Counselor Makeover Showcase

Name and Purpose

• Counselor Makeover Showcase is a creative, low-pressure activity that builds community through play and self-expression.
• Campers practise teamwork, creativity, and decision-making together.

a.k.a.

• (None; previous title retained in clean form)

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 8-16 | 10-40 players in groups of 5-8 | 30-45 minutes | Indoor common room or large cabin

Materials

• Donated or camp-supplied dress-up clothes (hats, scarves, oversized jackets, etc.)
• Washable face paint or washable markers
• Hair accessories (clips, ribbons, headbands)
• Optional: music source for the fashion show segment
• Optional: small token prizes or ribbons for all entries

Quick-Run Card

1. Set up one dress-up station per group with shared supplies.
2. Groups pick a counsellor to makeover and agree on a theme (10 min).
3. Makeover time: groups style their counsellor (10-15 min).
4. Fashion show: each counsellor models their look for the room.
5. Celebrate every entry with a specific, fun category.

Setup and Boundaries

• Lay out supplies at each station before campers arrive
• Signal: raised hand = quiet down and listen
• Clear a runway area (any open floor space works)
• Ensure washable supplies only; check all face paint is skin-safe

How to Play

1. Split into groups of 5-8. Each group chooses a counsellor to be their model.
2. Groups decide on a theme for the look (e.g., “space explorer,” “fancy chef,” “1980s pop star”).
3. The makeover period begins. Groups work together to style their counsellor using available supplies.
4. Leaders give a 2-minute warning before time is up.
5. Each counsellor walks the makeshift runway while their group introduces the theme and names the look.
6. Program directors or a rotating panel of judges (changed each round) award every entry a fun, specific category (e.g., “Most Creative Use of a Hat,” “Best Colour Story”).
7. All entries are celebrated. No single winner declared unless the group prefers a collaborative vote.

I-OPt Options

• A (Active): Lead the styling, apply face paint, or dress the counsellor
• S (Support): Source supplies, assist with accessories, coach the counsellor on their walk
• Q (Quiet): Choose the theme, sketch a design idea, or help with the introduction speech
• O (Observer): Help set up stations, manage the music, or take on a judging role

Inclusion Adaptations

• Groups may choose a staff member or older camper as model instead of a counsellor if preferred
• Campers with tactile sensitivities may take on styling direction or speech roles rather than hands-on styling

Stewardship Moment

• After the show, sort all supplies back into bins for reuse next session
• Check face paint is fully washed off before supplies are stored; caps on tight to extend the life of materials

Consent

• Pre-brief: “In this activity, some people will be getting styled. For those not comfortable being touched or having things applied to their face or hair, directing the look or writing the introduction is another option.”
• Counsellor models: confirm with each counsellor privately before the activity that they are comfortable being styled
• Mid-game check: Check in with the counsellor model halfway through. “Still good? Anything to change?”
• Re-entry: Any camper who steps back from styling may rejoin by taking on a support or creative role at any time

Risks and Mitigation

• Skin reactions to face paint: use only certified skin-safe, washable products; staff will know which campers have relevant sensitivities
• Campers feeling pressured to lead: make clear all roles are equally valued
• Competitive pressure around judging: frame all categories as celebratory, not ranking

Warm-Up Suggestions

• “Compliment Runway”: each player takes one step forward, and the group names one thing they notice and like about what that person is wearing today
• “Theme Brainstorm”: groups have 60 seconds to name as many costume themes as possible; fastest group to 10 themes shares their list

Debrief Questions

• What? “What decisions did your group make together?”
• So What? “What was it like to be the one getting styled, or the one doing the styling?”
• Now What? “Where else do you need to listen to your group and make decisions together quickly?”

Cleanup and Reset

• Return all clothes and accessories to storage bins, sorted by type
• Wipe down any surfaces used for face paint
• Ensure the counsellor model has access to a mirror and washing facilities
• 60-second group sweep of the activity area