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UNDERSTANDING BEHAVIORS AND CAMP RULES. The Value of Listening. Listening validates the one who is speaking Listening values the child. This may be a first. Listening respects the child Listening is complete acceptance without judgment. Listening helps…. Eye contact Body Language Tone
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The Value of Listening Listening validates the one who is speaking Listening values the child. This may be a first. Listening respects the child Listening is complete acceptance without judgment
Listening helps… Eye contact Body Language Tone Position
Diffusing Anger PRAYER Be angry and sin not. CALL FOR STAFF HELP BEFORE YOU NEED IT
Diffusing Anger PRAYER VERBALIZE FEELINGS OF THE CHILD REASSURE CAMPER OF ACCEPTANCE AND LOVE
GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH YOUR CAMPER EYE CONTACT OR NOT WORDS AND BODY LANGUAGE “WARM-UP” WHAT TO SAY AND DO FIRST GET-ACQUAINTED GAMES
Reporting Abuse? What are the laws in this state and within this county for mandated reporters? • As a trained staff member of this camp, you become a mandated reporter. • If any situation occurs at camp, contact your director immediately. • Includes inappropriate touching, undo harassment (verbal or physical), or threats ,witnessed or just reported
Mandatory Reporting • Director and professional counselor will assess the situation to determine if they need to make a report to your social service agency. • Don’t assume it’s not a big deal • Your Local Social Worker / Contact should help guide you with decisions.
CASE STUDY – Real RFKC Example One day during pool time, a small 9-year old boy inappropriately grabbed the largest 11-year old boy at camp. No adult witnessed it happened and 11-year old kept it to himself. The story came out that night as the 11-year old shared what happened to a friend in their room. The friend suddenly went after the 9-year old with a vengeance. The fight was stopped before it started. But when we found out what almost started it, the 11-year old victim was pulled aside and he confirmed the story.
Upon investigation talking with the other counselors, we learned that a pattern of inappropriate behavior by the 9-year old had been happening all along. But each adult that saw each event thought it was “no big deal”. When everything was put together, along with this latest story in the pool, it was clear the 9-year old should be reported to Social Services. Upon reporting , it was found out that this was not the first offense (or the 2nd or 3rd) by the 9-year old and he had a long history of being sexually abused himself. What seemed as simple rough-housing was a pattern of a more serious problem and symptom of possible current abuse.
As it turns out, the 11-year old also had a history of being sexually abused. What was initially thought of as “no big deal” turned out to be a very big deal for both boys. Somewhere there is a careful balance between over reporting and under reporting. Experience can be the best teacher which is why we need contact with the Social Workers for direction.
Medical Issues INFECTION CONTROL - RECOMMENDED HYGIENE PRACTICE Hand Washing Latex gloves
Camp Rules Every where in our society we have rules. Sports, school, work, government, church even board games have rules. There are written rules and unwritten rules.
Some rules are not so clear… When talking about rules, we want to bring as much clarity as possible.
RFKC POLICIES & RULES • Two-Deep. • There MUST always be TWO TRAINED ADULTS providing direct supervision over a camper from the time the Guardian drops the child off at registration, to the time the Guardian picks up a child.
RFKC POLICIES & RULES 2. Private Beds. At NO time during camp should a camper be allowed to lie or sit on the counselor’s bed or shall the counselor lay or sit on the camper’s bed. 101 Manual V-8
3. Personal Touch. The following three touching scenarios are against the rules: Sitting on Laps Piggy Back rides Frontal Hugs (Positive and healthy touch is important and vital for everyone, especially for children from abusive backgrounds. RFKC POLICIES & RULES
4. Photography / Videography. There is to be NO distribution, posting or publication of identifiable photos or videos of the children to anyone other than the children themselves. RFKC POLICIES & RULES
5. Exchanging Personal Information. DO NOT exchange any personal information with the children such as: last names, addresses (US Postal, e-mail or facebook, etc.) or phone numbers. RFKC POLICIES & RULES
6. Medications and Distribution. All medications (including over-the-counter medications) are to be given to the nurse for security and dispensing for all campers and all adults who stay in children’s quarters or whose medications could be within reach of children. RFKC POLICIES & RULES
7. Name Tags. Nametags are worn by EVERYONE all week. RFKC POLICIES & RULES
7 guidelines for a successful camp: Be on time for and attend all activities Keep the cabins / rooms clean DO NOT give children snacks containing sugar Maintain consistency in adhering to rules Use common sense Use of pay/cell phones is off limits to children. DO NOT give out the physical camp address RFKC POLICIES & RULES
RFKC 7 Religious Policies (Because we work with the State…) NO WATER BAPTISM NO COMMUNION (with campers) NO ALTAR CALLS NO LAYING ON HANDS IN PRAYER NO CASTING OUT DEMONS NO SPEAKING IN TONGUES NO ANOINTING WITH OIL
RFKC 7 Religious Policies (Because we work with the State…) NO WATER BAPTISM NO COMMUNION (with campers) NO ALTAR CALLS NO LAYING ON HANDS IN PRAYER NO CASTING OUT DEMONS NO SPEAKING IN TONGUES NO ANOINTING WITH OIL We do not follow these practices because the campers are Wards of the State. Just as important, some of these items are just plain scary to kids who do not come from a church background! Many adults do not understand some of these practices, the campers even more so. All of these practices are Biblical and are fine in church. Remember, the Thief on the cross had a moment with Jesus, and his life was changed, without any of these practices. Bi We too can have “moments” without these practices. .
Is there enough opportunity to share God’s love? Counselor Relationship #1 Devotional Ideas #2 Camper Activity Book #3 Counselor Relationship is 1-on-1 #4 Many Doors to Jesus
Remember -Teachable Moments Prayer at Meals 30/30 time Camper Activity book Activity Centers Devotions at Night Sing Songs Bible Reading Review of the Day
Let our focus be on the Greatest Commandments… Love God with all your heart & Love your neighbor (Matthew 22 37-39) As we do this it will open the door to follow the Great Commission
3 FOR 3 Before we move on… Let’s have three questions about this section. AND / OR three Take-a-ways