Preparing for fun, and safety: Summer Camps on the Cape & Islands
July 16, 2021
Every summer, the Cape & Islands receives an influx of thousands of visitors, vacationers, and campers. Also included in this influx are the staff people who support our local economy and the children who live, vacation and camp here. For several years, Children’s Cove has provided comprehensive and free training to those team members who support the kids and teens in our community. The relationships formed over summer camp are strong and often last long beyond the days of July and August. Typically, camp counselors are younger individuals, who are just beginning their careers and often form bonds with the kids and teens they support. Because of this, it is critical that these counselors understand that they may become a trusted confidante to the campers, who may disclose something in their life which would require supportive action.
…it is critical that these counselors understand that they become a trusted confidant to campers, who may disclose something in their life which would require supportive action.”
By educating counselors on how to effectively recognize, respond and report child abuse, we are taking steps to mitigate the stigma of abuse and increase prevention. There is a strong feeling of responsibility when told as a staff member that you are what is known as a “mandated reporter” as well as feelings of fear and concern of what you would need to do in those moments. By providing training in how to respond in an empathetic, developmentally appropriate, and honest way, we increase the likelihood a child or teen will get the support they deserve.
While the last year has been difficult to conduct as many community-based trainings as in previous years, we were able to reconnect with several of our ongoing community partners for this summer season. This year, Children’s Cove provided training to the YMCA of Cape Cod, the Nantucket Community School ACKventures program, the Martha’s Vineyard YMCA, Camp Good News and the Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club. We are grateful to provide support and education to such great organizations serving the children who live and visit our community. Thank you for having us!
If you are interested in having a free training for your organization, team, or community please contact Jacob Stapledon to learn more.
