TRAINING PART 3*
Common behaviors at camp
There are situations that you experience as a mentor/counselor that will need addressing. There will be behaviors that need correcting and there will be times where they lay their hearts out for you. This section will explore some of the behaviors you may encounter at camp. By no means is this an exhaustive list; therefore, if you are ever unsure how to handle a situation, please find an adult.
*Click on the links below for resource materials
Behavioral Disorders
Interesting fact: Attention disorders are being linked to media and its many outlets…including video games, excessive TV, and computer use. Internet addictions cut an adult's attention span to less than 10 seconds because of the constant change on the screen. Reading books helps to increase attention span.
Disruptive Disorders
Difficulty following the rules that most accept, shows an inability to focus, and failure to integrate actions with the needs of the greater group.
Conduct Disorder
A serious behavioral and emotional disorder that can occur in children and teens. A child with this disorder may display a pattern of disruptive and violent behavior and have problems following rules
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
A chronic condition including attention difficulty. More prevalent in adults; for children it is accompanied by hyperactivity.
Attention Deficit Hyperactive
Disorder (ADHD)
A chronic condition including attention difficulty, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.
Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD)
Defiance, disobedience, hostility towards others in authority.
Traumatic Events
A traumatic event is an experience that causes physical, emotional, psychological distress, or harm. It is an event that is perceived and experienced as a threat to one’s safety or to the stability of one’s world. Traumatic events range in variety. These events can be accidents (ex: car, plane), assault (including sexual, physical robbery, family violence), witnessing something terrible (such as a natural disaster, terrorist attack, bullying, loss of parent, loss of home, medical procedure). It can be triggered by certain stimuli weeks, months and sometimes years after the event occurred. Trauma triggers can include a new environment, unexpected changes in routine, and/or loud noises.
Aggressive Behaviors
Aggressive behaviors manifest in many ways, such as verbal (insults and threats), behavioral (pounding, throwing things, or violating other’s personal space), or emotional (raised voices or anger). It is oftentimes a response to fear. It is best to de-escalate the behavior ASAP.
Suicidal Thoughts & Behaviors
Suicide is the third leading cause of death in young people. In 2008, one young person between the ages of 15-24 died from suicide every two hours and three minutes. Today it seems that number has increased. You or someone you know, is aware of another that has contemplated suicide.
Bullying is inexcusable, and we have a firm policy against all types of bullying. Each program participant and staff member is expected to treat all other participants with respect, and to help each other achieve the best possible experience. If a camper has difficulty meeting this expectation, parents/guardian may be called upon to assist. Our leadership takes all incidents of bullying seriously. We work together as a team to ensure that participants gain self-confidence, make new friends, and go home with a positive program experience.
Tips for resolving “Tough” situations: Be patient, be low key, be calm, be tolerant. Get on their level. Make eye contact. Be a good listener. Stay in control of your emotions. do not allow frustration and anger to enter into the situation; it will only intensify what follows. If you are at your max level of patience, get someone to cover for you and take a walk in the hall, or get an adult to help you sort through the problem.