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DAY CAMPVOLUNTEER HANDBOOK

A program of Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, in partnership with your congregation.

DAY CAMP 2015

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Welcome to Day Camp 2015! You are a vital member of the Day Camp Leadership Team. This team consists of the Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (NLOM) staff, your congregation's Day Camp Church Liaison, designated church staff and all of the volunteers! A vital element of the Day Camp ministry is the collaboration between NLOM and each congregation, including volunteer leaders. Please know how important you are to this program, how glad we are to have you along for the ride and how much we expect you to be active participants in all parts of the Day Camp program!

As a program volunteer, we’ll assign you to a specific Village which will be your group for the week. As a member of this community, we may need your assistance with creative arts projects, games, crowd control, check-in and dismissal at the end of the day. We may also need you to jump in to lead prayers, small group discussions, games and other activities. Your cooperating counselor will be sure to ask when they need help, but if you see an area where you can help, please do so! And remember on-going communication between the NLOM staff and volunteers will be essential to making the week run smoothly.

When the campers arrive on Monday morning we will hit the ground running! Between songs, creative arts, Bible study, games and the service project there will be plenty to take in and learn. Because we understand how overwhelming this can be, we want to make sure you are comfortable with your role prior to the week of Day Camp. The following pages serve that purpose. You will find important camp rules and standards for working with campers, along with other useful information. Please take the time to read through the manual prior to the Day Camp session.

We can’t stress enough how much we appreciate you and all that you do. We hope that you're excited for our fun week of camp! Reading your volunteer manual will prepare you for the exciting times to come as we grow, learn and worship together at Day Camp.

Thanks for joining us on the journey!

Grace & Peace,

Day Camp Volunteer,

Kelsey EllisNLOM Director/Programs

NEBRASKA LUTHERAN OUTDOOR MINISTRIES DAY CAMP 2015

DAY CAMP 2015

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Day Camp has proven to be an effective way for congregations to reach into the community, serving both members and neighbors with creative summer programming. The NLOM staff team combined with a team of volunteers from the local congregation form an incredible Christian education team.

The purpose of Day Camp is to help campers relate to God’s created world, to meet Jesus as a friend and to learn that Jesus loves them. Games, songs, team-building activities (Co-Op), a cookout, worship, Bible study, devotions, service projects and creative arts projects are all tools that we use to help elementary aged campers grow in their faith. The program runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. Evenings provide an opportunity for outreach with other congregational groups, the community and host families.

The strength of the Day Camp program is the camp staff who bring enthusiasm, energy and solid programming to the congregation. Volunteers bring their expertise, knowledge of the local church and the community plus enable an on-going relationship with the campers long after the NLOM staff have left town.

Day Camp is a way to introduce camp and often serves campers that might not be able to come to residence camp. It provides a strong summer enrichment program for congregations, introduces Jesus to campers in a new, high energy way and offers campers an opportunity to work with strong Christian role models.

The program works - it’s fun, it’s education, it’s Christ-centered and it’s outreach.

What is Day Camp?

Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity.

– I Timothy 4:12The Message

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Outdoor Ministries of the ELCA serves as one expression of the church. We are committed to affirm and experience our interrelationship with all of God’s creation in an intentional Christian community. Outdoor Ministries encourages spiritual growth for the whole person by providing encounters with the Scriptures, experience and care of the environment, witness of staff and opportunities for worship, recreation and development of relationships. In partnering with congregations, Outdoor Ministries encourages and enables people of all ages and needs to live lives of service and witness.NLOM provides opportunities for Christian faith formation through the building of skills and relationships in temporary Christiancommunities established in camp, conference and retreatsettings.Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries’ Day Camp program is a unique blend of outdoor and congregational ministries that focuses on providing spiritual growth opportunities for elementary age youth. Day camp is a fun experiential relationship-driven program that combines outreach, Christian education and positive role modeling. Small GroupsWe believe people relate best in small groups. We strive to maintain a one to eight, adult-to-camper ratio. We operate using a decentralized approach, meaning the total group is broken into smaller groups called Villages for daily activities. We strive to provide campers with an array of decision-making opportunities through a hands-on learning environment.Outdoor LivingWe spend as much time as possible outdoors. We are stewards of God's creation. We encourage everyone to practice preservation and conservation of natural resources.Health and SafetyOur number one concern is the health and safety of the whole camp. We require health history information for all campers, staff and volunteers. Our entire staff is trained to be safety conscious.NLOM, following the standards of the American CampAssociation, has established a ratio of one adult to every eight campers in the Day Camp program. Ratios for special needs campers will be determined on an individual basis followingconversation with the parent/guardian or agency staffrepresenting the camper as well as the evaluation of the Health History form.

