Camp Policies
How many people are in our buddy system when going to another place?
3 (at least one adult)
What year was Sibling Connections founded?
2005
Who is the first person you ask in a camper related issue?
Family/ Cabin Lead
On your map: where is the cabins?
Point to it.
You’re putting your cabin to bed. Most of the kids are calming down, going through their routine, and settling down, but one camper still has a lot of energy and is keeping the other kids energized.
Stay calm and speak with them 1:1.
Things to try: reading a story to the group, find a calm down activity,
What is our sleeping arrangement policy?
Under no circumstances is it acceptable for a child to sleep in a bed with a volunteer or other camper. Do not sit on the participant’s bed when the participant is in the bed.
How many children are in foster care in MA? How many are separated from their sibling?
8,000 kids and around 75% are separated from at least one sibling.
You need more toilet paper for your cabin, who do you reach out too?
First let family lead know then they will reach out to Mike or Camp Wico staff.
Which cabin has supplies you may need?
Cabin # (Supply Cabin)
A camper mentions getting spanked at home. You think they may be talking about their current home, but you’re not sure.
Let either Wellness and Leslie know and it maybe filed on to DCF and you may need to speak to a investigator.
Can you post photos of campers on social media? Why is this? When can you post photos?
No, due to youth having different reasons they are in care and safety. Scenery and already posted on the Sibling Connections Social Media
Why might a child test boundaries or raise their voice when getting upset?
They can be testing the boundary to see if the adults will keep them safe.
A child let's you know they need their medication, who do you go too?
Group of 3 and health center
On your map: where is the health center?
Point to it
You notice a child has not showered or brushed their teeth in a few days how do you handle this?
Have a 1:1 conversation and give them choice on which one they want to do first? Ask what would make them comfortable or if they need anything. IF continues to resist talk with Wellness.
What is our confidentiality policy?
It is against Sibling Connections’ policies for any volunteer to disclose nonpublic personal, health or financial information about any participant.
You can tell stories to friends, but do not use names.
Why would Sibling Connections take a child who does not have a sibling at camp or a event? Or siblings who are now together.
They have been separated from a sibling in care in the past or currently and their sibling is unable to attend. We provide trusted adults to help them grow and gain positive experiences.
It is now Thursday and you have become tired and feeling you need support, who would you ask to talk with?
Sarah
What are the two ways to get to the waterfront?
Bonus point: What kind of staff need to be at any waterfront before entering the water?
Through the road or tunnel
You notice a group of youth continue to pick on one specific youth. You feel this has become a bullying scenario.
How do we discipline at Sibling Connections?
This week is about fun and sibling reconnection. We do not use any physical discipline or take away any events or things from our participants. If you feel frustrated, ask for help!
Why do children enter foster care?
Through no fault of their own, they have experienced some type of abuse to enter care outside their home and are either with a relative, group home, or foster home.
You and your family group have redirected and tried multiple strategies to help a camper all week, but they still yell and cry throughout the day? Who can you reach out for support?
Wellness Team Member
Where do you go to family reunion?
The MC will let us know, but usually outside the dining hall. Bonus point if you show where.
A child runs away from the group and a counselor sees what should they do next?
Bonus Points: If you can say the steps if you do no know where the camper is?
If a volunteer sees a participant begin to run away, they should:
1. Follow the participant so as not to lose sight of them but keep a distance. Motion to any other adult that is close by to join/help.
2. Motion to any other adult that is close by, telling them to report the situation to the Wellness Team
3. Continue to follow the participant until they stop on their own or the volunteer can convince them to stop.
4. Ask permission to approach the participant and then sit with them until they are ready to talk.
5. Give them the opportunity to describe their feelings and problem solve with them for the best solution.
6. If the participant is having an extremely hard time, wait for a member of the Wellness Team to arrive so they can handle the situation. Sometimes the participant can be extremely upset and angry that even talking to them will upset them more and could cause them to get up and run again. Therefore, it is best to let a professional handle this difficult situation.