Camp Rules
This is the most important thing to do if you need to leave the group or change activities.
What is informing a counselor or leader?
To ensure everyone gets enough rest, campers should follow this rule regarding bedtime or lights out.
What is observing quiet hours?
A technique where you acknowledge good behavior to encourage it in the future.
What is praise or positive reinforcement?
Staff members who participate alongside campers help build these important connections.
What are trust and rapport?
This area is strictly off limits for all campers and staff except when a lifeguard is present.
What is the swimming area?
At camp, to ensure everyone's safety, campers & staff are encouraged to avoid being alone and instead stick to these small groups.
What is "trudies" or groups of three?
To respect fellow campers, avoid touching or moving these without permission.
What are other campers' belongings?
When a camper is upset or acting out, it's essential to manage this first before addressing the behavior.
What are your own emotions or remaining calm?
If a camper feels isolated and not included, counselors should create opportunities for them to do this.
What is participating in group activities and team-building exercises?
This is the first thing counselors should do if they notice a safety hazard at camp.
What is report it to camp leadership immediately?
This golden rule of treating others as you want to be treated applies strongly at camp.
What is showing kindness and respect?
Counselors should always make sure campers follow this rule before leaving the cabin for activities.
What is to clean up their area and check for belongings?
To effectively address challenging behaviors, it helps to consider this underlying factor.
What are the camper's feelings or reasons for the behavior?
If a camper is homesick, counselors should do these two things to help them feel better.
What is listening to them and helping them get involved?
Seeing enthusiastic staff members can inspire campers to do this, especially during challenging or unfamiliar activities.
What is stepping out of their comfort zones?
Lights out means this for campers and counselors.
What is quiet time, staying in the cabin, and getting ready for sleep?
Deep breathing, storytelling, or listening to quiet music are examples of these, which help campers relax at bedtime.
What are calming techniques?
Instead of punishing misbehavior, this technique shifts a camper's focus to a more appropriate activity.
What is redirection?
Instead of saying “Don’t be sad,” it's more helpful to listen and say this to a homesick camper.
What is “I understand; it’s okay to feel that way”?
A stuck out tongue leads to dramatic “death”
What is Frogger?
By clearly explaining expectations and routines at the start, you can help minimize misunderstandings and misbehavior.
What is proactive communication?
Before leaving the cabin for the day, counselors should check that campers have these essential items.
What are water bottles, proper shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing?
If a camper is refusing to follow a simple rule, counselors should do this.
What is remain calm, explain the rule clearly, and offer a positive choice?What is remain calm, explain the rule clearly, and offer a positive choice?
Active participation helps staff stay engaged and aware of camper dynamics, making it easier to do this if needed.
What is addressing behavior issues or resolving conflicts?
All campers and staff will visit this location before meals and between main events.
What is the flagpole?