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Catholic Charities Corporation Administrative Offices:

7911 Detroit Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44102

(216) 334-2900

Campers Rights & Responsibilities and Expectations of Camper Behavior

To ensure the safety and well-being of our campers, we have put into place camper expectations, rights and responsibilities.

Important Numbers

• Ohio Department of Job and Family Services – 877.302.2347 option 4
• Summit County Public Health – 877.687.0002
• Summit County Children’s Services – 330.434.5437
• Summit County Board of Developmental Disabilities—330-634-8000
• Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities-- 1-800-617-6733

Expectations of Camper Behavior

Camp Christopher would like all campers to have an excellent experience during their stay. Catholic Charities spends the first weeks of the summer preparing camp counselors and staff to provide the best possible care to every camper by providing education and training on topics like First Aid and CPR, safety protocols, and various topics in camper development. During employee orientation, Catholic Charities stresses that although there are clear policies and procedures for daily operations, camp counselors must strive to be flexible and responsive to each individual camper’s needs. But to best serve every camper, parents and caregivers must also cooperate.

It is essential that parents and caregivers provide honest information about each camper’s behavior and needs. Camp Christopher provides supervision of campers according to ratios recommended by the American Camp Association. If a camper has demanding behaviors that will require more support than is normally available, it is best to disclose those needs as soon as possible so that our administration can explore additional resources that may be available. With adequate notice, Camp Christopher is able to meet some special needs. Honesty can help camp counselors and staff to prepare to handle challenges when they arise.

Camp Christopher may not be an appropriate placement for every camper. Although the program of activities offered typically leads to excellent outcomes, at times, some individuals find it difficult to adapt to the unique environment. In order to maintain the safety and well being of all of our campers, we may contact caregivers for support. Campers will be removed from the grounds in the event that he/or she is endangering himself/herself, endangering others, or destroying property.

Campers Rights & Responsibilities

Every camper attending Camp Christopher has the right to:

  • Counselors who are committed to serving as appropriate role models and will put the camper’s needs ahead of their own
  • A camp environment in which every camper is treated with dignity, care, respect and fairness
  • A camp environment where contributions are valued and campers are encouraged to share in the decision-making process
  • A camp experience that values learning and provides opportunities to improve skills by establishing a supportive, accepting environment
  • A camp experience where he/she can explore his/her own creativity and accept new challenges without fear of failure or ridicule
  • A camp experience which provides every camper with the opportunity to develop and improve interpersonal skills by meeting new people and creating friendship bonds
  • An environment that recognizes the importance of and practices a program of proper safety management that includes the proper screening and training of counselors, a plan to address physical risks on the property, and adoption of standards established by the American Camp Association

For campers to experience the maximum, benefit from their time at Camp Christopher, we ask that they accept these responsibilities:

  • Campers will obey the directions of the counselors and follow the rules that apply to each activity area in the camp. Campers will attend and participate in all organized activities to the best of their ability.
  • Campers may not engage in verbal or physical aggression or bullying behavior at any time for any reason. Campers will report incidents involving these types of behavior to their counselors as soon as possible so that the counselors can intervene and address the situation or conflicts.
  • Campers will follow the “buddy system” and will not leave the group alone at any time, for any reason.
  • Campers will respect the property of others. Campers will not use or consume the property of others without permission. Campers will not destroy or deface, including graffiti, any property on the campgrounds.
  • Campers will be responsible for their personal belongings, and campers understand that Camp Christopher will not be responsible for their loss or damage.
  • Campers will respect nature and animals. Campers may take only pictures and leave only footprints.
Catholic Diocese of Cleveland Part of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland

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