Camper Expectations

Every camper is entitled to a respectful, affirming camp experience. Campers are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that ensures a safe environment for everyone and to assume responsibility for their actions. Please look over the camp expectations and talk about these with your camper before they arrive at camp! We also hope you will save this sheet and remind your camper of these expectations as often as possible.

Camper Expectations

Behavior Guidelines

1. Campers listen and follow directions given by staff. 

2. Campers respect the personal space of others by keeping their bodies to themselves. 

3. Campers ask permission to leave your group and never go anywhere alone.

4. Campers arrive at their activities ready to learn.

5. Campers communicate respectfully with adults and fellow campers. Swearing, teasing, and derogatory comments will not be tolerated at Hale.

6. Campers are always on time.

7. At camp, nothing flies through the air.

Caregivers and supporters can also make sure their camper is successful by making sure...

1. Campers do not bring cell phones, electronic devices, or money to camp. There is nothing to buy, limited cell phone signals, and nowhere to charge electronics.

2. Campers will participate in scheduled activities with their group.

3. Campers will respect themselves, other campers, the environment, facilities, and staff.

If you feel that your camper may struggle with any of these expectations or rules, please contact us, so we can set up an appropriate behavior plan while your camper is in our care. When a camper is unable to meet one of the above expectations, a behavior warning is given. The camp director will contact parents should disciplinary issues occur. Whenever possible, we work with campers and their families to modify or manage problematic behavior.

 Multiple behavior warnings may result in your camper not being able to return to camp.

Behavior Management Policy

Behavior Intervention at Different Levels

Counselor Intervention
The first time a camper misbehaves, and provided the behavior does not directly affect another camper, corrective action is a private discussion between the counselor(s) and the camper. This information is relayed to a camp lead so they can take note of it. 

Head Counselor Intervention
If inappropriate behavior occurs again, or if a behavior that is beyond the scope of a counselor is presented, the camp lead will have a conversation with the camper.

Unit Director Intervention
If the camper continues to exhibit inappropriate behavior, or if a serious/dangerous behavior is exhibited, one of the camp directors will meet with the camper and contact their parent or guardian. 

If a physical incident occurs (a camper hits, pushes, bullies, or exhibits any form of violence toward another camper), or if a camper does something that endangers their safety or the safety of others (such as running away from the group), then the camper is referred to a director and the camper’s parent or guardian is immediately notified. 

Hale Summer Camps prohibits corporal punishment, and no camper shall be subjected to cruelty, humiliation, or verbal abuse. Campers shall not be denied food or shelter as a form of punishment or be punished for soiling, wetting, or toilet use. Discipline shall be consistent and appropriate, given the circumstances.

When Behavior Escalates

Suspension

If a camper is asked to “take a day off,” they may not return to camp until their parent or guardian meets with the camp director. Behaviors that warrant suspension include: 

• Bullying

• Continually disobeying camper expectations

• Leaving the group multiple times/refusing to stay with their group

• Endangering or purposefully hurting another camper or counselor

• Stealing or destroying property

• Engaging in inappropriate or illegal behavior

• Bringing weapons to camp

No refunds will be offered for days missed.

Dismissal

While we try to do everything we can to support your camper(s), sometimes our program is not a fit given your camper's needs. We will work with families to develop targeted behavior plans and provide as much support as possible. In the event the camp directors feel we are no longer able to meet your camper's needs without significant disruption or overuse of camp resources, the camp directors reserve the right to dismiss any camper when their behavior interferes with the rights and safety of others or with the smooth functioning of a group or activity. 

No refunds will be offered for days missed. Incidents of direct violence or events that jeopardize the safety of campers and/or staff can lead to immediate dismissal. 

Camper Community Policy

Working together to build a stronger community

At Hale Summer Camps, we believe community, integrity, and resilience are built not just in joyful moments—but in how we work through challenges together.

Campers, like all of us, are still learning how to navigate relationships. At times, they may experience conflict—disagreements, hurt feelings, or physical behaviors like pushing or hitting. When this happens, our staff respond with care and structure, guiding campers through restorative practices that help them take responsibility, understand others' perspectives, and rebuild trust.

This process may include:

• Guided conversations facilitated by trained staff

• Restorative circles or reflective activities

• Support in naming feelings, needs, and choices

• Coaching around empathy, listening, and respect

**Whenever it’s safe and appropriate, we keep campers in the same group and support them in working through the situation together—because avoiding conflict doesn’t build connection but facing it with support can.

Safety First

There are times when temporary separation or additional interventions are necessary to ensure safety and well-being. Our staff make decisions thoughtfully and in partnership with families when needed. In more serious or ongoing situations, camp leadership will work closely with parents or guardians to create a plan that ensures a positive path forward for all campers involved.

Partnering With Families

We know you care deeply about your child’s experience. If your camper is involved in a conflict at camp, we may reach out to share context, explain our response, and offer ways to support your camper together. We encourage open dialogue and welcome your questions or insights as we work as a team to help every camper grow.

How Families Can Support

We believe the most powerful growth happens when camp and home work in partnership. If your camper is involved in a conflict at camp, we may ask for your help continuing the conversation at home. This could include:

• Reflecting with your child about what happened and how it made them feel

• Practicing empathy by imagining how others may have felt

• Brainstorming ways to repair the situation or reconnect with a peer

• Encouraging your camper to try again and use new strategies the next day

These moments of connection and reflection at home reinforce what we’re working on at camp and help your camper build lifelong skills in communication, empathy, and resilience.

We’ll always reach out when needed, and we welcome your insights. Together, we create a camp culture rooted in curiosity, joy, and growth—one where every camper has the chance to feel seen, supported, and successful.