Camp Chase Code of Conduct

In order to provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for all members and campers, we ask that staff, members, campers and visitors adhere to the following code of conduct:

• Members must present membership cards to the staff at the member services desk in order to enter the facility. Staff must wear name tags. Campers must be signed in with a counselor at all times. Visitors must either present a guest pass or check in at the Camp Chase office upon arrival.
• Smoking, use of non-prescription drugs, alcoholic beverages, firearms or fireworks, carrying or concealing a weapon or any object that may be used as a weapon, harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, or body language, bullying or threatening another person verbally or physically is prohibited on YMCA property, in YMCA vehicles, or at YMCA sponsored programs.
• All staff, members, campers and visitors must follow rules and directions as posted on YMCA signs, written in YMCA literature, or as indicated by YMCA staff.
• The YMCA does not assume responsibility for personal property that is lost, stolen or damaged.
• All attire, including swimming attire, must be appropriate to a family environment.
• Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times, except in aquatic activities.
• A YMCA staff member must be informed of all accidents. The staff member will complete an accident report form.
• Members should notify the YMCA of any medical problems by completion of a waiver. Medical problems will be kept in confidence with the membership files.
• Bikes, rollerblades, skateboards and heelies are not permitted at Camp Chase unless in use for a specific program under the direction of YMCA staff.
• No pets are permitted on YMCA property. An exception will be granted for seeing-eye dogs.
• Loitering/solicitation within or on the grounds of the YMCA is prohibited.

Abuse of any of the above guidelines may result in a conversation with YMCA staff, temporary suspension of membership or, in extreme or repeated cases, permanent revocation of membership.

The following information details the code of conduct enforcement procedures for Camp Chase Day Camp.

At the YMCA we believe that the best way to deal with behavior issues is to provide a quality camp program. By keeping activities moving and well organized, we believe that that many potential problems can be avoided. Disrespect towards staff or property, injuring other children or staff, disruptive behavior, bullying, stealing, leaving camp property, profanity, drug, alcohol, or tobacco use, and serious infractions will not be tolerated. If any of the above problems occur, the following steps will be taken.

1. Verbal discussion with the camper.
2. If the inappropriate behavior continues, the child will be removed from the group for a specified time frame or privileges may be taken away. At this point, a call to the parents should be made by the Unit Leader or Assistant Director. The behavior will be recorded on a Behavioral Incident Report form and documented in the camp office.
3. If parents are contacted, the leadership staff or directors will share their concerns with the parent and work with the parent to resolve the problem. Depending on the behavior and how it affects other campers, a behavior contract may need to be created with and signed by the camper, Unit Leader, and directors. The parent will be made aware of the contract, and if necessary, will be part of the contract and the signing.
4. If the problem persists, or a serious infraction has been made, the camper will be put on suspension from camp or asked to leave the program.

We consider inappropriate behaviors to be on certain levels of severity. If the leadership team decides that the immediate necessary action of discipline does not follow the above steps, an appropriate action will be decided and acted upon. For example, if a behavior warrants an immediate call to the parents, the verbal discussion with the child will be followed immediately by the call home. Please keep in mind that these are only a few examples of possible behaviors. The levels of severity are as follows:

Level 1 – Not listening to the counselor; refusing to participate in activities after encouragement by staff members; leaving the group at any time without permission; name-calling in or outside of the group.

Level 2 – Continuing to display any of the above behaviors after a verbal discussion has occurred; physically harming another camper. An immediate call home will follow this behavior and a behavior contract will be created if necessary.

Level 3 – Physically harming a staff member; bullying of any kind, physical or verbal. The first time bullying occurs, a verbal discussion will occur at the same time as a call home and the creation of a behavior contract. If bullying continues to occur, the steps after the behavior contract will be followed.

Level 4 – Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Any type of abuse is not tolerated at camp. Possession or use of alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs or weapons. In these cases, the camper will be removed immediately from the program. Note: Campers may bring pocket knives with blades shorter than 3” for Outdoor Adventure Camp and other similar programs, provided they show the pocket knife to their counselor, who may choose to collect pocket knives and distribute them for use when needed. Campers who bring pocket knives but do not get counselor approval may be removed from camp.