Camper safety is not optional, secondary, or situational, it is the primary responsibility of every counselor. As a counselor, you are entrusted with the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of every camper under your supervision. This lesson outlines your authority, expectations, and required response when conflict or unsafe behavior arises.

1. Safety #101

No activity, conversation, or experience at camp is more important than camper safety. Disorder, unchecked behavior, or delayed intervention can quickly lead to compounding safety issues.

Counselors must understand:

  • You are responsible for preventing unsafe situations, not merely responding to them.

  • Ignoring minor issues allows them to escalate into major problems.

  • Maintaining order is necessary.

2. Your Authority as a Counselor

Counselors are given clear authority to lead, correct, and intervene when necessary. This authority must be exercised confidently, consistently, and without hesitation.

Key Expectations:

  • Campers are expected to obey counselor instructions immediately.

  • Counselors do not argue, negotiate, or debate with campers.

  • Calm firmness establishes respect; hesitation weakens authority.

You are not a peer, entertainer, or negotiator. You are a leader entrusted with responsibility.

3. Early Intervention and De-Escalation

Most conflicts can be prevented or minimized through early, decisive action. Counselors must remain alert and attentive at all times.

Required Practices:

  • Address disrespect, defiance, or agitation immediately.

  • Separate individuals when tension begins to rise.

  • Lower your voice; never escalate emotionally.

  • Give clear, direct instructions without threats or sarcasm.

De-escalation does not mean permissiveness. It means stopping disorder quickly and restoring control before it spreads.

4. Handling Conflict Between Campers

Conflicts between campers must be handled promptly and impartially. Counselors must not take sides or allow personal bias to influence decisions.

Proper Response:

  • Separate campers involved in conflict.

  • Hear only essential facts—this is not a debate or group discussion.

  • Correct behavior based on camp rules, not emotions.

  • Reinforce expectations clearly and decisively.

If a situation continues or intensifies, camp leadership must be notified immediately.

5. Zero Tolerance Situations

Certain behaviors are unacceptable under any circumstances and require immediate escalation to leadership.

These include, but are not limited to:

  • Physical aggression or threats

  • Sexualized behavior or language

  • Attempts to leave assigned areas or supervision

  • Defiance of authority after correction

Do not attempt to manage serious incidents alone. Failure to report is a violation of counselor responsibility.

6. Emotional Safety and Proper Boundaries

Counselors must maintain professional, appropriate boundaries at all times. Emotional safety is preserved through structure, consistency, and clarity—not excessive familiarity.

Counselors must:

  • Avoid private or isolated interactions.

  • Never share personal struggles or inappropriate details.

  • Direct serious emotional concerns to leadership.

You are a guide and authority figure, not a replacement parent or peer.

7. Medical and Behavioral Emergency Response

Every counselor is required to be fully familiar with camp emergency procedures. Hesitation, confusion, or failure to follow protocol during an emergency places campers and staff at risk. Medical and behavioral emergencies must be handled promptly. Counselors are not permitted to manage serious situations independently.

In the event of an emergency, counselors must:

  • Notify camp leadership or medical staff immediately

  • Know the location of the nurse’s station, first aid supplies, and emergency contact points

  • Escort campers to the nurse’s station when needed

  • Maintain supervision of remaining campers

  • Administer only approved first aid; never give medication

  • Avoid diagnosing, counseling, or attempting to resolve serious behavioral issues

8. Documentation and Communication Protocol

Clear documentation and direct communication protect campers, counselors, and the camp as a whole. Failure to report incidents is a serious violation of counselor responsibility.

Counselors are required to:

  • Report all incidents promptly and truthfully

  • Complete incident reports for medical visits, injuries, behavioral concerns, or safety issues

  • Follow leadership direction without resistance or delay

  • Maintain confidentiality and discretion at all times

Do not discuss incidents with other campers or counselors who are not involved. All concerns must be directed through proper leadership channels.

9. Always Know Where Your Campers Are

At no point should a counselor be unaware of the location of their campers. This applies during church services, recreation, meals, free time, and all transitions between locations.

Counselors must:

  • Account for all assigned campers at all times

  • Stay with their group unless properly relieved by leadership

  • Ensure campers remain in designated areas

Losing track of a camper is a serious failure of supervision.

Conclusion: Safety is Every Counselors Responsibility

Maintaining safety must be your highest priority. As a counselor, you are expected to lead decisively, intervene promptly, and uphold the standards of this camp without exception.

Before continuing to the next lesson, reflect seriously on this responsibility.