- Respect and Kindness:
• Treat everyone with respect and kindness at all times, including staff, fellow campers, and others.
• Use positive language and actions to build each other up.
• Always speak respectfully about others, and practice Christian values such as forgiveness, love, and humility. - Safety First:
• Campers must follow all safety instructions given by camp staff, including safety protocols for activities like swimming, hiking, and campfires.
• Follow all rules related to campfire safety. Fires are to be attended at all times. One adult must supervise an active fire at all times. Youth under 18 are not allowed to supervise fires. When utilizing the fire ring, youth must stand an arms length away from the fire at all times.
• All camp areas must be kept clean and tidy. Trash must be placed in designated bins.
• No running or rough play in campgrounds or near activity areas. No running next to tents to prevent tripping hazards.
• Respect the camp’s boundaries and do not wander off alone or without permission. Youth must stay within designated camp ground at all times unless accompanied by a parent. - Curfew:
• Campers must be in their tents by 10pm each evening.
• Quiet hours will begin at 10pm each night. Respect others’ need for rest and sleep. - Christian Values:
• Participate in daily devotionals, prayers, any scheduled activities or Bible studies.
• Show respect for the Christian beliefs of all campers and staff. Discuss faith and spirituality in a respectful, open-minded manner.
• Engage in positive, faith-driven activities designed to grow your relationship with God and others. - Behavior and Consequences:
• Disruptive, inappropriate, or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated and will result in consequences.
• Serious infractions will be addressed by camp leadership and may result in a camper being sent home. - Camp Activities:
• Participation in all scheduled activities is encouraged unless excused by a staff member for health reasons.
• Follow all rules and instructions for activities like hiking, swimming, team sports, and crafts.
• Respect all equipment and materials used in activities. - Phones and Electronics:
• Electronic devices (phones, tablets, etc.) are not allowed unless for emergency communication. Campers should leave devices in their tents unless given explicit permission by staff.
• Photography for personal use is permitted but must be done with respect for the privacy and dignity of others.
Dress Code: - General Guidelines:
• Campers must wear modest and appropriate clothing at all times.
• All clothing must be suitable for the outdoor activities and adhere to safety standards. - Daytime Wear:
• T-shirts or shirts with sleeves (no tank tops) and comfortable shorts, pants, or skorts. No skin tight clothes allowed.
• During Bible studies, campers should wear clean, neat, and modest clothing that is in line with the camp rules. No bathing suits or pajamas are to be worn during Bible studies.
• Modest swimwear is required for any swimming activity. All campers must wear a rashguard / t-shirt that is short sleeved or longer with shorts that are of modest length.
• Closed-toe shoes (preferably hiking shoes or sneakers) are required for most activities.
• During sports activities, closed toed shoes must be worn at all times for safety reasons.
• Hats or sunglasses for sun protection are recommended.
• Please bring your personal Bible for Bible studies. - Evening Wear:
• After hours, comfortable and modest sleepwear is required.
• Pajamas must be appropriate for a Christian camp environment. No low cut or revealing pajama shirts are allowed and all pajama pants must be of modest length. - Showers:
◦ Campers must be properly clothed when traveling to and from the showers. Please carry your towel and toiletries with you to and from the showers. Towel wraps around the body or partial clothing are not allowed. - Footwear:
• Campers should have two pairs of shoes: one for activities (closed- toe shoes) and one for relaxed time (sandals or flip-flops for showers or downtime).
• No flip-flops are allowed during active outdoor activities for safety reasons. - Spiritual Attire:
• Please bring one change of clothes appropriate for worship service on Sunday morning if you will be joining us for worship at the campgrounds.
Additional Rules:
- Respect for Nature:
• Leave no trace: Campers must respect the environment and minimize their impact on nature.
• Do not disturb wildlife. Observe animals from a distance and follow the instructions from the staff on handling nature interactions. - Cabin/Group Guidelines:
• Each camper is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and organization of their assigned sleeping area.
• Campers are not allowed into tents, cabins or sleeping areas that are not assigned to them.
Youth Buddy System Rules:
- Always Have a Buddy:
• Campers must always have a buddy with them, especially during activities like hiking, swimming, or walking around camp.
• No camper is allowed to go anywhere alone, whether to the restroom, the camp store, or to any activity area without their buddy.
• For any trip off-site, such as a nature walk or outing, campers must stay with their assigned buddy throughout the duration of the activity. Campers are not allowed to go anywhere without parental approval or approval from camp directors. - Assigning Buddies:
• At the beginning of camp, each camper will be assigned a buddy by camp staff.
• Campers are encouraged to work with their buddy throughout the camp experience, supporting each other in activities, meals, and during free time.
