Kid Philosophy Presentation for Staff & Volunteer Orientation

In my many roles with the SeriousFun Network (formerly Hole in the Wall Camps), I developed a training that I would provide to all staff and volunteers participating in programming on the “kid philosophy” of the program.  In a broad sense, this kid philosophy embodies the view the programs have on camper behavior, needs, and support and how everyone should be working together to ensure campers are safe, respected, and loved.  In this training, I discuss the challenges campers typically find in living with a medical condition, and some of the ways that might impact their approach to camp.  This training also encompassed elements of positive play, active listening, participant-centeredness, the power of providing positive choices, and setting clear and firm boundaries.