Preventing Camper-to-Camper Abuse: A Scenario-Based Roadmap for Training and Response

Dealing with an allegation of abuse in camp is every director’s worst-case scenario, and when the alleged abuser is another camper, the complexity multiplies. Camper-to-camper abuse is one of the most challenging and least understood issues camps face today, requiring nuanced prevention strategies, staff training, and a camp-wide culture of awareness and accountability.

This session will guide participants through a scenario-based, multi-step framework for both preventing and responding to camper-to-camper abuse. Using realistic examples drawn from camp life, we will explore how early identification of boundary-testing behaviors, effective supervision, and clear communication can dramatically reduce risk. Participants will learn how to implement staff training that moves beyond policy review to create confident, proactive counselors who know what to look for, how to intervene, and how to escalate concerns.