PEOPLE ARE HIGHLY INDIVIDUALISTIC
We should refrain
from setting ourselves up as experts and attempting to diagnose and prescribe in
complex cases. Combine what
training you have with large doses of common sense.
WHAT IS NORMAL?
Society has set up
types of behavior that it considers acceptable in given situations.
When our conduct follows along those lines, we are perceived as
“normal.” Occasionally, we come across campers whose behavior deviates
from the norm.
·
crying
·
temper tantrums
·
bargaining
·
being generally
disagreeable
This conduct can be
annoying and unappealing but you must remember that these children are immature
and are a product of their environment.
THE CAMPER WHO WITHDRAWS
This camper usually has inner feelings of dissatisfaction, insecurity, or inadequacy with behavior that takes many forms.
·
Daydreaming
·
Wishful thinkers
·
Sweet lemons or
pollyannas
·
Sorry-for-themselves
·
Illness
·
Self-worshippers
·
Loners
·
Yes-persons
·
Rationalizers
·
Scapegoating
·
Sour grapes attitude
·
Self-repudiators
·
Compensators
THE CAMPER WITH AGGRESSION
Those with unmet
needs try desperately to draw attention to themselves.
·
Braggart, bully, smarty
·
Foul language
·
Bossy
·
Show-off
·
Practical joker
·
Constant talker
·
Food idiosyncrasies
·
Hysterical temper
tantrums
·
Stubborn, rebellious
·
Intolerant, overcritical
·
Cliques
·
Regression, thumbsucking,
nailbiting, facial tics
HOMESICK CAMPERS
Many campers feel a
sense of homesickness in the beginning but most will make the adjustment.
Spells of homesickness reach their peak around day 3 or 4 and are
strongest at mealtime, bedtime and Sundays.
You cannot ignore homesick campers, their misery is very real and will probably only get worse if positive steps are not taken.
ENURESIS
Bed-wetting – nearly all
children are said to suffer from this at some stage in their growth and
development. Campers experiencing
repeated occurrences should be referred to the camp doctor or nurse.
Precautionary measures can be taken in the meantime:
·
Limit fluid
intake after 5 o’clock.
·
Provide
camper with rubber sheets.
·
Visit
latrine before bedtime and 3-4 hours later.
·
See that
child has flashlight and buddy for night trips to latrine.
ROLE OF CAMP IN SEX
EDUCATION
Some camps include sex
education in the program or provide some pre-camp training for Counselors.
Unless children can receive the information they seek from some
legitimate source, they will seek it elsewhere, which unfortunately often turns
out to be misinformation.
STRONG FRIENDSHIPS – are a
good thing except when one or both of the participants are absorbed to the point
where they have neither the time or desire to associate with other individuals.
HERO WORSHIP AND CRUSHES –
As a counselor, you should be aware of the possibility of becoming the object of
such adoration and if it does occur, take timely steps to prevent it from
progressing to undesirable stages.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE – counselors
should remain observant to detect clues of any drug or alcohol use, and be ready
to respond according to the guidelines spelled out by the camp director.
You are obligated to report any known use immediately.
Copyright
2001 Northern Arizona University, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED