Sample Internet Social Networking and Blogging Policy for Campers

In general, our camp views social networking sites (e.g., MySpace), personal Web sites, and Weblogs positively and respects the right of campers to use them as a medium of self-expression. If a camper chooses to identify himself or herself as a camper at our camp on such Internet venues, some readers of such Web sites or blogs may view the camper as a representative or spokesperson of the camp. In light of this possibility, our camp requires, as a condition of participation in the camp, that campers observe the following guidelines when referring to the camp, its programs or activities, its campers, and/or employees, in a blog or on a Web site.

1. Campers must be respectful in all communications and blogs related to or referencing the camp, its employees, and other campers.
2. Campers must not use obscenities, profanity, or vulgar language.
3. Campers must not use blogs or personal Web sites to disparage the camp, other campers, or employees of the camp.
4. Campers must not use blogs or personal Web sites to harass, bully, or intimidate other campers or employees of the camp. Behaviors that constitute harassment and bullying include, but are not limited to, comments that are derogatory with respect to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, color, or disability; sexually suggestive, humiliating, or demeaning comments; and threats to stalk, haze, or physically injure another person.
5. Campers must not use blogs or personal Web sites to discuss engaging in conduct that is prohibited by camp policies, including, but not limited to, the use of alcohol and drugs, sexual behavior, sexual harassment, and bullying.

Any camper found to be in violation of any portion of this Social Networking and Blogging Policy will be subject to immediate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

Summit Communications Management Corporation • 2006 All Rights Reserved

Originally published in the 2006 September/October issue of Camping Magazine.