The Ideal Camp Excel Camper

The ideal Camp Excel Camper….

v  Is between the ages of 8 and 13 (must be 8 by the first day of Camp);

v  Is considered to be “at risk” for future substance abuse;

v  Presents few or no other options to occupy his/her time during the summer;

v  Is able to function in the classroom or other structured settings (i.e. requires redirection but not on a constant basis);

v  Seeks/needs the opportunity for peer to peer interaction and to improve on social skills;

v  Can be defiant, but overall responds well to direction from adults/peers;

v  Could benefit from a structured environment;

v  Will be able to attend Camp Excel at least 85% of the dates held.

A Camper is not appropriate for Camp Excel if he/she…

Ø  Requires an aide/mentor/someone in the classroom with them to consistently redirect their behavior and keep them on task;

Ø  Has a history of fighting or physically acting out (violence) towards peers;

Ø  Has a history of lashing out towards teachers/parents/other adults;

Ø  Has a history of truancy at school;

Ø  Has a history of acting out sexually;

Ø  Uses biting or hitting as a method to vent frustration/get what is wanted;

Ø  Has a history of running away;

Ø  Displays violent outbursts, including destruction of property;

Ø  Must attend summer school (i.e. will miss a significant portion of Camp Excel);

Ø  Is enrolled in other Camps or activities that interfere with Camp Excel;

Ø  Has not functioned well at Camp Excel in the past.

The ideal Camp Excel Mentor….

v  Is between the ages of 14 and 17;

v  Is considered to be “at-risk” for future substance abuse, but does not have current/a history with substance abuse issues;

v  Presents strong, positive leadership qualities;

v  Enjoys working with younger children and displays appropriate boundaries with younger children;

v  Serves as a good role model to peers;

v  Is responsible and can be trusted to complete assigned tasks;

v  Is looking to build his/her resume and reference pool;

v  Will be expected to attend Camp Excel at least 85% of the dates held.

A Mentor is not appropriate for Camp Excel if he/she…

Ø  Has a history of fighting or physically acting out (violence) towards peers and others;

Ø  Has a history of lashing out towards teachers/parents/other adults

Ø  Presents with truancy issues at school;

Ø  Has a history of acting out sexually;

Ø  Lacks maturity and sense of responsibility;

Ø  Displays a history of substance abuse;

Ø  Has a history of running away when upset;

Ø  Has a history of destroying property;

Ø  Uses obscene language or gestures;

Ø  Must attend summer school (i.e. will miss a significant portion of Camp Excel).

Ø  Is enrolled in other Camps or activities that interfere with Camp Excel;

Ø  Has not functioned well at Camp Excel in the past, either as a Mentor or a Camper.