Managing Camper Behavior

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.

Proactive Strategies

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 

VERV is camps behavior management strategy when we encounter a camper who is struggling to follow rules or directions.

The Four Functions of Behavior

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.

Avoiding Power Struggles with Campers

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: 

1. 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. 

2. Redirect. Change the subject. Try something like, "Hey that reminds me... we were planning on going fishing weren't we?"

3. 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. 

4. 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!

Next: Summer Life