Summer Camp Volunteer

& Volunteer Assistant

Training Manual

Jackson Conference Center

Mission Statement and Goals………………………………………………….1

Camp Defined……………………………………………………………………….2

Camp Staff & Volunteer Roles Defined………………………………….….3

Helpful Hints for Volunteers…...……………………………………………..4

Preparation………………………………...………………………………….….5-7

Spiritual Goals…………………………………………………………………..8-10 The Bottom Line The Worship Service Biblical Teaching Quiet Time Recreational Goals…………………………………………………………..11-12 Methods Sportsmanship, Teamwork & Unity Character, Self-esteem & Sense of Accomplishment Activities Relationship Goals.……………………………………………………..…..13-19 The Method Building Relationships (Skills) Understanding Your Campers Dealing with Camper Issues Policies and Procedures……………………………………………………20-27 Camp Leadership Flow Chart Camp Rules Staff Meetings Cabin/Dorm Inspection Camp Hours Extra Duties Relationships Emergency Guidelines Medical Concerns Accidents During Camp Abusive Behavior Toward Children Defined Child Protection Law—Public Act 519 Discipline Tips

My Questions, My New Friends & Notes……………………………28-30

Mission Statement

Jackson Conference Center camping ministry provides a Christian setting with a Pentecostal perspective, encouraging student excellence, creating an environment for Spiritual Renewal, Recreational Activities, and Lasting Relationships.

Our Goals

Spiritual Renewal 1. A worship service consisting of praise, worship, and anointed preaching that draws the student to the altar. 2. Biblical teaching that instills Christian principles and values in a variety of settings. 3. Provide a quiet time for reflection, spiritual growth and intimacy with God.

Recreational Activities 1. To provide fun activities which promote sportsman ship, teamwork and unity. 2. Our activities should empower and enable the student to build character, gain self-esteem, and develop a sense of accomplishment.

Relationships 1. To create an environment to enhance relationship building. 2. To provide opportunities for the Youth Leader to further develop quality relationships with his/her students.

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Camp Defined

Positive Atmosphere Camp is a place where students are taken out of their usual environments, and put into a positive atmosphere where they can become more open to the ideas presented. So many times students are told what they are doing wrong, but in a positive place of affirmations, it helps a young person to grow and mature.

An Opportunity To Interact and Develop Many young people today operate in a comfort zone that needs to be challenged. By introducing them to other young people who are of like faith, we offer them opportunities to grow socially. Young people compartmentalize every facet of their life. Recreations, social contacts, God, all have their slots. We encourage integration to develop a whole young person. In addition, by putting them in a dorm or cabin, we provide an opportunity to learn to live with others in a variety of circumstances.

An Opportunity To See The Life Of A Christian Adult

Young people gain tremendous value from watching adults. Camp gives the opportunity to live with an adult who cares about them and to see how an adult responds to every day common situations.

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Camp Staff Roles Defined

Paid Staff Paid camp staff is defined as an individual who is contacted by the TN District Office directly to help run and/or manage a week(s) of the summer camping program. If you are a paid staff member at your local church, that does not automatically mean that you qualify for the title or privileges of a paid camp staff member.

Volunteer Volunteer is defined as any adult individual—age 21 or above—who comes to any week of the summer camping program with a local church to act as a chaperone for the students. All adult volunteers are required to have a background check completed and submitted to the TN District Office prior to arriving at camp. Volunteers are subject to approval by the District Youth Director.

Volunteer Assistant Volunteer assistant is defined as any adult individual—ages 19 to 20—who comes to any week of the summer camping program with a local church to act as a chaperone for the students. All volunteer assistants are required to have a background check completed and submitted to the TN District Office prior to arriving at camp. Volunteer assistants are subject to approval by the District Youth Director.

Intern An intern is defined as any individual—ages 15 to 18—who comes to any week of Kids Camp with a local church to act as a helper for the students. Due to the age requirements for interns, this position is not applicable during youth camps.