• Camp staff will periodically check to ensure that each camper is with their buddy. - Checking In:
• Before and after every activity, campers must check in with their buddy to ensure both are present and accounted for.
• Campers should inform a staff member if they lose track of their buddy or need assistance finding them. - In the Event of an Emergency:
• If a camper becomes separated from their buddy, they must immediately notify a staff member or another adult supervisor.
• Campers should never try to find their buddy on their own if they are separated. Instead, wait at a designated meeting point and report the situation to camp leaders.
• The buddy system applies during emergency drills, such as fire drills or evacuation procedures. Campers must locate their buddy and follow the instructions of camp staff. - Buddy System During Free Time:
• During free time, campers should stay with their buddy while engaging in activities like swimming, games, or exploring the camp.
• No camper should be found in isolated areas or near the camp boundaries without a buddy present. - Buddy Check During Campfire and Evening Activities:
• Before evening programs like campfires or devotional services, campers should do a buddy check to ensure everyone is with their assigned partner.
• During campfire or other group events, stay with your buddy. If you need to leave for any reason, make sure your buddy is informed and your buddy accompanies you. - Buddy System for Restroom and Showers:
• When going to the restroom or showers, campers must go with their buddy, especially after dark or in isolated areas. An adult should be with a camper after dark.
• Campers should never go to the bathroom alone at night. If a buddy is unavailable, notify a camp leader to find a suitable solution. - Lost and Found Protocol:
• If a camper loses something important (e.g., personal belongings), they should inform their buddy and report the loss to a staff member.
• Do not wander around camp looking for lost items alone. Instead, stay with your buddy and follow the proper lost-and-found procedure. - Check Buddy’s Well-Being:
• Each camper is encouraged to check in with their buddy regularly, especially if they notice any signs of distress or discomfort.
• If a camper notices that their buddy is not feeling well or is having difficulty with an activity, they should immediately notify a camp staff member/ parent.
Buddy System Rules for Adults:
- Adult Supervision and Accountability:
• Every adult leader or staff member must follow the Buddy System when supervising campers. No adult should be left alone with campers at any time, especially in secluded or private areas (e.g., cabins, bathrooms, or changing areas).
• Each adult leader must be paired with another adult leader or staff member to ensure constant supervision of campers and to provide mutual support. - Emergency Situations and Adult Buddy Protocol:
• In the event of an emergency (such as injury, illness, or a camper needing immediate attention), one adult leader should accompany the injured or unwell camper, while the other adult leader should report the situation to camp staff and seek immediate help.
• When conducting emergency drills, such as fire drills or evacuations, adults must pair up with another adult leader to ensure that everyone is accounted for and that both campers and staff follow proper procedures. Monitoring and Checking in with Campers:
• Adults must check in regularly with their buddy to ensure that all campers are safely participating in activities and that no one is unaccounted for.
• Adult leaders should never be alone in isolated or remote areas of camp with only a single camper or group of campers. Always pair up with another leader for extra supervision and accountability. - Buddy System During Off-Camp Activities:
• If adult leaders are escorting campers off-site for an activity (such as a field trip or hike), each adult must have a buddy to maintain constant communication and supervision.
• The buddy system also applies to off-camp transportation. Two adults must be in each vehicle when transporting campers to and from activities.
• Never drive with a camper alone in a vehicle unless you are their parent. - Communication and Visibility:
• Adult leaders must always stay within eyesight or earshot of their buddy while supervising campers, especially during high-risk activities such as swimming, boating, or archery.
• Leaders should carry walkie-talkies, phones, or other communication devices in case of emergencies or if there’s a need to communicate with other staff members. - Personal Boundaries:
• Adult leaders should respect the personal boundaries of all campers. Under no circumstances should an adult leader be alone with a camper in a private or closed space (e.g., one-on-one in a cabin or bathroom).
• The buddy system ensures that two adults are present for supervision in all areas where a camper could be in a vulnerable or private situation. - Cabin Inspections and Supervising Bedtimes:
• At bedtime, parents supervise tent activities and bedtime.
• Quite overnight is at 10PM. - Buddy System for Leadership and Communication:
• Adult leaders should hold regular check-ins with their buddy or co- leader to review daily schedules, camper behavior, and any safety concerns. This ensures that any issues are addressed before they escalate.
• Adults should not make major decisions (e.g., sending a camper home, adjusting a schedule) alone—these decisions should be made together with all directors. - Respecting Camper Privacy and Well-being:
• Adults should ensure that their buddy is aware of any concerns regarding the well-being of campers, including any behavioral or emotional issues that arise.
• If an adult notices anything unusual or concerning regarding a camper’s safety, health, or behavior, they should immediately consult with their buddy and report it to camp leadership for further action.