Cabin Counselor Manual 2013 Final - Interlochen Center for the Arts

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The 12-14 Year Old – Early Adolescence • Self-consciousness and worries about appearance of developing body. • General moodiness, increased aggression in boys. • Acne development due to hormonal changes. • Starts initiating and asserting independence; no longer just “one of the family.” This may be exhibited by experimentation with dress, speech, manners, etc., in an attempt to find an identity. • Rebellious and defiant behavior are the norm; one will observe more rudeness and a demand for more freedom. • Friends become more important and, in order to identify as closely as possible with friends, having the “right” clothes, hairstyle, etc., and listening to the same music become important factors. • Increased need to feel a sense of belonging to a peer group. Boys tend to form “gangs” of friends while girls tend to have one or two rotating “best friends.” • Usually have a strong sense of justice. Tend to see right and wrong in a very black-and-white, concrete point of view. • Want to be treated “fairly” by their definition of fairness. • Often intolerant and find it difficult to compromise. The 15-16 Year Old – Middle Adolescence • More composed, even-tempered, tolerant; have become less self-absorbed and have a greater ability to compromise. • Can accept others’ opinions even if they are different from their own. • Have learned to think independently and make their own decisions. Tend to be less eager to conform, more discriminating and less suggestible. • Experiments continually to find the “right” image. Clothes, hair style, attitudes and opinions may all change frequently. • Needs to collect new experiences. Tests boundaries and takes risks, increased likelihood of experimentation with cigarettes, alcohol, gateway drugs. • Due to decreased self-consciousness this age tends to be more sociable and less shy. • Continues building a set of values and developing personal sense of morality. Questioning and setting aside ideas and values upheld by the family could occur. • Friendships are more lasting and intimate. • Begin to accept their own sexuality and form sexual relationships that involve feelings that they may have never had before. • Intellectual broadening out, which includes wider interests and greater awareness, curiosity about the world. • Able to think in abstract terms and deal with hypothetical questions, so they begin to question things previously taken for granted. • Tend to want to debate and discuss issues. • Become socially and physically adventurous. • Tend to believe that they are invincible or immortal. • May not follow recommended safety precautions in many situations. The 17-18 Year Old – Late Adolescence • Tends to be more idealistic and attempts to find social or political causes to be committed to. • May turn to religious cults or movements or experience increased rigidity in own religious beliefs. • Increased involvement with life, work and relationships outside the family. • Increased focus on setting self on a course to achieve financial or emotional independence. As a result, anxieties or uncertainty about the future can considerably affect temper, confidence and self-esteem. • Becomes more able to form stable sexual relationships. • Tends to feel on equal terms with the family. Is inclined to think they have insights into and experience of the world that parents may lack. • This age group is almost ready to become an independent and self-reliant adult. 13
Taking Care of Campers Behavior Management Policy The Interlochen Center for the Arts is concerned with the total welfare of all its campers. Every effort is made to provide a positive environment that fosters the fullest development of each camper’s potential, both socially and artistically. It is Interlochen’s expectation that Camp staff will use positive behavior management as a means for prevention of and intervention with campers’ behavior problems. All employees should understand the importance of treating campers appropriately and humanely, consulting with Camp authorities in any cases in which they are in doubt as to the appropriate treatment, and informing their supervisor when a disciplinary incident has occurred. Camp staff should refer to training manuals and other documents, provided by the Camp and Division Directors, for information on how to prevent the occurrence of behavior problems and the appropriate methods to employ when confronting inappropriate behavior. In accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan, it is the Camp’s policy that a child shall not, under any circumstances, be deprived of food or sleep; be isolated (placed alone without staff supervision, observation or interaction); or be subject to ridicule, threat, corporal punishment, excessive or abusive physical exercise (as a means of punishment or for any other reason), or excessive restraint, either by staff or other campers. In addition, campers shall not be subjected to hazing or abusive jokes or pranks either by the staff or other campers. Definitions: • “Excessive or abusive physical exercise” means exercise without positive behavioral modification value and so harsh as to be beyond a reasonable person’s comprehension. • “Corporal punishment” is defined to include spanking. • “Excessive restraint” means any force used beyond the minimum amount of force necessary to protect the individual or over a longer period of time than is necessary for the child to regain his/her composure. If the methodology/procedure used, in and of itself, causes harm to the child, it is defined as excessive. Campers bring many things with them to Camp including their learned behaviors. When working with campers, keep the following thoughts in mind: • Campers, though very talented, are not mini adults. Most are artistically very mature and socially very young. • Expect them to test your limits to find where the “true” boundaries are located. • Be a rubber band and not a brick wall. Understand where your good judgment and flexibility are required. Behavior issues may surface for many reasons. If you can identify the reason behind the behavior, you will know better how to successfully handle it. • A desire for recognition or attention: It may be better to be infamous than unknown. • Frustration: Unsatisfied needs or desires can cause campers to lash out. • Homesickness: Being scared and nervous can often cause frustrations that are outwardly expressed. • Illness/exhaustion: No one is at one’s best when one is sick, tired and away from home. • Conflict: Whether with another camper or a staff member, conflict can cause behavior issues. • Outside conflicts: You never know what issues campers are bringing along with the rest of their supplies. • Established behavior patterns: Campers bring themselves to camp. 14
Page 1 and 2: CAMP LIFE STAFF 2013 Cabin Counselo
Page 3 and 4: Understanding Your Campers ........
Page 5 and 6: Camp Life Personnel Divisional Stru
Page 7 and 8: Camp Life General Information Camp
Page 9 and 10: Practicing - Practicing in the cabi
Page 11 and 12: • an exaggerated concern for auth
Page 13: The 10 Year Old Physical Developmen
Page 17 and 18: Teaching Appropriate Behavior Plann
Page 19 and 20: Counseling Services and Divisional
Page 21 and 22: 4. Explain your need for their inpu
Page 23 and 24: Fire In the event that fire occurs

Cabin Counselor Manual 2013 Final - Interlochen Center for the Arts

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