 Camp Programs
Lessons Learned
For several years, I have trained upwards of 10,000
counselors and camp staff, both at the beginning of the summer and
mid-summer (when they shared issues and concerns). I
also surveyed counselors, to assess their experiences
with and attitudes towards bullying. Here’s what I
discovered…
- Almost all counselors have experienced bullying
– either as victims, bullies or observers
- Less than 10% of counselors who had been bullied
and reported to an adult felt that they had gotten
help
- Many counselors are in a role of authority for
the first time when they are at camp. Some are not
yet comfortable with their leadership roles in
intervening in bullying situations or talking about
specific issues with senior staff or directors
(because of fear of negative evaluation and/or lack
of belief that it will help)
- Bullying at camp may include counselor-counselor
bullying, as well as situations where campers bully
staff members
- Bullying is not just limited to camp season.
Exclusionary behaviors and cyber-bullying may
continue year-round, which makes monitoring and
dealing with bullying behaviors more difficult
Therefore…
- Camp directors and staff need to be consistently
proactive and involved in establishing, reinforcing,
communicating and training around the topic of
bullying – with staff, campers, and parents
- Counselor screening should include an assessment
of “bully attitudes” among prospective staff members
– especially those in supervisory positions
- Counselors must be trained to respond quickly,
effectively and compassionately when they see
bullying happening at any level
- Role playing can be a particularly effective
training tool – especially using real-life examples
- Establishing and rewarding “model” behavior
among staff and campers is critical to building a
bully-proof camp.
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