California State 4-H Best Practices
- Private Conversations
- A Youth is Left Behind at a Meeting
- Camping Experiences
- Restroom Use
- Creating Positive Environments
1) Private Conversations
- When speaking privately to a youth, do it within view of another adult
- Speak to a youth in the corner of the room, with other members and adults present
- Keep doors open when speaking with a youth, so that others may see you
2) A Youth is Left Behind at a Meeting
- Ask a parent to stay with you until the youth member's parent or guardian arrives
- Ask a staff member to stay with you
- Encourage each youth to have back-up transportation and a permission slip ahead of time
3) Camping Experiences
- Two volunteers of the same gender as the youth should share cabin spaces
- If the camp's sleeping area is in an open space -- not inside a tent -- and is clearly visible to all, there is no conflict with policy
- Camp Directors may use one adult and one older teen to supervise sleep in cabins
4) Restroom Use
- Shower facility monitors are recommended
- A buddy system (three buddies) among youth member should be maintained for restroom use
- Adults should shower either before or after the youths have showered
5) Creating Positive Environments
- Use compliments when appropriate
- Clarify group expectations of appropriate behavior
- Redirect Activities
- Model expected behavoirs
- Provide time for reflection