Prevent and Stop Bullying This Summer

You’ve probably heard about the movie Bully, which is now playing in select theaters and opens nationwide this Friday. The movie follows five stories of bullying from across the country, putting the spotlight on this all-too-common problem — according to the movie’s Web site, 13 million kids will be bullied in the US this year.

Unfortunately, bullying can happen anywhere — including camp — so be prepared to help prevent and stop bullying this summer with ACA’s Bullying Prevention resources. Here are some resources designed specifically for you, frontline camp staff:

• Bullying Prevention Tip Sheet by Dr. Joel Haber
  Quick tips about spotting and stopping bullying at camp. 
• Bullying Prevention: Are You Up to Speed? by Joel Haber, PhD, and Lisa Daley, JD
  In-depth overview of bullying today, who bullies, cyberbullying, and how to prevent bullying. While geared toward upper-level staff, it is important for frontline staff to understand these prevention techniques.
• Eyes on Bullying: What YOU Can Do to Prevent and Stop Bullying at Camp by Kim Storey, EdD
  Another in-depth overview offering warning signs and how to contribute to your camp’s bully-free environment.
• Girls at Camp: Overcoming Relational Aggression and Bullying Behavior in Boys . . . And What to Do About It by Bob Ditter
  The dynamics of bullying situations specific to boys and girls.

Bullying is a serious problem that must be addressed if it is happening at camp. Set the expectation for your campers, from the very beginning, that camp is a community of respect — and model this behavior every day.

More bullying prevention resources are available in ACA’s Knowledge Center.

How do you create a respectful environment at camp?