Dump the Dissing: How to Pulverize Put-Downs and Help People Communicate with Respect and Civility in Conflict

It’s one of the challenges that current camp leaders are talking about most: in situations of conflict or disagreement, or when anxious or upset, both campers and staff are having increasing difficulties talking to each other with respect and kindness. It’s not their “fault.” We are all living in a world where the models around us use name-calling, taunting, and even refusing to communicate. And this is important: unless camp is a safe and respectful environment, people are less willing to try new or challenging things. This blocks our mission of learning and growth. Our friend Michael from Chicago is on the case! This session demonstrates specific, original, and practical staff training tools and techniques to teach how to confidently handle name-calling and similar negative behaviors and how to support campers in learning how to disagree without being disagreeable. Staff will be able to use these techniques in their own communication and teamwork.