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- Be the kind of person you want your campers to become - obey the
rules yourself!
- Know as many campers as possible by name. Know something about them.
Build relationships.
- Be friendly. Always show interest in what individual campers are
doing and their progress.
- "One pat on the back is worth two slaps in the face." Praise
good qualities and actions.
- A sense of humor is extremely valuable. Use it frequently.
- Maintain your poise at all times. Don't let campers "get to
you."
- Don't take misbehavior personally. It is a choice the camper is
making.
- Every child has needs; his behavior will give you clues as to what
those needs are.
- Keep in mind that misbehavior is seldom willful. Try to find the
cause.
- Try to see the camper's side of the situation. Discuss it with him/her
until you understand.
- Distract, distract, distract! One of the best methods to control
behavior is to keep them busy!
- Show your disapproval of behavior through your speech, facial expressions,
and actions.
- Being close when you note a potential problem can keep it from actually
occurring.
- Enlist other leaders (peers or staff) to provide role models.
- Allow natural consequences to occur if the results are not to severe.
- Withholding privileges or taking away something a camper likes is
usually effective.
- Sending a child to "timeout" allows them time to cool
down and think about behavior change.
- Have a group meeting to discuss and resolve generalized problems.
- Remain with your campers during meals and free time.
- Avoid getting campers over-tired, keyed-up, or tense.
- Be willing to admit when you're wrong and ask for forgiveness.
Originally published in the 2000 May/June of Camping
Magazine.
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