We are Unplugged!

Steve Baskin ACA video Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4rI3olRHxP4

Hi, Counselors!

This is a very important topic that will impact campers AND counselors:  Going Unplugged!  Camp Nakanawa is one of the few (and proud) camps that provide an unplugged environment for all campers.  The feedback from parents has been so supportive and thankful.  Parents want their daughters to have a natural camping experience, free from texting, phones and the internet.  So we plan to offer that pristine, unplugged environment. Please read this training module carefully, as it also impacts the way you as a counselor interact with technology.

1. From the camper’s perspective:  This might be a tough “withdrawal” process for your campers.  So just be sensitive to that.  Because of all of the time spent in texting, Facebooking, surfing, kids are loosing many of the communication and collaboration skills.  That’s where we come in:  We help them re-focus and re-learn how to communicate with each other and work together in a collaborative way.
2. What are the rules for campers?  Pretty straight-forward.  A camper may not have any type of gizmo (phone, laptop, iPad, iPod, etc., etc.) that can access the internet.  Even those that can be turned off:  Not allowed.  Cabin counselors will collect these on the opening day of camp and return them to their campers on the last day of camp.
3. Technology rules for counselors.  This is pretty straightforward, too.  You have the same rules as the campers while in the general camp and cabin area. You may not use any gizmo (phone, laptop, iPad, IPod) in your cabin area or any area for that matter, other than the CB (your counselor bunk).  You may keep your “gizmos” in there.  You may use them during your time off or after your campers are asleep in bed. And you may only use them in the CB.  (There are a few exceptions that we will explain during our orientation together.)
   But back to counselor technology….I would use your time at camp to be a time that you, too, take a break from the crazy world of texting, Facebook, YouTube, Skyping, surfing the web, etc.  You will have access to the Camp Nakanawa wifi, but you will find it has less and less of a draw as the camp days go by.  Try to take as much of a break as you can.  Go out on the lake with a counselor friend after your campers are in bed (instead of sitting alone on your computer inside).  You won’t believe the stars!  Enjoy your time talking with your new-found counselor friends.  You won’t regret it.
4. Counselors’ Social Networking Policy.  Nakanawa’s policy follows the policies of most schools.  Here goes:
   1. 1. Online presence:  As a camp employee, it is your responsibility to deliver our Nakanawa mission. This includes all dealings both inside and outside the workplace; both on and off duty.
      2. Content: You are responsible for the content of all text, audio, or images that are placed or sent over the Internet.  Do not use the name Nakanawa anywhere at any time.  (Use the word “camp” instead.) Use of abusive, profane, harassing or obscene messages will put you at risk for termination of your job. Do not share the names of any campers.  It is our duty to protect them and their identity.
      3. Profiles:  Make all profiles private, please.
      4. “Friending” people: If a camper is under the age of 18 and is not a staff member, Nakanawa prohibits employees from “friending,” “following,” “liking” or have a private association with them.  If you are already a friend of a camper (because you were once a camper, too), please set them as a “limited profile.”  Remember, your Head Counselors and Ann are on Facebook….and see all! Also remember, your employers (including Nakanawa) use Facebook as a screening tool.