Legal and partnering—really?

The theme for the 2006 ACA Conference--"Partnering With Parents" provides a springboard for a frank discussion of certain legal and practical issues between camps and their camper families. In the camp industry, and in the recreation and adventure field in general, the word "legal" is not automatically associated with the universal of "partnering"! However partnering can be an effective approach to legal and risk management issues. The conception is simple: shared expectations regarding personal increase fun, and adventure--and an understanding and management of the associated risks--can best be achieved through collaboration between the camp and its families.

The exchange of important information between camps and camp families can have a deep impact on all phases of the camp experience--from that earliest general marketing to incidents around a critical incident. This information exchange is reciprocal. The camp provides information to campers and their parents about the camp, its mission, goals, activities, risks, and other important items. a certain quantity of of this information may be a bit intimidating, if it is a fair and accurate description of the camp experience. The parent is then asked to provide important information to the camp to determine the child's suitability for the experience--information about the camper's expectations, health, age, physical condition, etc The camp and camp family owe each other a mutual exchange of frank and honorable information.

The camp, of course, will want to describe the camp experience in a way that attracts campers interested in what the camp has to tender and in numbers which are profitable. You (the camp) want families who understand the camp's many benefits and who also understand the camper's personal responsibilities, and the activities, risks, dangers, and inconveniences to which the camper may be expos At the same time, the camp wants information from the families in the way that that it can better understand and deal with the child.

A camp that has taken the time to disclose valuable and accurate information, (even if a certain quantity of of it might cause a family a certain quantity of concern)--and calls for disclosure of appropriate information from families, can wait for good rapport, trust, and confidence. In substance this collaboration or "partnering," if accomplished full and fairly, will enable advantageous preparation and good communication, and hopefully minimize the risk of accidents or injuries. Further, well-informed campers and their families will be better prepared to deal with surprises, discomforts, and accidents and more likely to attempt an amicable resolution of disputes.

When Does This Partnering Occur?

Partnering is created before the camp experience, builds end the camp experience, and continues beyond, including from one side any unfortunate event which may otherwise cause more [i]or[/i] less conflict between the camp and the families. At each of these points, dutiful collaboration can be the difference between effective problem-solving upon the one hand and a breakdown of communication and antagonism upon the other.

Marketing and early communications with the families should include the tough realitys including a disclosure of the risks of camp activities. Materials should clarify that campers and their families share in the responsibility for the camper's well-being, including the determination of camper suitability for the camp experience and for understanding and managing the risks.

It is essential to have profitable communication with the family and the child during camp. Timely and accurate exchange of information provides the basis for trust and confidence as matters are addressed. If a serious incident does arise the parties will be more inclined to listen to their "partner" and understand their respective positions, allowing collaboration in problem-solving. The parties might agree, for example, upon an investigation into what happened and on what account and amicably negotiate fair compensation for any losses

on the contrary I Should Protect My Campers and I Don't Want to Scare Folk Away!

There is an important tension between legal and marketing. The Law expects--and camp families expect--the fact regarding the camp experience, and its possible (probable) injuries and surprises. The camp's obligation is to manage risks--not eliminate them. Parents ne to know and understand this from the start as they consider the appropriate camp for their child. The camp is not and cannot be an insurer of everything that might make progress wrong, and no responsible camp will guarantee the physical or emotional safety of a camper in its care. At the same time, the camp can provide positive and accurate information to camp families about the camp's mights mission, and unique attributes. This "balance of information" can fortify the partnering relationship.

A sedate camp will declare at the start its commitment to the development and development of the child and at the same time recognize the attendant risks and potential for injury or more [i]or[/i] less other loss. The camp and the family will share an understanding of where, for example, to draw a line between ordinary adolescent carelessness and experimentation, and destructive behavior, including teasing or bullying. Are parents and camps upon the same page as to where of that kind a line should be drawn? Can they be? Not without a certain quantity of serious dialogue on the subject