Handouts from New England Fall Conference 10/19/01 - Boys Rap - Closing Circle - Counselor Group Skills - Courage Beads - Girls Circle Handouts from JCCA Professional Conference 11/4/01-11/07/01 - Where Camps are Vulnerable - GENDER-RELATED BEHAVIOR - Working Effectively w/Parents

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Gender-Related Behavior
and its impact on exposure and risk
[CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE VERSION]

General Trends

Boys

• task oriented
• increase self-esteem through action, task achievement
• compete through action: sports, games, other physical pursuits, equipment and other action oriented "stuff" (games, hockey stick, etc.)
• accuse each other of being "non-boys" -the great socializing force for boys is shame ˇhazing is about "membership": Are you a boy? Are you with us?
• proving oneself comes in the arena of proving you are tough enough to take it
• the dilemma for boys: do I own the vulnerable sides to myself, or is that weak? In other words, do I stay true to my true self or to what people think I should be?
• key question for all adolescent boys: What kind of a man do I want to be?
• key issue for boys: respect

Girls

• relationship oriented
• increase self-esteem through relationship
• compete through alliances and relationship: how many friends, which friends boyfriends, clothes and appearance
• the threat of loss: staying connected -girls ostracize or reject one another or threaten one another with the loss of relationship
• proving oneself comes in the arena of staying with the group or going along with your friends
• the dilemma for girls: do I stay true to myself or true to my friends, what people think I am?
• key issue for girls: courage (especially in relationships)
• key question for all adolescent girls: What kind of a woman do I want to be?

Activities that Address the Issues

Both Genders

• debriefing campers (2-3 minutes) routinely after activities
• group times sharing gratitude
• the Mayonnaise Jar (public appreciation, setting norms of respected and admired behavior)
• meaningful rituals (closing circle; candle lighting; camp fires)

Boys

• task oriented challenges (soccer game against the staff; adventure challenge series). Such challenges can eliminate the need for hazing.
• talking about respect (boys rap): opportunities to identify and acknowledge characteristics in oneself and others that are worthy of respect
• opportunities to make a contribution to the group/community and be recognized (therefore gaining one respect)

Girls

• relationship oriented activities that recognize and acknowledge courage (Girls' Circle; Courage Beads)
• activities that celebrate relationship (birthday ball; Point Pajama Party)

Robert B. Ditter, M.Ed., LCSW
72 Montgomery StreetˇBoston, Ma 02116
tel.617-572-3353 fax.617-572-3373
e-mail: bobditter@bunk1.com

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