A call from a concerned parent today is prompting me to write today about our policies regarding staff contact with campers outside of camp. This is a sensitive subject as one of the most important aspects of the camp program is the building of positive relationships by our staff with our campers. Then as soon as a camper leaves camp, he/she becomes off limits as far as contact by camp staff, even their own counselors.
As we cannot supervise out of camp contact by staff with campers, we've established a very clear policy. Very simply - we do not allow or condone any contact in any form (in person, on Facebook, via email, texting, telephone...) of a camper by a member of our staff other than in an official capacity.
Staff know this - we review this policy upon hire and annually thereafter. Unfortunately, we have no control over staff once they are not actively employed by us. For example, Summer Camp Counselors who may "friend" your child on Facebook. We need the assistance of our camper parents to monitor and report when our seasonal staff violate this policy.
Not only does adult staff contact with minor children pose a concern for the safety of the children, the adult staff are vulnerable to allegations of abuse/misconduct.
I encourage all parents to monitor their children's contact points - texting, email, Facebook, etc... to ensure their safety. As a parent of a 14 year old girl myself, I know how much she dislikes "my intrusion" into her life when I monitor her communications. I've made access to her phone and the computer contingent on my access. She may not like it or me - but she's safer!
If you have questions, concerns or suggestions - please don't hesitate to contact me at Camp 570-828-2329.
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