What Would You Do? Camp Volunteer

Monday, October 19th, 2026

Imagine this scenario: You are a camping volunteer and work with teens. On a couple occasions, you have noticed a certain duo taking a walk during free time. Unfortunately, it is a camper and an adult camp counselor. You know from your Safe Gatherings training that an adult should not be alone with a camper, even for counseling purposes. This is your first year volunteering and you really enjoy it, and you do not want to get anyone in trouble. What do you do?

Your training has given you the knowledge to see when something is not right, and we all know to listen to our instincts. Although it may be difficult to report this type of thing, it is in everyone’s best interest that you do report it. Even if nothing inappropriate is happening, it is not a safe practice. In addition, campers are witnessing an adult breaking the rules and that can be very confusing.

Report it to your supervisor, who should have a conversation with the adult camp counselor with the goal being to stop the behavior. There should always be more than one camper on a walk with an adult counselor or volunteer. If the teenager has a need for counseling, it should be transparent to the ministry supervisor and take place either with an additional counselor or within close sight of a supervisor.