1. Dignity First

Every participant is treated with inherent worth.
We avoid:

• labels

• shaming

• moralizing

• “good vs bad” behavior language
  

We use:

• reflective listening

• curiosity

• calm redirection

• self-agency ("Would you like to step out for a moment?")
  

2. Choice & Consent

Youth can always:

• pass on sharing

• step out for a break

• choose a quieter activity

• decline physical touch or proximity

We invite, never pressure.

3. Predictable Structure

Consistency creates safety.
Each session includes:

• opening ritual

• grounded start

• clear instructions

• time to transition

• closing reflection

Predictability reduces anxiety.

4. Emotional Boundaries

Camp PJ staff do NOT:

• offer therapy

• probe into trauma

• diagnose

• interpret disclosures

• push emotional revelations

We MODEL emotional intelligence.
We do not “extract” emotion.

5. Feelings Are Welcome; Flooding Is Not

Kids and teens may feel big emotions.
We:

• normalize feelings

• offer grounding exercises

• encourage breaks

• maintain a calm tone
  
  

We DO NOT:

• escalate

• shame

• overwhelm

• force conversation

6. No Story-Sharing Pressure

No one is required to explain their past.
We avoid:

• trauma circles

• forced confessions

• emotional exposure games
  
  

We focus on:

• present-moment awareness

• emotional vocabulary

• agency

• resilience

7. Confidentiality & Safety

Youth understand:

• what can stay confidential

• what legally requires reporting

• how adults will respond if safety is at risk
  

8. Gentle Correction, Not Punishment

When behavior escalates:

• step back

• redirect

• offer grounding

• explain impact

• maintain dignity
  
  

We avoid:

• yelling

• power battles

• public correction

9. Staff Emotional Regulation

Facilitators maintain:

• calm

• presence

• self-awareness

• non-reactivity

Staff model emotional steadiness.
Kids mirror that stability.

10. A Place to Begin Again

Above all, Camp PJ is a place where youth experience:

• belonging

• worthiness

• connection

• dignity

• quiet structure

• emotional literacy

• purpose

This creates the foundation for their future identity and independence.