​Aims of the Code of Behaviour

• To ensure that the individuality of each child is accommodated, while

acknowledging the right of each child to attend camp in a relatively disruption-free
environment.

• To facilitate the development of respect and tolerance for others.

• To ensure the maintenance of good order throughout the camp and respect for

the camp environment.

• To encourage good home/camp communication and to foster a positive

atmosphere in the camp.

• To ensure the safety and well-being of all members of Bolster Tennis Camp.

• To ensure that Bolster tennis camp rules are implemented in a fair and consistent

manner.

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General Guidelines

Bolster Tennis camp is a residential and day summer camp consisting of children, young adults, staff, parents and Kilkenny College ancillary staff. Each member of the Bolster Tennis camp community must be treated with respect and tolerance. The dignity and individuality of each member must be respected. The Code of Behaviour provides a framework to support this sense of community and wellbeing. Within it, rules are kept to a minimum and are devised with regard to the health, welfare and safety of all. Many forms of positive reinforcement are used within Bolster Tennis Camp including praise, encouragement, acknowledgement, daily mini awards, camper of the week award etc.

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Rules for Good Behaviour

• We will show kindness and respect to everyone in Bolster Tennis Camp

• Behaviour which puts myself or another in danger is absolutely forbidden.

• Bullying of any form will not be tolerated in Bolster Tennis Camp.

• We are expected to show respect for our own property, the property of others and for the premises of Kilkenny College in Bolster Tennis Camp.

• We will not use foul language within the camp grounds.

• We will cooperate with instructions given by staff members.

• We should not leave the grounds of Kilkenny College without explicit permission from a staff member to leave with a parent/ guardian.

• We will not use mobile phones or electronic devices during the week of tennis camp as per our acceptable use of electronics policy.

• Drug/ alcohol use is forbidden while at camp. Smoking and the use of vapes will also not be tolerated.

• Respect in the dorms in extremely important at Bolster Tennis Camp. Children are expected to go to sleep once lights are out at bedtime. Any child who is not showing respect to those in their dorm by keeping them awake will be subject to a warning and possibly sanctions listed below.

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Strategies to affirm and promote good behaviour

Students are more likely to behave well when:

• they have positive everyday interactions between coaches and campers

• they are involved in good daily routines

• clear boundaries and rules are set for campers

• students are encouraged to recognise and affirm good learning behaviour

• good behaviour is recognised and celebrated

• students are guided on how people should treat each other

• students are involved in the preparation of the activities set up

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Guidelines for dealing with Inappropriate behaviour

Inappropriate behaviour can range from misdemeanour to gross misbehaviour and is
judged having regard to the pupil’s age, temperament, range of ability and other
relevant factors. When giving a warning, the co-ordinators will make it clear to the child/parent/carer that it is the inappropriate behaviour which is unacceptable and not the individual concerned.

As a general rule, inappropriate behaviour in Bolster Tennis Camp is sanctioned by the camp directors/staff within the camp.

 

Sanctions

When a child displays inappropriate behaviour, the following is a list of possible warnings which may be used at Bolster tennis Camp director/staff’s discretion:

• Encouraging the child to choose more positive behaviour by encouraging positive reinforcement through winning raffle tickets for their dorm for kind acts/ quietest dorm at night etc.

• Discussion/Reasoning with the child: the child is made aware that the behaviour
  is unacceptable.

• The child may receive a verbal warning (including advice on how to improve and how to approach the situation in a safer manner).

• Children may be asked to assist in helping out coaches with equipment/ court preparation as a sanction for ignoring verbal warnings and continuing with behaviour that goes against the camp’s code of behaviour.

• A child may be temporarily separated from the group, peers, friends or others,
  and may be moved to another group/dorm for a period of time.

• Discussion with Parents.

• Suspension

• Expulsion

Note: We as a staff will always strive to give children warnings and sufficient time to correct their behaviour. However, in the event of a health and safety concern or a blatant disregard for camp rules the sanctions will be more serious (see below).
 

SUSPENSION & EXPULSION POLICY

Suspension

At the earliest possible time, the parents/guardians shall be informed of the difficulties
regarding their child’s behaviour, the nature of the misbehaviour, and the warnings their child has previously received. If necessary a meeting shall be arranged with the parents/guardians and the directors requiring the parent to come to the camp to discuss their child’s behaviour. If suspension is to be immediate (e.g. in the interest of health and safety) parents/guardians may be informed by phone.

 

Expulsion

If the possibility of expulsion is going to arise it shall be considered within the context of Bolster Tennis Camp Code of Behaviour. At the earliest possible time, the parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be informed of the concerns around their child’s behaviour, the nature of the misbehaviour, the warnings their child has received (if applicable), and the sanctions being considered.