PROFESSIONAL STAFF HANDBOOK A guide for and about our magical professional staff Camp Kesem is a student-run summer camp for children who have or had a parent with cancer, where campers build self-esteem and gain support from peers facing similar challenges. 0 Rev. 8/11 © 2004 Camp Kesem National. All Rights Reserved. Camp Kesem & the Camp Kesem logo are trademarks of Camp Kesem National. Table of Contents DETAILED PROFESSIONAL STAFF POSITION DESCRIPTIONS.………………………………….2 LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AND STAFF ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES..…….………….6 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS…..…………………………………….………………………………9 POLICIES………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………10 SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE……………………………………………………………………………………13 PACKING LIST…………………..…………………………………………………………………………………14 BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT…………………………………………………………………………………….15 GUIDELINES FOR REPORTING MEDICAL & BEHAVIORAL ACCIDENTS/INCIDENTS…16 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES………………………………………………………………………………….19 LOCAL INFORMATION………………………………………………………………………………………….20 "Kids with parents who are cancer patients have their lives turned upside down. The family structure and routine is disrupted in just about every aspect by the demands of the illness and treatment. In addition, these children need to live with the fear of losing their mother or father -- cancer is a scary word. Camp Kesem will provide many things of enormous value to these children: a safe place to be kids again and have fun, a network of other kids in the same boat with whom to share thoughts and feelings, and a community of caring adults to provide needed attention and to boost their self esteem. Attending camp will lessen their feelings of isolation and vulnerability, and allow them to process their anger, guilt and fear. The very special friendships begun at camp will last well beyond the week, providing needed peer support and encouragement." -Dr. Michael Amylon, Camp Kesem-Stanford Advisory Committee, pediatric oncologist. 1 Rev. 8/11 © 2004 Camp Kesem National. All Rights Reserved. Camp Kesem & the Camp Kesem logo are trademarks of Camp Kesem National. Detailed Professional Staff Position Descriptions Camp Nurse Position Information Nurse Requirements: * Must be a Nurse Practitioner, RN or LVN (LVN qualification varies by state) What a Camp Nurse does: * Is in charge of all medical events. * Is the end-all responsible for all medical needs of campers and staff. * If a child is to be sent home, to a doctor, or to the hospital for medical reasons, the nurse has the ultimate authority for that decision. * Is present for at least a part of counselor orientation and all parts of camp in which campers will be present, including opening day at camper check-in. It is very important for the nurse to speak with each camper’s guardian at check-in to make sure that the proper instructions are given for that camper’s medication. * The nurse should sign all of the required staff paperwork. What should Camp Kesem staff contact the nurse about prior to the week of Camp Kesem: * A Camp Kesem staff member should contact the nurse at least a month prior to camp to receive all needed forms about the nurse (liability and publicity release forms, medical history, background check, etc.) * A Camp Kesem staff member should contact the nurse at least a week prior to camp with a camper roster and information from each camper’s medical file. * A Camp Kesem staff member should contact the nurse about setting up an on-call doctor for the week of camp. This responsibility lies on the student coordinators, but assistance from the nurse may be helpful. The nurse should be notified about who the on-call doctor is at least a week prior to camp. * The nurse should be informed about the facilities he/she will be able to use at camp as an “infirmary” while at camp. The nurse should also be informed about what types of medical supplies and medications will be on hand. The nurse may also wish to make some recommendations. What should the nurse be doing during the week of Camp Kesem: * The nurse should always be available in case needed for a medical event or injury systems (walkie-talkie, PA system, golf carts, etc.) should be employed whenever possible to allow for the nurse to best access campers. The nurse should have a walkie-talkie at all times set to a designated Nurse’s Channel so that they can be contacted at any time and so that sick campers are not bothered by other walkie-talkie use on another channel. * This typically means that there are parts of camp to which the nurse will not usually go ie. if the rock wall and the lake are at two opposite edges of camp and being at one will mean that the nurse will not be able to