The moral and ethical dimensions of camping..

Moral and ethical considerations pervade every aspect of camps. Camp history, programs, staff, facilities, philosophies, and constituents are all creators and reflectors of morality and ethics. In a time when there is heard a great cry for a return to "family values," it is critical for each of us to consider the impact of the overt and covert values on our campers and our camps.

I would suggest that most of us are in the business of camp because we know that we can make a difference in the lives of young people. From our own experiences we know that we change the lives of many; we are a lasting memory of many people from all walks of life.

That change, that lasting impact we have on the lives of others, is the essence of camping's moral and ethical dimensions. As you will read in "Promoting Positive Values," nothing is value free. Each one of us is a walking, talking value-laden being. Values are inherent in our speech, attitudes, behaviors, and thoughts. Given that fact, we could approach morality and ethics in four basic ways:

Some of us are objectivists; we develop our values from an outside objective stance. Objectivists come to understand right and wrong, good and bad, externally to themselves. Values and morals have the same meaning of right and wrong in all situations. Judeo-Christian religion and societal laws are examples of the objectivist stance. What is right and what is wrong is very clear, and it remains the same no matter the situation or circumstance.

Others of us could be considered subjectivists. We develop our morals and ethics from within. We base decisions of rightness and wrongness on our own understandings. "If it feels good, do it," is an example of a subjective ethical stance. Hedonism and egoism are examples of this approach. The problem with this approach, of course, is that it has no basis external to one's self. It is too personally derived; what one person feels is good and right may not be so for anyone else.

Consequentialists believe that morals, ethics, and values are derived from examining what is right and good for the greatest number. Those who believe that the ends justify the means are considered consequentialists. They are concerned that the end result be for the greatest good, without any real interest in how the ends were achieved.

Nonconsequentialists are similar to consequentialists in that they are concerned about the greatest good for the greatest number, but every act is examined for its own element of goodness or badness. For these individuals the journey is just as important as the end. Each event is measured against whether or not it accomplishes the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people.

The camp field is affected by these ethical approaches, because every camp professional, from administrators to support staff, uses them in his or her work. From which position does your agency approach ethical and moral decisions?

We all face common moral and ethical decisions that include every facet of camp life. These decisions might involve staff hiring and wages, recycling, purchasing contracts, care for victims of abuse, need for new facilities, the programming process, pricing of services, community service projects, or religion at camp, to name a few.

The articles that follow reflect several aspects of ethics and morals, including the environment, spirituality, nonviolence and the development of positive values. You will find many practical suggestions that can be incorporated into camp programs the world over. Read these pieces with a critical mind. Think about what other aspects should be scrutinized at your camp. Is there room for improvement? Are you willing to tackle tough issues in tough times?

Debra J. Jordan, Re.D. is an assistant professor in the School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services at the University of Northen Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa.