ACA Home Forums Discipline... for lack of a better term...

Kids need rules to make them feel safe and to keep them safe. You have to establish up top what is expected of them and what will not fly at your camp.

Time-outs, taking away activities, writing letters to think about what they did wrong, can all be helpful.

The real secret is that you pick one discipline method and STICK WITH IT. Kids hate when you are not consistent with discipline standards- they quickly lose their trust in you. Pick a method you like and use it. Don't be afraid of establishing it.

I wrote a book called the Summer Camp Counselor Handbook that has a whole chapter regarding Discipline at camp. It includes different methods you can use, and why kids respond to rules. I also have some articles about rules on my website at nahpublishing.com