get to the other in a reasonable time, the nurse should pick a 2 Rev. 8/11 © 2004 Camp Kesem National. All Rights Reserved. Camp Kesem & the Camp Kesem logo are trademarks of Camp Kesem National. middle ground from which she can be based (and still be around kids, having fun). This also usually means that the nurse should not accompany groups on hikes away from camp as this will make her unavailable to the bulk of kids remaining at camp. * The nurse is an integral part of the camp staff. He or she should be included in camp activities. This is a great way for the nurse to get involved with camp programs and to be interacting with campers, counselor, and staff. * The nurse, as a medical professional and responsible, respected adult can be used as a resource for a variety of issues. Counselors and staff should feel comfortable consulting with him/her regularly on matters of camper behavior, counselor issues, etc. The nurse should do his/her best to help the counselor or camp leader manage the situation. The nurse should avoid stepping into the situation directly unless it is absolutely necessary for the safety of the camper or counselor. A few specific notes: 1. Being alone with campers - We are never alone with a camper. This applies for all of us. In the infirmary, we all need to make sure that we protect the nurse by ensuring that another staff member is always with a camper while s/he is seeing the nurse. The nurse and camp leaders should check in about ways in which we take kids to the bathroom (always in groups and never leaving them in there by themselves) to avoid conflicts during camp. 2. Cabin Chats - Camp Chats are very important times at Camp Kesem and offer the nurse a great way to gain some great insight into the kids and the program. If the nurse wishes to be a part of a cabin's cabin chat, s/he should first ask the counselor at an appropriate time (dinner is usually great) and then allow the counselor to ask permission of his/her campers. If the cabin agrees that the nurse may attend the Cabin Chat, s/he should be made to feel welcome. Other than on the first night of camp, there will probably always be a cabin that would love to have the nurse attend their cabin chat. 3. Camper discipline, homesickness, and other behavior issues – The nurse is a respected and valued part of the camp community. S/he brings valued insight and perspective to what we do and we should take advantage of this by consulting with him/her when we have questions about camper discipline, homesickness, or other camper behavior issues. The nurse should act as a coach and advisor to the counselor or camp leader, but should be careful not to step into the relationship directly unless necessary. Helping staff grow into leaders is half of the organizational mission of Camp Kesem, so the nurse should take a role in coaching staff to be better. 3 Rev. 8/11 © 2004 Camp Kesem National. All Rights Reserved. Camp Kesem & the Camp Kesem logo are trademarks of Camp Kesem National. Camp Psychotherapist Position Information Psychotherapist Position Requirements: * Master’s-level degree (minimum) in counseling, social work, or related field. Two years of experience is also preferable. What should Camp Kesem staff contact the psychotherapist about prior to the week of Camp Kesem: * A Camp Kesem staff member should contact the psychotherapist at least a month prior to camp to receive all needed forms about him or her (liability and publicity release forms, medical history, background check, etc.) * A Camp Kesem staff member should contact the psychotherapist at least a week prior to camp with a camper roster and information from each camper’s file. What a Psychotherapist does at camp: * Is a resource for camp staff and leaders to help them better interact and communicate with campers and each other. * Is the "mandated reporter" in charge of communicating reportable offenses that we are required by state law to report to law enforcement or social services. * Is responsible for any major psychological issues that arise during the week of camp that fall outside of a counselor's control and expertise. Counselors should be open to sharing difficult situations with the therapist and while the therapist will first work to coach and support the counselor or staff member, s/he may need to intercede if the safety of the camper is in danger or if the counselor, camp advisor, and therapist agree that this is the best course of action. * Is present for at least a part of counselor orientation and all parts of camp in which campers will be present. * The therapist should sign all of the required staff paperwork What should the Psychotherapist be doing during the week of Camp Kesem: * The therapist should always be available in case needed by a counselor or staff member. At camps that schedule a daily break for staff, the therapist may "hang out" in the break room to act as a resource for staff when they are on break. * The therapist is an integral part of the camp staff. He or she should be included in camp activities. This is a great way for the therapist to get involved with camp programs and to be interacting with campers, counselors, and staff. * The therapist, as a psychiatric professional and responsible, respected adult can be used as a resource for a variety of issues. Counselors and staff should feel comfortable consulting with him/her regularly on matters of camper behavior, counselor issues, etc. The therapist should do his/her best to help the counselor or camp leader manage the situation. The therapist should avoid stepping into the situation directly unless it is absolutely necessary for the safety of the camper or counselor. The therapist may interact with campers as needed. A few specific notes: 1. Being alone with campers – Staff should never be alone with a camper. This applies for all 4 Rev. 8/11 © 2004 Camp Kesem National. All Rights Reserved. Camp Kesem & the Camp Kesem logo are trademarks of Camp Kesem National. of us. If a camper needs to see the therapist, we all need to make sure that we protect the therapist by ensuring that another staff member is in the room (this often works well if the therapist and the camper go to the corner of a large room where they can have a "private" conversation while still in the plain sight of others). The therapist and camp leaders should check in about ways in which we take kids to the bathroom (always in groups and never leaving them in there by themselves) to avoid conflicts during camp. 2. Cabin Chats - Cabin Chats are very important times at Camp Kesem and offer the therapist a great way to gain some great insight into the kids and the program. If the therapist wishes to be a part of a cabin's cabin chat, s/he should first ask the counselor at an appropriate time (dinner is usually great) and then allow the counselor to ask permission of his/her campers. If the cabin agrees that the therapist may attend the Cabin Chat, s/he should be made to feel welcome. 3. Camper discipline, homesickness, and other behavior issues – The therapist is a respected and valued part of the camp community. S/he brings valued insight and perspective to what we do and we should take advantage of this by consulting with him/her when we have questions about camper discipline, homesickness, or other camper behavior issues. The therapist should act as a coach and advisor to the counselor or camp leader, but should be careful not to step into the relationship directly unless necessary. Helping staff grow into leaders is half of the organizational mission of Camp Kesem, so we ask the therapist to take a role in coaching staff to be better. 4. The psychotherapist is welcome to stay at the camp facility throughout the week of camp or can choose to come to camp from 8am to 9pm each day. If the psychotherapist chooses to leave camp in the evening he/she will be on-call while off of camp grounds. It is important that any issues be discussed with the psychotherapist before he/she leaves camp in the evening so that the information can be passed along to staff at the staff meeting. 5 Rev. 8/11 © 2004 Camp Kesem National. All Rights Reserved. Camp Kesem & the Camp Kesem logo are trademarks of Camp Kesem National. Leadership Structure at Camp [PLEAST EDIT ACCORDING TO YOUR CAMP] Camp Advisor, Administration Team, Nurse, & Psychotherapist Unit Leaders Program & Cabin Counselors Staff Roles and Responsibilities Here is a description of the roles and responsibilities of the different types of staff at camp. [PLEASE EDIT THIS ACCORDING TO THE WAY YOUR CAMP IS SET UP] Camp Nurse: - In charge of all medical events. - Responsible for all medications and medical needs of campers and staff. - The ultimate authority in deciding if a child is to be sent home, to a doctor, or to the hospital for medical reasons. - If there is an incident in which a camper or counselor is injured, he/she must sign an incident report. Camp Psychotherapist: - Helps staff better communicate and interact with their campers and with each other. - Answers questions regarding communication with campers/other counselors, behavioral issues, family issues, and cancer. - The "mandated reporter" in charge of communicating reportable offenses that we are required by state law to report to law enforcement or social services (such as child abuse). - Responsible for any major psychological issues that arise during the week of camp that fall outside of a counselor's control and expertise. Camp Advisor: - Has previous CK leadership experience from another Camp Kesem Campus. - Serves as a mentor for the staff. - Provides guidance on any counselor and/or camper issues. - Helps handle any crises and ensures safety. Administration Team: Usually consisted of a team of 4 student leaders. 