Thanks all who responded.

You're right, Max - kids will be kids, and the important thing is to teach them how to handle sharp objects correctly, not punish them for not knowing any better.

The important things I've learned here are:

1. Clear and ample warning must be given as part of the orientation phase and/or joining instructions for each camp - what is expected of the youth member and what is not permitted. Parents also need to be informed that knives/hatchets without sheaths will not be permitted in camp (the hatchet that was left lying around did not, as far as I could tell, have a sheath to protect it);

2. There's a difference between an action that is merely careless (like leaving a closed knife lying on the table) and one that is dangerous. The responses to each should be different and should fit the severity/hazard of the offense;

3. Parents should only be involved as a last resort, if the youth member fails to learn his lesson after two or three offenses.

4. Camp Counsellors/Instructors/etc. must be subject to the same rules. (I found that I have a terrible habit of playing with my Leatherman Juice; I may have to seal it in a Ziplock bag to remind myself not to take it out of my pocket. <img src="images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> )

Actually, I think I'll extend some of these principles to other areas. In particular, as part of the WFA course involves rescue carries, proper lifting techniques are very important; perhaps cadets who persist in lifting with their backs and not their legs should be forced to pay a forfeit of some sort.

I love this forum, btw - where else could I get such a quick response from such knowledgeable people? <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />