Relational aggression in children: The Ophelia Project makes a difference

Camping Magazine, March-April, 2003 by Carol Anne McKay

* Look for someone who is feeling left out and lend a helping hand.

Tips for Camp Directors and Counselors

* Work inside your organization to adopt a zero tolerance for relational aggression.

* Form an advisory group with your colleagues to begin discussing strategies for diffusing relational aggression.

* "Name it", making sure the children know what relational aggression is, how it hurts, and that it is not acceptable.

* Elicit children's help in developing a motto for the positive treatment of everyone.

* Be a positive role model of values, behaviors, etc.

* Don't ignore children hurting each other.

Carol Anne McKay has a Bachelor of Nursing from Memorial University and is a graduate of Dalhousie University Law School. She has worked for the government of Canada on issues affecting children's rights. She is an active volunteer with the Ophelia Project[R] of Erie, and the mother of two. For more information on the Ophelia Project[R], visit the Web site at www.opheliaproject.org.

Photos, page 25, Tom Sawyer Camps, Inc., Pasadena, California.