6 Rev. 8/11 © 2004 Camp Kesem National. All Rights Reserved. Camp Kesem & the Camp Kesem logo are trademarks of Camp Kesem National. Oversees all camp operations. Oversees daily program activities/schedule. Oversees specific programs/Program Counselors. Overseas Unit Leaders. Stay in contact with campers’ families. Work with facility to manage facility-related issues (cabin maintenance, meals, changes in schedule that impact facility staff, ensures any visitors are properly checked-in, etc). Takes care of any non-facility-supplied material requests (batteries, books, etc). Ensures Units/Cabins are where they need to be at camp. Manages behind the scenes chores- laundry, filling water jugs, etc. Makes important decisions in emergency-type situations. Unit Leaders: Are responsible to the Camp Administration Team. Oversee a group of 8-10 campers and 3-4 counselors. Provide cabin counselors with support and guidance, and evaluate cabin counselors at the end of camp. Act as a liaison between the counselors and the Camp Administration Team. Complete administrative tasks such as behavior incident reports when necessary. Handle challenging behavior management situations and “out of the ordinary” circumstances. Live in a cabin with campers and fulfill all cabin counselor responsibilities. Create an environment where campers feel safe, loved and respected at all times. Fully participate in staff training and all staff meetings. Know and adhere to the Staff Policies in the Camp Kesem Staff Manual. Program Counselors: Are responsible to the Camp Administration Team. Plan and lead groups daily in safe and exciting activities within respective program area. Promote positive self esteem, creativity, leadership, teamwork and respect among campers. Live in a cabin with campers and help cabin counselors and unit leaders with daily responsibilities when not involved in program area preparation or activities. Help plan and implement cabin, group, and all-camp programming when not involved in program area preparation or activities. Create an environment in respective program area in which campers feel safe, loved, and respected at all times. Fully participate in staff training and all staff meetings. Know and adhere to the Staff Policies in the Camp Kesem Staff Manual. Cabin Counselors: Are responsible to the Unit Leader. Live in a cabin with a group of 8-10 campers and help campers have a positive experience. Help plan and implement cabin, group, and all-camp programming. Oversee the following on a daily basis: o Daily cabin clean-up by campers. o Teach responsibility, making sure your group attends all meals and camp activities on time. o Are with campers at all times. o Set a good example through leadership and personal behavior. Foul language is not acceptable at camp. o Encourage respect for all camp equipment and facilities. 7 Rev. 8/11 © 2004 Camp Kesem National. All Rights Reserved. Camp Kesem & the Camp Kesem logo are trademarks of Camp Kesem National. Report any incident involving “out of the ordinary” circumstances to the Unit Leader. Create an environment in which campers feel safe, loved and respected at all times. Fully participate in staff training and all staff meetings. Know and adhere to Staff Policies in the Camp Kesem Staff Manual. o 8 Rev. 8/11 © 2004 Camp Kesem National. All Rights Reserved. Camp Kesem & the Camp Kesem logo are trademarks of Camp Kesem National. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Where do I sleep at camp? a. Professional staff usually stay in the campsite’s infirmary. Sometimes the Camp Advisor may stay with the professional staff. The Professional Staff do NOT sleep in the cabins with the campers. 2. What do I do during the day? a. The Professional Staff should be around camp with the campers and staff during the day. Feel free to visit rotations and mix in. Make yourself accessible and approachable for both campers and staff. If any medical or behavioral issues arise, the Professional Staff should be available either by being with the campers already, or by walkie talkie. Professional Staff should also try to be involved with staff meetings every night, and give any updates or concerns from the medical and behavioral views. Throughout the day you might find that you have some “downtime.” We recommend that Professional Staff bring something to do (reading materials, etc). At some of our camps, strong cell phone and internet service allows Professional Staff to easily check in with their families and employers during the week. Please check with your camp’s admin team to find out more. 3. Who do I contact if there is an issue that I’m not sure how to handle? a. Your Admin Team, as well as your Camp Advisor, will be your go-to people while at camp. Ask them any types of logistical questions you may have. If there is a medical question, please call the Doctor that is On-Call. 4. Can I keep in touch with campers after camp? a. We ask that you abide by the policies we ask our staff to abide by. Please see the Communication Policy. 