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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."
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: 3 Counselors / 7 Kids
You have 3 counselors and 7 campers.
Use 3 groups: two groups of 2 campers and one group of 3 campers. Assign 1 counselor per group.
| Group | Campers | Counselors | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | 3 campers | 2 counselors | Small group, easy support, less chance of one camper being left out. |
| Group 2 | 2 campers | 1 counselor | Balanced facilitation and good adult coverage. |
| Group 3 | 3 campers | 1 counselor | Slightly larger group with one counselor to manage inclusion and pace. |
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
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.
No-Prep Fallback
If you did not prepare in advance, do not cancel. Run the simplified version.
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
- Kind
Help people feel included.
- Brave
Try something hard.
- Fair
Everyone gets a chance.
- Patient
Give people time.
- Welcoming
New people belong.
- Helpful
Make things easier.
- Honest
Tell the truth with respect.
- Calm
Lower the temperature.
- Focused
Do the next right step.
- Funny
Joy without making someone the joke.
20-minute no-prep version
- 0–3Frame
"Pick five values that would make this group better to be part of."
- 3–8Choose values
Pick five from the 10-value list.
- 8–15Draw symbols
One simple symbol per value. No perfect art needed.
- 15–18Pick one
Choose one value to explain.
- 18–20Share
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."
"You do not have to share personal stories — pass is always OK."
"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.
Use this as a rough guide, not a rigid rule.
- 0–5Roll call + frame
Read names aloud. Explain that the group is building the code it wants to live by at camp.
- 5–10Pick value cards
Groups choose five value words. Limit the starter pile to 12–15 cards.
- 10–20Design banner
Groups create a banner, flag, shield, or poster around those values.
- 20–28Add symbols
Each value gets one symbol, image, or short phrase.
- 28–35Gallery walk
Groups view each other's banners. Walking only. No joking at another group's work.
- 35–42Share-out
Each group explains one value and one symbol using the share-out card.
- 42–45Close + 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.
Make the activity visible, concrete, predictable, and choice-limited. Do not make campers hold the whole activity in their head.
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.
Value + Icon Menu
Each value has three icon options. Campers can copy the idea, simplify it, or choose another symbol that fits the value.
Camper Role Cards
- Card Picker
Helps choose value cards.
- Icon Chooser
Chooses symbol ideas from the icon menu.
- Writer
Writes words clearly.
- Materials Manager
Handles markers, cards, tape.
- Encourager
Makes sure everyone contributes.
- Speaker
Shares one value at the end.
- Timekeeper
Watches the timer.
A camper may trade roles, share a role, or take a low-demand role. The role is support, not a test.
Redirect Scripts
Debrief
Use no more than three questions. Keep it short, concrete, and connected to camp behavior.
"A camp code only matters if we actually use it. Pick one value you want to practice today."
Gallery Walk
"Walk around and look at each group's banner. You are looking for one value or symbol you respect. No rating, no roasting, no jokes at another group's expense."
Find one value from another group that your group might want to borrow.
Print Pages
Value cards: The full Value + Icon Menu is included in this print packet, with every value and its three icon options.
Camper Role Cards
- Card Picker
Helps the group choose five value cards and keeps the starter pile organized. Reads each title aloud so everyone can vote.
- Icon Chooser
Finds symbol ideas from the value + icon menu for each value word. Shows two or three options before the group picks one.
- Writer
Writes the banner title, value words, and labels in large, readable letters so everyone can see them from across the table.
- Materials Manager
Handles markers, tape, value cards, and scrap paper. Passes supplies around and returns everything when time is up.
- Encourager
Checks that every camper gets a turn and no one is left out of the design. Invites quiet voices to add an idea.
- Speaker
Uses the share-out card to explain one value and symbol to the whole group. Speaks slowly so everyone can follow.
- Timekeeper
Watches the session timer and gives gentle reminders at each segment. Lets the counselor know when five minutes remain.
Step Cards
- 1. Pick Values
Choose five value cards from the starter pile. Talk about why each word fits your group before you lock them in.
- 2. Choose Shape
Decide together: banner, flag, shield, or poster. Sketch the layout on scrap paper before you draw big.
- 3. Add Symbols
Draw one symbol or image for each value. Use the icon menu for ideas you can copy, simplify, or remix.
- 4. Add Title
Write your group name or banner title in large, readable letters everyone can see from far away.
- 5. Include Everyone
Every camper adds at least one mark, word, or symbol. Pass materials so all hands contribute to the design.
- 6. Pick Share-Out
Choose one value the group will explain to everyone. Fill in the share-out card together before cleanup.
- 7. Clean Up
Return markers, tape, and leftover cards. Clear the table and complete the final headcount with your counselor.