INFORMATION

Bullying and Anti-Harassment Policy

 

At River Pointe Church Camp, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all campers, staff, and volunteers. Bullying and harassment in any form are not tolerated, as they contradict our camp’s mission of fostering kindness, respect, and Christian values. The "Bullying and Anti-Harassment Policy" outlines clear guidelines for preventing, identifying, and addressing bullying and harassment, ensuring that everyone at camp feels safe and valued.

 

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to prevent bullying and harassment, promote a culture of respect and inclusion, and establish clear procedures for reporting and addressing any incidents of bullying or harassment at camp.

 

Definitions

1. Bullying:

   - Bullying is defined as any intentional, repeated, and aggressive behavior that is meant to harm, intimidate, or dominate another person. It can be verbal, physical, social, or psychological in nature.

   - Examples of Bullying Include:

     - Verbal: Name-calling, teasing, taunting, or making threats.

     - Physical: Hitting, pushing, tripping, or other forms of physical aggression.

     - Social: Exclusion from groups, spreading rumors, or encouraging others to turn against someone.

     - Cyberbullying: Using technology or social media to harass, threaten, or embarrass another person.

 

2. **Harassment:**

   - Harassment is any unwanted behavior that is intimidating, threatening, or offensive. Harassment can take the form of verbal, non-verbal, or physical actions and can be based on factors such as race, gender, religion, disability, or personal characteristics.

   - **Examples of Harassment Include:

     - Verbal: Offensive jokes, slurs, or comments targeting a person’s identity.

     - Non-verbal: Gestures, body language, or behaviors that create a hostile or uncomfortable environment.

     - Physical: Unwanted touching, intimidation, or physical threats.

 

Prevention of Bullying and Harassment

1. Creating a Positive Camp Culture:

   - River Pointe Church Camp is committed to fostering a Christ-centered environment where kindness, and respect are emphasized. All campers and staff are expected to uphold these values in their interactions with others.

   - Counselors and staff are trained to promote positive behaviors, model respect, and encourage campers to embrace diversity and inclusion.

 

2. Zero Tolerance for Bullying and Harassment:

   - Any form of bullying or harassment is strictly prohibited. This includes behavior that occurs in person, through social media, or other electronic means (cyberbullying).

   - Campers and staff must understand that bullying or harassing behavior will result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from camp.

 

3. Education and Awareness:

   - Campers and staff will be educated about the harmful effects of bullying and harassment and the importance of creating an inclusive environment. This will be covered during camp orientation and throughout the camp session.

   - Bullying prevention strategies will be reinforced regularly, including the promotion of empathy, conflict resolution, and respectful communication.

 

4. Role of Staff:

   - Counselors and staff play a key role in preventing bullying and harassment by actively supervising campers, addressing conflicts before they escalate, and modeling appropriate behavior.

   - Staff will be trained to recognize the signs of bullying and harassment and to intervene immediately if any such behavior is observed or reported.

 

Reporting Bullying and Harassment

1. Encouraging Campers to Speak Up:

   - Campers are encouraged to speak up if they experience or witness any form of bullying or harassment. They should feel comfortable reporting incidents to counselors, head counselors, or the camp director without fear of retaliation.

   - Counselors will create a supportive environment where campers know their concerns will be taken seriously and addressed promptly.

 

2. How to Report:

   - Campers and staff can report bullying or harassment through the following channels:

     - Directly to a Counselor, Head Counselor or Camp Director: Campers should approach their counselor if they feel unsafe or witness any inappropriate behavior.

     - **Staff Reporting:** Staff must immediately report any incidents of bullying or harassment they observe or that are reported to them, either to the camp director or head counselor.

 

3. **Confidentiality:**

   - All reports of bullying and harassment will be handled confidentially to protect the privacy of those involved. The camp will ensure that the individuals reporting incidents feel safe and supported throughout the process.

 

Responding to Bullying and Harassment

1. Immediate Action:

   - When a report of bullying or harassment is received, camp staff will take immediate action to ensure the safety of those involved. This may include separating the parties, providing support to the victim, and addressing the behavior of the perpetrator.

   - The camp director or head counselor will lead the investigation of the incident, gathering information from all parties involved to determine the appropriate response.

 

2. Consequences for Bullying or Harassment:

   - Depending on the severity of the behavior, consequences for bullying or harassment may include:

     - Verbal Warning: For minor incidents, a counselor may issue a verbal warning and provide guidance on appropriate behavior.

     - Loss of Privileges: Campers who engage in bullying or harassment may lose certain privileges (e.g., participation in activities).

     - Parental Notification: For more serious or repeated incidents, the camper’s parents or guardians will be notified, and the camper may be placed on probation or required to attend a behavior counseling session with camp leadership.

     - Dismissal from Camp: In extreme cases, or if the behavior persists after interventions, the camper or staff member may be dismissed from camp. The safety and well-being of all campers are the highest priority.

 

3. Restorative Actions:

   - Whenever possible, the camp will implement restorative actions aimed at helping the camper understand the impact of their behavior and make amends. This may involve conflict resolution sessions, apologies, or community service.

   - Counseling and mediation may also be provided to help rebuild relationships between the involved parties and prevent future incidents.

 

Supporting the Victim

1. Emotional Support:

   - Campers who experience bullying or harassment will be provided with emotional support from counselors and camp leadership. This may include one-on-one conversations, check-ins, or referrals to pastoral care.

   - Counselors will work to create a safe space for the camper, ensuring they feel supported and protected from further harm.

 

2. Monitoring and Follow-Up:

   - After an incident of bullying or harassment has been addressed, counselors will continue to monitor the situation and check in regularly with the victim to ensure they feel safe and included.

   - If necessary, counselors may provide the camper with strategies for handling future conflicts and standing up for themselves in a healthy, respectful manner.

 

Preventing Retaliation

1. No Tolerance for Retaliation:

   - Retaliation against anyone who reports bullying or harassment is strictly prohibited. Campers and staff must understand that retaliatory behavior will result in serious consequences, including possible dismissal from camp.

 

2. Monitoring for Retaliation:

   - Counselors and staff will monitor the situation closely to ensure that the person who reported the incident does not face retaliation. Any signs of retaliation will be addressed immediately by camp leadership.

 

Conclusion

The "Bullying and Anti-Harassment Policy" at River Pointe Church Camp is designed to protect campers, staff, and volunteers from harmful behavior and create a culture of respect, inclusion, and kindness. By promoting a safe and supportive environment, we can ensure that every camper has the opportunity to grow, have fun, and build lasting friendships in a Christ-centered community. It is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers to enforce this policy and ensure that incidents of bullying or harassment are addressed swiftly and effectively.