5. Do I have to be present for the entire camp? a. Camp Kesem National Standards require that each camp have a nurse and therapist present for the entire week of camp. Your willingness to volunteer for the full week allows camp to happen! As such, each professional staff member is asked to sign a “Professional Staff Letter of Intent.” If an emergency situation arises before or during camp requiring your absence, please notify your Admin Team ASAP so that arrangements can be made to cover in your absence. 9 Rev. 8/11 © 2004 Camp Kesem National. All Rights Reserved. Camp Kesem & the Camp Kesem logo are trademarks of Camp Kesem National. Policies Operating Standards The Operating Standards is a thorough document that includes both things to do and not to do throughout the year and at camp. We ask that you familiarize yourself with these standards before you attend camp. A National Program Director will be going through the Standards checklist with your Admin. Team the week of camp. If you would like to see the Operating Standards document, please ask either the Camper Care Coordinator you are in touch with before camp or the Admin Team at camp. Staff Policy In order to create a positive and safe camp experience for all campers and staff, all staff must agree to the following policies. These policies apply to all current and past Camp Kesem Staff members and volunteers regardless of their status as a student or alumna/alumnus and regardless of their current affiliation or lack thereof with Camp Kesem at all times until a camper reaches the age of 18. 1. No use of cigarettes, alcohol, or illegal substances. 2. Staff curfew is 1:00 AM. All staff must be in their cabins at this time. 3. No one may leave camp grounds except on Camp Kesem business and with explicit permission from the Camp Advisor. 4. Counselors may only use phones after hours or by exercising extreme caution to be out of the sight of campers during the daytime. 5. If romantic relationships occur, they must be kept private and must not interfere with counselor responsibilities or shift any attention away from the campers. 6. It is possible that some campers may develop a crush on a staff member. Under no circumstances should this be encouraged or facilitated by any staff member. 7. No camper/camper romantic relationships will be permitted. 8. No inappropriate language (swearing, threatening or derogatory comments) of any kind. 9. No sexual harassment. 10. No child abuse of any kind will be tolerated, including physical, verbal, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect. 11. Staff shall never leave a child unsupervised. 12. Staff shall never be alone with a single child where they cannot be seen by others. 13. No open toed shoes (except shower shoes at the pool and in the shower). 14. All staff must wear shirts when not at the pool. 15. No offensive t-shirts or hats. 16. Female staff must wear one-piece bathing suits at the pool. 10 Rev. 8/11 © 2004 Camp Kesem National. All Rights Reserved. Camp Kesem & the Camp Kesem logo are trademarks of Camp Kesem National. Policy on Staff Internet Conduct This policy applies to all current and past Camp Kesem Counselors and Staff regardless of their status as a student or alumna/alumnus and regardless of their current affiliation or lack thereof with Camp Kesem at all times until a camper reaches the age of 18. 1. Counselors are not to add campers as “friends” on My Space, Facebook, Friendster, and other such social networking sites. a. Regarding Public Profiles on Social Networking Sites and other web presence i. Counselors are expected to utilize good judgment so far as their public profiles/web presence on the internet are concerned taking into account whether they would deem the content appropriate to be seen by their campers and campers’ parents. ii. As a camp volunteer/employee you agree to be respectful of the camp, its program, the campers, volunteers, and its employees in all communications in your profile, blog or other Internet sites and communications. This includes the following: (1) You will not use obscenities, profanity or vulgar language; (2) You will not engage in harassment or intimidation; (3) You will not post comments that are derogatory with regard to individual person’s race, gender, religion, sexual orientation or disability; (4) You will not engage in sexually explicit, suggestive, humiliating or demeaning comments. iii. As a camp volunteer/employee you agree not to use a social networking profile, group page, weblog or other Internet medium to discuss behavior that is prohibited by camp policy, including, but not limited to alcohol or drug use, sexual behavior, delinquent behavior, destruction of property, harassment or intimidation. b. Regarding Private Profiles on Social Networking Sites i. Private Profiles which cannot be seen by those other than approved “friends” do not require the same amount of caution and thus are much more preferable if a counselor wishes to publish items which may be in conflict with the guidelines listed above. ii. If Camp Kesem staff become aware of something that is dangerous to children (Campers or otherwise) even if it is presented on a private profile, we reserve the right to terminate the counselor’s services with Camp Kesem. 