Behavior ModificationBehavior Modification

Behavior Management

Begin by defining the unwanted behavior in a Begin by defining the unwanted behavior in a specific manner free of value judgments (such specific manner free of value judgments (such as lazy).as lazy).

Define the desired behavior in terms of Define the desired behavior in terms of observable actions.observable actions.

Use positive reinforcement as often as Use positive reinforcement as often as possible. possible.

Positive ReinforcementPositive Reinforcement A consequence that is designed to increase the A consequence that is designed to increase the

frequency of a given behavior.frequency of a given behavior.

Reinforcers happen after the desired action.Reinforcers happen after the desired action.

Positive reinforcers may be primary (unlearned) or Positive reinforcers may be primary (unlearned) or secondary (learned).secondary (learned).

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Primary = food, water, shelter, warmthPrimary = food, water, shelter, warmth Secondary = social, activity, tokenSecondary = social, activity, token Also link “un-fun” activity with fun activity such as Also link “un-fun” activity with fun activity such as

swimming after cabin clean-up.swimming after cabin clean-up.

Positive rewardsPositive rewards Behaviors that are reinforced are more likely to be repeated – Behaviors that are reinforced are more likely to be repeated –

so reward only desired behaviors.so reward only desired behaviors.

Reinforce positive actions as quickly as possible.Reinforce positive actions as quickly as possible.

Be specific: You really stayed on task during crafts!Be specific: You really stayed on task during crafts!

Be excited: your tone of voice matters.Be excited: your tone of voice matters.

Make the praise about them: You must feel so proud vs I am Make the praise about them: You must feel so proud vs I am proud of you.proud of you.

Be mindful that some campers would rather be praised Be mindful that some campers would rather be praised privately, especially teens.privately, especially teens.

ConsequencesConsequences When you must use a contrived consequence or When you must use a contrived consequence or

punishment, make it a logical consequence. punishment, make it a logical consequence.

Hitting a peer results in having to do something nice Hitting a peer results in having to do something nice for that peer.for that peer.

Refusing to follow directions in an activity results in Refusing to follow directions in an activity results in having to sit out for that activity tomorrow.having to sit out for that activity tomorrow.

Important point: It is not the Important point: It is not the severityseverity of the of the consequence that matters (it is the consequence that matters (it is the certaintycertainty).).

ConsequencesConsequences Do not give out consequences while you are angry.Do not give out consequences while you are angry.

Do not make threats you cannot or will not follow Do not make threats you cannot or will not follow through on.through on.

Giving too many chances actually makes Giving too many chances actually makes consequences that occur seem more arbitrary. consequences that occur seem more arbitrary.

Rules must be uniform for all campers.Rules must be uniform for all campers.

Praise something as soon as possible after giving a Praise something as soon as possible after giving a consequence.consequence.

Negative reinforcementNegative reinforcement

Use Use ignoring ignoring and and extinctionextinction as often as possible as often as possible

Important point: negative attention also acts as Important point: negative attention also acts as a reinforcer. SO, yelling at an undesired action a reinforcer. SO, yelling at an undesired action is just as likely to result in the action being is just as likely to result in the action being repeated as praising the action.repeated as praising the action.

Use Use natural consequencesnatural consequences: not cleaning craft : not cleaning craft area = more time spent cleaning after the area = more time spent cleaning after the session = less time to do a fun activity.session = less time to do a fun activity.

MOST IMPORTANT IDEASMOST IMPORTANT IDEAS

Catch your campers doing the right thing.Catch your campers doing the right thing.

Praise, praise, praisePraise, praise, praise

Make general positive statements about Make general positive statements about the group. (Wow I am so glad that I have a the group. (Wow I am so glad that I have a group of campers who listens so well!)group of campers who listens so well!)

Challenges You May Encounter as a Camp Counselor

Challenges/ ProblemsChallenges/ Problems Don’t get too upset when you face challenges…Don’t get too upset when you face challenges… these are the true growth experiences both for these are the true growth experiences both for

you and the campers.you and the campers.

It is It is okayokay to tell a child that you aren’t sure how to to tell a child that you aren’t sure how to best handle a situation right now but that you will best handle a situation right now but that you will think about it/ talk with someone you trust and think about it/ talk with someone you trust and get back with them before the end of the day.get back with them before the end of the day.

How might this be a good thing to do?How might this be a good thing to do?Hint: modelingHint: modeling

NEVER FORGETNEVER FORGET

1. YOU are the adult when working with camp kids. 1. YOU are the adult when working with camp kids.

2. You are NOT a therapist… don’t stumble in and do 2. You are NOT a therapist… don’t stumble in and do damage.damage.

3. Often kids will tell you things and need a listener…. 3. Often kids will tell you things and need a listener…. not someone to advise. not someone to advise.

4. Children who act out are needing an adult (you) to 4. Children who act out are needing an adult (you) to make efforts to get close to them.make efforts to get close to them.

““Normal Behavior”Normal Behavior”

Changes with situation and cultureChanges with situation and culture Dependent upon age groupDependent upon age group Dependent upon life circumstancesDependent upon life circumstances

Good mental health simply means adjusting well Good mental health simply means adjusting well to others and situations: being able to solve to others and situations: being able to solve problems in ways that are acceptable to both problems in ways that are acceptable to both the individual and society at large.the individual and society at large.

Be InsightfulBe Insightful Don’t get too caught up in labels.Don’t get too caught up in labels.

Consider “why” a child is behaving poorly: don’t take it Consider “why” a child is behaving poorly: don’t take it personally.personally.

Children often learn poor behavior patterns at home/ school/ etc Children often learn poor behavior patterns at home/ school/ etc and they unconsciously carry these forward.and they unconsciously carry these forward.

Ex: Bully may actually want status so scolding or belittling will Ex: Bully may actually want status so scolding or belittling will be counterproductive to what you want.be counterproductive to what you want.

When you do not act as the people who have previously When you do not act as the people who have previously reinforced negative patterns, children will get confused and reinforced negative patterns, children will get confused and redouble their efforts. (That tantrum did not work so I should redouble their efforts. (That tantrum did not work so I should throw a bigger tantrum to get what I want.)throw a bigger tantrum to get what I want.)

Be Insightful Be Insightful Your job is to gently but firmly teach campers new and more effective Your job is to gently but firmly teach campers new and more effective

ways of behaving… ways of behaving…

(Even though you get your way by hitting everyone, have you noticed (Even though you get your way by hitting everyone, have you noticed that people hardly ever choose to play with you? I think you are fun that people hardly ever choose to play with you? I think you are fun and can really be a good friend. So, are there other ways you can try to and can really be a good friend. So, are there other ways you can try to get people’s attention because I want them to see all the cool things I get people’s attention because I want them to see all the cool things I see in you?)see in you?)

Don’t spend too much time asking “why”– this can be helpful but Don’t spend too much time asking “why”– this can be helpful but usually not.usually not.

Children rarely have insights into their own actions (Thank you Children rarely have insights into their own actions (Thank you counselor, you are correct, I was trying to meet my unconscious needs counselor, you are correct, I was trying to meet my unconscious needs for control by acting out. I will avoid this action in the future.)for control by acting out. I will avoid this action in the future.)

Withdrawn CampersWithdrawn Campers Less annoying than aggressive campers so they are easily Less annoying than aggressive campers so they are easily

overlookedoverlooked

Often feel insecure or inadequate and withdraw as a defense Often feel insecure or inadequate and withdraw as a defense against perceived failureagainst perceived failure

The best way to handle those who withdraw is to set them up The best way to handle those who withdraw is to set them up for success by finding ways that they can comfortably for success by finding ways that they can comfortably

Participate and begin to take responsibility for their own actions.Participate and begin to take responsibility for their own actions.

For instance, shy persons may be asked to sit in the circle while For instance, shy persons may be asked to sit in the circle while a group discussion is occurring or may simply need to be asked a group discussion is occurring or may simply need to be asked a simple direct yes/no question.a simple direct yes/no question.

Why MUST we address bullies?Why MUST we address bullies? Everyone loses when bullies are allowed to go Everyone loses when bullies are allowed to go

unchecked.unchecked.

Victims can lose their sense of safety and trust.Victims can lose their sense of safety and trust.

A boy who is a bully at age 8 is 3x more likely to be convicted of a crime by age 30 and less likely than others to finish college and locate a good job.

Girls who bully are more likely to raise children

who bully.

