INFORMATION

Discipline and Behavior Management Policy

 

At River Pointe Church Camp, we believe in fostering a positive and nurturing environment where campers can grow, learn, and thrive. Our approach to discipline is centered on respect, guidance, and Christian values. The goal of discipline is not only to correct behavior but to help campers develop responsibility, self-discipline, and consideration for others. The following guidelines will help counselors manage behavior while maintaining a safe and supportive camp environment.

 

Purpose

To provide a clear and consistent approach to behavior management that reflects our camp’s mission of love, respect, and growth in Christ. We aim to ensure that all campers feel valued and safe, while helping them learn the importance of following rules and treating others with respect.

 

Positive Discipline Philosophy

We focus on positive discipline, which encourages appropriate behavior through guidance, structure, and reinforcement of good choices. Our goal is to help campers understand their actions, learn from mistakes, and grow as individuals in a Christ-centered environment.

 

Behavior Management Guidelines

1. Set Clear Expectations:

   - Clearly communicate camp rules and behavioral expectations at the beginning of camp.

   - Make sure campers understand the reasons for rules and how they relate to safety, respect, and the camp community.

   - Review expectations regularly, especially before transitions, activities, or events where behavioral issues may arise.

 

2. Positive Reinforcement:

   - Recognize and praise good behavior. Positive reinforcement helps campers feel appreciated and motivates them to continue making good choices.

   - Encourage teamwork, cooperation, and kindness by celebrating small successes.

   - Use reward systems (group or individual) to motivate campers, such as team points or special privileges for positive behavior.

 

3. Redirection:

   - If a camper begins to display disruptive or inappropriate behavior, try to redirect them to a different activity or give them a task to focus on.

   - Distraction and redirection are effective for helping younger campers, especially when behavior stems from boredom or frustration.

 

4. Be Proactive:

   - Address potential behavior issues before they escalate. If you notice a camper becoming restless, frustrated, or emotional, intervene early by providing support or a break from the activity.

   - Use calming techniques, such as giving the camper space to take a deep breath or time away from the group to reflect quietly.

 

5. Model Appropriate Behavior:

   - Counselors should serve as role models by exhibiting calm, respectful, and Christ-like behavior at all times.

   - Lead by example. When counselors are patient, kind, and understanding, campers are more likely to reflect these behaviors themselves.

 

6. Firm but Respectful Corrections:

   - When correcting behavior, always do so in a respectful, calm, and private manner. Never single out or embarrass a camper in front of others.

   - Be firm, but avoid being harsh. Clearly explain what behavior was inappropriate and what the camper should do instead.

   - Help campers understand the impact of their behavior on others, reinforcing the importance of respect, kindness, and responsibility.

 

Logical Consequences for Misbehavior

Logical consequences are used to help campers learn from their actions. The consequences should be directly related to the behavior and delivered fairly and consistently. Examples include:

 

- Time-Out: For minor misbehavior, campers may be asked to sit out of an activity for a few minutes to reflect on their actions. This provides time for the camper to calm down before rejoining the group.

- Loss of Privileges: If a camper continues to break rules, they may temporarily lose privileges, such as free time, participating in a special event, or using specific camp facilities.

- Restorative Actions: Encourage campers to make amends for their behavior. This could include apologizing to someone they hurt, helping clean up a mess they made, or engaging in an act of kindness toward another camper.

 

Escalation of Consequences

If a camper’s behavior does not improve or if the behavior is more serious in nature, the following steps should be taken:

 

1. Verbal Warning: Provide a clear, calm verbal warning and explain what behavior needs to change.

2. Time-Out or Loss of Privilege: If the behavior continues, remove the camper from the situation or restrict privileges related to the behavior.

3. Consult the Head Counselor: For repeated misbehavior or more serious issues (e.g., aggression, bullying), involve the Head Counselor or Director. At this point, the camper’s behavior may be documented, and parents/guardians may be notified if necessary.

4. Parental Notification and Probation: In cases where the behavior is disruptive to the camp experience, parents will be contacted to discuss next steps, which may include placing the camper on probation.

5. Dismissal from Camp: If a camper’s behavior poses a threat to the safety of others or continues to violate camp rules after multiple interventions, they may be dismissed from camp. Parents will be contacted to arrange for transportation home.

 

Prohibited Discipline Methods

- No Physical or Verbal Punishment: Under no circumstances is physical punishment (hitting, pushing, etc.) or verbal abuse (yelling, insulting, etc.) permitted. Any form of corporal punishment is strictly prohibited.

- No Public Shaming: Campers should never be humiliated, embarrassed, or singled out in front of their peers as a form of punishment.

- No Withholding Basic Needs: Food, water, restroom breaks, or necessary medical attention should never be withheld as a consequence for behavior.

 

Handling Bullying and Aggression

- Zero Tolerance for Bullying: Bullying, whether physical, verbal, or emotional, will not be tolerated. If bullying is reported or witnessed, counselors must intervene immediately and report the situation to the Head Counselor or Director.

- Steps for Handling Aggression: If a camper exhibits aggressive or violent behavior, separate them from the situation and ensure the safety of all campers involved. Contact the Head Counselor or Director immediately for further action.

 

Conflict Resolution

- Encourage campers to resolve conflicts through respectful communication. Teach them to listen to each other, express their feelings calmly, and find solutions together.

- Counselors should facilitate conflict resolution when needed, helping campers to understand each other’s perspectives and guiding them toward reconciliation.

 

Seeking Help

If a counselor is unable to resolve a behavior issue or feels uncomfortable handling a situation, they should seek help from the Head Counselor or Director. It is always better to ask for assistance than to allow a situation to escalate.

 

Documentation of Serious Incidents

For serious incidents (such as bullying, aggression, or repeated misbehavior), counselors must document the incident and report it to camp administration. A written report should include:

- Details of the behavior

- Actions taken by the counselor

- Any follow-up required

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When handling the discipline of a camper or staff member, a group leader, along with the head counselors and the Camp Director, will be included in the conversation.

 

Conclusion

At River Pointe Church Camp, we believe that discipline should be an opportunity for growth, both spiritually and emotionally. By focusing on positive reinforcement, clear expectations, and respectful correction, we aim to help campers learn from their mistakes and develop into responsible, respectful individuals. Our goal is to create a camp environment that reflects the love, patience, and grace of Christ in all interactions.