Techniques
What is redirecting?
Asking a camper to do a task in order to redirect from the problematic behavior.
Ex- You ask a camper to come with you to help fill water bottles - they are now a "counselor helper".
How do you make your group get familiar with appropriate camp behavior?
Staff sets expectations, clear rules, and consequences within the first day and continue to follow them throughout the week.
If a camper is misbehaving, what is the max amount of time a camper take a break for?
1 minute for however old they are.
Ex - 5 years old = 5 minute break
What day of the week do you need to wear your Camp Staff shirt?
(Double points: what color bottoms should be worn?)
Mondays!
Dark colored bottoms!
What does DEI stand for?
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
How can humor be used when managing behaviors?
When there is a tense or anxious situation in your camp group, making a joke or funny comment can ease the situation. Do NOT use sarcasm!
Ex-Telling a camper that is refusing to participate, "that is so not slay of you"
You should warn campers of transitions and activities to help them prepare and plan. True or False?
True! Some kids have trouble with transitions or doing new activities and it is your job to help them be comfortable.
How would you explain that a behavior was inappropriate to a camper in Lower Camp vs a Patriot camper?
Talk to the child at a level they will understand.
Speaking to them with complex and complicated language will make it difficult for them to stop their behavior.
What channel should all walkie talkies stay on throughout the camp day?
Channel 4
Behavior charts are only a way for bad kids to earn prizes. True or False?
FALSE, Behavior charts can be used for all kids to help with transitions, managing behaviors, and give positive reinforcement
What is planned ignoring?
A tactic that can be used when you know an inappropriate behavior will stop if a camper is not getting attention from it.
Ex - If a camper is saying "6 7" will annoy their counselor, ignore them saying it and they will likely stop.
If a camper is showing disinterest in the activity, what can counselors do to prevent troublesome behaviors from arising?
Find alternate activities for children to engage them. A lot of bad behavior comes from disengagement.
Ex-a camper does not want to do the art project, so you give them a choice of doing a different one instead.
Is all behavior a form of communication?
Yes! Kids are usually trying to express their feelings or what is wrong, but may go about it in a difficult way.
True or False; Campers can keep Tylenol, eye drops, and Vaseline in their backpacks during the camp day.
FALSE. These are all considered over-the-counter medications and should be kept in the camp office.
What is the "sandwich approach"?
A method to start with positive feedback, discuss the challenge, close with encouragement.
What is interest boosting?
Displaying genuine interest in a child's work in order to build a relationship or rapport with them.
Ex-Asking questions about an art project, "Why did you decide to color the duck blue?"
If a camper is upset and getting angry about a rec game, what can you do to prevent their behavior before it escalates further?
Address the situation with the kid and hear them out. Many kids benefit from active listening from the counselors because they can feel heard and understood.
What are the three prohibited forms of discipline?
Corporal punishment(physical), verbal abuse, as well as denial of food, water, or the bathroom.
Where do we meet for an emergency evacuation of the building, such as a fire alarm or gas leak?
The upper green and front lawn at side driveway
What is the difference between equity and equality?
Equity: provides everyone with the unique resources and opportunities they need to reach an equal outcome
Equality: provides the same resources, opportunities, and treatment for all people without accommodating their backgrounds or resources
What is signaling?
A variety of signals that can communicate disapproval of a campers behavior.
Ex-Clearing your throat, establishing eye contact.
How many rules should you have for the camp group so the campers do not feel overwhelmed?
4 - 6.
What are the 3 unacceptable offenses a camper can commit that should be immediately addressed by a counselor?
1. Willfully show blatant disrespect to any staff
2. Willfully inflict physical harm to anyone
3. Willfully inflict emotional harm on anyone
Which staff can give non emergency medications to campers, such as Zyrtec/Benadryl?
Only Health Care Supervisors can administer medication to campers, even non-emergency meds.
Lauren, Gabby, Michelle, Kristen, and Rocco.
What is the T.R.E.E method?
Teaching style: adjust instructions for clarity
Rules: modify rules for success
Equipmemt: use adaptive equipment or alternative materials
Environment: modify spaces for accessibility and sensory considerations