WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE THEY GO
Kids need opportunities to be kids. To be carefree. To make new memories. To form friendships. They also need their adults to give them the best chance to stay mentally, emotionally, and physically safe. How can we help? Here are a few key items to add to your camping check list.
PLAN TO PROTECT
Step #1: Does the camp have a Plan to Protect policy? Plan to Protect is the gold standard of abuse prevention. I know the potential for abuse is something many of us would rather not think about, especially when it comes to kids. But, we can significantly reduce the potential for abuse by signaling to organizations that they must take an active role in creating safe environments, and if they’re unwilling to do so that should be a big red flag to us caregivers.
If the Plan to Protect policy is not listed on the organization’s website ask for a copy of it through the office.
Step #2: Read through the policy.
TALKING WITH KIDS
Step #3: Have an age-appropriate conversation with your child so they know what the Plan to Protect protocol is. We don’t want to shatter our children’s innocence. We do want to educate them about what is, and is not okay. Otherwise, kids may think anything goes, anything is acceptable, and anything is normal. Having this conversation with your child / youth may sound like saying, “When you go to camp I want you to know what is okay and not okay. For example, when you use the bathroom there should not be any adults present. If an adult needs to use the campers’ washroom only one person should use it at a time. Or, the buddy system should be used.” Or, “If you’re getting changed at camp there are private places to do so. There should never be an adult who is watching you change.“
SECRETS VERSUS SURPRISES
Step #4: Let your child know that we do not believe in secret-keeping. Instead, we can celebrate surprises. What’s the difference? Surprises eventually get revealed. But, secrets are encouraged to stay hidden. By normalizing surprises over secrets you can start to equip them today for how to respond if someone will ill-intensions asks them to keep something a secret down the road. “No! I don’t keep secrets. I only keep surprises.“
SPEAKING IN CODE
Step #5: Come up with a code word or phrase so your child can let you know if something inappropriate has happened. Let’s take pickles for example. If my child is at an overnight camp and I’m checking in, they could tell me the pickles they had for dinner made them feel sick. (In other words, something happened and I need your help.) Or, if they don’t have access to you throughout the week talk ahead of time about who else they can go to if they find anything questionable. Reassure your child that they won’t get in trouble, or be punished, if they bring something up with you.
HAVE FUN!
Step #6: Relax. Have fun! And, enjoy this opportunity your child has to make healthy memories they can relish for a lifetime.