What is it? And why is it important?
How do you define supervision?
It is the way adults protect children from injury or other harm.
What is direct and active supervision?
This means a camp leader should be able to see and hear all children at all times.
When should I count my children?
Count on a scheduled basis, at every transition, and when leaving one area and arriving at another. You should count children approximately every 15 minutes.
What are rules in the context of camp?
Rules are guidelines or reminders about what it means to be a member of the camp community.
Generally there are 3 things you should do when supervising. What are they?
What does supervision involve?
Watching, listening, interacting, monitoring and preventing problems.
In what scenarios is it appropriate to supervise by being in hearing range only?
To ensure privacy, children can use the restroom or change for swim without supervision by sight. But you must be close by and able to intervene if necessary.
Should you know how many children you have at ALL times?
Yes! Note any children who leave the group (e.g., those who go with another adult to get supplies or go to the bathroom, those who are picked up early).
What are 3 things that rules should always be?
1. Short and clear
2. Stated positively
3. Limited in number
Generally, you should NEVER be doing any of these things when supervising?
Who is responsible for providing constant active supervision?
You are!
The group leaders and counselors.
Why would you need to adapt your supervision to certain children in your care?
Very young children, children with special health care needs, children with disabilities, or children with behavioral needs may require additional supervision.
When children use the playground or other equipment, where should you position yourself?
You should stand strategically so you can supervise all areas. This means you will not stand or sit together on the playground. You should be spread out, watching, listening, and interacting positively with children.
True or False? "Don't run!" is an appropriate rule to use on the pool deck.
False. This is a negative rule; instead use "Please walk" or "Use walking feet".
Is it OK to ask for help?
Yes. Absolutely. Supervisors expect you to ask for help if you don't know something or need extra supervision.
True or False? Camp leaders do not need scan their environment for hazards as the maintenance crew does that.
False. It is your responsibility.
What should you do if you need to have a long conversation with a child's parent?
Arrange for someone else to cover for you to maintain adequate supervision.
If one camp leader is actively playing with the children what should the other leader be doing?
Observing or refereeing.
Be respectful is a good example of a rule or an expectation?
This is an expectation, expectations are general characteristics or ways you would like children to behave.
My cell phone buzzes and it is an important message from my mom. What should I do?
Contact your supervisor to arrange for cover for your responsibilities while you take a short break to respond.
True or False? You should focus on the positive rather than the negative to teach what is safe.
True.
Is it OK to text my friends or my parents about how my day is going while I am supervising children?
No. It is not. If you absolutely have to conduct some personal business while on duty, you MUST communicate with your supervisor.
What should you do if you encounter a hazard that would jeopardize a child if you played in that area.
Remove the hazard if safe to so or contact a supervisor.
Is it a good idea to include the children when creating your group rules?
Yes! children will create their own rules and you can help them reframe to be short, clear and positive.
A child gets frustrated and runs away from your group. What two things should you do?
1. Follow them so they are always in sight.
2. Use your walkie-talkie to ask for help and coverage for your group.