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.
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© 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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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© 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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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© 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.
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© 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
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© 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
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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.
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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.
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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
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© 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:
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© 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:
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© 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.
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© 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]
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© 2004 Camp Kesem National. All Rights Reserved. Camp Kesem & the Camp Kesem logo are trademarks of Camp Kesem National.