Philosophy of Club Chameleon

We reiterate the “all inclusive acceptance philosophy” of Club Chameleon to both staff and chameleon teens on an ongoing basis. That is, to support and help each other always, no matter what challenges a teen maybe faced with. We encourage a family-like bonding experience for every trip or event - no cliques, no gossip, no intolerance, and no prejudices.

The staff is there for them in their everyday lives, as role models and as an extra support system if a child may need them.

Leave No Trace

Club Chameleon follows the Leave No Trace philosophy. Leave No Trace is an national and international program designed to assist outdoor enthusiasts with their decisions about how to reduce their impacts when they hike, camp, picnic, snowshoe, run, bike, hunt, paddle, ride horses, fish, ski or climb. The program strives to educate all those who enjoy the outdoors about the nature of their recreational impacts as well as techniques to prevent and minimize such impacts. Leave No Trace is best understood as an educational and ethical program, not as a set of rules and regulations. The following The Leave No Trace Principles of outdoor ethics form the framework of Leave No Trace:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more information on Leave no Trace visit the Leave No Trace Website at: www.int.org

Full Value Contract

The F.V.C. is the participant commitment to the Club Chameleon program and that specific trip. This contract is signed by all teens, including staff, going on the trip. This process establishes the rules and expectations of each trip. This process instills ownership to each trip. We often have them sign their names and their commitment pledge on items that represent the particular trip they’re going on. (i.e. snow show, paddle, helmet, etc.)