Precautions Against Accusations of Sexual Abuse or Exploitation

Child abuse is a serious criminal offense. As a camp counselor with the responsibility of caring for children, you may be placed in sensitive situations, making you vulnerable to charges of child molestation. If you take these simple precautions, however, you need not be afraid of groundless accusations:

• Have other staff members present when supervising showers, changing into swimming suits, or other circumstances in which the child may be dressing or undressing.
• Respect the privacy of the child. Do not become intrusive or curious more than is necessary to monitor the health and safety of the child.
• The child has the right to reject displays of affection if he or she feels uncomfortable about them. Not every child comes from a background in which affection is openly displayed. Respect the child's wishes.
• Protect your own privacy. In some camp living situations, counselors room with their campers. There will be a natural curiosity about boyfriends or girlfriends, personal relationships and, with some of the older campers, sexual activity. You should use common sense in discussing sensitive subjects with your campers, and you should not go into the details of your private life.

Sexual exploitation should not be confused with physical contacts that are true expressions of affection. A warm and healthy relationship can exist between the camper and camp staff if staff members respect the child and place reasonable limits on their physical interaction.