Body Language

• • Body language is important to the way others read you. Since body language is a natural, unconscious language that broadcasts your true feelings and intentions, people will likely listen to your nonverbal message over what you say. 

  • Frequently crossing your arms can put others on the defensive and make it look as if you are closing yourself off to communication. If you do not know what to do with your hands, try pressing your fingers against each other in front of your chest. Children and adults are more likely to be receptive to your ideas if you have body language that is open to them.  

Eye Contact

• • Eye contact is extremely important during communication and conversation. Sometimes, our eyes and body language speak even more than words. Keeping eye contact with the person you are talking to shows that you are actively listening and paying attention.

Smile

• • A smile communicates a sort of friendliness and openness and it attracts others to you. Smiling often speaks louder than words and is contagious! 😊

Tone of Voice

• • Always use a positive tone of voice and never yell at the children.

  • Be aware of how others can perceive your message. Remember, it is not just what you say, it is how you say it.

Greetings

• • Remember to say, "Hello" and "Good Bye" to the children every day. 

  • Greet children by name; this shows them that you care about each of them personally.

Word Choice

• • Be deliberate about the words you use with the kids. By asking instead of telling and by explaining why it is important, you can help them understand the rules better without them feeling bossed around.

  • Be cautious when joking or using sarcasm as others can perceive you as being offensive.

  • Always communicate sensitive information to others in private.

Staff is expected to conduct appropriate conversations and use appropriate language during work hours. Any conversations including profanity, sex, drugs, alcohol, political or religious views, gambling, class, racial or cultural degradation, relationships, violence or other potentially offensive themes will not be tolerated. This includes words such as retarded, gay, lame, sucks, crap, stupid, and any racial slur.

Gossip between staff is not to the benefit of the program. This includes venting frustrations or concerns with coworkers in person or on social media. If coworkers are having a problem, they need to address it outside of program hours and work towards a resolution. If a resolution cannot be reached, report the problem to a supervisor. In extreme cases, staff may be reassigned. 

Sharing staff or program issues with participants is detrimental to the overall success of the program and will not be tolerated.

If staff are unsure how to handle a difficult situation with another staff member or they have concerns about the program, communication is crucial and staff should contact their Inclusion Coordinator or Camp Coordinator about the issue or concern. Please do not let concerns go unspoken or unresolved. We want every staff member to have a positive experience working at CARD summer camps and communication is key.