Qigong camp is a powerful, transformative environment, for both campers and staff. It is very important therefore that anyone working on the camp is aware of, and is fully in line with, the underlying holding structures of the camp and what is expected of anyone working within them.
Staff on the camp includes anyone in the core group; managers of teams (kitchen, children’s team and site); teachers; and team members.
The Core Group
At the heart of the camp is the Core Group. This circle, comprising of all the managers on the camp, is responsible for the overall emotional and spiritual holding of the camp. Those within this group are committing to listening to both their own needs and feelings, and to those of the campers, and to bring to the circle anything that feels integral to the nurturing of the overall health of the camp. It is a space where every voice is of equal importance.
Each person in the Core Group is expected to tend and care for their relationships with other members of the circle to the best of their ability and to seek the support of the group in this should need arise.
Relationships on the camp
The life of the camp moves within a vast web of relationships, between campers, staff, the land and its neighbours. Clearly the more everyone on camp treats each other with integrity and mutual respect then the safer and more heartful the event will be.
It is our expectation that everyone on the field is valued equally by staff, regardless of age, experience, gender, race sexuality and faith. Discrimination, or the abuse of power, by staff in any of these areas is not acceptable within the ethos of the camp.
Our advice to those working on the camp is that sexual relationships between staff are not begun on the camp. In addition, sexual relationships between staff and campers / managers and staff are not appropriate. Should this arise we recommend a three-month cooling off period and supervision to be taken on issues of power before any action towards this kind of relationship.
In general, we also feel that care should be taken in forming any new working relationships between staff and campers, or managers and staff, whilst on the camp, and significant alterations to any existing relationships, personal or otherwise, be given careful time and consideration.
Should confusion arise in any of these areas, staff are asked to bring the matter to their manager for feedback and advice. This manager should bring anything that feels integral to the overall health of the camp into the Core Group.
Where issues of safeguarding arise, it may be necessary to share information with external parties. This will be conducted on a “need to know“ basis.
Alcohol and recreational drugs
We ask that because of the transformational nature of the work we do on Qigong camp that no-one partakes in alcohol or recreational drugs during the camp. This includes campers and all staff.
Holding to account
Should anyone working on the camp chose to ignore, or act in ways not congruent with the guidance given above, then the Core Group will seek to challenge and discuss the choices made by the individual directly. The intention will be to find ways to support this individual to come into line with the ethical expectations of working on the camp.
If the individual is unable or unwilling to do this, or if the Core Group feels an individual’s actions make it impossible for the person to continue working on the camp work team, they may be asked to discontinue their role in their team, and, if necessary, be asked to leave the camp. In all such cases the Core Group will endeavour to find closure with the individual with as much heart and compassion as possible, respecting difference and without shaming. If it is deemed necessary external facilitation may be put in place.
External support for breaches of the code
We are aware that it may be difficult for staff, or campers to challenge someone in the core group who is perceived to be in breach of this ethical policy. We hope that by having many people in this group individuals will find someone who they feel they can share any concerns with, and the matter can be dealt with appropriately. We are looking into having an external governing body to oversee our ethical policy and hold the core group to account. Meanwhile we ask and encourage the Campers, staff and managers to feel empowered to hold the core group to account.