Aggressive CampersAggressive Campers

Bullies/ aggressive children tend to lack compassion for Bullies/ aggressive children tend to lack compassion for others and feel justified in their actions.others and feel justified in their actions.

They tend to have an overly positive self-image that reflect a They tend to have an overly positive self-image that reflect a need to dominate with power and threats.need to dominate with power and threats.

Generally they ARE NOT anxious children who “don’t mean Generally they ARE NOT anxious children who “don’t mean to hurt” the other children.to hurt” the other children.

Boys or girls may be bullies but they tend to use different Boys or girls may be bullies but they tend to use different tactics. Boys more often use physical actions and girls are tactics. Boys more often use physical actions and girls are more often use social alienation and humiliation.more often use social alienation and humiliation.

Aggressive CampersAggressive Campers

Keep a close watch on campers interactions. Children who are Keep a close watch on campers interactions. Children who are bullied frequently fear retaliation if they tell.bullied frequently fear retaliation if they tell.

Praise kindness and cooperation in the campers: this will create Praise kindness and cooperation in the campers: this will create an atmosphere of belonging. an atmosphere of belonging.

Make certain that you do not yell at or ignore misbehaving Make certain that you do not yell at or ignore misbehaving children.children.

Provide healthy outlets for feelings and aggression such as art Provide healthy outlets for feelings and aggression such as art projects, talking, practicing conflict resolution skills, exercise, projects, talking, practicing conflict resolution skills, exercise, etc. etc.

Involve bullying children in charitable activities such as doing Involve bullying children in charitable activities such as doing something nice for others or the person he/she harmed.something nice for others or the person he/she harmed.

How else can I manage an How else can I manage an aggressive child?aggressive child?

Teach the child to recognize and express emotions nonviolently. (privately Teach the child to recognize and express emotions nonviolently. (privately or in group setting) or in group setting)

Emphasize talking out the issue rather than hitting (with everyone and re-Emphasize talking out the issue rather than hitting (with everyone and re-visit privately as needed). visit privately as needed).

Model the kind of behavior you want children to exhibit. Be clear that Model the kind of behavior you want children to exhibit. Be clear that aggressive behavior will not be tolerated. (always always always!!!)aggressive behavior will not be tolerated. (always always always!!!)

Promote empathy by pointing out the consequences for others of the child's Promote empathy by pointing out the consequences for others of the child's verbal and physical actions (generally in groups and specifically with the verbal and physical actions (generally in groups and specifically with the bullying child). bullying child).

Teaching other children to physically fight back will only lead to escalating Teaching other children to physically fight back will only lead to escalating aggression and fights.aggression and fights.

Homesick CampersHomesick Campers Many campers get homesick upon getting to camp and may Many campers get homesick upon getting to camp and may

experience “relapses” when camp is at a lull time.experience “relapses” when camp is at a lull time.

Some parents may accidentally make homesick campers worse by Some parents may accidentally make homesick campers worse by holding on, talking too much about how the child will be missed or holding on, talking too much about how the child will be missed or sharing too much about “all the fun the camper is missing at home.”sharing too much about “all the fun the camper is missing at home.”

Get the camper involved as quickly as possible, especially in things Get the camper involved as quickly as possible, especially in things he/she is good at.he/she is good at.

Normalize feelings of homesickness as normal and try to get the Normalize feelings of homesickness as normal and try to get the camper to agree to try the camp and all activities for a number of days.camper to agree to try the camp and all activities for a number of days.

Prepare parents in how to interact in ways that will decrease Prepare parents in how to interact in ways that will decrease homesickness in the child.homesickness in the child.

Sex EducationSex Education Touchy issueTouchy issue

Most agencies require a signed permission form from Most agencies require a signed permission form from parents before starting a sex ed program.parents before starting a sex ed program.

Most kids want to talk about sex at some point.Most kids want to talk about sex at some point.

If your camp does teach sex ed, you must be able to If your camp does teach sex ed, you must be able to talk about these issues without becoming visibly talk about these issues without becoming visibly embarrassed or judgmental.embarrassed or judgmental.

Know your own sexual mores.Know your own sexual mores.

Substance AbuseSubstance Abuse Studies show that the earlier children experiment with Studies show that the earlier children experiment with

drugs and alcohol, the greater the likelihood they have drugs and alcohol, the greater the likelihood they have of becoming addicted.of becoming addicted.

Educate yourself about drugs, slang and street names Educate yourself about drugs, slang and street names (ex: methamphetamine use and tweaking).(ex: methamphetamine use and tweaking).

DO NOT talk about things you have seen/ done in DO NOT talk about things you have seen/ done in college, at parties etc. You must be a role model.college, at parties etc. You must be a role model.

Be watchful for signs that your campers are hiding Be watchful for signs that your campers are hiding things from you or are acting strangely. things from you or are acting strangely.

Substance AbuseSubstance Abuse

Potential signs:Potential signs: Drug paraphernalia- pipes, rolling papers, eye drops, Drug paraphernalia- pipes, rolling papers, eye drops,

butane lightersbutane lighters StealingStealing Abrupt mood changesAbrupt mood changes Withdrawal, depression or fatigueWithdrawal, depression or fatigue Temper flare upsTemper flare ups Over or under sleeping/ eatingOver or under sleeping/ eating Intense secrecy about possessionsIntense secrecy about possessions Befriending other drug usersBefriending other drug users Interest in drug culture and lingoInterest in drug culture and lingo

ADHDADHD

Give 1 direction at a timeGive 1 direction at a time Offer short tasks with immediate rewards/ Offer short tasks with immediate rewards/

feedbackfeedback Help with organizationHelp with organization Help other children see the positivesHelp other children see the positives Keep in mind that lack of follow-thru is not Keep in mind that lack of follow-thru is not

usually defiance in these kidsusually defiance in these kids Find ways to offer inconspicuous reminders to Find ways to offer inconspicuous reminders to

stay on taskstay on task

Upside of ADHDUpside of ADHD

Quick-wittedQuick-witted Speedy grasp of the big pictureSpeedy grasp of the big picture Enthusiasm for life makes for good motivatorsEnthusiasm for life makes for good motivators Creativity allows new problem-solvingCreativity allows new problem-solving Hyper-focus for areas of interestHyper-focus for areas of interest EmpatheticEmpathetic IntuitiveIntuitive

AbuseAbuse If you If you suspect suspect physical or sexual abuse of a child, you physical or sexual abuse of a child, you

must report your suspicions to Department of must report your suspicions to Department of Children’s Services.Children’s Services.

Call 1-877-237-0004Call 1-877-237-0004

You will speak with a trained professional who will ask You will speak with a trained professional who will ask you details such as the child’s name, age and you details such as the child’s name, age and address, signs of abuse, what the child has told you, address, signs of abuse, what the child has told you, name of the abuser, etc.name of the abuser, etc.

You do not have to tell your name.You do not have to tell your name.

AbuseAbuse

If a child tells you he/she has been abused, If a child tells you he/she has been abused, listen calmly to all they have to say.listen calmly to all they have to say.

Ask a few questions about the details but be Ask a few questions about the details but be mindful not to make it appear that you do not mindful not to make it appear that you do not believe them.believe them.

Tell the child 1- the abuse was not his/her fault Tell the child 1- the abuse was not his/her fault 2- how brave it was to tell 3- you feel glad that 2- how brave it was to tell 3- you feel glad that he/she talked with you.he/she talked with you.

What if she/he asked me not to tell?What if she/he asked me not to tell?

You simply cannot make this promise.You simply cannot make this promise.

Tell the child that you will keep private anything Tell the child that you will keep private anything he/she tells you so long as no one’s safety is at he/she tells you so long as no one’s safety is at risk.risk.

Tell the child that the only reason you would Tell the child that the only reason you would ever tell the things he/she shares with you is to ever tell the things he/she shares with you is to keep him/her safe. ** this is your job as an keep him/her safe. ** this is your job as an adult**adult**

Can I call you?Can I call you?

Good-byes are a part of life.Good-byes are a part of life.

Don’t promise to stay in touch after camp is through.Don’t promise to stay in touch after camp is through.

Talk about how happy you are to get to know the child Talk about how happy you are to get to know the child even though it may be for only a short timeeven though it may be for only a short time

You need to model how to “do” good-byes: A good You need to model how to “do” good-byes: A good idea is to have a closure ceremony of some sort.idea is to have a closure ceremony of some sort.

Group photo, campfire time, “friends forever” song, etcGroup photo, campfire time, “friends forever” song, etc

YOUR QUESTIONS…..YOUR QUESTIONS…..