For Release
June 3, 2003

Citadel camp enhances counselor training

When counselors for the 47th season of The Citadel Summer Camp arrive to prepare for the upcoming session they will have training that includes special attention to issues of camper safety and counselor-camper relationships.

The additional training is one of several steps The Citadel Summer Camp has taken to ensure that there is not a repeat of an incident two summers ago when a camper complained that he had been inappropriately touched by a male counselor. That complaint, which was initially investigated by Charleston Police, has led to military disciplinary action against a former camp counselor who has been court martialed by the Marine Corps.

In response to that incident, the camp instituted background checks last year on all counselors and added training that would sensitize counselors to issues of sexual harassment. The camp is also training counselors how to talk to campers to discuss any behavior from another camper or counselor that is upsetting to them.

"Our first priority is the health and safety of the campers," said Col. Tony Lackey, the administrator in charge of summer camp. "We run a wholesome program that provides young people with a blend of sports, individual development, team-building exercises and spiritual activities within a structured, fun environment."

"We expect our counselors to be role models that these young people can look up to," Lackey said. The camp has a full enrollment of 250 campers ages 10 to 15 in both summer sessions.

There is one counselor for every six campers. Junior counselors may be as young as 16 but they only assist with operational functions and have no direct supervisory duties over campers. While the camp draws staff from a wide area, many of the older counselors are Citadel cadets.

"In addition to having each counselor fill out an application, we conduct personal interviews to assess their character, leadership and ability to work with young people," said Jenni Garrott, director of the summer camp. The Citadel also contracts with a firm with access to a nationwide database to do background checks.

The Citadel Summer Camp is the oldest and largest of several camps operated on the campus during the summer. The college is requiring that all camps using Citadel facilities conduct background checks on the camp staff and enhance the staff training as measures to ensure the safety of children and young people who spend time on the campus during the summer.

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