Sometimes campers coming to camp this summer will not exhibit the behaviors we are hoping for. When needed, we want to be able to recognize and handle inappropriate behavior before it comes out of hand. We should try our best to create an environment where campers want to naturally follow the rules and instructions. It all starts with creating a positive camper environment by modeling respect and friendship between yourself and campers.
Sometimes unwanted behavior is a reaction to frustration or confusion. Scientifically, the part of the brain that handles rationality, reactions to stimuli, emotions and risk/reward doesn’t finish developing until early adulthood. Simply put, for campers “testing boundaries” is their brain’s way of allowing them to strengthen these underdeveloped parts of the brain.
When campers engage in unwanted behaviors it is important for staff to respond immediately and appropriately. This helps the camper understand that their behavior needs correcting, and lets other campers know we will act fairly and take action when a rule is broken. At camp we strive for prevention first and then use VERV for managing camper behaviors.
These are strategies used to alter the environment before behavior occurs that will reduce the likelihood of the behavior occurring. They also increase the probability that the appropriate behaviors will occur.
Prevention is always better than cure!
Environmental Change Change the environment or set up the space so it is less likely for the behavior to occur.
Example: Child runs away from the area to escape the task.
Solution: Sit next to the child and between the child and the door to minimize escape
Schedule and Routines Follow predictable routines or use a written out or visual schedule. Visuals are helpful as they are tangible and can be continually referenced.
Set Clear Expectations Review these expectations proactively throughout the day and pair with visuals, written schedules or timers. Keep in mind natural consequences and expectations e.g. If you open it - close it, if you make a mess - clean it up.
Provide Behavior Specific Praise Provide praise at least 2-3 times as often as you are providing constructive feedback. Be specific to the positive behavior seen.
Alter the Expectation Break tasks up, plan more times for breaks, lower the effort or chunk tasks into manageable parts.
VERV is camps behavior management strategy when we encounter a camper who is struggling to follow rules or directions.
V
Verbal Warning: State the campers name and the behavior you need them to exhibit.
“John, remember, use a quiet voice inside”
“Kevin you need to use kind words”
“Susy you always need to sit down if you are holding an animal”
E
Make an Environmental Change after you have given a verbal warning regardless of when the verbal warning was given.
"John I you're not using a quiet voice inside. I need you to come sit by me until its time to leave the cabin."
"Keven I you're still not using kind words. I'm going to have you be my buddy today when we are walking from place to place."
Separate two campers that are arguing
Stand beside a camper who is having an inappropriate conversation
Take a stick away from a camper damaging property
Have an overwhelmed camper sit outside to calm down
R
Reflection- If a camper continues to break the rule after an environmental change was made you just complete a reflection with them. Pull the camper asside and have a conversation. The goal of the conversation is to keep them from the final V. You are on their side. Fill out a reflection sheet after this conversations and make sure your fellow counselors know so everyone can reinforce rules.
“John whats going on?”
“How do we keep x from happening again?”
“Is there something you need help with to keep x from happening again”
“If x happens again we're going to have to visit the director.”
V
Visit with a Director - If the behavior continues after the reflection let the camper know youre going to have to go talk with the director. If possible walk with the camper to the office. Notify in Signal that you are bringing a camper to the Office. Bring your reflection sheet with you. If it is possible to bring the camper yourself request assistance from a Director or Camper Advocate.
If a camper is physically violent toward a fellow camper or staff member, he/she is immediately brought to a camp director. At Cub Creek, we have a zero-tolerance policy for violence.
When working with a camper it can be helpful to understand the why. Repetitive behaviors usually fall into one of the four categories and can aide in your reflection conversations with campers to come up with an effective strategy.
A power struggle can occur anytime the wants and needs of a camper differ from those of the person who has the power to grant the camper those wants and needs. When you recognize a potential power struggle, take a few moments to consider your options. There are four ways to avoid a power struggle. You should be able to assess the situation and decide which plan of action is best:
Acquiesce. Give in to the camper's desire. Is there any reason why the person cannot have or do what they have asked for? Sometimes, it is not worth the argument when what they are asking for isn't unreasonable.
Redirect. Change the subject. Try something like, "Hey that reminds me... we were planning on going fishing weren't we?"
Reason. Bargain with the camper. Try asking, "Is there something you would rather do/have instead?" Try to never make promises you can't keep. It it's something you don't know if you can achieve, bring it up with your camper advocate or a director. It can also be helpful to give camper choice between two acceptable options, or allow them to chose the order in which they complete expected tasks.
Dominate. Take a firm stand. You will firmly and directly say, "The camp rule is___." or "I need you to ____". This should be a last option, or used in situations where a camper is being unsafe.
Sometimes power struggles are unavoidable, or happen before you know that you are in one. Sometimes the only way to break it is for a second staff member to intervene. A new voice, giving the same direction is often all a camper need to break the stalemate!