For instance, we can give others opportunities to experience healthy risk-taking. We can articulate intentionally how one evaluates the difference between healthy and unhealthy risks. As such, we have the responsibility to prepare staff to succeed under such circumstances. Camp staff have tremendous opportunities to capture teachable moments discouraging bullying and scapegoating. We can provide language that both identifies and values differences.
Bullying is often the pursuit of dominance when one s own self-esteem is low or depressed.
Violence against others is often an attempt to acquire status, identity, or control. On the other hand, the camp experience offers campers and counselors alike healthy alternatives to boost self-esteem, status, and identity. Camp staff must understand that to allow bullying and scapegoating is not only unacceptable but unnecessary. Camp staff also need to understand they have many personal tools that they can use to be successful. They have minds bright, creative minds that can help others take time to reflect on events, environments, and people.