Camper Communication Policy

In general, Eagle Fern Camp views social networking sites (e.g., Twitter, Facebook), personal Web sites, and Weblogs positively and respects the right of staff members to use them as a medium of self-expression. For purposes of this policy, the term "staff members" will include all volunteers, TCLers, Summer Staff, and permanent employees. If a staff member chooses to associate themselves with camp on online venues, some readers of such Web sites or blogs may view the staff member as a representative or spokesperson of the camp. Because of this association, our camp requires that staff members observe the following guidelines regarding what they display or post on online sites:

  • Camp logo | Staff members are prohibited from using camp’s logo on personal pages or sites without written permission.
  • Video, photography, and other images | Staff members are prohibited from posting any images/videos of campers online using their personal account. EFC asks for written permission from each camper’s guardians to use camper images in written and online materials. Legal action can be taken against those who violate this policy. Any photos/videos taken by a staff member may be given to the camp office to be posted on camp's website and Facebook page. It will be up to the discretion of the camp office to decide whether or not to post the images/videos. Images/videos taken at camp are the property of camp.
  • Personal social media | Staff members must agree not to use a social networking profile, group page, blog, or other Internet medium to display behavior (through words or pictures) that is prohibited by camp policy, including, but not limited to, the use of drugs or alcohol, sexual or delinquent behavior, destruction of property, harassment, or intimidation. EFC staff members must recognize that they are role models for campers at all times, and should limit their public profile to information, comments, photos, etc. that are appropriate should a camper or parent view them.
  • Protecting EFC’s reputation and image | Staff members must agree to be respectful of EFC, its employees, volunteers, campers, and its policies in all postings in profiles, blogs and other mediums of Internet communications, including, but not limited to, engaging in the use of obscenities/vulgar language; harassment and intimidation; posting derogatory comments regarding an individual’s race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability; and posting sexually explicit, suggestive, humiliating or demeaning comments.

Eagle Fern Camp understands that interacting with campers after a camp session may be extremely positive, as it helps to keep the nourishing or spiritually uplifting experiences campers have at camp alive and helps maintain their connection to camp. However, as with any such communication, EFC cannot guarantee the kind of supervision, oversight, or program structure that will be present in such a situation outside of camp. For the protection of both the staff member and camper, the following guidelines provide guidance on how to interact with EFC participants after a camp session is over. This includes, but is not limited to, phone calls, text messaging, online communication (e.g., email, instant messenger, Facebook messages), and face-to-face interaction.

  • EFC recommends that staff members refrain from initiating contact with campers on social networking sites, especially if the camper is under the age of thirteen. They may accept invitations to profiles, groups, and events.
  • EFC strongly advises staff members to not personally interact with campers outside of camp without the awareness and approval of the camper's parents or legal guardians.
  • EFC strongly advises that one-on-one outings between the staff member and campers outside of camp only be done in public and preferably with another adult or multiple students included on the outing. (This is with the understanding that the parent is aware and has approved the outing.)
  • EFC recommends that individuals be aware of the possibility that certain conversations may endanger the staff member's or camper's reputation or may create conflict. Because of this possibility, camp recommends that any of these conversations that may be reasonably anticipated to be avoided entirely, or take place in the presence of a witness or in written form that cannot be deleted by the other party (avoid instant messaging or social networking comments).

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