# Camp staff code of conduct

Source: https://backpr.com/resources/templates/camp-staff-code-of-conduct. Last updated: 2026-11-06.

Rules every counselor and volunteer agrees to: supervision, no one-on-one time out of sight, appropriate touch, phones and social media, and reporting concerns.

Free download: PDF https://backpr.com/media/templates/backpr-camp-staff-code-of-conduct.pdf · Word https://backpr.com/media/templates/backpr-camp-staff-code-of-conduct.docx

> Every staff member and volunteer reads and signs this before working with campers. It helps protect campers and staff. Breaking these rules may lead to dismissal.

**Supervision**
- Know where every camper in your group is at all times.
- Do head counts at every transition.
- Never leave a group without another staff member in charge.

**Being alone with a camper**
- Stay where others can see and hear you. If you must talk with one camper, do it in an open area in view of another adult.
- Never drive a camper alone. Drive campers only with another adult present and with the director's approval.
- Don't meet campers outside camp, babysit them or give them gifts unless the director approves it.

**Touch and language**
- Use appropriate touch only, such as high fives and side hugs.
- Follow the camp's bathroom and changing-area rules. Never be alone with one camper in a bathroom or changing area.
- Never withhold food, water or bathroom trips as punishment.
- No hitting, rough play, shaming or swearing.
- Don't discuss your private life, romance or anything sexual with campers.

**Phones and social media**
- Keep your phone put away while you're with campers, except for camp duties or emergencies.
- Don't post photos of campers on your own accounts.
- Don't text, message, follow or friend campers from personal phones or accounts.

**Reporting**
- Tell the director right away about any injury, incident or concern.
- If you suspect abuse or neglect, report it as the law and your training require, and tell the director unless they're involved.
- Telling the director doesn't replace your own duty to report if you're a mandated reporter.

**Alcohol, drugs and tobacco**
- No alcohol, drugs, tobacco or vaping at camp or in front of campers.

**Agreement**
- I have read and will follow this code. Staff printed name: ______
- Signature: ______
- Date: ______

### How to use it
- Don't just collect signatures. Go over it in staff training with real examples.
- Make sure it matches your state's mandated reporter rules and your organization's child protection policy.
- Pair it with the participant code of conduct so campers and staff know the rules.

**What should a camp staff code of conduct include?**
Supervision rules, no one-on-one time out of sight, appropriate touch and language, phone and social media limits, a ban on alcohol and drugs, and how to report injuries and suspected abuse.

**Do camp volunteers need to sign it too?**
Yes. Anyone who works with campers, paid or not, should read and sign the same code.

Free to use and change, but not legal or medical advice. Check your state's licensing rules and your insurer's requirements, and have a lawyer review any consent or waiver language.