Many campers grow to respect, trust and even idolize camp counselors and staff members. This tie is even stronger when perceived spiritual ties exist. Campers are commonly taught to demonstrate‘ camp loyalty’— putting the camp and fellow campers over personal needs or concerns. This combination of factors can create an environment that can be manipulated by a person with ill intent.
Association( CCCA) to create the Camper Protection Workshop, an instructional event providing cutting-edge resources to camp leaders, allowing member camps to‘ raise the bar’ where child sexual abuse and child protection are concerned. Christian camps are prolific, varied in scope and size— and many are led by excellent leaders who are aware of sexual abuse risk and committed to proactive child protection. Some camp leaders, however, demonstrate a serious lack of understanding of sexual abuse and sexual abusers. If program leaders lack an understanding of the nature of this risk, they cannot effectively address it. MinistrySafe and CCCA are working to equip Christian camps with resources that protect campers while safeguarding the mission of Christbased camping programs.
Common misconceptions
Camp leaders commonly cite background checks as a primary measure for protecting children. While background checks are necessary, more than 90 % of sexual abusers have no past record to check. Every camp should make a reasonable effort to obtain records concerning the past criminal behavior of any applicant, but a background check alone is insufficient to provide protection; prevention requires a system.
Many campers grow to respect, trust and even idolize camp counselors and staff members. This tie is even stronger when perceived spiritual ties exist. Campers are commonly taught to demonstrate‘ camp loyalty’— putting the camp and fellow campers over personal needs or concerns. This combination of factors can create an environment that can be manipulated by a person with ill intent.
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