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Helpful Hints for Volunteers & Assistants

1. Clearly establish limits of the camp right away with your students, otherwise you will encounter greater difficulty in establishing meaningful ones later. 2. An effective volunteer knows how to not only relate to campers, but also when and how to be a creative listener. 3. The volunteer should be able to discern and foresee possible tense situations, and be able to deal with them before they fully materialize. Therefore, he/she must have a high level of both TOLERANCE AND EMPATHY (the ability to place himself or herself in the camper’s role and genuinely understand the camper’s real needs.) 4. The truly effective camp volunteer realizes that his own PERSONAL ATTITUDE AND APPROACH is the most significant key in determining the overall degree of success a camp program will have with its campers.

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Preparation

Come to camp prayed up. Pray for a genuine burden for young people and their problems. Pray that God will give you wisdom. Seek a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. We are relying heavily upon His leadership during each camp.

Each age group has its own characteristics. Know your age group so you will not overreact.

For your campers, it’s vacation time! They have come prepared to play tricks on you. HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR—remember, you were a kid once too!

Casual is the rule of thumb! During the days, modest shorts may be worn. During the evening, dress neatly. NO SHORTS FOR CHURCH SERVICES!!! Your “Sunday best” is not required. Casual long pants & shirts are fine for the camp services.

You need to enjoy being with kids. They’re your reason for being at camp. During this time you’re together, it should be a rare occasion that a young person is an intrusion upon your time. Approach camp with the idea that you’re giving yourself totally to the kids for that period of time. Give them your undivided attention. Spend time with each camper indi-vidually, discussing the things that are important to him or her. Challenge yourself to discover the unique qualities of each camper. Pray for them all by name. Realize that God loves them as much as He loves you. Look at them through His eyes.

Prepare Spiritually

Prepare Mentally

Prepare To Have Fun!

Prepare Your Wardrobe

Prepare To Love Kids

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Prepare To Be Stretched

The most important quality young people can observe in adults is spiritual growth. We should never give off the impression that we have arrived and that we are superior Christians. Spiritual growth is a must for the servant of God and camp is no exception. Be honest about your weak-nesses and admit when you make mistakes. It is important that young people realize that just because they make mistakes, it is in no way a reason to give up or quit. All of us deal with temptation every day to keep our values and priorities, so let the kids know that they are to press on toward the high calling of Christ.

Learn to be transparent with your feelings so the campers will feel free to express theirs. Always strive to keep a Christ-like attitude when facing situations. Don’t be someone you’re not. Be yourself; be a real person.

“Keep thy 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 volunteer, your attitude towards the camp program, the director and the evangelist will be reflected over and over again in the attitudes of your campers. Here are some “tips” we have gleaned that might help you keep your attitudes healthy. Remember, the camp is primarily for the campers. All volunteers are

present to help them. Let’s not deprive them for our own personal enjoyment. A leader shares in all camp tasks. Avoid criticism of the program and other volunteers. If complaints are

in order, talk with the Camp Director, not everyone else.

Prepare To Be Honest

Prepare To Have A Good Attitude

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Prepare For Fatigue

Watch your personal appearance. Do you look like a leader? Be cheerful. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine” (Proverbs 17:22) Do not be partial to any camper. Never discuss a camper’s problem with other campers. Cooperate with the altar methods recommended by the camp commission. You are the key to successful altar services. Remember, you are not a policeman, but a volunteer chaperone. Have faith in each camper and communicate that confidence. Set an example in all that you do and are this week. Ask yourself: “Will young people want to commit their lives to the Christ they see in me?” The volunteer carries a burden for each camper in his/her charge, and

will sincerely pray that each will be saved, filled with the Spirit, and committed to Christ before leaving camp. For some campers, YOU may be the greatest spiritual influence in their lives. Of all the qualities needed to be a good volunteer, we can sum it up by

saying, “BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE…”

If you don’t have a sense of humor—get one or you’ll never live through camp. Learn to laugh with kids. Remember not to laugh at them but laugh with them. You might as well expect some practical jokes poked your way just because you carry the title, “volunteer”. Hey, you don’t have to be a superhero, but you can’t be bed-ridden and be effective. We expect our volunteers to be participators, not spectators. This will result in fatigue. Be careful not to let your attitude become negative when you become tired.

