Cabin Leader Responsibilities - The Mosaic Project

The Mosaic ProjectVISIONWe envision peace: a just, diverse, and inclusive world where individuality and community areboth core values and where listening, empathy, and assertiveness guide our interactions.BELIEF“If we are to reach real peace in the world…we shall have to begin with the children.” - GandhiMISSIONUNITE EDUCATE EMPOWERWe work toward a peaceful future by uniting children of diverse backgrounds, providing themwith essential community building skills, and empowering them to become peacemakers.Our complementary work with youth and adults not only supports our youngest peacemakers,but also enables us to reach wider communities through schools, community-basedorganizations, and the workplace.Together, we create microcosms of the just, diverse, inclusive world we envision, demonstratethat peace is possible, and inspire action.VALUESMutual RespectOpen MindednessSelf RespectAttitude (An awesome one!)IndividualityCommunityFOUNDING PRINCIPLEWe strive to practice what we teach in all we do.1-1

PROGRAMSOur Outdoor SchoolMosaic’s principle program is our unique human-relations Outdoor School. This dynamic 4-night, 5-day experiencefor fourth and fifth graders is offered during the school week. Three classes from schools that differ markedly insocioeconomic, racial, and ethnic make-up participate in the program together, giving the students the opportunityto experience firsthand a diverse setting in which all are welcomed and respected. While typical outdoor schoolsfocus on environmental science, ours addresses issues of difference and builds self-esteem and community.Our students never forget this inspiring learning experience. We reach them before negative attitudes surroundingdifference become entrenched and we enable them to live with, learn from, and befriend others with whom theywould not ordinarily interact. Together in a beautiful, natural setting, they begin to recognize their commonalities andgain respect and appreciation for the uniqueness of all individuals, including themselves. They are encouraged toovercome ignorance and insecurities which can lead to fear of difference, prejudice, discrimination, hatred, andviolence. We provide our students with the profound, personal experience of building an inclusive, egalitariancommunity across race, culture, and class barriers, empowering and inspiring them to create such communitiesthroughout their lives.Our Supporting ProgramsIn-School ProjectIn order to deepen and sustain the impact of The Mosaic Project’s outdoor education experience, we offer theMosaic In-School Project. We introduce our research-based curriculum in kindergarten and continue Mosaiclessons throughout the grade levels, setting the stage for and reinforcing lessons learned at the Outdoor School.The Project also includes teacher trainings and parent workshops. It infuses Mosaic values and skill sets into theoverall school culture and improves the climate of our partner schools.The Youth Leadership ProjectWe offer leadership training for high-school students who serve as mentors for the 4th and 5th graders at ourOutdoor School. The Project’s curriculum addresses issues of difference while building leadership skills. The youthleaders undergo extensive training prior to arriving at the Outdoor School. Once there, the training continues andthey serve as cabin leaders for a session, putting theory into practice.Professional Development ProjectWe collaborate with educators to build equitable, healthy classroom and school communities that foster mutualrespect, connection, and a celebration of differences and that motivate all members to achieve at their highestpotential.Mosaic Consulting Project (MCP)MCP is The Mosaic Project’s adult education arm. We bring the imagination, wonder, and fun of our Outdoor Schoolinto the workplace. Our focus on empathy, appreciation of differences, assertiveness, team building, and conflictresolution creates a more engaged, effective workforce and a more inclusive, cohesive workplace culture.Our CurriculumAll of our programs emphasize building self-esteem and community and empower participants to create a peacefulfuture. In particular, we focus on four themes:• The celebration of diversity and awareness of stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination• Respect for and appreciation of self and others• Teamwork and cooperation• Assertive communication and conflict resolution(including listening skills, expressing feelings productively, and empathy)Our innovative curriculum is experiential. Learning at Mosaic becomes a magical adventure as the curriculumcomes to life through hands-on activities, interactive theatre, games, role-plays, discussions, stories, and originalsongs. Our musical curriculum has received rave reviews and is available on CD.1-2

