The 4 S Test from Beth Allison
Changing Our Camp Culture in Just 4 Simple Yes/No Questions
There were a few moments/decisions that had HUGE impacts on the camp culture when we were Directing at Glen Mhor (now Cairn). THE key moment was the introduction of Beth’s 4 S Test.
The changes brought on by implementing the 4 S Test cannot be understated. (You should hear all the songs that reference the “4 Ss” now!)
What this did was give us a tool to help staff and campers make their own decisions that we could agree with/approve of.
Making Good Decisions as Summer Camp Staff Member
How do you inspire your summer camp staff (and campers) to make good decisions when you are not with them all of the time?
Give them a simple tool: The 4 S's Test (click the picture to see the full decision tree)
Beth came up with the 4 S Test as a way for us to empower our staff to make decisions in the same way that we would. In order to do anything at camp you must answer "Yes" to all four of these Questions:
Is it Safe?
Is it good Stewardship of the environment
Does it built a person's Self-Esteem?
Are you being a Servant to others? (are you putting other's needs above your own?)
If you would like a tool, one that is proven to work, to build trust with your staff you are welcome to show them this decision tree (below) and we hope you adopt the 4 S's for your own camp.
