Developmental Stages
At this point, campers are beginning to learn to share and take turns. Their fine and gross motor skills are developing, and they are beginning to learn how to regulate their emotions. They like to receive praise from adults, and understand that they get rewards for good behavior and consequences for misbehavior. What age range is this?
Early Childhood, ages 4-7 (Red and orange group)
If a camper does something that they aren't allowed to do, and it is their first infraction of the day, you...
Give them a reminder.
How do we phrase that?
A camper isn't listening to directions, or is being unsafe. What do I do?
If this is the first incident of the day, give the camper a reminder, and explain WHY a rule is what it is.
There is always a ____________ behind a camper's behavior.
Why
When someone does something that hurts you or makes you upset, but they don't do it on purpose that is called being...
Rude
Campers at this age are very aware of what others think of them, and respond by trying to "fit in," achieve in athletics or academics, or fit themselves into a category ("smart" "sporty" etc.). They are beginning to be able to think in an abstract manner, and will become bored if they are not challenged or stimulated. What age group is this?
Early adolesence- 11-13 (Purple group)
If a camper repeats a behavior or has continued to misbehave after their first event, what do you do?
Give the camper a warning.
How do we phrase that?
A camper has already gotten a reminder for standing on top of a picnic table, but they decide to do it again. What do you do?
Give the camper a warning.
How would we phrase this?
One behavior why is the need for __________, whether it is positive or negative.
Attention or recognition.
When someone does something that hurts or upsets you on purpose, but they only do it once, that is called being...
Mean
At this stage, campers are beginning to compare themselves to others (appearance, school achievements, sports performance). They are also beginning to develop individual identities and form friendships with others. They also are becoming more adept at working in others and forming groups. What age group is this?
Middle Childhood- 8-10 (Yellow, green, and blue group)
A camper's FIRST time out of the day will be with...
Their color group.
A camper earns a time out for pushing another camper to the ground. This is their first time out of the day, so what do you do?
The camper serves this time out with their color group for a number of minutes that is equal to their age. This will also be documented on the camper's ABC-N log.
Campers aren't at their best if they are _____________.
(There is more than 1 correct answer to this!)
- Homesick (Scared or nervous)
- Sick or tired
- Having problems outside of camp
If someone does something that hurts or upsets you, and they keep doing it after you've asked them to stop or shown them that you are upset, that is called...
Bullying
Developmentally, what color group(s) would be best at complex problem solving or games/activities with lots of steps or rules?
Blue or purple group
Where does a camper go for their SECOND time out of the day?
The second time out of the day is with a manager. It will also result in a call home.
A camper earns their second time out of the day. What do you do?
This time out is to be served with a manager. The time out is documented, and a call home is made.
Campers can 'lash out' when...
(There is more than 1 answer to this)
- If they are frustrated
- If they clash with staff or peers and are being defensive.
If a camper is being purposely excluded repeatedly by their peers, is this bullying?
Yes if the exclusion is on purpose ("You can't sit with us) and if it is done repeatedly.
What age group responds best to "self-centered directions" i.e. please walk when you are near the pool so that you don't hurt yourself or others" vs. "Don't run!"
Red/orange group (but all groups benefit from this)
What are 3 things that can lead to immediate expulsion from camp for the summer?
-Physical violence
-Possession of alcohol, drugs, or weapons
-Bullying of any kind (physical, verbal, cyber)
-Leaving the grounds
-Nudity
-Any criminal acts
Do I have to follow all of the "steps" in order if a camper does something that warrants more extreme action?
NO! If a camper punches another camper in the face, you aren't going to give them a reminder! Use your judgement, and don't let campers dictate their consequences.
TRUE or FALSE
If campers have learned a behavior at home, those habits will not come along to camp.
FALSE! Much of how campers behave comes from habits that they have learned and had reinforced at home.
If campers don't like each other, is this bullying?
No. Children may verbally or non verbally communicate their dislike of another child. This is okay, as long as they don’t start rumors or verbally abuse others.