Summer Camps Protection, Leraning and Fun!

3.1 The role of Child Protection Unit
It is crucial that the CPU consults with participant children, parents, members and 
representatives of respective local communities and all other partners for the planning 
and organizational aspects of summer camp activities. Such consultations can help 
achieve the overall objective of these summer camps in providing for the needs of 
vulnerable children. 
The CPU as the initiator of these activities plays an important role, not only during 
consultation sessions with children and other actors, but especially in mobilizing 
local partners and coordinating their respective duties and responsibilities during 
the planning and implementation phases of summer camp activities. The CPU, acting 
always in accordance with the set of basic principles which guide its work, should 
ensure the application of child protection standards and protection of children’s rights 
at all time during this process. The successful accomplishment of this task can be also 
aided by continuous consultation sessions with children, which can help in learning 
more about any protection and rights concerns that participant children may have.
A recommended practice is to establish a Working Group prior to the beginning of 
the processes of planning and evaluation of needs for summer camp activities. This 
working group, made up of volunteers, usually consisting of 3-4 representatives of 
local actors (including children), should support the CPU in evaluating the needs to 
be addressed throughout summer camp activities and in drafting initial plans to raise 
necessary funds. 
The role of the CPU in the planning and organizing phase of a summer camp, 
includes but is not limited to: 
 
Conducting various consultations to identify needs of children at local level 
(this can be facilitated by local partners that work directly with children). 
 
Establishing a working group with different partners for the summer camp 
(including representatives of children).
 
Coordinating the duties of each partner.
 
Identifying and selecting children to be involved in the camps starting with 
children that CPU works with, children of communities in need and other 
children that may have been suggested from partners.
 
Serving as the main point of contact for ensuring that parental/guardian 
consent is obtained for the participating children. 
 
Selecting the environment for setting up the camp, as well as requesting 
permission from relevant local structures. 
 
Selecting the camp personnel in close consultation with the Working Group 
Elbasan Child Protection Worker presents herself during a summer camp activity in Elbasan, 2011
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SUMMER CAMPS GUIDELINE
and the Director of the local Directory of Services and Social Protection. 
 
Assisting with the design and management of the budget and plan of activities 
for the summer camp. 
 
Serving as the main point of contact for receiving consent from relevant 
institutions relating to activities outside the camp. These activities can include 
outdoor camping and visits to the zoo or the swimming pool. 
Following the conclusion of consultations with children, parents, and partners in the 
local community, as well as the acquirement of funds for summer camp, the Working 
Group can start initiating the logistic preparations and camp program.