EvieG left on Friday evening for a weekend away with the Girl Guides. They slept in a bunkhouse, shared in cleaning duties, sang songs, and did lots of crafts. It was a true camping experience in a team environment. She wants to do it again.

They split them into groups. They were in the same group all weekend. They stayed together and even sat next to each other at the table. Each group was looked after by one adult leader.

There was a girl in EvieG's group who has behavioural issues. I did not know this until we picked her up on Sunday. While EvieG was trying to enjoy her first ever camp experience, she was bullied by this girl on more than one occasion. She was pushed a few times; into the bushes and onto the ground. She was choked by this girl. Twice. Once was hard, but the second time she said she had a hard time breathing. Her spot at the table was next to this girl. Not only was she repeatedly bullied, but she was made to sit with her during meals. This girl was given a time-out for 'about a half hour' as discipline. 

When we got out of the van at the camp, a little girl came running to me and squealed, "Ask EvieG about getting choked!" I thought, What? What kind of camping trip was this? I asked one of the leaders to fill me in on what this little girl was referring to. She told me that indeed EvieG was choked and that this girl was disciplined. She also told me that she had been a problem all year; that there was a discussion among the leaders whether or not to even let this child participate in the trip. And EvieG was in the wrong place at the wrong time?

We are in the process of following up with the leaders.

1. Why was the child allowed to attend when she has a history of behavioural problems?

2. Why was she not sent home after she was violent with EvieG the first time?

3. Why were they not split up and put into different groups?

I fear for EvieG's safety. I am upset that this could have soured EvieG's perception of camping. I am disappointed that there was a lack of firm action taken with this child, who was obviously a threat to other kids. I am disappointed that there was a discussion about this child prior to the trip and the decision was to let her participate. I am upset that it takes one child to ruin it for someone else.

I think EvieG will want to participate again next year. But only if this child is not going to be a part of it. If she is, then I will keep EvieG home. She enjoyed the time away and said she didn't want to come home. She wanted to stay. I am happy she can cope and move on. Good for her.

It made me very uneasy and all I can do is follow up and express my concern to those in charge. Because if the safety of a child is put at risk by another child, well then, to me it is an easy decision.

Keep the problem child away.

All's I'm sayin's all.