Behavior Guidelines and Guidance Plan

Guidelines for Positive Behavior

We have four simple, clear guidelines to help campers stay safe and enjoy their time at camp:

• Be safe.
• Be kind and respectful.
• Follow counselors’ instructions.
• Stay with your group at all times.

Encouraging Positive Behavior

Our staff will use the following strategies to support and encourage campers to follow the guidelines:

• Clear Expectations:
  • At the start of each day, counselors will review the camp guidelines and explain what they look like in action (e.g., safe play, listening respectfully, and staying with the group).
• Positive Reinforcement:
  • Campers will receive verbal praise and acknowledgment when they demonstrate positive behavior.
  • Some counselors may use “group points” to recognize individual and group efforts.
• Modeling and Teaching Social Skills
  • Staff will model respectful communication, cooperation, and problem-solving strategies.
  • We will incorporate short activities that teach empathy, teamwork, and emotional regulation.
• Consistent Routines and Transitions:
  • Predictable schedules help campers feel secure and reduce anxiety.
  • Staff will use visual aids, countdowns, and signals to help with transitions.

Understanding Growth

We recognize that children may face challenges adjusting to new environments. Our approach emphasizes understanding each camper’s unique needs and helping them develop self-regulation and problem-solving skills. We believe that all children are capable of success when they feel safe, supported, and heard.

When Campers Have Difficulty Following Guidelines

We understand that all children are learning to navigate social and emotional challenges. When campers struggle to follow guidelines, staff will respond in a calm, supportive manner using the following steps:

• Gentle Redirection:
  • Staff will remind the camper of the guideline and offer a choice or alternative behavior.
  • Example: “Remember, we need to stay with our group. Let’s walk back together.”
• Private Check-In:
  • If a camper continues to struggle, staff will take them aside for a brief, private conversation to understand what’s going on and offer support.
  • Example: “I noticed you’re feeling upset. What’s going on? How can I help?”
• Reflection and Problem-Solving:
  • The camper may participate in a short staff-supported reflection activity, such as drawing or talking about how to make the situation right or making a different choice the next time.
• Natural Consequences:
  • These outcomes may happen naturally as a result of a child’s behavior. These experiences help children learn cause and effect, fostering responsibility and decision-making skills.
  • For example, if a camper isn’t using scissors safely after adult support and redirection, they may not be allowed to use scissors for the remainder of the activity. They may try again during the next activity using scissors.
  • If necessary, the camper may have a brief “break” from the activity to reset, always under staff supervision. The goal is to rejoin the group as soon as they are ready.
• Parent/Guardian Communication and/or Incident Report
  • If a pattern of challenging behavior emerges, staff will communicate with parents/guardians to collaborate on strategies that support the camper.
  • If an incident occurs that is of a serious nature (causing injury to another camper or staff member, inappropriate or derogatory language, bullying, defiance) an incident report will be completed to document the incident and inform parents/guardians and the Camp Director and Chief Science and Education Officer will be notified.

Dismissal From Camp

Our priority is to ensure a safe, respectful, and fun environment for all campers. We are committed to working closely with campers and their families to support positive behavior. Expulsion is a last resort, used only if a camper’s actions pose significant danger, inflict physical or emotional harm, or repeatedly jeopardize the safety, well-being, or positive experience of others. If the decision is made and a camper is asked to leave camp due to ongoing or dangerous behavior, an incident report will be completed, and the Camp Director and Chief Science and Education Officer will be notified. Refunds will not be provided.

Behaviors that would result in dismissal may include:

• Physical or verbal aggression: Actions like hitting, kicking, bullying, or using harmful language that endangers others.
• Threatening safety: Any behavior that poses an immediate danger to oneself, others, or property.
• Disrespect or defiance: Repeated refusal to follow camp rules or staff instructions despite guidance.
• Disruptive behavior: Persistent actions that interfere with camp activities, even after interventions.

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