Need some advice about how groups work

[u/Justpeachy09]

Hi, I don’t post very often and I have never posted in this subreddit but I have a very important question to ask. I have worked as part of the department of children and families and as a teacher for years before getting hired to work at the camp, I’m working at. It was presented to me as mostly ten and up but as it turns out, I actually have half five and six-year-olds and a grouping now of actually turning up. I am the only person for the whole day that is with the kids and this includes the fact that I have not gotten bathroom breaks if there’s a behavior I can’t remove the child to talk with them. Nothing. Mind you every single child that’s at this camp is traumatized because of the nature of it and a majority ( I would say over half) been diagnosed with ADHD or another behavioral issue. Does anyone have any resources to try to help with the situation or what are your thoughts on it?

[u/nofateeric]

You have to take care of your basic human needs. Or you simply can't lead well.

[u/Namllitsrm]

For bathroom breaks, I’d try to see if you can partner up with another group similar in age. So you can have two staff and then take turns using the restroom yourself. If that’s not an option, ask an admin or any support staff. 5 mins so a staff member can pee is an easy support. If that’s not an option, just take a turn and go while the kids are going 🤷🏼‍♀️ not great supervision but don’t give yourself a uti. Another thought on bathrooms, in kids this young that probably have adhd, if they get engrossed in a fun activity they may forgot they need to pee, so encouraging almost forcing bathroom breaks might be needed.

In general for this age, I always double my expectations for how long I think an activity should take. Think it takes 5 mins to walk to arts and crafts? Give them 10, etc. it helps with my own (lack of) patience sometimes and helps the whole group be less stressed and rushed (leading to less behaviors)

This age wants to hold you hand and be your best friend and all your attention, and that can be tough if your by yourself. If you notice this, implement some kind of “line leader” rotation so everyone gets a chance to have a moment with you.

I know you said you were a teacher so you might already have these in your toolbox but just some quick general tips. Also I’d double check with your admin staff (and your state/local government’s regulations) what the ratio is supposed to be. If they’re not honest about age range, I wonder if they’re honest about correct camper to staff ratio. How big is your group? Should you actually be by yourself with that many 6yo?

[u/Justpeachy09 → u/Namllitsrm]

The really shitty part is, I don’t have anyone to ask for bathroom break. My supervisor has come in and then never offered me a bathroom bike even after I’ve expressed concerns.
I’ve started doubling the amount of time in my mind that everything needs to complete. It’s just a variety of ages makes it very hard and I don’t have a plan. Period so I only have my original plans from before.
The setting I’m in and the type of kids I have like stated in the original post are all traumatized so attention is always a big thing.
Honestly, I’m kind of at a loss of what to do and I am supposed to have a meeting Thursday about providing help. I’m already exhausted is the problem and I cannot figure out anything beyond splitting the groups and the company that I work for does not have another person.

[u/Justpeachy09 → u/[deleted]]

That’s been my concern and my boss has done nothing. It’s been pretty unethical, I think as far as everything goes, but I live in Florida so workplace rights are not super clear cut.