Our Philosophy, cont.

Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and be humble."

1 Peter 3:8

NLOM Approach

Providing a healthy and comfortable camping experience is an obligation of each staff member and volunteer. This means each and every camper should feel welcomed, accepted, protected, cared for, appreciated and a part of the community.

• Every member of the camp community is a valuable and unique creation of God.

• Leaders will speak with and listen to campers in a manner that reflects respect for individuals.

• Campers and staff will be called by name. Learning each others’ names will be a priority for each member of the camp community. Staff members will plan activities to achieve this goal.

• No camper or staff member will be exposed to inappropriate language, stories, jokes or gestures.

• Staff will help campers recognize stereotypes and promote understanding and communication between genders and culturally diverse people.

• Staff will role model and encourage the recognition of and acceptance of our diverse community. Inclusive language will be used in Bible study, worship and all other program activities.

• “Put-downs” will not be tolerated. A “put-down” will be countered with two “put-ups.” Put-ups are based on character traits and not on external or material attributes – “You have a cool shirt” is not a put-up, while “I really like the way you always give good answers in Bible study” is a great put-up!

• We encourage campers to stay with their Village as much as possible. A camper will not be isolated from the group as a form of punishment or on their own accord. Changing Villages is also not permitted. The Villages are created intentionally to foster community amongst all members.

• NLOM adheres to a zero tolerance policy related to illegal possession of weapons, alcohol or drugs.

• No camper or staff member will be harassed, ridiculed or forced to perform inappropriate or unnecessary physical tasks.

• Threats are not an appropriate way to deal with behavior problems and will not be used by the staff of NLOM.

• Corporal punishment is forbidden.

Our Philosophy

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You have been called to be a leader and a mentor. Here are a few basic principles that may help you in your leadership role this week at Day Camp.

Have fun. Join the fun and let your fun side shine!

Be sincere. Campers know if you care and they know if you’re playing favorites. Are you having fun at the expense of someone else? Are you listening for the real message? What are they really telling you? What are they really asking? Ask questions in return and help them find the answers they’re seeking.

Be fair. Young people have a keen sense of fair play. Be consistent and work at affirming each camper. Don’t have favorites.

Be careful. Do not hold hands with campers, give piggy back rides or have campers sit in your lap. These actions inherently reinforce favorites amongst the group. Not only does thisfavoritism hurt camper feelings, it can also lead to problems when one leader and child become too intimately connected and results in risk management issues for NLOM and the congregation.

Be involved. Take an active interest in each camper. Listen and support.

You are the adult. You are the camper’s “counselor” and friend but you’re not their peer. You must remain the adult while playing at the camper’s level. Keep your cool and refrain from shouting or harsh language. State your expectations clearly. Give campers a chance to get to know you and as you take your time getting to know and understand each one of them.

Lead by example. Don’t just tell the campers how to do something, give yourself a job that allows you to role model and, at the same time, supervise the project.

Watch what you say. Choose your words carefully. Some slang words commonly used are not acceptable at camp. Swearing is never appropriate and when you hear it you need to call the person on it. Ignoring it means it is okay, and it is not okay. Using the Lord’s name in vain is violating one of the Ten Commandments so the only time we should hear “Oh, God” is when someone is talking to God.

Leadership Roles at Day Camp

Often the deepest relationships can be developed during the simplest activities.

– Gary Smalley

Dress as a role model. Remember to dress prepared for activity all day long. You are a role model and this includes what you wear! Women - halter tops, spaghetti straps and low cut shirts are inappropriate attire. Men – shirts should be worn at all times. T-shirts promoting drugs, alcohol or sporting profanity are not allowed.

Sharing your faith. Campers do not need to know the intimate details of your life but they do need to hear why you believe in God and what it means to you to be a Christian. Remember, you have a lot of power. Use that power in a positive way bysharing your story and the story of Jesus Christ. Be a Christian role model and teacher.

Living in community. In a world where busy lives and growing technology keeps us moving away from tight knit communities, camp is all about community. Christ was always working in the community. The commandment to “love your neighbor asyourself” is a reminder to reach out and serve others. Beingin community means sharing, caring, giving and taking, talking it out and protecting. It is the job of every one of us to make thecommunity work for the sake of the camper and for ourselves.

God is in charge. Leaders are stewards of God’s purposes and resources in human lives and history. Too often we act as if we are the owners. We do not work miracles for God. God does them for us. Unless you allow God to work through you the job will be impossible. Unless you listen to the cues the Holy Spirit whispers you will find yourself foolishly standing on the stage not knowing what to do or how to do it. Check out Romans 8:28.

Leadership Roles at Day Camp, cont.

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Public Facility UseUsing public facilities requires additional safety rules. Staff and volunteers should follow the following procedures whenever using public facilities.

• Staff will establish boundaries and rules with the campers before proceeding to the park or other public facilities. Be sure campers understand expectations and the importance of following safety rules.

• Campers will never be left unsupervised and will not be allowed to leave the immediate campsite alone. • Playground equipment is off limits due to the high risk of accidents on playground equipment.• An NLOM staff member or Day Camp volunteer will

accompany any camper to public restrooms. The adult will check facilities before the camper enters and then wait next to the door until the camper comes out of the restrooms.

• Care should be taken to be polite to strangers but campers, staff and volunteers should be warned not to engage in extensive conversation with an unknown person. Campers should not share names or give personal information to any stranger. Campers should inform staff immediately if they are approached by a stranger.

• Camper counts will be taken every 15 minutes, before and after moving from one area to another. Counts should be taken more often if in an area involving crowds or nuisances and other distractions.

• When in a large crowd campers should wear something that will help staff quickly identify members of the group.

• Use the buddy system and teach campers why it is used.• Establish a meeting place if the group gets separated. Tell

campers what to do in case they get lost. A minimum of two staff (or adult volunteers) will be with the group using public facilities.

• At least one person must be First Aid and CPR certified (all NLOM summer staff are First Aid/CPR certified). A First Aid kit will accompany the group.

• Keep belongings with the group or have someone stay to monitor the belongings.

• When in a stationary area, like a park, staff should spread out within the group remaining visible, accessible and attentive to the needs of campers.

1. Stay Calm. Getting upset only makes it harder to make decisions. 2. Follow standard First Aid procedures and Universal Precautions. 3. Remove other campers from the emergency location. 4. The decision to call for emergency services will be made by the NLOM Day Camp Site Leader and/or Day Camp Church Liason. - Explain to the Dispatcher who you are, where you are and what you need. - Do not hang up until told to do so by the Dispatcher. - Notify the church that you have called 911and they should send someone to meet emergency vehicles. - Escort emergency personnel to the emergency location. - Have someone keep unauthorized persons out of the area. 5. Counselors will stay with their campers. 6. Note all actions, information on the conditions as they existed prior to the incident and any comments made by campers or staff related to the accident. 7. Notify the NLOM office of the situation within two hours of the incident. 8. The Director/Programs will determine the next step. (The NLOM Staff will take care of steps 6 to 8)

General Emergency Procedures for Day Camp

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We are children only once, but we can keep the child in us forever.

