COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS

The Brave Trails Community Agreements are a crucial part of creating a safe space at camp. It’s important for you to have a good understanding of our “All Camp Rules” AKA All Camp Community Agreements. Below are our agreements and explanations for each. These rules apply to both staff and campers and it will be largely your job to ensure these rules are respected. These rules help us establish safe physical and social interaction norms for a loving, engaging environment at camp.

Please review the Brave Trails community agreements. When you are finished reviewing the agreements, please complete the community agreements quiz.

1. Act as a kind and respectful leader toward others

We respect ALL people, no exceptions. At camp we celebrate differences of religion, political views, race, ethnicity, gender, attraction, ability, appearance, etc. We always allow others to voice their truth without being shut down, even if we strongly disagree. As leaders, we always assume best intent and strive to embrace each other's differences.

2. Consent! Always get verbal consent before ever touching anyone (in a camp appropriate way)

Everyone MUST ask for verbal consent before ever touching another person. This includes asking permission before hugging, hi-fiving, patting on the back, demonstrating something for an activity that requires touch, etc. Please keep all touch camp appropriate. Examples of inappropriate physical contact while at camp include, but are not limited to: wrestling, caressing, cuddling, kissing, excessive or intimate hugging, etc.

3. The Truddy System & Open Door Policy are always in effect! No exceptions

Whenever campers go anywhere, they should move in a group of three or more people. A truddy may be three campers…or two campers and one staff…or two staff and one camper depending on where they are going. Two campers should never be alone together. One staff member should never be alone with one camper.
Open Door Policy: If campers are going into a cabin or another building, the truddy must include at least one staff member. A group of campers should never be unsupervised behind closed doors or in a cabin/camp building or area.
Stay within camp bounds always! Staff should always know where you are and campers may not leave campgrounds or wander alone at any point.

4. Camper Relationship Code

We get camper-to-camper relationships or crushes may happen. All we ask is that you respect the “Camper Relationship Code” and while at camp, relationships/crushes be kept camp appropriate. What that means is, campers may have an emotional relationship, but may not be physical until they leave camp.
- Never act or speak to another person with the intent of arousal. While we are a sex positive space, we are also a sex free space. Any sexually charged language, touching, or activity may be grounds for immediate dismissal from camp. If anyone is speaking or acting with the intent of arousal (consentual or not), please report the behavior to a staff member immediately.
- No PDA. Examples of PDA or “Public Displays of Affection” which are not appropriate at camp are: kissing, cuddling, excessive hugging, touching or holding someone affectionately, etc. If you are PDA-ing, others won't feel comfortable going up to you and you miss out on an opportunity to build community.
Remember that camp is about building community and focusing on growing as leaders, not a vacation for you and your boo thing. It’s cool if you meet someone special, just make sure you don’t waste your time at camp mixed up in relationship drama. Click here to review the staff relationship guidelines.

5. Camper Clique Code

Camp is all about making new friends! We love friends! Sometimes making friends becomes a “clique” and cliques can sometimes become exclusionary or toxic. We are all for good, healthy friendships. We just want to make sure camp is always a safe and welcoming place for everyone!
If another camper would not feel comfortable coming up to you, a pair, or group at any time, your clique is exclusionary. This means cliques, couples, exclusive groups, exclusionary behavior, and PDA are not allowed at camp. When in a group - think of making the shape of a crescent rather than a donut! We take our “Clique Code” rule very seriously as being radically inclusive is one of the main goals of camp. Everyone is welcome at all times. This is what makes Brave Trails a supportive COMMUNITY!

6. Respect ALL Pronouns and Identities

If you don’t know, ask respectfully! Never assume a person's identity or pronouns. Respect when pronouns, names, and identities change. You are safe to explore your identity here! Never out anyone. Let people self disclose their identity if they feel comfortable doing so.

7. Respect that camp is a learning space

We are not here to shame or scold people for not knowing terms, pronouns, concepts, etc. If you don’t know - ask! If you do know, teach with kindness. We do not allow militant behavior or “activist bullying” at camp.

8. Challenge by Choice

Challenge is how we grow. We love it when our campers push themselves out of their comfort zones and try new, sometimes scary things at camp. However, campers and staff always have the right to say “no” when they’ve hit their limit. We want to honor folks having autonomy over the things they do at camp so we never force someone to do something that is out of their comfort zone.

9. Leave Everything Better than you found it. Respect Property and Equipment.

This property is borrowed and they love us here! If you want BT to continue for years to come, help us keep it in good shape. Go out of your way to make it better and be friendly and helpful to the BBRC/Aire and Louise staff. CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF!

10. Do not tell stories that glorify alcohol, drugs, sex, illegal activity, or violence. Be aware of and respect age and maturity differences around you.

11. Vegas Rule. What’s said here, stays here. Respect confidentiality.

Exception to the rule: All staff at Camp Brave Trails are mandated reporters. This means that if you disclose or witness signs of abuse, neglect, hurting yourself or others, we must, legally, report it to the authorities.