Dealing with camper behavior

The best way to handle most problems is to keep them from happening. The more you know about each camper, such as family situation, school background, abilities, disabilities, and general social adjustment, the easier it is to help the camper meet his or her needs without getting into trouble.

Yet despite your best efforts, sometimes there will be camper behaviors you must deal with. Here’s a simple outline for dealing with them:

• Define the behavior. How important is it? Must it be dealt with right now?

• Will it go away by itself?

• Determine possible causes or reasons for the behavior.

• Is it lack of recognition? Too much energy? Feelings of inferiority?

• How can I handle it? Should staff or Extension agents be involved

• What should I avoid? Disciplining in anger, public condemnation, derogatory terms, attacking, blaming approach, loss of community with camper, and driving the camper away from the group, should be avoided.

• How can I keep it from happening again? It depends on the behavior and circumstances. What did I learn from this that was important? Why is that of importance to me? As a result of this experience, what will I do differently in the future?