Summer Camp: POLICIES

Why Clear Policies Matter

Policies aren’t the most exciting topic in the world. In fact, I get to live in the often "boring" realm of policies. But when they do become exciting, it's usually because something has gone wrong, and that’s not the kind of excitement anyone wants. This summer, we faced a few tough situations at camp where having clearly communicated policies would have made a huge difference. One of my friends, a medical professional who volunteered as a camp medic, also expressed frustration about the lack of clarity in certain situations. It quickly became clear: when volunteers are left to guess or rely solely on personal judgment, confusion and stress follow. Volunteers are the backbone of many programs, and they’re often the ones making on-the-spot decisions. Without clear, simple policies, we’re asking them to navigate complex scenarios with limited support. Good policies don’t just create structure—they build confidence.

Behavioral Policies

Imagine you’re a volunteer leader and a student brings a phone to camp when they weren’t supposed to. What do you do? Is it a big deal or just a slap on the wrist? Now picture a co-ed group of students hanging out in each other’s dorms at 1 a.m. Is that simply frowned upon, or does it need to be stopped immediately? Or what if a student is consistently disruptive—should a leader just tolerate it for the sake of peace, or is there a process for intervention? These are real situations leaders encounter, and without guidance, everyone ends up with a different response. Discussing and documenting expectations ahead of time can prevent misunderstandings and protect the experience for everyone.

Medical Policies

Medical concerns are especially sensitive and require thoughtful handling. If a student has a panic attack, what’s the protocol? What if they have five panic attacks before lunch? What happens if a student vomits from a migraine but has no fever? Are they okay to stay? What if it happens more than once? In the absence of clear medical policies, volunteers—even trained professionals—are left to make tough calls with limited information. That uncertainty can lead to decisions that are inconsistent, or worse, unsafe.

Care Policies

It’s vital that volunteers know what to do if a student shares something serious—like concerns about abuse, bullying, or harassment. What if a student confides that something dangerous is happening at home? What if another student is targeting them with cruelty during camp? These are not theoretical questions. They are real, difficult moments that require more than just a compassionate heart—they require training, boundaries, and clearly communicated care policies. Volunteers must be equipped with both empathy and direction.

Consistency Over Assumptions

We can’t expect volunteers to make the right call every time based solely on their personal experience or instincts. People come from all kinds of backgrounds, and well-intentioned decisions may still carry legal, emotional, or medical implications if handled improperly. By developing clear, simple, and compassionate policies, we relieve the pressure on volunteers, promote safety, and create a more consistent, confident environment for everyone involved.

Policies may not be glamorous—but they matter deeply. They give structure, foster trust, and support the people we rely on most. Let’s not wait for a crisis to realize how valuable they are. Let’s create them, communicate them, and empower our teams to lead with clarity and confidence.