Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
What piece of paperwork will parents need to sign when dropping off their children for camp each morning, And what verbal confirmation will you require from them?
Signed Attendance sheet and verbal confirmation of Covid Symptom Checker
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!
By what time do you need to let Liz know your attendance number?
By 9:15
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 parent?
That very same Day at dismissal.
You should Let Liz know if there was a problem with child so if parent comes to her, she knows what they are talking about.
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 three signs of dehydration? Bonus point if you get at least five.
Thirst
Dark urine (very yellow)
Irritability
Dizziness or fainting
Muscle cramps or weakness
Less frequent urination
Dry skin or lack of skin elasticity
Dry mouth
Fatigue, headache or confusion
What must you do if someone new is picking up a camper for the first time?
You must check their license or state issued photo ID to confirm who they are and that they are on the camper’s list of authorized pick-ups.
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.
What are three ways we can help prevent the abuse of a child at camp?
1. Good supervision (rule of 3, active engagement with your campers, etc.)
2. Positive and supportive camp culture among staff and campers.
3. Holding ourselves and each other accountable is the norm.
What should you do if someone comes to pick up a camper who is not on the authorized pick up list
DO NOT DISMISS THE CAMPER and contact the camp director immediately.
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.