ExpectationsOur expectations of you are the following:• That you will do your best to provide a nurturing, fun and educational environment in which your students,your co-workers, and you will feel safe to express and explore the myriad of thoughts and feelings that ariseduring the program.• That you will consult with the Executive Director, Youth Leadership Project Director, and other staff membersabout any problem, large or small, with which you feel you need help.• That you will do nothing that willfully endangers your own life or well-being or someone else's.• That you will exercise reasonable judgment at all times, understanding that anyone is entitled to make a wellintentionedmistake.• That you will make a sincere and wholehearted effort to connect with each and every child in the program,particularly with the children in your cabin and sharing group.• That you will abide by the contract you signed which includes not using unprescribed drugs or consumingalcohol while working with The Mosaic Project.The following is the responsibility portion of the contract you signed:Cabin Leader Responsibility ContractThe primary responsibility of the Mosaic Project Cabin Leaders is the emotional well-being and safety of thechildren in their care. The following contract clarifies the responsibilities of the program staff to ensure thatchildren have a safe, positive experience.Please initial the following statements to indicate understanding and agreement:________ I must ensure that I guide the children in my care fairly and consistently. I will take care to treat themall equally and with respect.________ I will remain with the children unless it is my specified time off. I will report all injuries, illnesses, andpotentially dangerous situations.________ Because children and youth are easily influenced, I will protect them from foul language andinappropriate or frightening stories or activities. No uncomplimentary remarks by children, cabin leaders, or staffabout race, gender, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or background will be tolerated._______ I understand that for my own protection, I should exercise extreme caution and conservative judgmentwhen touching any child. I must never be entirely alone with any child for any amount of time._______ I will never hit or mishandle a child, cabin leader, teacher, or staff member. I will never verbally oremotionally abuse a child, cabin leader, teacher, or staff member. I will treat all children, youth, teachers, andother staff members with respect._______ I will not allow any student to enter a cabin that she/he is not assigned to, nor encourage, tolerate orlead cabin raids._______ I will be dismissed if I sing “The Circle Game” or “Chickaboom” at campfire or any other time during theprogram._______ I agree to follow all directions from the Executive Director and Youth Leadership Project Director, and toassist other staff in any way possible at all times. I agree to work cooperatively with everyone in the Mosaiccommunity (including the Directors, staff, teachers, principals, Board Members, students, and volunteers) and to1-3

work together towards trust, positive communication, a supportive environment, and productive resolution of anyconflict._______ If I have any difficulty, The Mosaic Project staff, including the Executive Director, Youth LeadershipDirector, program staff, and cabin leaders, are available to help me, and it is my responsibility to ask for helpwhen needed.The following outlines our expectations for the students. It is thecontract they all signed on their applications.PARENTS AND TEACHERS, please read and discuss the following with your children:I, ________________________________ (child’s name), agree to:1. try my best to make my week at Mosaic as fabulous as it can possibly be for myself and the others around me.2. make my best effort to practice the Mosaic values: M is for Mutual Respect; O is for Open-Mindedness;S is for Self-Respect; A is for Attitude (a positive attitude); I is for Individuality; C is for Community3. abide by all safety policies and never put myself or anyone else in danger.4. ask an adult staff member or teacher for help should I have any problems.I have read and understand the expectations described above and accept personal responsibility for meeting them.I understand that I play a very important part in the success of this program. I am excited to participate and give mybest effort!» ______________________________________ __________________________ _________Child’s Signature Parent/Guardian Signature Date1-4

Characteristics of Great Cabin LeadersThey love children!They are enthusiastic!They are eager to explore and enjoy nature and the outdoors.They are good role models, both in behavior and appearance.They are firm, fair, and friendly in dealing with children.They ask for help when needed.They supervise students all the time with a watchful and thoughtful style.They make a sincere and wholehearted effort to connect with each and every child in theprogram, particularly with the children in their cabin and sharing group.PLEASE REMEMBER:You are not alone! The staff is here to make your week as easy and enjoyable as possible.USE US—WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU!As a cabin leader, you will be a role model for young students. You may not realize it, but theywill be watching EVERYTHING you do. They will want to dress the way you dress, comb theirhair just like you do, and act just like you!This gives you a big responsibility. You can help reinforce important values that the outdoorschool, classroom teachers, and parents are teaching. YOU ARE THE KEY TO THE KIDS’SUCCESS HERE.1-5

