Versions 1, 2, and 3: Students work directly with children on learning-centered activities for a minimum of five hours each day and spend a minimum of one hour in daily preparation. Students maintain a daily dialogue journal that includes descriptions of children, observations and recording of children's behavior and educational progress, recording of teaching experiences in the educational program, questions and concerns about their work, and personal reflections on the nature and meaning of the educational experience. Students read and respond to (in writing and group discussions) selected materials drawn from professional literature. Topics include praise and encouragement; preventive discipline, using reading materials with special needs children; conflict management; promoting resiliency; the development of pro-social skills; project-based learning; group decision-making; and understanding learning disabilities. Initial camp counselor training is an intensive six-day experience that helps prepare staff to work with children with emotional, learning, and behavior challenges in a dynamic, outdoor environment. Other topics include: team building, safety and health issues, communication, diversity, behavior management, experiential learning through recreational activities, educating children with learning and emotional challenges, physical and emotional abuse, and dealing with children's developing sexuality.