Behavior Management
Behavior is a form of ___________ . What is often the reason a child behaves in a way that they are not supposed to?
Communication; Many times, the child is missing a coping skill and doesn’t know a better way to communicate. It is our job to teach kids how to express their feelings appropriately.
I am walking along the trail, and I run into your group:) What are some things I expect to see, and some things that I would not love to see?
I expect to see:
One staff member at the front of the group, and one staff member at the very back of the group.
CITs dispersed throughout the middle of the group and engaged in conversation with campers to build relationships.
I don’t want to see:
CITs ahead of the counselor leading the group or behind the counselor at the back of the group.
CITs conversing solely with a counselor or other CITs in the group.
What are the staff to camper ratios?
1:5 for 4-6 year olds
1:10 for 7-12 year olds
What is the most crucial concept of successful behavior management?
CONNECTION!
What time should you arrive back at base camp at the end of the day? And what do you need to do with your group before parents are allowed to pick-up?
3:45-3:50pm; Have everyone seated by your group’s sign doing a debrief of the day using the whiteboards.
If a camper says or does something that triggers you, what is your responsibility as a CIT at that moment?
Do not take it personally.
Refrain from reacting quickly in a way that will only escalate the situation.
Regulate your own emotions, however that may look, in order to return to a baseline calm and collected body and mind.
What things are you required to bring with/have on you every day when entering the woods?
Fully charged cellphone
Closed-toe shoes
CIT T-shirt
Appropriate and comfortable bottoms that can get wet and dirty
Water bottle
Snacks for the morning and afternoon
Backpack to carry gear, art supplies, etc.
What are the 2 major rules when it comes to electronic communication and campers?
There should be zero communication with campers online i.e. direct/private messaging and/or video chatting.
You are not allowed to accept or make friend requests to campers on any social media platform during or after the camp season.
What should you do if you have a camper who is continuously disruptive to the group and is someone you have already worked with, but their behavior isn't changing.
Speak to Liz or a Health Care Supervisor at the end of the day. If they are causing an immediate problem or unsafe situation, call for help ASAP.
When should you tell a parent about something that happened at camp that day (child got scrapped, had a disagreement with another camper, behavior issues, etc)?
Who else should you notify prior to talking to the parent?
That very same day at dismissal.
You should let Liz know if there is a problem with a child so if the parent comes to her, she knows what they are talking about.
What is the best way to deliver clear, concise instructions?
Have your instructions be a maximum of 2 steps
Be specific (ex. Instead of saying, “Pay attention!”, describe what it looks like when someone is paying attention so that there is no gray area. Try, “Can I have eyes on me, voices off, and listening ears on please!”
Have your instruction be something that you are able to physically observe so that it is clear and obvious to you when a camper is not following the instruction properly.
Be as concrete as possible to avoid getting into a back-and-forth with a camper.
What are three things you can do to keep your campers safe while having fun in the woods?
Create boundaries
Do head counts often
Point out/avoid hazards (sharp jagged rocks, bee hives, poison ivy, glass, etc.)
What is Fells camp's babysitting policy?
It is prohibited to provide care such as babysitting, coaching, tutoring, or attending any special occasions for campers that you’ve met through Fells camp. If you happen to have a pre-existing relationship with a camper, notify Liz so that she can have the family sign an acknowledgement form.
What are the 3 buckets that most behaviors can be sorted into? Give a brief explanation of each bucket.
Bucket A = Adult - The adult is choosing and there are no other options.
Bucket B = Both - We can figure this out if we work together. *Approach the situation with calm curiosity*
Bucket C = Child - Take something off the child's plate. Allow them to get dirty, be energetic, be loud, etc.
What are six signs of dehydration? Bonus points if you get all 9 listed in the manual!
Thirst
Dark urine (very yellow)
Irritability
Dizziness or fainting
Muscle cramps
Less frequent urination
Dry mouth and lips
Fatigue or weakness
Headache or confusion
What is ‘Choice Theory’ and why do we use this method of managing behaviors at camp?
Choice Theory is giving campers choices when they need to be redirected and being completely OK with the outcome of both options that you present to the camper. We use choice theory to give campers a sense of ownership over the situation and place the responsibility on them to make good choices.
In what ways are you permitted to use your cell phone while with campers?
You may use your phone to:
Look something up for your group (plant identification, bird calls, etc.)
Have a stopwatch for group games
Set an alarm to go off after a certain amount of time; specifically for campers who struggle with time management
Help you get to a location via GPS
Call Liz or 911 in case of an emergency
What are the 3 biggest components of camp's photography policy?
Pay attention to campers who do not have permission to be photographed.
It is strictly prohibited to post any form of media that include images of campers, mention campers by name, or say inappropriate things about a camper or parent.
What are the three types of consequences when disciplining a child and when should they each be used?
Natural Consequences; They happen every day and are often minor offenses.
Logical Consequences; They are used when you have recurring or disruptive behavior.
Problem Solving; They are used when you need the whole group to do better about working towards a specific goal. Campers will help to solve the problem by suggesting potential solutions via a group discussion led by counselors.
Who are the only "visitors" allowed at camp?
Visitors are not allowed at camp UNLESS they have been hired by the camp to lead activities i.e. nature guide, DCR employee, etc. Liz will always make you aware of a planned visit taking place that day.
Give 3 reasons why punishments don't work. Bonus points if you can give all 5!
Punishments are all about us and our judgment of the behavior, rather than about the child’s actions and how they have impacted others.
Punishments don’t ask children to reflect on their actions or take personal responsibility.
They don’t ask children to recognize or learn to manage their emotions.
They don’t teach missing skills.
They don’t intrinsically motivate children to change their behavior.
What are some key ways in which we demonstrate environmental stewardship at camp?
We respect the flora and fauna by observing it with our eyes meaning we will leave wildlife on/flowers in the ground.
We can observe insects in nets and jars in ways that are respectful and sustainable for the environment.
We practice ‘Leave No Trace’ principles such as picking up trash, paying attention to noise pollution, and leaving sites the way we found them (ex. tearing down forts and breaking apart dams).
We educate campers on how to properly engage with the Fells by teaching them about rogue trails, hiking etiquette, pollution, etc.
What is the procedure in the event of a bathroom accident?
1) Check to see if the child has a change of clothes.
- If they do not have a change of clothes, call the office and inform them of the situation. We will then call the parents for the child to be picked up, or for a change of clothes to be dropped off.
- If they have a change of clothes, make sure that they take their backpack with them on the hike back to base camp.
2) Bring them inside the high school to change in a bathroom stall.
3) You can help by passing the child wet wipes under the stall door and help bag their clothes when they are finished changing. However, you CANNOT physically help a child change or be in the stall while they are changing.
4) Always inform the camp director, Liz, or another senior staff person that there was a bathroom accident, and it is the counselor's responsibility to let the parents or guardians know at the time of dismissal.
Counselors will always do G.R.E.A.T.! What does each letter stand for?
G - Give reminders about camp rules and expectations.
R - Redirect with love and understanding.
E - Encourage campers to communicate their feelings and ideas with their counselors and groupmates.
A - Ask questions to understand the bigger picture.
T - Teach and listen, instead of punishing and yelling.
What are the 5 levels of intervention that are used in the event that you have a repeatedly misbehaving camper.
Redirection and Reflection
Removal and Intervention
Parent/Guardian Involvement
Reset Opportunity
Dismissal