Campers bring many things with them to camp: sleeping bags, clothing,
sunscreen, and bug spray. They also bring with them their enthusiasm
and their past in the form of their learned behavior. Understand that
a week at camp is not expected to cure all behavior problems. However,
if you can determine why a camper is behaving in a certain way, you will
have clues on how to deal with the behavior and help the camper behave
in a more appropriate way.
When working with campers, keep in mind two things:
- Your campers are not mini-adults. Expect them to want to have
fun
and be active.
- Expect your campers to test their limits; they still, however, want
and need limits.
The "Why" Behind the Behavior
Behavior problems surface for many reasons. A camper may be seeking
attention or acting out due to being lonely or frustrated. If you can
identify the reason for the behavior, you will know better how to handle
it. Here are some common roots for behavior problems:
- A desire for recognition/attention: it may be better to be
infamous
than unknown.
- Frustration: unsatisfied needs or desires often cause children
to "lash out."
- Homesickness: being scared and nervous often causes frustration.
- Illness/exhaustion: no one is at their best when they are
sick or tired.
- Conflict with another camper/staff member: this often causes
people to become defensive.
- Outside conflicts: problems with family, friends, etc.,
can follow campers
to camp.
- Established behavior patterns: lessons learned at home won't
be
forgotten at camp.
What to Do When Campers Violate the Rules
Inevitably a camper will break a rule or refuse to cooperate. When this
happens, keep these suggestions in mind:
- Give the camper one warning; make it clear that the behavior or
action was inappropriate and undesirable.
- Give the camper a chance to explain; he may have a good reason
for the behavior.
- Be consistent and impartial.
- Stay cool and calm; keep strong emotions in check.
- Avoid lecturing or embarrassing the camper; discipline in private
if possible.
- Stress that the camper's behavior is the problem, not the camper's
personality. Help the camper identify acceptable alternatives to the
problem behavior.
- Once the disciplinary time is over, accept the camper as a part
of
the group again.
- Follow the camp behavior management policies for continuing
discipline problems.
Sometimes it is best to simply ignore behaviors, rather than reward or
punish, which may actually provide attention to encourage the behavior.
Ignoring behaviors usually works best for campers who seek attention by
clowning around.
Other times, giving the camper attention or affection, which has been
lacking, may solve the problem. Giving the child some form of responsibility
or encouraging a special interest or talent may result in improved behavior.
Often the activity, if it is at his/her own physical, emotional, and
intellectual level, is enough to correct the situation.
Discipline and dealing with challenging behavior are never easy. Keep
an open mind and try to have patience with your campers. If one strategy
doesn't work, try another one. Rest assured, though, that if you can
work with campers to find the root of a behavior problem, you will have
ideas for how to deal with it, which may help bring a smooth road for
the remaining camp session. Good luck!
Related Topic
Time-Tested Strategies for Dealing with Challenging
Behavior
Originally published in the 2000 May/June issue
of Camping
Magazine.
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