No cell phones.

[Addendum]

You kids with your fancy shopping carts. When we went shopping, we had to place what we wanted to buy in a basket carried by an ox. Then you had to watch out because the ox would go crazy and try to run away. Not a lot of places to hide in the aisles when that happens let me tell you.

 

[BlackLantern]

turn your phone off, put it somewhere out of reach or at least exhibit some self control....the office I work in has a serious policy about it....if you want to use your cell phone you have to either go to the break room or the employee caf downstairs (we share a building with one other company)...we have conf. information on computers and cell phones can be used to record that stuff

 

[amazingfantasy15]

I need a bias opinion here. Hell - rant and rave, for all I care.

So this summer I'm working as a Camp Director. Upon the first few weeks, I received a memo, as did the rest of the staff, that "no one should use his or her cell phone during work hours."

I own a Blackberry Storm, and use the little trick for everything she's worth. I mean, she carries my last name in all.

I digress.

So the other day, per the memo, I was sent home for "using my phone."

I told the assistant boss that I was taking pictures of the kids, on a field trip, and that I could prove so. Further, I added that I could prove my "non-cell-phone usage, in the areas of calling, texting, etc."

I was written up, and asked to leave for the day.

Today, I was given the write-up, for approval and signature. Upon reading said write-up, I read "Jason told me he used the phone for checking the weather and taking pictures."

Note - the assistant did not tell me to stop. She said "I see you're using your phone, if the boss finds out, she will send you home."

My retort, "I am only using it to take pictures, and sometimes to check the weather."

I sat down with the Assboss, and she told me I needed to set an example, and that I haven't shown any pictures. To which I replied, "if I show the the dozens of pictures, will this write-up be null?"

She said "no."

At the end of the meeting, I said, "I will not sign until I show the Boss all the pictures I have taken, to prove that I am using my phone for professional gain, not personal." Further, I stated I could show my bill and display that I have not used the phone for personal calls or text.

I fell I am at a loss. I was sent home, for doing something decent - as oppose to rambling on the phone. My case is clear, and they will not listen.

Thoughts, points, etc.

First, you broke the rules and got caught, sucks, but you're going to have to accept your punishment.

Second, in these overreactionary times, probably not the best idea to keep pictures of a bunch of little kids on your phone. I'd talk to your boss and see if the camp would be willing/has the funds to buy a camera to use on field trips or activities to take pictures of the kids. That or be generous and donate one to the camp.

 

[The Guard]

The last post nailed it. There's a reason they don't want you using your cell phone at a camp. It has nothing to do with the calls you might make. Unless they're judgement calls.

Which is probably why she wants to see the pictures. To see if they are appropriate. If you don't have inappropriate pictures on your phone, I'd say show her if she asked, regardless of whether it voids your punishment. It will help you more than hurt you at this point. Of course, you could have simply deleted them in the time you didn't show her.

This is likely why they have these rules. To prevent goofing off, and because they don't want you taking pictures of the kids. They're not going to come right out and say it, naturally, but it's a concern.

And rules are rules. It's a reasonable rule, especially if the camp has had cell phone abuse in the past. You're not helping your future there or anywhere else with an "I know better than you" attitude.

 

[bullets]

If i had a kid i would want a phone on me at all times , at least until they are thirty.

The problem is that people are so blatant about cell phone use it has to be regulated. I've worked three jobs where cell phone use was prohibited but I still used the damn thing.

 

[BlackLantern]

If i had a kid i would want a phone on me at all times , at least until they are thirty.

you know children have managed to survive before cell phones were introduced, right??

 

[Wiseman]

you know children have managed to survive before cell phones were introduced, right??

please tell me of this primitive time? what was it like?

 

[bullets]

you know children have managed to survive before cell phones were introduced, right??

yes , i was one of them . now that we have the technology may as well put it too good use.
i remember when my bike got runover and i had to walk for hours trying to find a pay phone.

 

[BlackLantern]

JStorm (sorry)...what I think you should have done was when this rule came down, you should have asked someone in charge "Hey, I have a camera in my phone, is it ok if I use it for work related things?" could have avoided all the mess then and there

 

[knowsbleed]

This thread has made my millennium.

 

[Shaolin Kenobi]

I think as with any "zero tolerance" policy there should be some degree of grey area.
What defines "cell phone use" anyway?
If you put it on a stack of papers to keep them blowing away, would they send you home?
Of course not.
I'm supposing the fear is you "appear" to be using your phone...
and that is what the issue is.
However, I still think a simple discussion with your boss should have sufficed.

