Showers and young campers

Every camper needs a soap shower every day. Young campers, especially 6^th graders (although one time I had a group of 8^th grade girls react this way!!!) act as if they are allergic to soap. They will not bathe on their own and getting them to bathe without humiliating them is challenging but necessary. It is best to deal with the group uniformly:

• Publicly insisting that everyone bathe.
• Polling them periodically but privately (so that everyone knows they will be asked, but not asking at a time when the answer might be publicly embarrassing).
• Public statements without looking at anyone (and with a touch of drama): “It doesn't smell like everyone is bathing around here! Do I have to take a 'sniff check'?”
• Offer to let someone who hasn't bathed to bathe at an off hour so they can do so alone.