good. I felt comfortable talking to him about any problems I had.

 It functioned well and we communicated and compromised efficiently.

 I think Chris and I split up daily tasks fairly equally (morning announcements, reminders, etc.) and this definitely helped out our team.

10. Why?  It was a great experience, from leaning how to lead a group to bonding with the other counselors. Also, Space Camp! Getting a chance to go back to camp is a no-brainer!  because it is a great experience and I think others should try it

 This is an amazing trip! It is very rewarding helping the new delegates through this life experience that is like a dream come true.

 Besides being able to go back to space camp, it also gives you a feel of how the program works behind scenes, and is a very good leadership opportunity.

 I would recommend being a counselor because it is a great leadership opportunity and helps you get experience being a leader. It also gives you the opportunity to work with other youth and give you experience with them.

 It is a great experience that allows you to connect with others. It helps you become a better youth leader for youth in your county.

 It is a very good experience and you learn a lot. You make a lot of close friendships as well withey kids from all over.

 Being a counselor is so much fun and you get to do so many cool, new things. 11. If you could change something about your experience, what would it be?  I had a great time, so I can't really think of anything to change! A more central location for Space Place would have been great, but that's just a personal problem.  have more interaction

 There could of been another counselor in each group due to the fact that during Free time kids want to split up in different directions.

 A more explained plan in the application would be nice.

 If I could change something about my experience I would change nothing. I just can't think of something that I would really want to change about my experience. I had a wonderful experience.

 I would change how little time you spend with the other buses on the way to and from Alabama.

 I would change how the Space Program itself is run.

 I don't think I would change anything major about being a counselor.