Prepare To Have A Good Sense of Humor

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Spiritual Goals 1. A worship service consisting of praise, worship, and anointed preaching that draws the student to the altar. 2. Biblical teaching that instills Christian principles and values in a variety of settings. 3. Provide a quiet time for reflection, spiritual growth and intimacy with

God.

The reason you are here at camp is to see every young person have a close experience with God. As a member of our leadership team, it is important that we keep this in focus at all times. As staff members, we must use every available minute possible to break down the walls that keep a young person from receiving from God.

We have designed our services for young people! This is important! We intentionally use high energy worship and messages geared to grab our young people, and it works! Youth have a tremendous part in the services in singing, worshipping, and being challenged with the Word. Our goal is to project them into a place where the Holy Spirit can touch their lives in a positive way. In a camp atmosphere, we have seen young people give of themselves without distraction! This helps them to see the fullness of the Holy Spirit. In fact, many churches have enjoyed revival when their youth return from camp. So how can you help as a volunteer? 1. BE A PRAISER! Young people are looking at you and they in turn will take your cues. If you are free and open to worship God, it helps them to join in.

The Bottom Line

The Worship Service

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2. BE AN ENCOURAGER! Talk to your students before you arrive at camp and during camp about moving up spiritually. Many young people sit on the sidelines because they have not been encouraged to participate. Encourage them to worship in every way. 3. BE A QUALITY ALTAR WORKER! Young people have serious needs that require your personal, undivided attention. Standard operating procedure at Jackson Conference Center is for ALL volunteers to pray with the students of your own group while they are at the altar. With the number of young people coming up for prayer, it takes everyone. You can be a great help to us by being a leader in this regard. Below you will find some helpful hints on working in the altars: A. COMMON SENSE IMPERATIVES ▪ Pray with students from your own church. ▪ Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and to the Evangelist’s direction. ▪ Never embarrass or compromise a student.

B. QUALITY—CHECK THEIR NEED Example: “What is it you would like Jesus to do for you?” Example: “Is this the first time you have asked Jesus into your heart? Example: “Are you here for salvation?” Example: “Are you here to receive the Holy Spirit?” C. HOW TO BE SAVED ▪ Scriptures for Salvation (make sure prospects can see all

scriptures) Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23a, Romans 5:8, Romans 6:23b, and Romans 10:9,10, 13 ▪ Confess your sins. ▪ Confess Christ as your Savior. ▪ Ask God’s forgiveness. ▪ Believe He will forgive you ▪ ”Could we pray together right now?” Here is a suggested prayer

(you lead in prayer): “Dear Lord, I confess that I am a sinner...I’m sorry for my sins...You said you would save me...Please forgive me...Come into my life…Cleanse me...I receive your forgiveness.”

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Another facet of our spiritual goals is commitment to discipleship. Remember, we are called to make disciples, not Christians. To this end, we will be providing opportunities for the student to be taught! Classes/Chapel: Every day there will be a class/chapel session designed to teach specific Biblical principles. Devotions: We have designed this time for you to be with your

students to further teach them spiritual concepts. Please, don’t shirk this privilege! Use this time to get under a tree, enjoy nature, and study the Word. Teaching Moments: Throughout the camp, we try to use creative ways to get across a spiritual principle. So, just go along with the leadership when this happens.

Biblical Teaching

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Recreational Goals 1. To provide fun activities which promote sportsmanship, teamwork and unity. 2. Our activities should empower and enable the student to build

character, gain self-esteem, and develop a sense of accomplishment. The privilege of group names, team sports, swimming, climbing wall and rope courses, and other related fun, and sometimes MESSY activities, are a vital part of the camping process. The wonderful sound of healthy young Christians learning how to play “friendly and fairly” is indicative of normal development. Here is an opportunity for young people to burn ex-cess energy, exercise, integrate with their friends, and have some healthy competition and fun.

Jackson Conference Center has a variety of methods for encouraging recreation. However, we use the team approach as our foundation. When you arrive, we will place you in a cabin or dorm. Within this living arrangement, there usually will be more than one church represented. Your students will also be assigned to a team.

No one likes a poor sport! Yet, when a young person sees one—they know it and remember! Christian sportsmanship is a value that we wish to teach our young people. Just as it is important to learn how to win, it is important to learn how to lose. Remember, real life is not about winning all the time, sometimes there are setbacks. How we handle these issues shows the character of the person. In addition, to teach sports-manship, we want to model teamwork and unity. In a society that is socializing the student to think of themselves, it becomes apparent that we must respond. So, here are some ideas to help you accomplish these goals.

Set a positive, cooperative atmosphere on the team. Involve all team members. Keep the team together and on time.

Methods

Sportsmanship, Teamwork & Unity

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Be safety minded. Follow instructions. Everyone participates. Support each other. Play hard and fair.

As we mentioned, it is important to learn how to win with a good attitude and lose with a good attitude. When you put young people into the recreational framework, there will always be those who are more advanced and athletically inclined, than others. In the traditional sense, we gravitate toward these types of people because they help us win. Now, this is not entirely bad, but we must gear our activities so that a young person who may not be as advanced, has the opportunity to get better and gain some self-esteem. As a volunteer, you must identify these people and find creative ways to make them feel needed and accepted. We do want to make the more athletically advanced feel good about their talents. So, we walk a tightrope, but it’s possible to make it work. One of the ways we make that possible is by playing a variety of game types. Not every game is based on a traditional sport. No matter what the game, remember, these are games — NOT the World Championships! Our main goal is to have fun!

Throughout the course of the week, we will be playing primary sports that young people like, but we will also be doing other group activities at selected times to further involve the camp. Traditionally, these events can get messy at times, so bring old clothes to wear throughout the day just in case! Young people love to see and participate in these types of games. So, just make up your mind to “go with the flow!” It’s a load of fun and usually a great show. We do these things because it further promotes our goals and provides a “light” atmosphere for young people to be a little crazy. Of course, our leadership team tries to keep a balance, and we have found it helps to create some positive memories about camp.

Character, Self-esteem & Sense of Accomplishment

Activities

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The Method

Relationship Goals 1. To create an environment to enhance relationship building. 2. To provide opportunities for the Youth Leader to further develop

quality relationships with his/her students. The thrill of meeting new kids and being accepted entirely on their own merits helps prepare youth to adjust to change as they go through life. Many make lifelong friendships as a result of camp. In addition, it is good for Christian young people to meet other Christians from across the state. It reinforces the team concept of the young person. In fact, there have been those who first met at camp and married later in life. Relationship building is a BIG part of camp. In a camping ministry that has approximately fifty percent of the campers coming from broken homes, the need for good relationship skills must be high priority. When a camper goes home, they will remember some things about our camp services or events, but they will remember the volunteers the most! We want you to immerse yourself into the lives of your young people for the sake of the Kingdom. Remember, our society is systematically taking anything that looks or sounds like God out of their lives, so we must counteract this through our relationship with them. We realize that you cannot form a relationship with all of the campers; however, we would like you to FOCUS on your cabin or dorm. You have just a few days and nights to impact them with your love and involve-ment. Our method is simple, use EVERY opportunity, whether it be spiritual or recreational, to form, solidify and grow a relationship with that young person. In addition to this method, we will also provide some programming ways to help you get into the lives of your kids.

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Before we begin to share skills, you must remember that any artificial method will feel awkward. However, after using the method and adapting it to your personality, you will see positive results. In a relationship building approach, it is good to be “SAFE”.

S Seek information (name, age, grade, hobbies, etc.) A Accept what you hear (Let them talk!) F Focus on what you hear (Try to empathize & relate) E Explore what you hear (Use open ended questions.)

During the course of investing into young people, you might have a young person confide in you about a personal problem. Some basic problem solving skills are:

1. What is the problem? Do you understand fully what is being said? 2. How did this problem occur? 3. What are some possible solutions? 4. What solution seems to be best? 5. Adopt a strategy for problem solving. 6. Follow-up.

Building Relationships (skills)

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(For Youth Camp Volunteers) Since you will be spending a week working very closely with your campers, it is important that you make every effort to know and under-stand them. Our youth campers are entering the sixth grade through the twelfth grade, which reflects ages of approximately 12 to 18. There is a wide range of maturity among students. Physically, many of these campers 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, reorganization and comprehension. They have a strong desire to learn. They particularly like to explore, experiment and discover their surroundings. Their capacity 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 abilities to learn. These individual differences must be considered when materials are presented to them. Spiritually, there will be a wide range of spiritual awareness. Some of our campers will come with good Bible knowledge and a 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 relation-ship with you. If you are the kind of person who has patience, under-standing and 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 before them. Broadly speaking, adolescence is the period of sexual, social, ideological, and vocational adjustment and striving for independence from parents. Approximate age norms given for these stages are: Pre-adolescence, 10-12; early adolescence, 13-16; late adolescence, 17-21.

Understanding Your Campers

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The adolescent age by definition is a time of storm and stress, and the behavior of the adolescent is as erratic as a roller coaster in its ups and downs. Adolescents live in an atmosphere of great anxiety, high elation, deep despair, quickly rising enthusiasm, utter hopelessness, intellectual idealism, and spiritual preoccupation. The yearning for freedom, the sense of loneliness, the feeling of oppres-sion by parents, the rages and active hatreds directed against the world, the romantic crushes, tend to keep the adolescent upset and on the edge most of the time. Obviously, these manifestations are not predictable and there seems to be no way we can anticipate what will happen next in the life of a young person. However, these extreme fluctuations in behavior are normal during adoles-cence, although they would be highly abnormal at any other time in life. We must understand this and not allow childish or adolescent behavior to persist into adulthood. One cannot become an adequate marriage partner, parent, or Christian citizen if he continues to live in a fixated adolescent state. The ego of the individual adolescent is being formed and he/she must experiment with a great variety of emotions, feelings, situations, and people. Only in this way can he/she learn what best suits him/her and is most compatible to his/her likes and dislikes. The church and its leader-ship play a great part in assisting the young adolescent through this time of storm and stress. Robert Havighurst lists 9 developmental tasks for adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18.

1. Accepting one’s physique and accepting a masculine or feminine role.

2. New relations with age mates of both sexes. 3. Emotional independence of parents and other adults. 4. Achieving assurance of economic independence. 5. Selecting and preparing for an occupation. 6. Developing intellectual skills and concepts necessary for civic

competence. 7. Desiring and achieving socially responsible behavior. 8. Preparing for marriage and family life. 9. Building conscious values in harmony with an adequate, scientific

world picture. 16

Let us briefly consider some of the characteristics of adolescents.

12 Year Olds Become more reasonable, more companionable & more sociable. Is trying to grow up and does not wish to be considered a baby. Demonstrates integration of personality. The basic personality

traits are: reasonableness, tolerance, and humor. Takes initiative and enters self-chosen tasks with enthusiasm. Acutely conscious of appearance and is especially influenced by

fads. He/She wants to wear what is “in”. There is a slight change in boy/girl relationships. Antagonism toward the opposite sex begins to fade.

13 Year Olds His/Her thrust is inward. Becomes his/her own critic and seems

to be over conscientious. Worries frequently and from time to time withdraws into themself. Becomes sensitive to criticism and aware of the emotional state

of others. Changes in body structure and chemistry affect behavior in many

ways: posture, motor coordination, voice change, facial expres-sion, and related tension and attitudes.

Increased awareness that he/she is growing up.

14 Year Olds Reverses from introversion to extroversion, characterized by energy, exuberance, and expansiveness. A degree of integration effects interpersonal relations and self-

concepts. Fascinated by the word “personality” and likes to compare personality traits. Interest in his/her own personality is demonstrated by exclamations such as “that’s me!”

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15 Year Olds Develops a spirit of independence which shows itself in increased

tensions with occasional blow-ups and hostility in parental and school relationships.

Wishes to have free-time and free choice and may show defiance of external control.

Increasingly self-aware and perceptive. Has tendencies toward perfectionism, self-criticism and the beginnings of self-control. Vulnerable age—a 15 year old can be led into behavior problems

and delinquency, or may have an urge to relate closely to adult models and heroes.

16 Year Olds Is in the middle of adolescence, therefore, the photo type of the

pre-adult. Self-awareness, self-independence and personal social adjust-

ment, have developed into a remarkable degree of balance and integrity.

Emotions are more controlled. Becomes cheerful, friendly, outgoing, and well adjusted. The rebellious spirit, so characteristic of the 15 year old, gives

way to a sense of independence based on self-confidence. Oriented toward the future—the girls already have matrimonial

plans and the boys are learning the role of manhood. Desires companionship with the opposite sex. Their togetherness

should not always be interpreted with sexual overtones.

17 & 18 Year Olds Starting to get serious about life. What they dreamed about earlier is now becoming reality. College, marriage, business, church and community responsibili-

ties are just around the corner. Male/female relationships are important and sex drives are

stronger than ever. More independent and has a stronger sense of self. Continue to struggle with parental morals and religious values as

they attempt to define their own belief.

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Homesick Campers Help campers to become well-acquainted with his/ her cabin mates; provide opportunities to show abilities and talents; take a personal interest in him/her and make it known; assign special jobs to do. Irresponsible Camper Divide responsibilities evenly between your campers; set the example by doing your share; compliment campers on a job well done; appeal to their sense of justice, fair play and team spirit. Rebellious Camper Love is the key; prayerfully try to minister to them; enforce the camp rules in love; try to be a friend; when encountering a very serious counseling situation, lead the camper to seek help from his/ her pastor, youth pastor or parents. Camper with Illegal If they are turning these things in, do not Drugs or other condemn. Please notify the Camp Director and Paraphernalia give him the items turned in to you. If they are caught with illegal drugs, fire crackers, tobacco or other paraphernalia, notify the Camp Director. Love the camper and ask God to do a mighty work in his/her life. Do not broadcast such events, even to other volunteers or campers. Leave it in the hands of the Camp Director. Non-participating Be an enthusiastic example of involvement. Camper Enforce the camp program. It is your responsibility to have your campers in the proper place at the proper time. Misconduct in Chapel Please sit with your students—spread yourselves and/or Altar Services throughout the gym. A gentle word of instruction (in love) usually takes care of difficulties like: excessive male/female contact, talking, etc.

Dealing with Camper Issues

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Policies and Procedures

Camp Director

Assistant Camp Director

Program Recreational Director Director CAMP DIRECTOR The Camp Director shall have oversight of ALL camp functions, and will have the final authority in all facets of camp. He shall have an Assistant Camp Director and an executive staff working with him to run the camp program throughout each week. If the Camp Director is off the premises, the Assistant Camp Director shall have charge of the camp. PROGRAM DIRECTOR The Program Director will implement all camp activities. The Program Director will direct or delegate all camp activities as approved by the camp director, and will insure that the camp is on schedule. RECREATIONAL DIRECTOR The Recreational Director will implement all camp recreational activities. In addition, he will keep the points throughout the week and stay close to the Program Director. The Recreation Director will have responsibility over the swimming program and lifeguards.

Camp Leadership Flowchart

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1. Stay within camp boundaries. No one leaves the grounds without permission from the Camp Director or the Nurse...this INCLUDES VOLUNTEERS. 2. All cars will be parked in our back parking lot after arrival and will not be moved until the camp closes unless the Camp Director gives other authorization. 3. Boys cabins/dorms are off-limits to the girls and vice versa. 4. Destruction of camp property will not be tolerated. If an item is abused or destroyed, we will seek reimbursement to replace the item. 5. Please do not litter! 6. Our dress code is modest, clean and neat. During the day, modest shorts may be worn. NO TANK TOPS OR MIDRIFFS! During the evening, dress neatly. Jeans and nice shirts for the guys. Girls may wear slacks, jeans, dresses, or a skirt and blouse. NO SHORTS. (Note: Skirts and dresses must be at an appropriate length. No mini- skirts. Modesty should be a rule for all clothing.) 7. Swimwear may be worn in the immediate pool area only. ONE-PIECE SUITS ONLY. NO BIKINIS. 8. The possession or use of narcotics, tobacco, alcoholic beverages or fireworks is strictly forbidden and is reason for prompt dismissal from camp. 9. No public display of affection. Handholding is the only thing permitted. 10. Water balloons, towel fights and shaving cream fights are prohibited. 11. Please do no bother the PA system. 12. No food is allowed in the cabins or dorms.

You are REQUIRED to attend ALL staff meetings and PRAYER times. Vital information will be presented pertaining to each day’s activities. We will be sharing needs and victories, as well as praying together. You must be present in order to know what is going on.

Each morning, all rooms (including volunteers) will be inspected for cleanliness and neatness by a person designated by the Camp Director.

Camp Rules

Staff Meetings

Cabin/Dorm Inspection

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Camp days are long days. You will not get as much sleep as normal. As a result, you will need to follow the “lights-out” schedule as closely as possible.

There will be times when you will be called upon for duties other than those which were originally assigned to you. Please accept these as service unto the Lord.

The volunteers are the key to a successful camp. The Camp Director is relying on you to see that the camp runs smoothly. 1. To The Camp Director: You have a responsibility to the Camp Director. He coordinates the total camp. The ultimate responsibility for camp rests with him. He expects you to know your job and do it. He will expect you to pitch in where extra help is needed. Don’t wait to be told to do something—volunteer. This is God’s work being done by God’s people. Let us be faithful! 2. To The Program Director: You are responsible to the Program Director. If a question or problem exists, the Program Director is the first link in the chain of command. The Program Director will be working with the Camp Director to solve any situation that might occur. All disciplinary matters and non-emergency matters will flow through the Program Director first. If necessary, the Program Director will involve the Camp Director to resolve the matter. 3. To Other Volunteers: You also have a responsibility to the rest of the volunteers. Assume your share of the load—even the unpleasant tasks. A word of appreciation to the kitchen staff will brighten their day. Assist the Lifeguard by maintaining an alertness. Avoid cliques. This is not time for romance either. No gossiping or griping about other volun-teers. Pray for each other. Love one another, endure one another. 4. To The Campers: You have a responsibility to all the campers. You will be their friend, their guide, and their authority. You are responsible for their health and safety. Enforce quiet time—they need their rest. YOU MUST REPORT ANY SICKNESS OR ACCIDENTS TO THE NURSE ON DUTY. Make sure the campers have a good time. Know where your campers are at all times. Remember, camp is for campers!!!

Camp Hours

Extra Duties

Relationships

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The following guidelines are designed for the guidance of the camp personnel in case of such emergencies as fire, severe storm, or serious accident. In each emergency, the first step is to notify an Executive Staff member (Camp Director, Program Director, or Recreational Director) ASSEMBLY An emergency necessitating the assembling of the entire group of campers and volunteers shall be signaled by a camp director through the PA system. On this signal, everyone will assemble in the tabernacle. TORNADO In case of a tornado or other severe storm which might make cabins unsafe, the entire group will be assembled in the tabernacle or assigned another area. FIRE In case of fire, the first consideration shall be for personal safety. Make sure all campers are moved from the area, and notify an Executive Staff member (Camp Director, Assistant Camp Director, Program Director, Recreational Director) An Executive Staff member will assess the situation and call the fire department. Staff members will attempt to put out the fire only to the extent that they can do so without endangering them- selves. CAMPERS ARE TO STAY AWAY! LOST CAMPER 1. If a camper is missing and cannot be located, contact an Executive

Staff member and they will begin the Emergency Management Process. 2. All camp personnel assemble at the tabernacle. 3. Volunteers will be required to account for all their campers and report as soon as possible. Search areas will be appointed as volunteers report. 4. Inform campers that we call three people: parents, pastor and police.

Emergency Guidelines

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DEATH In case of death from either accidental or natural causes, the Camp Director shall be notified immediately and he will begin the Emergency Management Process. He will call 911. Parents or next of kin will be Notified immediately, and a written report will be filed within 48 hours of the event on forms that the department has furnished. POOL EMERGENCY 1. Warning or emergency signal—3 blasts or whistles. Everyone out of

the pool; line up on the side with their buddy. 2. Guards shall clear and check the pool area every 5-7 minutes of swimming time. 3. If a swimmer is missing, a search of the bathhouse and gym will begin immediately. Volunteers shall keep track of their campers. 4. In the event of accidental or near drowning or injury, guards will make any necessary rescue and perform first aid. 5. Volunteers will help maintain order at the pool. 6. The Camp Director will be notified immediately in the event of injury, accident, or drowning. 7. The emergency unit (911) will be notified in case of serious injury, drowning or death.

The American Income Life Insurance coverage that is provided for each person attending Jackson Conference Center is only paying for accidents (not sickness) with a maximum single limit of $ 2,500.00 per injury. If an injury goes beyond this limit, we will request that the remainder of the claim be filed with the individual’s health insurance policy.

Medical Concerns

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Responsibilities of: CAMP MEDICAL TECH The camp nurse is responsible to fill out the medical report in full for each person needing professional medical attention. This form is to be turned into the Camp Director. HEALTH PROVIDER As the bills come into the District office, they will be filed immediately with American Income Life. American Income Life will pay the hospital and/or doctor upon receipt of the bill. FAMILY If the health provider does not submit an itemized invoice (s) to the District office, the camper’s family has the responsibility to submit the original itemized invoice to the District office for filing with American Income Life Insurance Company. The family should keep a complete set of all itemized invoices from all providers so they can be photocopied by the secondary insurer.

Volunteers should never play doctor. They should assume an injury, accident, or sickness is worse that it is and seek medical advice from our camp nurse. Most accident policies pay an up-front cash amount before co- insurance goes into effect. To take advantage of accident coverage, most policies require treatment to be sought within 48 hours or it is not considered an accident or injury for insurance purposes. The church is becoming less and less “immune” to suits against its constituency, and we need to take extra precaution when dealing with these kinds of circumstances.

Accidents During Camp

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Defined We do not want abusive behavior in any form. The following is considered to be unacceptable volunteer or paid staff behavior toward children/youth and will not be tolerated. 1. Using obscene language, or gestures, or making remarks that deliberately debase, humiliate or intimidate. 2. Making sexual contact or inappropriate sexual suggestions. 3. Throwing, kicking, burning or cutting a child. 4. Striking a child with a closed fist or open palm. 5. Shaking a child. 6. Interfering with a child’s breathing. 7. Threatening a child with a deadly weapon. 8. Doing any other act that is likely to cause bodily harm. 9. Discipline—there will be no physical discipline of children/youth. Examples of physical discipline include, but are not limited to: A. Slapping B. Spanking

Public Act 519 Camp staff (volunteer or paid) are obligated by law to report any suspected case of adult abuse, neglect, exploitation or endangerment. Any suspicion should be reported immediately to the Program Director. He in turn will contact the District Youth Director, who will contact the Department of Social Services. Any report will be kept confidential and discretely handled. You are not to discuss this matter with fellow volunteers or other campers.

Abusive Behavior Toward Children

Child Protection Law

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A youth leader cannot effectively discipline someone he/she does not know. Again, a sufficient number of caring leaders who initiate relation-ships can prevent many problems before they erupt. Often we can anticipate trouble and head it off by inserting ourselves into the nexus of the breakdown. The Leader who is afraid of trouble, or who tries to crush it to prove his/her power, is courting disaster. When correction becomes necessary, we need to proceed with caution. Instead of making suggestions, I offer the following rules:

First, determine that an individual or group is being injured by the episode; be sure that it is not simply a problem or irritation for you.

Make it a private matter. Never (except in desperate

emergency) rebuke a student in front of others. Practice confidentiality. Do not presume to understand another person’s motives;

share your observations of his or her behavior (it is useless to complain about an attitude that is speculative and vague) and ask the individual in an even, non-accusatory tone, to explain the incident. For instance, “You seem to be bored (or uncomfortable or angry) today with camp—what’s going on?”

Be certain that a reprimand is not taken as rejection. Check back in a few hours with the person you have challenged. (No matter how nicely you say it, the person will recoil to some extent and feel badly.) Do not allow distance to grow between you.

Discipline Tips

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After reviewing all the information in this booklet, if you have any questions that

you would like to ask during the volunteer staff meeting (this meeting takes place

at the beginning of the camp week in the dining hall), write your questions below

and be sure to ask the Camp Director during this meeting.

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Tennessee District Assemblies of God Youth Ministries Dept.

383 E. Main Street Suite 110 Hendersonville, TN 37075

Phone: (615) 431-0871 Fax: (615) 265-8527

Updated April 2013