First National Review Panels Convened - Brief Article

Since the new ethics procedures were enacted in 1997, a number of complaints have been forwarded to the ACA National Ethics Committee. However, just two complaints have resulted in the convening of national ethics review panels.

1st Review Panel Convened, March 1998

Situation: By failing to send a promised letter detailing the reasons for a camper's dismissal from camp and not following through with a promise of the camper's agreed upon return after a short suspension, the committee found that the director had not been fair with either the family or camper. In this case, the camp was deemed to be in violation of section 12 of ACA's Code of Ethics: "I shall be truthful and fair in securing and dealing with campers, parents/guardians, and staff." The reason for the camper's dismissal was not considered at issue here. Rather, the process that was followed and the failed promises by the director were considered to be violations of this particular section of the code.

Action: The National Board ratified the recommendations of the panel, suggesting a letter of reprimand with required action on establishing a written disciplinary policy and a camper behavior log prior to the next camp season. The director followed through with the requested action, and the case was deemed closed.

2nd Review Panel Convened, October 1999

Situation: When a camp's administration found that it could no longer deal with an irate father and shipped a camper off with little notice, poor travel planning, and no reason expressed to the child, the committee found the director to have violated section 12 ("I shall be truthful and fair in securing and dealing with campers, parents/guardians, and staff.") and section 15 ("I shall promptly consult with parents or guardians of any camper or minor staff member as to the advisability of removing him/her from camp should it be clear that he/she is not benefitting from the camp experience or the camper's or minor staff member's actions have created this need.") of the Code of Ethics.

Action: ACA's National Board agreed with the panel's recommendation to send a letter of reprimand to the director with suggestions that procedures be instituted for better communications with parents and campers. In addition, a $500 fine was imposed against the director.

Summary

Not every complaint results in the filing of an affidavit nor would the National Ethics Committee convene an ethics review panel for every affidavit filed. The committee looks to see if the complaint could truly be a violation of one of the sections of the Code of Ethics. The committee will also defer on any complaints that currently are under litigation or may involve criminal transgressions.

Working effective with parents from the first sign of a complaint will often save you much grief down the road. We all want to be listened to and to know that others at least will hear our point of view, even if they don't agree with it. Find a person on your staff who is good at smoothing ruffled feathers, working through conflict, and able to make suggestions to solve such situations.

COPYRIGHT 2001 American Camping Association
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