Summer Camp – Child Safe Code of Conduct

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What Is A Code Of Conduct?

A code of conduct is a list of behaviors that are encouraged and expected and a list of behavior that is not condoned. It is expected that everyone, as staff at summer camp, will follow the code in all their interaction with children and youth. The code of conduct will be reviewed regularly.

Why Do We Need A Code?

There are many benefits such as:

  1. It makes it clear to adults what it expected, when we all have different points of view.
  2. It makes it clear when someone’s conduct ’crosses a line’ which may lead to inappropriate behavior, before the conduct gets too serious.
  3. It makes it clearer to children when someone isn’t behaving in an appropriate manner, which can be confusing.
  4. It help keeps children safer.
  5. It makes adults less likely to be at risk of a false allegation of misconduct in relation to a child.

What Happens If Someone Does Not Follow The Code?

It is everyone’s business to monitor compliance to the code of conduct. A minor breach of the code may be brought to a person’s attention for their learning. Minor breaches may be done innocently and in ignorance. Persistent serious breaches will be reported to the Camp’s Child-Safe Coordinator. A person may be asked to sign a Safety Agreement as a condition of continued attendance at Summer Camp.

Our Child-safe Code Of Conduct

  • DO   Reflect the ethos of the Adventist Church
  • DO   Behave as a positive role model to children and youth; DO Follow the Summer Camps Child-Safe Policy; DO Treat all children with respect; DO Use positive and affirming language toward children; DO Refrain from showing favoritism
  • DO   Help provide an open, family-friend environment for children to worship and interact in
  • DO   Alert someone if I see a breach of this code
  • DO   Report suspicions of child abuse or neglect to the Child- Safe Coordinator or other trusted leader such as the pastor
  • DO   Seek advice about suspicions and disclosures of child abuse or neglect from the Community Services (NSW Govt.) helpline on 13 21 11
  • DON’T Engage in inappropriately rough physical play
  • DON’T Touch a child in an age/culturally inappropriate manner
  • DON’T Hold, kiss, cuddle or touch a child in any manner except for appropriate touch to comfort distress
  • DON’T Spend time alone with a child
  • DON’T Make sexually suggestive comments to a child, including ‘compliments’ about their physical appearance
  • DON’T Show or share sexually suggestive material to a child in any form such as email, text, movie or sound file
  • DON’T Use profane language near or around children
  • DON’T Assist children do things of a personal nature that they can do for themselves
  • DON’T Use any physical means to control or discipline a child
  • DON’T Take a child to your home, or encourage private meetings outside of church-sponsored activities, unless strict guidelines are in place
  • DON’T Take photos or movies of a child without prior written parental consent and explanation of the purpose and use of the photos and Church permission
  • DON’T Publish (in any manner, such as the internet) a picture or private information about a child such as their name, age, email address, telephone number, residence, or places they frequent regularly (such as the school or a club they attend)