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Camper Protection

Camper Protection

ABUSE PREVENTION

  • All volunteers and staff must be appropriate when dealing with campers.
  • Volunteers/Staff will not touch people’s beds or personal property without the owner’s permission.
  • Volunteers/Staff may never physically discipline campers.
  • Staff and volunteers must not be alone with a camper at any time. The exception of this is with the Camp Nurse in case of private medical matters.
  • Cabin Leaders must only conduct “one-on-ones” with campers of the same gender unless there is a leader of the same gender present and involved in the discussion. One-on-ones must be done in full view of other counsellors or staff members, ideally the co-counsellor. Counsellors must inform a designated supervisor for the duration of their one-on-one.
  • Leaders must respect the privacy of campers in situations such as changing clothes and taking showers at camp, and intrude only to the extent that health and safety require. Adults must protect their own privacy in similar situations.
  • Staff and volunteers must not sleep in the same bed as the campers or in immediate proximity.
  • Staff / volunteers and camper dating relationships are prohibited.
  • Staff / volunteers may never physically discipline campers.

SCREENING

  • Counsellors, staff and volunteers will complete a criminal record check every year prior to coming to camp.

TRAINING: Counsellors and Staff Members will be trained:

  • When protection is needed (section 13 of the Child, Family and Community Service Act)
  • The importance of the duty to report (as per section 13 of the Child, Family and Community Service Act)
  • Confidentiality policy
  • Definitions of types of abuse, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, emotional harm, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and neglect.
  • Warning signs of child abuse and neglect
  • How to respond to a child who is disclosing abuse or neglect
  • How to proceed with the information on the disclosure of abuse or neglect

SECURE CAMPER PICK UP

  • All campers will be picked up by persons who have been determined to be safe. This includes parents, guardians or persons authorized to pick up the child by the parent/guardian.

POST CAMP CONTACT

  • While Stepping Stones loves to see relationships flourish and grow outside of camp, this must be done in a responsible manner to protect campers.
  • After camp has ended, counsellors must inform the parents of a camper if they have been contacted by the camper or if they would like to contact the camper. This contact includes emails, phone calls, text messages, social media messaging or arranged in-person meetings.

Full Policies:
-1.4 Contact Boundaries P&P
-2.2 Camper Protection / Disclosure of Abuse P&P
-2.5 Secure Camper Pick Up P&P
Available on Request.