184 How to Be an Exceptional FSY Counselor: Expert Tips From Over 35 Counselors-Part One

Back in November, I had a prompting to create a podcast episode with tips, tricks, and advice on how to be a great FSY counselor. Because I have done it the last three years, I feel I have some good advice! Quickly after coming up with this idea (which I believe to be from God), I thought about how it would be an even cooler (and more reputable) resource if I got advice from as many counselors as I could. The next day, I created a google form and sent it out to as many people as I could think of. I asked them to share it too, and I ended up with over 35 responses!

As many of you know, I invited people to reach out to me to record a podcast episode about their experience (not giving advice but telling stories and bearing their testimony) at FSY. I had six people reach out to me from that, and I believe that is another reason why I felt prompted to follow through on this idea!

The form has 22 free response questions in addition to some demographic information, so you can imagine that there is a lot to get through! But isn’t that exciting?! I’m pumped if you can’t tell!

Because I knew that I would not be able to create a solo episode with all the insights I’ve gathered, I decided to split it into three parts. (Though it will actually be more than three parts … I’ll explain later haha!) Unfortunately, I know that oftentimes “part one” of a series is listened to most, so I asked ChatGPT for help deciding which questions to answer in each part.

For part one, this is what it recommended (and what I answer in this episode):
1. What inspired you to become an FSY counselor?
2. Why should someone be an FSY counselor?
3. What was the most rewarding part of being an FSY counselor?
4. What advice would you give about preparing to go to FSY (spiritually, emotionally, and/or physically?)
5. What advice would you give about how to make the most of the experience?
6. What do you think was the most important part of your job?
7. How can future counselors ensure they leave a lasting positive impact on the youth they work with?

I hope that this resource is a helpful tool in preparing you for your AMAZING summer at FSY. I also hope you listen to all of the parts because the advice I’ve gathered is seriously top notch! Lastly, please share with friends and family if this episode might be applicable to them. I hope these episodes will stand the test of time and will be helpful for all future FSY counselors, no matter the year. Thank you!

The goal: Set the tone and share inspiring and foundational insights that will motivate you to want to learn more.

*Thank you to the counselors who took the time to fill out the google form. It is much appreciated!!!*

Here is a link to my table of contents: https://docs.google.com/docume...