 

[Obi-Ron]

i think as with any "zero tolerance" policy there should be some degree of grey area.

does not compute

 

[Majic Walrus]

I think as with any "zero tolerance" policy there should be some degree of grey area.

What defines "cell phone use" anyway?

Usage of a cellular phone. At my old office this meant having your cellphone outside of your pocket, holster, or purse.

If you put it on a stack of papers to keep them blowing away, would they send you home?
Of course not.

Again, at my last office we would've. It's a camp. Use a rock.

 

[donk70]

Here's the dealio

It's a rule set by your bosses. You don't have to like it, but you're expected to abide by it. Rules are a condition of employment. If you break their rule, be prepared to pay the consequences. It's as simple as that.

You got what you deserved

 

[chamber-music]

That little thing that stops your cart when it crosses a certain line, technology. And the cart has wheels.

My local Supermarket has those and it also has magnetic travelator that sticks your shopping cart down when your moving from section to section of the supermarket.

 

[JStorm]

JStorm (sorry)...what I think you should have done was when this rule came down, you should have asked someone in charge "Hey, I have a camera in my phone, is it ok if I use it for work related things?" could have avoided all the mess then and there

That's what makes this case so weird.

First, to all that responded with "rules are rules," I get it. And to the two that gave precise example or retorts, thank you.

Further, BlackLantern's idea actually happened. This isn't a question of safety, although I see the point and agree. This is a question of being written up for doing what I said I would do, in the first conversation, upon reviewing the "no cell phone" policy.

Again, safety first - I agree. But the "no cell phone" was sent down, for the purposes of goofing off. Upon signing the memo, I talked to the owner and said "I have a Storm and use it's camera. I do not text, or make calls," etc.

She said to me "that's great. Be sure to send me the pictures."

That night I sent the fifty pictures that I had. I got a 'failure to send,' from their end, and kept the email saved on my account.

The next morning, I spoke with Director and told her about the 'failure' notice. I then told her, whenever she wanted, I could log on my account and download the pictures I saved - to my email/account.

Here's my point. If I signed a memo saying "no cell phones," and I had two conversations with the owner/director that I was using my phone/camera for camp pictures - I feel she should have said "that's great. Please send me the pictures you have. However, it might be best for you to use a camera, considering the memo you signed. You can use our camera or yours."

That was never said. She just told me she wanted the pictures.

I refuse to sign a write-up that reads "he was on his phone." To a future employer, my case can not/will not be heard. I wasn't ON my phone. I was taking pictures.


To the 'safety first' crowd. I see your point and highly agree. I've since deleted all the pictures on my phone and computer, and burnt a cd with said photos. I have told the Assistant Director about the cd - the woman whom wrote me up - and am waiting to have a sit-down with the boss.

 

[Darthphere]

My local Supermarket has those and it also has magnetic travelator that sticks your shopping cart down when your moving from section to section of the supermarket.

What the **** is that?

 

[NewYorkSpider]

That must be some fancy supermarket.

 

[ih8nyy]

You know something my friend. You don't have to sign the write up. By doing so you are basically admitting that you screwed up. If you don't believe in the charge brought forth, don't sign it. It still goes in your file, but you don't admit to anything.

 

[ross2287]

It's just a summer camp. Not like it's the Pentagon.

They need to get over themselves and you need to deal with their ridiculous rules or quit.

This is just one reason why I hate cell phones...

 

[Spidey-Bat]

Don't mean to sound like an ass but rules are rules. They didn't ask you not to make phone calls or send text messages, but they asked you not to use your phone. You still did and you got caught.

He wasn't using his phone, he was using his Blackberry



I think it's pretty ridiculous that you got written up and sent home. They should have given you a warning and told you that you can't use your Blackberry even if it isn't for calling/texting. It's a summer camp, not a major company.

 

[NewYorkSpider]

If they sent me home, I would have told them off.

 

[Majic Walrus]

He wasn't using his phone, he was using his Blackberry



I think it's pretty ridiculous that you got written up and sent home. They should have given you a warning and told you that you can't use your Blackberry even if it isn't for calling/texting. It's a summer camp, not a major company.

'Berries are phones. Also, what's with people calling them 'Berries?

 

[Immortalfire]

I'm intrigued.



...by the stories of the amazing futuristic shopping carts!

 

[BlackLantern]

'Berries are phones. Also, what's with people calling them 'Berries?

They want to feel special??