2. As a camp staff member, you must request and receive prior written approval from the Camp Kesem co-chairs before you: a. Use the camp name, official camp logo or camp photograph in any published or electronic material; b. Include text or photographs that are the property of camp in any published or electronic material; c. Include photographs of campers or other staff members in any published or electronic material (including Facebook or Myspace); or create a camp “group page” with the above items in any published or electronic material. 11 Rev. 8/11 © 2004 Camp Kesem National. All Rights Reserved. Camp Kesem & the Camp Kesem logo are trademarks of Camp Kesem National. Policy on Counselor-Camper Communication 1. Counselors wishing to keep in touch with a camper outside of Camp Kesem activities should act as they would act at camp when communicating with a camper. Remember, you are representing Camp Kesem. 2. Counselors should abide by the Staff Policy and never be alone with a camper. 3. Contact/conduct of a sexual nature is expressly prohibited. 4. If a counselor or a camper ever feels uncomfortable about his/her relationship or communication with another camper or counselor he/she should notify the Co-Chairs. CoChairs should then notify a National Program Director. 5. Counselors are required to attend Counselor Training, including the session about CounselorCamper Communication. I agree to abide by the above policies and understand that violation of these policies may result in dismissal from Camp Kesem. ______________________ Signature ________________________ Printed Name ____________________ Date 12 Rev. 8/11 © 2004 Camp Kesem National. All Rights Reserved. Camp Kesem & the Camp Kesem logo are trademarks of Camp Kesem National. Sample Daily Schedule [INSERT DAILY SCHEDULE HERE] 7:30 Wake-up and Cabin Clean 8:15 Breakfast, Camp Announcements, Songs 9:00 Rotation #1: first rotation of daily art, sports, drama, nature/adventure, and cabin time activities 10:00 Rotation #2 and snack 11:00 Rotation #3 12:15 Lunch 1:15 Rest and free rotation sign-ups 2:00 Swimming 3:30 Change/Shower Time 4:15 Rotation #4 5:15 Free Rotation 6:00 Dinner 7:00 Evening whole-camp activity 8:30 Closing Circle 9:30 Cabin Chat, Lights Out 10:00 Staff Meeting 13 Rev. 8/11 © 2004 Camp Kesem National. All Rights Reserved. Camp Kesem & the Camp Kesem logo are trademarks of Camp Kesem National. Camp Kesem Packing List **The Camp Kesem Staff shirt should be worn on the first day of camp, [Enter date] and on the last day of camp, [Enter date]. (NO bedding will be provided.) ___ Blanket & sheets or sleeping bag OPTIONAL: ___ Pillow ___ T-shirts ___ Disposable camera ___ Shorts ___ Musical instrument ___ Long sleeve shirts ___ Notebook or journal ___ Long pants/jeans ___ Radio/CD player ___ Jacket, sweatshirt ___ Pajamas ___ Underwear (10 pairs) ___ 10 pairs socks ___ Swimsuit ___ Sunscreen ___ Hat ___ 2 pairs shoes (closed toed/sneakers and shower shoes) ___ 2 towels (bath towel and swim towel) ___ Washcloth ___ Soap, shampoo, comb, toothbrush & toothpaste) ___ Laundry bag ___ Flashlight with new batteries ___ Insect repellent (stick or bottle) ___ Medication (if necessary, 1-week supply) ___ Watch (not expensive, preferably water proof) ___ Alarm Clock (at least one counselor per cabin should have one) ITEMS TO LEAVE AT HOME: Jewelry Nice watches Make-up Flammable materials NO FOOD, CANDY OR GUM Knives Aerosol sprays ** CAMP KESEM IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR STOLEN ARTICLES. ** THERE IS LIMITED SPACE IN THE CABINS AT CAMP. PLEASE ONLY BRING ESSENTIAL ITEMS. 