Camp TLC SQUAD / Camp Code Banner

Camp Code Banner

Values, identity, group culture, counselor training, setup, no-prep fallback, executive-function supports, and printable activity pages.

Start Here

This is not an art project. It is a values, identity, and group culture activity that uses art as the tool.

The mobile guide is for counselors during setup and facilitation. The printable pages at the bottom of this file are for campers and group tables — open this file in a browser, scroll to Print Pages, then print from the browser.

Pitch to Fellow Counselors

Use this when you need to sell the activity to the counselor team.

"Camp Code Banner looks simple, but it gives us a clean way to talk about values, identity, belonging, and group culture."

"That is a social worker's dream: campers get to name what matters to them, show it visually, practice shared decision-making, and build a group identity without being put on the spot."

"We are not asking them to disclose private stories. We are giving them safe choices, symbols, and shared language they can use all week."

How the activity discusses value and identity

Campers choose value words, turn those values into symbols, and explain how one value should show up in real camp behavior. That keeps the identity conversation concrete, age-appropriate, visual, and non-clinical.

Group Plan: 6 Counselors / 10 Kids

You have 3 male counselors, 3 female counselors, 6 girls, and 4 boys.

Recommended setup

Use 3 groups: two groups of 3 campers and one group of 4 campers. Assign 2 counselors per group, ideally one male and one female counselor per group when possible.

Group Campers Counselors Why
Group 1 2 girls, 1 boy 1 female, 1 male Small group, easy support, less chance of one camper being left out.
Group 2 2 girls, 1 boy 1 female, 1 male Balanced facilitation and good adult coverage.
Group 3 2 girls, 2 boys 1 female, 1 male Slightly larger group with two counselors to manage inclusion and pace.
Adult team roles
  • Lead Facilitator

    Explains the activity and leads the debrief.

  • Materials Lead

    Handles paper, markers, cards, tape, and cleanup.

  • Float Counselor

    Moves between groups and supports stuck campers.

  • Tone Watcher

    Redirects teasing, exclusion, or inappropriate symbols.

  • Timekeeper

    Calls 5-minute, 2-minute, and cleanup warnings.

  • Accessibility Support

    Checks reach, seating, visual supports, and pacing.

Note for adults with spina bifida

Do not make them responsible for accessibility. Invite feedback, but use universal design for everyone: visual steps, role cards, wide paths, reachable materials, choice limits, and no requirement to stand, draw, or speak publicly.

Safety + Setup Checklist

Keep it safe

Avoid sharp tools unless approved. Avoid personal disclosure prompts. Do not allow mocking symbols, slogans, sexual content, violent content, or inside jokes that exclude people.

Setup Walkthrough

This is what should be prepared before campers arrive.

Best prep: 45–60 minutes before session
Day-of room setup: 20 minutes
  1. 0–5
    Safety scan

    Check space, exits, surfaces, cords, obstacles, heat, lighting, and noise.

  2. 5–8
    Table layout

    Set one group kit at each table. Leave room for mobility devices and easy turns.

  3. 8–11
    Post visuals

    Put visual schedule, step cards, and sample banner where everyone can see them.

  4. 11–14
    Prepare cards

    Put only 12–15 starter value cards on each table. Keep bonus cards nearby.

  5. 14–17
    Assign adults

    Confirm lead, materials, floater, tone watcher, timekeeper, and cleanup lead.

  6. 17–20
    Final check

    Walkie on, first-aid location known, timer ready, roster ready, cleanup plan ready.

Group kit checklist

No-Prep Fallback

If you did not prepare in advance, do not cancel. Run the simplified version.

Tradeoff

The no-prep version works, but it gives less support to campers with executive-function differences. Counselors must compensate with shorter directions, fewer choices, and more structure.

What you need

Use only these 10 values

20-minute no-prep version

  1. 0–3
    Frame

    "Pick five values that would make this group better to be part of."

  2. 3–8
    Choose values

    Pick five from the 10-value list.

  3. 8–15
    Draw symbols

    One simple symbol per value. No perfect art needed.

  4. 15–18
    Pick one

    Choose one value to explain.

  5. 18–20
    Share

    One value, one symbol, one behavior.

Opening Script

"This activity is called Camp Code Banner. Each group is going to create a banner, flag, or shield that shows what kind of group you want to be at camp."

"This is not about being the best artist. It is about choosing the values your group wants to practice."

"You will pick five words, turn them into symbols or images, and then share one value with the group."

