CSSM MB Summer Missionary Manual - Standards 3
Standards of Behaviour
D. Health and Safety Guidelines
1. If a child or youth is injured or sick the leaders should leave the examination to a health professional (ie. Camp nurse) unless the injury requires immediate first aid. If immediate attention is required, another adult of the same sex as the child or youth should be asked to observe the procedure.
2. Medications
At camps, all medications are to be turned over to the camp nurse at registration and are to be dispensed by the nurse as required.
E. Privacy
1. Leaders should respect a child's or youth's desire for privacy whenever possible.
2. Leaders should be as discrete and as private as possible in meeting their own personal needs (ie. Changing, showering) and should exercise as much modesty as possible when changing in the presence of children and youth. Under ho circumstances should a leader remain for any period of time in a state of undress.
3. Children or youth shall not be permitted to remain in a state of undress for any extended period of time
F. Proper Display of Affection
1. Appropriate Touch
Physical touch is an important element in the communication of love and care. Volunteers need to be aware of, and sensitive to, differences in sexual development, cultural differences, family backgrounds, individual personalities and special needs. Physical contact with children should be age and developmentally appropriate. The following guidelines are recommended as pure, genuine and positive displays of God's love.
a. Speak to the child at eye level and listen with your eyes as well as your ears.
b. Hold the child's hand when speaking, listening or walking him or her to an activity.
c. Put your arm around the shoulder of a child when comforting or quieting is needed.
d. Pat a child on the head, hand, shoulder or back to affirm him or her.
e. Gently hold the child's shoulder, hand or chin to keep his or her attention while you redirect the child's behaviour.
f. Hold a preschool child who is crying.
g. All touch should be done in view of others.
2. Inappropriate Touch
The following types of touch much be avoided:
a. Kissing or coaxing a child to kiss you.
b. Extended hugging and tickling.
c. Touching a child in any area that would be covered by a bathing suit except when it is absolutely necessary to assist a child with toileting.
d. Carrying older children or having them sit on your lap.
e. Being alone with a child.
t. Avoid prolonged physical contact.
g. Never allow a child to sleep with you