Water guns and Social etiquette

July 11, 2012

We have so enjoyed our water guns, that have mostly been donated by parents. Even during “adult swim” where the kids have to sit out for a few minutes, the water guns are a great tool for engaging and interacting in play. For children who find it hard to ask a friend to play with them or try to get a counselor’s attention, these water guns give them an easy avenue to try. Our staff are then able to use this as a tool for appropriate play. We talk to the child about how they need to ask someone first, “do you want me to squirt you” or “can we play together”, before shooting them. Or, if they do squirt someone and they get mad, we are able to support them in that interaction of explaining why they squirted them, and help them to see the more appropriate “water gun etiquette” in their next interaction. If someone says no, than we are also able to support the camper in this feeling of disappointment. This is a prime example of how our campers learn appropriate social interaction techniques, organically, in everyday situations that they can then use in future interactions with friends and family.