WELCOME 2 CAMP!! Manual.pdf · 2019. 1. 28. · 1. A NEW ENVIRONMENT Take students out of their usual, everyday surroundings, place them in a new environment, and they become more

Southern Idaho Ministry Network PAGE 1 Camp Staff Manual

WELCOME 2 CAMP!!

We appreciate your willingness to serve with us as a "STAFFER"

Kent & LeAnn Sullivan CAMP DIRECTORS

PLEASE READ THROUGH THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT INFORMATION


Objectives ...................................................... 3

Why Have Camp? .......................................... 4

Qualifications ................................................. 5

Expectations .................................................. 8

Staff Policies .................................................. 9

Understanding Your Students ................... 10

Staff Ministry ................................................ 12

Tips for Staff ................................................ 13

Discipline Policy .......................................... 14

Child Abuse Policy at Camp ...................... 15

Emergency Procedures .............................. 15

Camp Rules .................................................. 16

TABLE OF

CONTENTS


SPIRITUALLY • To provide atmosphere and opportunity to bring the students to a deeper

awareness and conscious relationship with God

• To win unsaved students to the Lord

• To establish new converts

• To develop attitudes and character traits conducive to Christian maturity • To perpetuate the teaching of life in the Spirit (beginning with baptism in the Spirit)

• To give opportunity for calling into the ministry

• To provide spiritual help and inner healing through the Word of God; because Jesus is the answer for all student problems

SOCIALLY

• To provide opportunity for the development of proper relationships among youth

• To foster attitudes and ways of getting along well with others

• To teach and practice proper etiquette and good manners

• To provide guidance in achieving independence and developing personal responsibility

• To teach concerning wholesome boy-girl relationships

PHYSICALLY

• To promote a healthy attitude toward personal, physical well-being

• To develop good sportsmanship

• To instill good hygiene habits

• To teach the importance of physical exercise

WE WANT TO... Help students have a personal encounter with God

Assist students to trust in God for their future

Catch students doing right things

Build students personal confidence level

Model for students authentic Christianity

SUMMER CAMP OBJECTIVES


A week at Summer Camp can be a major factor in changing and molding a young person's life. This life will in turn touch thousands of others in a lifetime. Ask a group of Christians where and when they made their decisions for Christ, and you'll find a high percentage who took the important step at camp. Why? Look at some of the reasons.

1. A NEW ENVIRONMENT Take students out of their usual, everyday surroundings, place them in a new environment, and they become more open to ideas you may present. They're already looking for new things around them - new friends, other lifestyles, and new experiences - so their minds are also receptive to ways in which God can change their lives.

2. A NEW FOCUS ON LIFE WITH FEWER DISTRACTIONS

Take students away from television, telephones and other influences that are such a big part of their lives, and you'll find them open to learning how God can be relevant in their lives. The input of solid Scriptural teaching and interaction with others on important issues has a greater effect when these distractions are eliminated. This may be a contributing factor in the large number of decisions for salvation, commitment, dedication, and service that take place during camping weeks.

3. GROWTH IN ALL AREAS OF LIFE

A well-balanced camping program gives the students a chance to develop in many different areas - physical, spiritual, social, mental, emotional - while in a Christian environment. Many Students have their lives compartmentalized - recreation in one time slot, social contacts in another, God in another, etc. Camp provides the chance to integrate all aspects of life into a balanced whole with each part affecting and being affected by the others. The Students can see that God relates to him when he's playing sports just as He does when he's studying the Bible.

4. A CHANCE TO LEARN NEW SKILLS

Spending a week or two in a room with six or seven peers provides a perfect opportunity to learn to live with others whose personalities and lifestyles may be different. The athletic events and crazy times help students crawl out of a shell in non-competitive games that everyone can play. New friendships are formed, and relationships have time to grow. Sports, contests, room projects, and other recreational activities help the Students learn skills of physical development. Bible sessions teach new skills in studying God's Word and learning how its teachings can help them live effective Christian lives. Leadership skills may also develop in a camp setting as Students share responsibilities for leading sessions and activities, and as they learn to be good followers and participating members of a group.

WHY HAVE CAMP?


5. QUALITY FRIENDSHIPS Friendships made at camp often continue for years. Students look forward to camp because they'll have a chance to be with the friends of last year. Camp provides a situation where young people can gain experience in the "contact skills" of meeting people for the first time and learning how to relate to them.

6. TO SEE THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN ADULT

Young people gain tremendous value from watching adults. Camp provides an opportunity for Students to live with an adult who cares about them and allows them to see how an adult responds to the common, everyday experiences of life. It's a great chance to see that Christ is relevant in the staff member's life, and that He has answers and help for daily living.

The list of ideal qualities is endless. No matter how many areas you feel confident in there will always be others that need work, so please don't feel you have to match the ideal in every area before you can be a successful staff member. You'll feel better about your preparation by seeking an accurate evaluation of your strengths and weaknesses rather than trying to copy certain behaviors.

1. LOVE FOR STUDENTS It's hard to show God's love to a young person when you're not especially fond of him yourself. You need to enjoy being with the Students. They're your reason for being at youth camp. During the time you're together, it should be a rare occasion that a young person is an intrusion upon your time. Approach youth camp with the idea that you're giving yourself totally to the Students for that period of time. Give them your undivided attention. Spend time with each student individually, discussing the things that are important to him or her. Challenge yourself to discover the unique qualities of each students. Pray for them all by name. Realize that God loves them as much as He loves you. Look at them through His eyes.

2. OPEN TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH It's not important to have arrived spiritually in order to lead Students. In fact, it's impossible. Students will be influenced in a positive way as they observe your own failures. Let them know that you fight temptation, that you don't always feel like getting up early to read the Bible, or that it's hard sometimes to witness to others about Christ. If you appear to be perfect, some Students will be convinced they'll never make it. But if they see you as imperfect, but trying, they will be more inclined to follow your example.

3. HONEST Express your real feelings so the Students feel free to express theirs. Let them see you apologize to a student you've been unfair with, share dis-appointment over another's actions, or express joy over a group member's triumph in a recreational event, etc. Don't fake it, the Students can spot a phony

AM I QUALIFIED?


a mile away. Let them know you're human, that God is perfect, and that you still have a long way to go. In other words, be real!

4. GOOD ATTITUDE "Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23. Attitudes are far more potent than actions! It is entirely possible to do the right thing in the wrong way! As a staff member at camp, your attitude toward the camp program, the Camp Director, the special speaker, etc., will be reflected over and over again in the attitudes of your Students. Young people are quick to reflect the attitudes of their leaders. Here are some tips that might help you keep your attitudes healthy.

1. Remember, we're here for the Students! All staff members are present to help and assist them. The equipment is for their use. Please don't deprive them for your own personal enjoyment.

2. A leader shares in all camp tasks. His purpose is not just to give

orders. 3. "Beefing" or complaining in front of the students has no place in any

part of contact with the youth. If complaints are in order, check with the Camp Director.

4. Consider your personal appearance. Do you look like a leader? 5. Be cheerful. "A merry heart does good like a medicine." Proverbs

17:22.

6. Do not be partial to any one student. Work at the job of really liking all the Students. Pray that God will give you love for the unlovely.

7. Avoid criticism of the camp program and other staff members.

8. Never discuss a student’s problem with another student.

9. Submit yourselves to them that have the rule over you.

10. Remember, you are not a policeman, but a servant.

11. Have faith in each student and communicate that confidence. 12. Remember, you set an example in all that you do and say. Ask

yourself, "Will these young people want to commit their lives to the Christ they see in me?"

13. The staff member carries a burden for each student in his or her group,

and needs to sincerely pray that each will be saved, filled with the Spirit, and wholly committed to Christ before leaving camp. For some Students you may be the greatest spiritual influence in their lives.

14. Above all, - LOVE. There is no greater human force to break down

resistance, bridge all gaps, and effect an eternal change in young lives. Of all the qualities needed to be a good staff member at camp, we can sum it up by saying, "BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE."


5. SENSE OF HUMOR Without a sense of humor, you'll never survive practical jokes that teens continually play on their leaders. If you have the right attitude, the pranks can build rapport in a way that nothing else will. Prepare yourself for these pranks, expect them, and make the most of them. Students will have fun, and you can help by being a good sport and laughing with your students.

6. GOOD HEALTH You don't need to be an Olympic champion, but you need enough stamina to keep pace with Students. Participate! Don't be a spectator! 7. DEDICATED SERVICE Consider the time spent at camp as service fully dedicated to Jesus. We are asking you to make the best of every situation - even those that may be difficult. We are asking you to help Students distinguish between when it is time to play and goof off and when it is time to be serious. In short, we are asking you to lead by example.

8. STUDENTS CONCERN Make your Students your first concern, not just as a group, but also as individuals needing prayer, love, and friendship. The most important part of the entire week will be the spiritual results, which will take place in the lives of your Students. Be in prayer as you prepare your heart and mind for camp. Although you may feel inadequate, the Holy Spirit will enable you to be effective beyond your own natural abilities.

9. PROGRAM KNOWLEDGE Be familiar with the total camp program, schedule of events, etc. When you're uncertain, check with someone, but please be informed.

10. ENTHUSIASTIC PARTICIPATION A happy "camp staffer" makes a happy camp. If you put down an event or idea as childish or dumb, that will be reflected in the behavior of your group. The best idea can be turned sour and become a drag if the leaders don't put their hearts into it.


We list, for your convenience, some of the general activities in which you will share during summer camp.

1. You will be assigned a group of students for whom you alone are responsible. You will sleep with them, eat with them, share in the recreation, and attend services with them.

2. You will be the key to successful discipline. Your skill in dealing with students determines to a considerable degree how well these students will enjoy and benefit from their stay at camp.

a. Discipline only in the spirit of Christ.

b. When a Students breaks the rules, help him understand why we have

that rule.

c. The rules are for the Students' well being and safety. Don't use them as a club or symbol of unpleasantness.

d. In the matter of "lights out" and "quiet time" we must remember that a certain amount of nonsense is part of a camping program. However, we must respect others and the fact that the Students need from 9 to 10 hours of sleep. Gentle firmness with regard to the rules will usually solve the bedtime problem.

e. You must insist that each of your Students attend all meals, and

evening services. If they protest, claiming sickness, contact the Camp Director for a settlement in the matter.

3. Encourage your students to enter into the recreation period enthusiastically. Help the timid to enter into group participation.

4. Staff members need time off, but their first responsibility is to the Students. Prepare carefully for time off.

5. Know your own physical limitations. A tired or sick staff member doubles the workload for someone else.

6. Take advantage of rest periods. A tired staff member "flies off the handle" or lacks enthusiasm - and so do tired Students!

7. Do not teach in areas you know little or nothing about.

8. Teach your group Christianity, cleanliness, and sportsmanship.

9. Be sure to maintain your daily time with God! You can't give what you don't have.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?


In addition to general camp rules, there are a few policies and rules that state clearly the staff member's purpose and function:

PLEASE ...

• BE ON TIME FOR ALL ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES!

• OBVIOUSLY, use of drugs or alcohol during camp by either Students or Staff will be result in immediate dismissal.

• VISITORS - Visitors are not allowed on the campground unless cleared with the camp director beforehand.

• SOMEONE'S WATCHING - Remember, as a staff member, your Students are always watching you. You are an example for them in your actions and words. You are here to model good conduct.

• SENSITIVITY - In everything be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Take every opportunity to lead your Students to a greater knowledge of Jesus Christ.

• APPEARANCE - When at camp, you should dress in a clean and neat manner. Health regulations require shirts and shoes to be worn at all times.

• AUTHORITY -The Camp Director has final authority over all personnel and activities on the grounds.

• DATING - You are here to serve the Students. (and hopefully have a good time doing it...) A minimum of social contact will be permitted. No dates with students are permitted. Dismissal will follow the first offense. Also, no dating is permitted between staff members. No couples will leave the grounds together for any reason.

• CAMP GROUND CLEAN UP- This is a never-ending effort by all leaders. Endeavor at all times to keep the campground clean.

• CLEANLINESS - Your person and your accommodations should be kept neat and as clean as possible at all times. Your room will be inspected regularly and a formal check made once each day.

• CURFEW - All staff members should be in their room at Lights Out time for the Students.

STAFF POLICIES


• DEVOTIONAL LIFE - In addition to required staff prayer, you are urged to develop your own prayer times. The extra demands placed upon you during camp make this difficult, but try to get away when you have a break.

• EMERGENCIES - See instruction sheet on emergency procedures.

Since you will be spending one week working very closely with your Students, it is important that you make every effort to know and understand them.

Remember... there is a wide range of maturity among students. Physically, many of these Students are just entering an awareness of sexual maturity. The boys at this age are often a year or two behind the girls. Mentally, students of this age are quite capable of activities involving reasoning, organization, and comprehension. They have a strong desire to learn. They particularly like to explore, experiment, and discover in their surroundings. The capacity of these youngsters to learn will vary from an I.Q. of 80 to above 135 (dull to highly gifted). You must remember that each student is different and, as such, has varying ability to learn. These individual differences must be considered when materials are presented to them. Spiritually, there will also be a wide range of spiritual awareness. Some of our Students will come with good Bible knowledge and vital personal relationship with Jesus. Others will come without knowing the first thing about spiritual matters. To some, the basics of salvation will need to be explained in the simplest of terms. During this week of camp, these young people will form a close relationship with you. If you are the kind of person who has patience, understanding, and a genuine interest in their well-being, they will do almost anything for you. You will find these students young enough to still be pliable, yet grown-up enough to follow the direction and example you set for them. Third and Fourth Grades: children of this age group are energetic,

curious, and competitive. Emotionally: This is an age of sensitivity, attachment to parents and dependence on adults. They are not as responsible for their own needs and need guidance to insure proper rest, hygiene, and nutrition. Socially: These children need acceptance by the group but also need the intimacy of "best friend" relationships. Camp staff for this age should be sensitive to homesickness and provide secure and stable care. They also need

UNDERSTANDING YOUR STUDENTS STUDENTS


to insure that the children's physical, social, and spiritual needs are met by giving careful attention to these issues. Fifth and Sixth Grades: great difference in physical, social, emotional, and spiritual development mark this age group. They demonstrate greater personal responsibility but still need adult guidance to insure proper rest, hygiene, and nutrition. Socially: they are beginning to be aware of the opposite sex. Group acceptance and "best friends" are still important. Physically: some of these children are entering puberty with its emotional and physical effects.

JUNIOR HIGH youth are turning into adults, but in stages. Rapid growth characterizes the early teen years, as does a resulting concern about personal appearance. Being too tall or too short, too fat or too thin, are serious matters to young adolescents. They worry about their complexions and about the obvious growth changes taking place. Awkwardness, a changing voice, and braces on the teeth are funny only in comic strips. In real life, all these things are causes for worry and embarrassment. Girls mature more rapidly than boys do and this presents problems in many areas - particularly in the realm of social activity. A happy, outgoing 12-year-old may develop into a moody, withdrawn 13-year-old. This age group likes to think and reason, to use their minds to investigate problems. However, because they sometimes discover there are difficulties they can't solve, they're often worried and require reassurance. Humor is important to them and helps balance their extreme openness - their blunt way of expressing their opinions. They're impressed by the opposite sex and vitally interested in acceptance by their peers. Problems often arise from a poor self-image. They need a lot of encouragement and support. Young teens are completely unpredictable. A moody 13-year-old may suddenly turn into a happy, talkative 14-year-old whose main interests are music, clothes, and talking on the telephone. They want to be independent, so they tend to resist authority.

Junior high Students raise serious questions about God. Spiritual values they once accepted unquestioningly now must be seen as relevant to their lives. They respond to adults who are real - they're great at spotting phonies.


GENERAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY: 1. Act in a manner consistent with spiritual maturity among the Students

2. Be responsible to the camp administrative team (District Youth Director, Program Directors, and Activities Coordinators) demonstrating personal loyalty to them and the program.

3. Cultivate positive morale among the other staff members through efforts of

personal loyalty to them and the program.

SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY: 1. Become acquainted immediately with each Student in your group. LEARN

THEIR NAMES! 2. Attend the staff meetings as scheduled. 3. Be responsible to see that you and your group attends each session and activity on time. 4. Monitor the room of your Students; check on neatness and cleanliness

throughout the week. 5. Deal with minor disciplinary problems as related to camp rules. (i.e.: couples

getting too physically involved, too much roughhousing, etc.) Major infractions of rules are to be reported to the Camp Director.

6. Monitor your group while in personal devotions. 7. Complete the CAMP STAFF RESULTS form as requested and return it to the

Camp Director on Friday morning before you leave. 8. Complete final room check after Friday's activities. Be sure rooms are neat

and orderly. Please remain at the site until the Camp Directors have checked rooms.

9. After "Lights Out", the staff member should remain in their assigned room.

Staff members should abide by the general camp curfew. 10. Be available to pray with Students around the altars during the evening

services. 11. Please don't look for romance while you're working as a camp staff person.

This can distract you and can potentially create unhealthy attitudes. 12. Please carefully follow the guidelines established by the "Camp Rules."

STAFF MINISTRY DESCRIPTION


A well-organized camp will have a qualified person filling each position. Every staff member or department head should respect the other person's authority over his or her territory and follow through the chain of command. This does not mean that we may flaunt our authority, but that we should respectfully administer it.

Most of the problems students face can be handled by their leader. When a student approaches another staff member with a problem that can be handled by his or her leader, that staff member should direct them back to their leader to take care of it. (This is not applicable in case of emergency!) Camp will not be complex when each worker keeps his place and takes complete care of his responsibilities. This does not mean that any student has the right to disobey another staff member. Any staff member has the right to correct any student that is out of order--it is just the primary concern of his/her own counselor. Each staff member should always be able to account for every one of the Students in his or her charge at all times. One thing we as a team should always keep in mind>>> If you have a positive attitude, your students will reflect it! If there is anything about the program you do not favor or you disagree with, approach the proper person privately. We are always willing to listen to new ideas and constructive input, so feel free to approach us when necessary. Never give out medication to Students. This should be left to the discretion of the Nurse at all times.

MORE TIPS FOR STAFF


Need for discipline is often the result of low expectations on the part of the staff member during camp. Set your expectations HIGH and you will be amazed at the results. Do not, however, expect to be a miracle worker -- you will be disappointed. On the whole, punishment is a matter of creative effort on the part of the staff member, for each student and each new situation is unique. We do, however, observe certain guidelines here at our camp. 1. Avoid creating situations which cause temptation. Examples of

temptation creating situations would be letting wrong behavior slip by as if unnoticed, ignoring rules yourself, leaving your youth unmatched at free time, keeping your valuables in the open, and leaving the meal table frequently.

2. Effective discipline explains what the youth has done wrong and offers alternative avenues of behavior. 3. NO student is to be punished physically in any way, or isolated. This

includes washing out mouths and/or abusive physical exercise. If you think you are going to have to hit a youth, it is time for you to see the Camp Director.

4. NEVER deprive a youth of food or sleep, or place alone without staff

supervision, observation, or subjected to ridicule, threat, corporal punishment or excessive physical exercise.

5. Don't yell at students - be firm. 6. Make sure that you make an honest effort to get to the bottom of an

argument or fight. Talk to both parties and let each one present his side. It usually turns out that both were wrong.

7. Keep the fighting students away from each other; this allows the

dispute to cool and die out. 8. If you must bring a behavior problem to the Head Camp Director, bring

it right after a specific act. Do not bring him/her saying, "He's been bad all day long." Discipline, to be effective, must follow the act closely.

9. ROOM CHECK-OUT - At the conclusion of a camp, the staff member is

responsible to see that their room is cleaned, needed repairs are reported, and all lost and found items are labeled and brought to the "lost and found" table in the Dining Hall. The Camp Caretaker checks the room and locks it. It will only be opened for the next camp when it is unlocked and turned

DISCIPLINE POLICY


over to an incoming staff member in readiness for the new camp. You must check with the Camp Director before leaving!

10. EQUIPMENT - Tools, keys, and supplies will be checked out to staff members for their use and must be returned by them. 11. FIRES - No open flame is permitted except in program activities under supervision in designated sited (this includes all lighters, candles, matches, etc.)

12. FOOD - Eating and drinking utensils should not be taken from the Dining

Hall. 13. KITCHEN - No one is permitted in the kitchen unless on duty there.

Kitchen food supplies are off-limits to all staff members. Extra food may be available for snacks and will be placed in a designated area to be announced by the Kitchen Supervisor.

14. LIGHTS - The last person leaving a building is to close the door and turn

out the lights. This is the responsibility of the staff members in their own rooms or whoever is in charge of the activity in the building.

15. OFF GROUNDS - If supplies are needed, the Camp Buyer goes to town

twice daily and will purchase any necessary items for you. Staff members may leave the campground only after consulting with the Camp Director.

16. OFF LIMITS - Guys rooms are off limits to girls and visa versa, at all times. 17. CONCESSIONS STAND - The concession stand is locked and unlocked

by the Supervisor. Only authorized personnel are allowed behind the counter. No free snacks are to be given to any staff except as awards accompanied by camp coupons.

Report any suspected abuse situations to the Camp Director Immediately!

How you handle an emergency situation will have a significant impact on how your Students respond. The most important rule in every emergency is to remain calm and keep your group calm. Please follow the guidelines below when dealing with potential emergencies:

CHILD ABUSE POLICY AT THE CAMPGROUND

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES


LIGHTENING ⚫ During a lightening storm, Students should not be outside.

⚫ Stay away from water areas, windows, plumbing, etc.

⚫ If you cannot get inside a building, crouch in low open areas away from trees, buildings and metal.

FIRE

⚫ Stay away from door (don't open it) if door feels hot.

⚫ Stay near floor if in smoke (smoke rises-air is fresher near floor).

⚫ Know a fire escape route ahead of time.

INJURY / MEDICAL

⚫ Make injured person as comfortable as possible without moving.

⚫ Contact the Camp Nurse immediately.

⚫ Do not administer any medication without Camp Nurse.

1. Each student must agree to abide by the dress code at all times.

2. Each student must participate in all activities unless the Camp

Director grants “special permission”.

3. Each student is expected to follow the camp schedule and to be on

time. 4. Students may not leave the campground at any time for any reason

without the Camp Director's permission. 5. The possession or use of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol, is forbidden

and will result in immediate dismissal. 6. No student will be allowed in any other dorm room than the one to

which they are assigned. 7. Expression of affection between couples is limited to holding of hands. 10. Any action that is deemed inappropriate by the camp leadership staff

will be grounds for dismissal.

CAMP RULES


NOTES:


NOTES:

WELCOME 2 CAMP!! Manual.pdf · 2019. 1. 28. · 1. A NEW ENVIRONMENT Take students out of their usual, everyday surroundings, place them in a new environment, and they become more

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