14 Rev. 8/11 © 2004 Camp Kesem National. All Rights Reserved. Camp Kesem & the Camp Kesem logo are trademarks of Camp Kesem National. Behavior Management 3 CAMP RULES 1. No Unsupervised Activity 2. No Physical Violence 3. No Put Downs **Camp Rules should be explained by the Camp Advisor & Admin. staff in a fun and creative way on the first day of camp. 3 STRIKES POLICY If a camper breaks a camp rule, he/she receives… 1st time -- Warning – be specific (have camper repeat back to you why he/she got the warning) 2nd time -- 1st Strike – talk with Cabin Counselor (or whoever was with camper at time rule was broken) 3rd time -- 2nd Strike – talk with Unit Leader 4th time -- 3rd Strike – talk with Camp Director – come up with action plan: goal to have positive behavior; camper gets “CLEAN SLATE” Next time camper breaks rule, go back through the process above, beginning with a Warning, then 1st Strike, 2nd Strike, etc. After next 3 strikes – talk with Camp Director and call parents After next strike – call parents and sent home Note: The 3 strikes policy is most effective if EVERY counselor commits to enforcing it 100%. Discipline is never fun or easy for counselors, but it is critical to creating a safe environment at camp. Kids need structure and rules in order to feel safe. It builds trust and respect from the campers if they know counselors keep their word and stick to the rules established on the first day of camp. Also, consistency and communication is key. Counselors must be consistent in giving out strikes and communicate with co-counselors in unit immediately after a strike is given, so that all counselors in the unit are on the same page. Each Unit Leader should keep a log of strikes given – when, where, why, etc. 15 Rev. 8/11 © 2004 Camp Kesem National. All Rights Reserved. Camp Kesem & the Camp Kesem logo are trademarks of Camp Kesem National. Guidelines for Reporting Medical & Behavioral Accidents/Incidents Examples of accidents/incidents that must be reported include, but are not limited to: - Major fall/accident which requires medical attention - Camper fight that involves substantial physical or emotional stress - Breaking of rules/strikes - Sending a camper home Accident/Incident reporting procedure: - Professional Staff as well as all Unit Leaders will have forms - Staff members who responded to or were involved with the event are responsible for filing out form - Turn forms into the Admin Team - Admin team submits forms to National Program Director 16 Rev. 8/11 © 2004 Camp Kesem National. All Rights Reserved. Camp Kesem & the Camp Kesem logo are trademarks of Camp Kesem National. Example Incident Report Medical Name(s) of persons involved: Time of incident: Place of incident: Date: Description of incident: Actions taken: Other: Nurse Name: Signature: Camp Advisor Name: Signature: Counselor/Unit Leader Name: Signature: 17 Rev. 8/11 © 2004 Camp Kesem National. All Rights Reserved. Camp Kesem & the Camp Kesem logo are trademarks of Camp Kesem National. Example Incident Report Behavioral Name(s) of persons involved: Time of incident: Place of incident: Date: Description of incident: Actions taken: Other: Camp Advisor Name: Signature: Counselor/Unit Leader Name: Signature: 18 Rev. 8/11 © 2004 Camp Kesem National. All Rights Reserved. Camp Kesem & the Camp Kesem logo are trademarks of Camp Kesem National. Emergency Procedures [PLEASE EDIT THIS ACCORDING TO YOUR CAMPSITE’S PROCEDURES] Missing Camper Each camp will prepare its own unique missing camper procedure. A rule of thumb is to always keep your eyes on your campers and count campers when moving from one activity to another to make sure someone didn’t get left behind at the last activity. If a camper is determined to be missing it is important to remain calm and in control. Consult your Unit Leader, and follow protocol that was established at staff training. Medical A nurse will be on staff at all times while at camp. The Admin Team and the nurse will prepare a medical protocol for medical emergencies. It is important that all members of the staff are aware of this protocol. Fire Some of our camp programs take place in areas with high fire danger. Please contact your facility host to determine their facility’s emergency procedures related to wildfires. Mandated Reporting The camp psychotherapist is at camp to help handle any issues regarding possible abuse and neglect. If a situation arises at camp which may require a report to be filed all staff will communicate any situations with the camp psychotherapist. It is important that the psychotherapist be involved with any such situations. While laws vary from state to state, all 50 states have passed some form of a mandatory child abuse or neglect reporting law. Staff may speak with the psychotherapist about the law in the state of the camp. This information should be covered during counselor training. Any situation involving mandated reporting must be recorded on an incident report and should be discussed with a National Program Director. 19 Rev. 8/11 © 2004 Camp Kesem National. All Rights Reserved. Camp Kesem & the Camp Kesem logo are trademarks of Camp Kesem National. Local Information Closest Hospital [Name] [Address] [Directions] Closest Urgent Care Facility [Name] [Address] [Phone Number] Child Protective Services [Phone Number] Campsite Information [Name] [Address] 20 Rev. 8/11 © 2004 Camp Kesem National. All Rights Reserved. Camp Kesem & the Camp Kesem logo are trademarks of Camp Kesem National.