"The rules are simple: everyone gets included, no mocking another group's work, and no symbols or slogans that put people down."

45-Minute Camper Session

Use the timer if helpful. It saves nothing outside this device.

Facilitation Timer
45:00

Use this as a rough guide, not a rigid rule.

  1. 0–5
    Roll call + frame

    Read names aloud. Explain that the group is building the code it wants to live by at camp.

  2. 5–10
    Pick value cards

    Groups choose five value words. Limit the starter pile to 12–15 cards.

  3. 10–20
    Design banner

    Groups create a banner, flag, shield, or poster around those values.

  4. 20–28
    Add symbols

    Each value gets one symbol, image, or short phrase.

  5. 28–35
    Gallery walk

    Groups view each other's banners. Walking only. No joking at another group's work.

  6. 35–42
    Share-out

    Each group explains one value and one symbol using the share-out card.

  7. 42–45
    Close + headcount

    Each camper chooses one value to practice. Complete final count.

Executive-Function Supports

Use these supports for everyone. Do not make them look like accommodations for one camper.

Core principle

Make the activity visible, concrete, predictable, and choice-limited. Do not make campers hold the whole activity in their head.

Use icon cards

Print value cards with large words, simple icons, and plain-language meaning.

Example: Kind — heart icon — "I help people feel safe and included."

Limit choices first

Start each group with 12–15 cards. Keep a bonus pile nearby.

Counselor line: "Pick one: kind, brave, or fair."

Post step cards
  1. 1
    Pick five value cards.
  2. 2
    Choose a banner shape: flag, shield, or poster.
  3. 3
    Draw one symbol for each value.
  4. 4
    Add your group name or title.
  5. 5
    Make sure everyone added something.
  6. 6
    Choose one value to share.
  7. 7
    Clean up materials.
Use Now / Next language
  • "Now: pick values. Next: draw symbols."
  • "Now: finish the title. Next: gallery walk."
  • "Now: choose your share-out person. Next: clean up."
Offer low-demand roles

Options: card sorter, icon chooser, color picker, title voter, gallery walk observer, sticker/card placer.

Counselor line: "You do not have to draw. You can choose where this card goes."

Coaching line for counselors

If a camper seems unmotivated, confused, or stuck, assume the task needs more structure before assuming it is behavior. Point to the step, reduce the choices, give a role, and move them to the next small action.

Camper Role Cards

Make roles flexible

A camper may trade roles, share a role, or take a low-demand role. The role is support, not a test.

Redirect Scripts

One camper takes over

"Pause. I want to hear one idea from someone who has not spoken yet."

"Your job now is to help someone else get their idea on the banner."

Campers say "I don't care"

"That's fine. Pick one word that would make the group less annoying to be part of."

"You do not have to love the activity. Just help your group make one solid choice."

They pick joke values only

"One funny value is fine. The rest need to be values this group can actually practice."

Funny is okay. Chaos, roasting people, violent symbols, or inside jokes that exclude others are not okay.

Inappropriate symbol or slogan

"That one does not fit the camp standard. Choose something that includes people instead of putting someone down."

Do not debate it for long. Redirect calmly and move on.

Someone is left out

"Before this group moves on, everyone needs one contribution: a word, symbol, color, phrase, or placement decision."

Camper is overwhelmed

"You do not have to draw. You can choose where this card goes."

Camper is quiet

Do not call them out in front of the group.

Try: "You can point to one card you like."

Or: "Do you want to add a symbol, choose a color, or help with the title?"

Art insecurity

"Simple symbols are better than perfect drawings. A star, path, hand, shield, sun, or tree can all work."

Share-Out

"Our group chose __________."

"We picked this value because __________."

"Our icon or symbol is __________."

"At camp, this value looks like __________."

Debrief

Use no more than three questions. Keep it short, concrete, and connected to camp behavior.

Closing line

"A camp code only matters if we actually use it. Pick one value you want to practice today."

Camper Role Cards

Step Cards

  1. 1. Pick Values

    Choose five value cards.

  2. 2. Choose Shape

    Banner, flag, shield, or poster.

  3. 3. Add Symbols

    Draw one symbol for each value.

  4. 4. Add Title

    Write your group name or banner title.

  5. 5. Include Everyone

    Everyone adds one thing.

  6. 6. Pick Share-Out

    Choose one value to explain.

  7. 7. Clean Up

    Return materials and clear the table.

Finished Checklist

Share-Out Card

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