Introduction. Prevention

STUDY GUIDE: A Camp for Everyone – Understanding Behaviors (p. 65-69)

Article by Lilia Melikechi

Study Guide by Lara Ravitch

From United Cerebral Palsy of Delaware & Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council, 2013

Retrieved 03January 2021 from http: //ucpde. org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/a-camp-for-everyone-a-guide-to-including-children-of-all-abilities-in-summer-camp-programs. pdf

Introduction

Behavior is communication. However, it can be hard to understand what a child is trying to say. Still, trying to understand is the best way to manage behavior.

Prevention

Have clear, consistent rules for activities and settings. Use positive wording. That is, focus on what you should do. Use pictures to helps students learn and remember rules. Use positive, calm body language and tone, so campers feel like you are on their team.

Anticipate triggers. Triggers are things that make a child upset. Misbehavior is often a sign of discomfort or distress. Many things can be triggers for different children. For example, loud noises, having to sit still, changes to schedule, or conflicts with other campers can be triggers. Try to learn your campers’ triggers. This will help you avoid them or prepare campers for them in advance.

Pay attention to communication. If a child cannot tell you the problem in words, look for other behaviors. Try different solutions to see what works. Ask parents for help.

Some disabilities, such as autism, often come with behaviors that may look unusual. Some of these behaviors, like hand flapping, rocking, jumping, or chewing, help children to cope with stress. These behaviors are good choices and should be encouraged as long as they are safe.

Remember, if it is not unsafe, and everyone is having fun, you do not need to worry about the behavior. If children are corrected too much, camp will not be fun for them.

De-escalation

If a child starts to become upset, try to calm them down. Take them away from the group to a quiet place. Make sure there is a kind, patient adult there to help them.

After the Incident

Wait until the child is calm and ready to talk about the problem. Work with the child to find a way to keep everyone safe. Let them explain what happened and why. Work together to make a plan. Remember, all children can misbehave. They need help to feel safe, so they can learn to respond better next time.

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