Duck Camp

Code of Conduct

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

Ripley provides our campers with a safe, positive, and fun learning environment. Our trained staff will ask all campers to follow Ripley’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 hundreds of birds on-site. Interacting with this flock is necessary for all Ripley’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 a 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 birds.

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

  • If a camper intentionally mishandles a duckling during camp, they will have to sit out of supervised “duck time” for that day.

 

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 camper 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. Behavior Report sent to Parent or Guardian

  • When a rule is broken for a third time in one day, a behavior report will be made via email, phone, or an in-person discussion. This report ensures that parent(s)/guardian(s) know their camper’s behavior. The report will indicate which rule(s) the camper broke.

Following the issuance of a THIRD behavior report, the camper will be terminated from the camp programs for the remainder of the camp season. In addition, Refunds will not be issued to campers who are dismissed due to behavior.

Immediate Dismissal

Bullying or intentional violence of any kind (physical, emotional, or verbal abuse/violence) is not tolerated at Ripley. Our staff reserves the right to dismiss a camper whose behavior harms their safety or others, bypassing the above disciplinary steps. Refunds will not be issued to campers who are dismissed due to behavior.

Immediate Dismissal Examples (but are not limited to):

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

  • 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.

  • Any child who brings a weapon to camp will be removed from the program.