Hazing

I hope so - it deserves to do well.
I really can't understand how the camp could not have cracked down on this type of bullying.
How about an announcement at the start of camp saying it will not be tolerated and anyone involved will be sent home. Then actually enforcing it.

"They who... give up... liberty to obtain... safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."

It all starts with education, both by the parents and the teachers/counselors. We need to empower our kids; to let them know that it's okay to be different to help them learn how to look out for each other. It takes a universal effort to discourage bullying, and the kids are the focal point of that.

I have been a teacher for a number of years now, and I have served in the Peace Corps twice (I'm in my final year here in Macedonia).

In my classes, I teach them that we are all a part of one, big family. We will argue sometimes, and not get along during other times. But it's important, that as a family, we look out for each other, like a brother or sister would.

I also try to empower them to realize that they are all unique and beautiful in their own special way; that no one is better than anyone else; and that we need to appreciate our differences rather than attack someone else regarding theirs.

It can take time to deprogram them, but it is something beautiful and special to watch when things begin to take shape.

When I was in Kazakhstan ('04-'06), I was amazed at how little/no bullying there was. The kids naturally looked out for each other. They didn't care what color, shape, or size the other kids were. Those friendships carried over into their young adulthood and continue to flourish to this day.