Summary of the Phases: Storming, Norming, and Forming

These phases describe the natural progression of group dynamics in any team, including small groups at camp. Understanding them helps leaders anticipate challenges, foster unity, and guide children effectively through their camp journey.

1. Storming Phase (The Adjustment & Testing Stage)

🌀 What Happens?

• This is the initial "getting to know each other" phase, but it often comes with conflict, testing of boundaries, and uncertainty.
• Children may push limits, challenge authority, and struggle to find their place in the group.
• Some kids may be quiet and withdrawn, while others dominate conversations or act out.

🎯 Leader's Role:
✔️ Stay calm and consistent—don’t take resistance personally.
✔️ Set clear expectations—explain group rules and boundaries firmly but kindly.
✔️ Encourage engagement—create icebreaker activities to help children connect.
✔️ Be patient—this phase is temporary as children settle into the camp environment.

2. Norming Phase (Building Trust & Teamwork)

🌱 What Happens?

• Children start to accept each other, and a sense of belonging develops.
• Group roles become clearer, and cooperation improves.
• Conflicts from the storming phase start to resolve, and a more positive atmosphere forms.
• Campers open up more about their thoughts, struggles, and emotions.

🎯 Leader's Role:
✔️ Reinforce unity—highlight and celebrate teamwork and kindness.
✔️ Encourage deeper connection—prompt discussions about feelings and personal experiences.
✔️ Model adaptability & inclusiveness—ensure every child feels valued and heard.

3. Forming Phase (Thriving & Growth)

🌟 What Happens?

• The group now functions as a team, with trust and camaraderie well established.
• Children actively support each other and engage more deeply in camp activities.
• Spiritual and personal breakthroughs often happen in this phase.
• Leaders and children experience a sense of shared purpose and mission.

🎯 Leader's Role:
✔️ Encourage leadership—allow children to take initiative and help each other.
✔️ Facilitate deeper discussions—help kids process their experiences and spiritual growth.
✔️ Celebrate milestones—affirm progress and highlight testimonies.
✔️ Prepare for transition—guide children in how to take what they’ve learned back home.

Final Thought

Each group moves through these phases at its own pace, and some may regress at times. Your patience, adaptability, and leadership will help guide them toward growth. Recognizing where your group is allows you to lead with wisdom and intention, ensuring that each child leaves camp feeling valued, empowered, and spiritually enriched.

LEAD FROM BEHIND

​As a small group leader at KIDS Camp, your primary role is to facilitate rather than lead. Our campers are at an age where their leadership qualities begin to emerge, and it's essential to nurture this development. Within each group, you'll encounter both extroverted leaders and more introverted children. It's important to recognize that quiet individuals possess leadership potential as well.​

A valuable resource on this topic is Quiet Leadership: Six Steps to Transforming Performance at Work by David Rock. This book offers insights into harnessing the strengths of both introverted and extroverted individuals. Click here for a video on this topic.

Active listening plays a crucial role in your facilitation. By attentively listening to campers' conversations and posing thoughtful questions, you can stimulate meaningful discussions. Instead of providing direct suggestions, offer ideas that encourage campers to think critically and collaborate. This generation thrives as co-collaborators rather than passive spectators. If some children are quiet, invite them to share their thoughts by asking, "What do you think we should do?" Remember, effective leaders don't need to have all the answers; they lead by example and often from behind. Let's use this opportunity to cultivate the children's leadership capacities and ignite their courage to speak up.​

For further understanding of the power of introversion, consider exploring Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain. This book delves into the strengths of introverted individuals and how they can be harnessed effectively.​

By embracing these principles, we can create an environment where every camper feels valued and empowered to contribute.