Cabin Leader ResponsibilitiesBefore the Outdoor School Sessions:• Attend the weekend training retreat, in mind, body, and spirit.• Return the contract, medical form, and carpool form by mail as soon as possible, but no later thanApril 10 th for the spring sessions and September 1 st for the fall sessions.• Have your teachers sign the consent/homework from and bring it to the outdoor school.• Read and absorb the entire Cabin Leader Manual.Transportation to/from the camp site:• Provide your own transportation or arrange to carpool with another Cabin Leader to and from thesite in Napa. (see map at end of Manual) The Mosaic Project will assist any Cabin Leader whocannot find a ride by arranging a carpool or van transportation.Your Arrival:• Arrive at the site on the Sunday evening before the session in time for an orientation meeting at7:00pm. Please eat dinner before you arrive or bring your dinner with you.• Attend a training session on Monday morning.When Students Arrive:• Greet them and help them find where to leave their luggage and sleeping bags.• Take them to the ball field to eat their bag lunches.• Help them to complete their pre-program surveys.• Assist staff in leading games and activities as students finish their lunches and surveys while somestaff and teachers deal with last-minute logistics.• Help make sure the students know where they are going once they are divided into cabin groups.In the Cabin (mornings and generally):• Wake your students up at 7:30 am and be sure they wash up and use the bathroom before headingto breakfast. You should be at the dining room by 8:15.• Facilitate cabin time after breakfast. Make sure all your students are prepared in the morning withall they need for the day (make sure they all get their packs ready to go, with a full water bottle,sunscreen, a warm layer of clothing so that they are prepared for a change in the weather, anymedications they need, etc.) Be sure the group is on time to the morning activities.• Make sure your students put on dry clothes after swimming during free time.• Make sure your students put on warm layers (or at least bring some along) before heading todinner.• Make sure they're on time to wherever they're supposed to be.• Be sure your cabin is left neat and clean.In Sharing Groups & Village/All-Camp Activities:• Help facilitate the discussions and activities. Check your Schedule and Day-by-Day Curriculum forthe scheduled activity and details on how to lead it. You will be assisting the staff, who areresponsible for making sure all supplies are available and for primarily facilitating all activities.• Help any student who has a problem (such as needs to go to the bathroom, has a splinter, etc.)which prevents him/her from participating.• Be available to talk to a child one-on-one if he/she is upset and selects you to talk to. After listeningto the student, get assistance if you need it.1-6

• Participate in any activity where it would be appropriate (not in Peanut Butter Booger Snot River).Do not help students too much during Group Challenges, but support them and help facilitate thelearning experience for them. In discussions, do not monopolize the discussion to make yourpoints. Rather, make sure that all students have an opportunity to speak. Feel free to addoccasional comments, especially with respect to how you feel or how you see things from your ownexperience.At Mealtimes:• Help everyone line up and keep everyone entertained with songs, stories, etc., until each cabin islet into the dining hall.• Sit with your cabin. Help the students to follow the mealtime procedures, such as selecting onestudent to serve as the Hopper for the table, clearing the table at the end of the meal, etc.• Assist the Director or any other staff person making announcements by helping all students be quietand attentive during all announcements.• Be sure that no student goes to the bathroom or leaves the dining hall without permission.(Students who have to use the bathroom must come to the staff table to ask permission so that thebathrooms do not become overloaded.)• When your cabin is on Kitchen Patrol (KP), supervise them and make sure everyone pitches in andhas a job.During Students’ Free Time and Teacher Time:• You will be assigned to a station (pool, ball field, girls’ cabins, girls’ bathroom, boys’ cabins, or boys’bathroom). Please stay at your station, be attentive and see that all students are safe. This is NOTa time to socialize with other Cabin Leaders. It can be a time to check in with your staff member.• During teacher time you are off duty.• At the end of teacher time, you will meet your students at the campfire circle. When your entirecabin group has arrived, you will take your students to the cabin to change into warmer clothesbefore dinner.At Campfire:• Sit with your cabin. Make sure all your students are engaged. This is a prime time forhomesickness to show, so if students seem withdrawn, check in with them, or simply go sit withthem and give them support.• Participate and have fun! Sing! Your students will take your lead and follow your example. Learnthe words to the songs and help your students with the words.At Night:• As soon as campfire is over, take your cabin group back to the cabin to get ready for bed. Makesure everyone brushes teeth and attends to any other necessary hygiene. MOST IMPORTANTLY:MAKE SURE EACH CHILD USES THE BATHROOM!!! This will make it less likely that you will bewoken up by a child who needs to use the bathroom in the middle of the night.• Lead the values exercise each night, once the children are ready for bed. This works best if thegroup sits together in a circle on the floor of the cabin.• Once they get in bed, read a story to them, tell a story, or sing a song to help the children go tosleep.• Quiet the cabin and go to sleep.• Accompany children who need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night.1-7