Camper Code of Conduct
Creative Encounters Policies and Procedures
Creative Encounters is committed to fostering a safe and nurturing camp experience where all campers can feel emotionally and physically secure. Our mission is to create positive memories through games and STEM activities. By registering, both campers and their guardians agree to follow the following terms while at camp.
Creative Encounters Campers Code of Conduct
As a camper at Creative Encounters, I agree to foster positivity and uphold a respectful environment by conducting myself according to the following expectations:
- I will not bully, harass, or discriminate against anyone, including both staff and fellow campers. Any form of foul language, put-downs, or bullying will be addressed. I understand that actions such as pranks, teasing, swearing, or physical aggression can have lasting emotional or physical consequences, and I will be mindful of others’ well-being.
- I will respect others’ personal belongings and try not to touch or take anything without permission.
- I understand that any form of mobile device use during camp hours is not permitted, and any communication necessary will be brought to leadership staff.
- I will treat camp property and equipment with care and will not vandalize or damage anything. If I do cause damage, I understand that I will be responsible for repair or replacement costs. I will also not tamper with safety devices like fire alarms or fire extinguishers, as this is a serious offence.
- I recognize that, as part of the Creative Encounters community, it is my responsibility to uphold the values of respect, kindness, and integrity. I will practice consent in all aspects of camp life and treat others how I would want to be treated, using positive language at all times.
- I will follow instructions from staff and ask for clarification if I do not understand something. I will also help to keep the facilities clean, working with fellow campers to clean up after activities and meals.
- I will stay safe in the sun by reapplying sunscreen regularly, drinking water, eating food, and seeking shade when needed.
- I will take care of my own nourishment, ensuring that I have packed enough food for two snacks and a lunch. I will not share my food with other campers and will be mindful of allergies, adjusting where necessary to keep everyone safe.
- I will practice good hygiene by washing and/or sanitizing my hands regularly.
- If I ever feel overwhelmed, overstimulated, unsafe, unwell, or unhappy, I will talk to an instructor, coordinator, or director immediately and use healthy coping strategies to mitigate challenges.
- I will try camp activities for at least 10 minutes and communicate to an instructor if this activity is not for me.
By following these guidelines, I am supporting a positive camp experience for myself and those around me.
It is essential that parents/guardians partner with our team to promote positive and pro-social behaviour. Because you know your child best, we encourage you to share additional information that would assist us in best supporting your camper in our setting. This information can be provided in the online or in-person CE registration forms under “Special Considerations.” This two-way communication is extremely helpful in ensuring that our instructor team has the time to plan for your child coming to camp.
We ask that you help us in maintaining a positive, safe, and fun environment by clearly communicating with your camper that there will be consequences for hurtful, harmful, unacceptable, or unsafe behaviours. Furthermore, your support of our decisions regarding managing and/or applying consequences for undesired behaviour is an integral part of our partnership.
As a Creative Encounters Community member, I understand that if my camper cannot follow the Camper Code of Conduct as outlined above, the following are steps that may be taken:
- My camper may be unable to participate in an activity if they are not following instructions or safety guidance. I will be informed of this behaviour at pick-up.
- My camper will meet with their instructors and a member of the Leadership team to discuss the behaviour and strategies to help them follow the Code of Conduct.
- A member of the Leadership team may have to call the camper’s parents/guardians to discuss the behaviour or situation and let them know that they have not been able to follow the Code of Conduct.
- If a camper is continuously unable to follow the Code of Conduct, or that they engage in behaviour that is harmful to themselves, staff, or other campers, they may be asked to leave camp. The parent/guardian will be notified and will need to pick up their camper within a set period of time. No refunds will be given in these circumstances.
Should a camper be removed from camp for any duration, the following will occur:
- When the camper returns to camp, the camper and their guardian will have a meeting with the program director and/or program coordinator(s) to discuss the next steps for them at camp and what must take place for them to be properly integrated back into the group.
- The camper may return where appropriate accommodations have been made, or supports can be implemented. This occurs in collaboration with the guardian, camper, and CE staff.
There may be a circumstance where we have agreed to accept a child into camp without full knowledge of their behavioural needs. As well, instructors have attempted to take all the necessary steps of making their camp experience successful but may find that we are unable to do so. For the good of the camper and/or the CE community, the child may be asked to leave camp.
Please note: While we will make every effort to work towards a positive experience for every camper, we may determine that the Creative Encounters setting, pace of the day, level of individual attention, resource support, etc. are not meeting the appropriate needs of your camper. It should also be noted that our staff are unable to use physical restraint or intervention as a method of behaviour management.
