Duck Camp

Code of Conduct

Contact the office at: info@ripleyconservancy.org with any questions.

The Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy (RWC) provides our campers with a safe, positive, and fun learning environment. Our trained staff will ask all campers to follow RWC’s Camper Code of Conduct to meet this goal. RWC will use a positive approach to discipline and seek parental support to resolve behavior issues and encourage positive behavior. Camp participants who resist correction and remain disruptive may be asked to leave the program.

General Day Camp Rules

  • Show respect to other participants.

  • Show respect to staff and cooperate fully with their instructions.

  • Respect the rights and beliefs of others, and treat others with courtesy and consideration.

  • Communicate appropriately; foul language or gestures and/or harsh words or tone of voice will not be tolerated.

  • Keep hands, feet, head, and other body parts to yourself unless you are part of an activity led by camp staff.

  • Use program equipment, supplies, and facilities properly.

  • Respect the Conservancy’s birds and their aviaries.

  • Respect the property of other participants.

  • Be fully responsible for actions and understand that irresponsible behavior will result in disciplinary action.

Rules of Bird Interaction

The Conservancy houses over 500 individual birds of 80 different species. Interacting with this flock is necessary for all RWC’s programming. Below are a few general rules that staff will enforce with campers concerning the birds.

  • Campers should never enter an aviary or approach an RWC bird without a staff member present.

  • Campers should never intentionally disturb the birds (i.e., scream, shout, chase, or throw objects).

  • Campers should always wash their hands after spending time in an aviary or after being in close contact with any of RWC’s birds.

  • Campers should always remain 5-8 ft. from the edge of any concrete or natural bottom ponds within the RWC aviaries.

 

Camp Behavior Management Plan

A Camper Code of Conduct violation will result in the consequence(s) outlined below.

1. Verbal Warning

When a rule is broken for the first time in one day, the first consequence will be a verbal warning. Counselors and staff will ensure the camper knows the rule they violated that led to the verbal warning. Receiving this warning does not mean that the camper is in trouble; it gives the campers a chance to correct their behavior or mistake.

2. Second Warning

When a rule is broken for a second time in one day, the camper will be separated from the group. Once again, the camper will be made aware of the violated rule and asked to reflect on their disruptive action.

3. Time-out of Next Activity

When a rule is broken for a third time in one day, the camper will be separated from the group and placed in a supervised time-out until the end of the current camp activity. They will be made aware of the violated rule and asked to reflect on their actions. This allows them to take responsibility and correct their future behavior.

4. Behavior Report sent to Parent or Guardian

When a rule is broken for a fourth time in one day, a behavior report will be sent home. This report ensures that parent(s)/guardian(s) know their camper’s behavior. The report will indicate which rule(s) the camper broke. The parent/legal guardian should sign it before the participant is allowed to return to camp.

After THREE behavior reports have been issued, the camper will be terminated from the camp programs for the remainder of the camp season. In addition, no refund will be awarded.

 

Immediate Dismissal

Bullying or intentional violence of any kind (physical, emotional, or verbal abuse/violence) is not tolerated at RWC. Our staff reserves the right to dismiss a camper whose behavior harms their safety or others, bypassing the above disciplinary steps.

Immediate Dismissal Examples (but are not limited to):

  • Any mishandling of birds or their resources will result in immediate dismissal, and refunds will not be issued.

  • Any child who brings a weapon to camp (i.e., butterfly knife, blade, bb/airsoft gun, explosive/incendiary device) will be removed from the program.

  • Any child who makes a credible threat to hurt themselves or others will be removed from the program.

  • Any child who seriously harms themselves or another camper (physical, emotional, or verbal abuse) will be removed from the program.

  • Any child who verbally, emotionally, or physically abuses staff will be removed from the program.