Explaining our "Behavior Board" system
While summer camp is filled with magic and fun, we also want to make room for the feelings and conflict. To make sure every camper and staff member feels safe and held within our community, we utilize the "behavior board" system to keep track of any issues arising at camp. Every morning, counselors will meet with camp directors and lodge heads to discuss anything they noticed or heard from their campers. Sometimes this is homesickness, sometimes this is conflict between two campers, sometimes it's an issue a camper has raised about their mental wellbeing. The camper's name will then be placed under the level they deem appropriate.
We recognize that in some institutions charts and plans serve to depersonalize care and some families may have had unpleasant experiences. At camp, we are working in a residential environment with young staff. The "Behavior Board" is a simple means of removing bias and increasing transparency as well as being able to know when a phone call home is required, leadership team to get involved, etc.
Level 1: Issues are comfortably handled by staff. These are often anticipated camper behaviors: homesickness, difficulty sharing living space, social anxiety entering a new community, etc. Counselors will continuously check in with the camper until they are either returned to Level 0 or they can ask for intervention from another staff member, taking them to a level two.
Level 2: Issues that require Leadership staff of Director involvement. Often has families involved and may seek consultation from Behavioral Health Coordinator (BHC). If a counselor feels they no longer have a firm understanding of how to handle the situation, the leadership staff are ready to jump in and help. Level 2 often has multiple stages (2a, 2b) to help track progression of the issue. For example, 2a might mean the Director is intervening, and if that doesn't solve the issues, the camper would be moved to 2b, meaning the guardians are notified.
Level 3a: Serious concerns for the safety of the camper and/or the community. Requires involvement of family, Director, BHC, and possibly Executive Director. Camper will depart. Staff will be on deck to hold the community as the member leaves camp early.
Level 3b: Emergency Crisis Response. Camper will depart.
At Farm and Wilderness, the staff work incredibly hard to make sure everyone feels safe at camp, and we are always happy to discuss big feelings! We prioritize the safety of the community, are not a therapy camp, and thus do not have the resources to help a camper who is threatening the safety of themselves or others.