camp files. Relationships with other children and counselors, interests and abilities, and problems should be noted.
Tips and Essentials of the Trade
Lines of authority should be clearly delineated. Specifically, spell out the responsibilities of each staff member and his part in the total program. This also relates to the functioning of the agency or committee that is sponsoring the program. Director and committee or agency responsibilities need to be clearly identified.
Everything pertaining to the operation of the camp, including committee and staff work, should flow through the director's office. While it is important to delegate tasks, it is essential that the director be aware of all transactions related to the camp.
Keep records of all transactions, contracts, purchases, and rentals. Most agreements for rental of a facility, insurance, etc., require a contractual agreement.
It is very important to interpret your program to the public. Newspaper articles, public speaking engagements, radio announcements and television news specials are among the wide variety of ways to communicate your aims, purposes, values, and services. Television specials are usually quite effective in developing interest and support for your program.
Develop standards or guidelines for each staff position. The American Camping Association and the Kennedy Foundation have developed standards which are adaptable to the local level (see Appendix C).
A list of personnel practices should be drawn up to include salary, leaves of absence, dismissal, hours, payroll deductions, employee activities, insurance expenses, transportation, special responsibilities, overnights, etc. This list should be presented to the employee at the time of hiring, and be discussed and clarified during the orientation program.
Parents of retarded children are highly recommended as chaperones on field trips, helpers at cookouts, etc. It is not recommended, however, that they work with their own children. As a general rule, parents should be discouraged as applicants for camp staff positions.
Because parent involvement is important in the camp program, they should be invited to visit the camp on designated days. It is important to keep them informed about the program and their child's participation. All parents should be interviewed prior to acceptance of their child in this program. It is suggested that they bring their child to this interview. This provides an opportunity to evaluate the child's abilities and skills as well as the family situation, and to discuss the program with the parents and answer their questions.
