At Fells Forest Camp we strive to create a safe community where individual differences are valued, where campers and staff feel safe accepting new challenges, and where everyone can have fun. This requires the cooperation and understanding of all involved. Staff use positive reinforcement to help children build respect for themselves, their peers, and for every living creature they encounter in the forest.
Counselors will always:
- Redirect with love and understanding
- Give campers reminders about camp rules and expectations
- Teach instead of punish
- Listen instead of yell
- Ask questions to understand the bigger picture
- Encourage campers to communicate their feelings and ideas with their counselors and group members
At Fells Forest Camp we understand that children (and adults) sometimes make mistakes. We use a positive, progressive form of discipline, keeping in mind the individual needs of each child to maximize their growth and to protect the emotional and physical safety of the group and every individual in it. Children will be given reminders about camp expectations and given opportunities to adjust their behavior. We utilize the following elements of our behavior management plan as needed, and not necessarily in this order:
1. Redirection and Reflection
Counselors will guide campers to reflect on their behavior and redirect them to safer, more positive actions. Counselors may ask campers to take a break or ask a supervisor to come speak to the camper.
2. Removal and Intervention
If behavior persists, the camper may be removed from the group to speak with leadership staff either on the spot or at the office. This allows the camper to reset before rejoining activities.
3. Parent/Guardian Involvement
If additional support is needed, we will contact the camper’s family to collaborate on strategies and provide input on the next steps. We will share the situation that took place and aim to work collaboratively to ensure the behavior is managed in a way that makes sense for the camper and camp community.
4. Reset Opportunity
In some situations, we will ask for the camper to have an early dismissal or “home day” to reset which gives our team time to create support for the camper to return to camp successfully.
5. Dismissal
For repeated or serious infractions, the Camp Director reserves the right to dismiss a camper when in their judgment, the camper’s behavior interferes with the rights and/or safety of others, the smooth functioning of the group or activity, or violates the camp’s code of conduct. In such cases no refunds will be given.