Creating the Culture

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Training staff and creating organizational buy-in?

It is important to make sure that the staff are bought into the process of circles and are invested in helping create a restorative community. This means being willing to work with others through some feelings, confusions, or frustrations that might otherwise get ignored. 

Finding the right staff- During the interview process:

  • Outline why circles at camp

  • share personal stories of why you believe circles work

  • Ask them to share how they think and feel about conflict, discipline and “bad behavior”

Orientation: 

  •   Start with personal stories that connect with the “why” 

-     Outline the role of a staff member in a circle

-     Emphasize that the best way to reach real understanding is to be a part of a circle 

Support during and after circles?

  • Provide a place and a leader that is dedicated to helping staff understand and debrief the process of circles with campers and other staff members. 

Communication to Camper Families and Parents

A video explanation gets sent in an email once campers register

Klee calls each family and explains 3 agreements and circle system and how it relates to the mission of the camp 

The first day of camp staff explain the circle system in a small and large group session (Panda meetings  and Camp-wide opening campfire explanation). 

When appropriate, families receive a call home about circles that their campers have participated in. 

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Maintaining the Processes

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Introducing Conflict Circles