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Bullying behavior is when someone or a
group uses power to get their way at the expense of someone
else. This can happen socially (teasing, excluding, gossiping)
or physically (hitting, kicking, hurting). Bullying behavior
cannot be tolerated at WaMaVa. The camper experience is tainted
and perhaps unrecoverable if a camper feels unsafe. Our
philosophy on bully prevention is based on our mission
statement; providing a safe environment where a camper is
appreciated, enjoys play, makes friends, and grows closer to
God. We as a staff seek to proactively and consistently create
an environment for the best possible experience each camper
deserves. Below is our
policy/staff responsibilities:
If bullying behavior is
witnessed by staff
• Immediately intervene and
separate…never ignore it
• Calmly address those involved separately and out
of the direct attention of other campers
• Report incident at the next staff meeting so other staff
can monitor the situation
• Follow up throughout the week with all parties
involved…praise improvements you see
Responsibilities to the Victim
• Support those who were
bullied
• Develop strategies to address the problem should it
reoccur
• Encourage them to seek help from an adult
• Remind them the Mess Hall is a safety zone where they can
immediately report an issue
• Assure them that it’s not their fault they were bullied
• Pray with the camper
Responsibilities to the Bully
• Communicate the bullying
behavior witnessed and why it’s unacceptable
• Explain effect of their bullying on others and themselves
• Encourage to seek help from an adult when tempted to act
out inappropriately
• Pray with the camper
If bullying behavior is
repeated or first-time event is deemed severe
• Issue is escalated to camp
director for appropriate course of action
• Parents will be notified (both bully and victim)
•
Parents will have a chance to talk with their child
• A camper may be sent home depending on severity or
continued undesired behavior
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