– Brock Tully

The New Testament makes clear that as Christians we continue in a covenant relationship with God and the whole community of faith. We must live just and generous lives, following the great commandment set forth by Jesus Christ. Jesus plainly taught that children were to be included and provided for within the community of faith. (See Luke 18:15-17 and Matthew 18:5-6.) Throughout the history of the Christian church, children have been included in worship and ministry of the community of faith. Today, the church may be the only place where some children find the unconditional love and care they so desperately need to grow, to thrive and to become faithful people. As Christians, we must take our responsibilities to our children very seriously, always attending to their spiritual growth and nurturing.

Safe Sanctuaries - Joy Thornburg Melton

The Eight Building BlocksThe Eight Building Blocks have become a key part of the NLOM camp program and are woven into all aspects of our camp programming. Listed here are the Eight Building Blocks of Search Institute and a scattering of camp activities or focuses that fit in each category. You can see the important role camp can play in the life of a young person.

SupportExperiencing people and places that are accepting and loving• Being called by name• Being included and welcomed as part of the community• Recognizing each camper is a unique Child of God• Camp is a safe place• Staff pray for the campers

EmpowermentKnowing they are valued and valuable• Asked to help with worship• Campers are able to test their skills as leaders• We listen to campers and invite them to share their gifts

Boundaries and ExpectationsUnderstanding the limits and the possibilities• Expectations and rules laid out upon arrival at camp• Emergency plans are in place so campers are protected and

we can provide a safe environment• Rules enforced fairly• Age appropriate activities and progressive programming• Role modeling by staff and volunteers

The Campers!

Constructive Use of TimeBeing involved in enriching and structuring activities• A portion of the day is planned by campers and packed with

activities• There is no such thing as free time or “hang time” - we have

too much to do!• Staff equipped with a “Plan B” in case of rain or necessary

program changes• Staff are prepared, have supplies and are ready to lead

Commitment to LearningBelieving that education is important and engaging• Daily Bible Study• Campers and staff encouraged to ask questions and learn

from each other• It’s okay to try new things• We take advantage of teachable moments

Positive ValuesCaring for others and holding high standards for self• Co-Op activities focus on team work and everyone being an

important part of the group• "Everyone has something to offer" is not just a saying but reality• Staff role model positive Christian values• Everyone encouraged to walk the walk and talk the talk

Social CompetenciesDeveloping skills and relationships for life• Campers serving• Campers encouraged to try new things and take healthy risk

Positive IdentityBelieving in their personal power, purpose and potential• Being called and empowered to serve in the name of the Lord• Campers are reminded daily they are a Child of God - loved

and forgiven• Recognition of gifts and encouraged to use those gifts• Friday’s message is a “go forth” message - you are empowered

Taken from All kids Are Our Kids - Peter L. Benson

The Campers, cont.

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When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

– Mark 10:14

WARNING: abilities may vary widely from camper to camper

First and Second Grade• Learns by doing• Often holds legalistic convictions• Wants to belong and please• Has begun to read and write• More proficient with scissors and glue• Increased attention span• Needs and likes to move• Better able to share• Beginning to understand cause and effect relationships• Dependent on family but more easily influenced by

outside opinions• Holds concrete images of God• Undeveloped abilities to reflect on the spiritual meaning of

Bible stories

Third and Fourth Grade• Can distinguish between fact and fantasy • May read and write well• Enjoys working on projects alone or with others• Can be verbally hostile• Able to accept responsibility for own actions• Physically energetic• Tends of think of God in human terms• May still confuse God and Jesus• More conscious of status symbols such as clothes,

electronic devices, homes• Likes learning facts• Has definite ideas about right and wrong

Fifth and Sixth Grade• Often curious about the opposite sex • May begin adolescent development• Needs parent but wants independence• Doesn’t like to be called a child• Can be very moody• Likes making own decisions• Moving from concrete to abstract thinking• Faces a lot of peer pressure• More aware of self, others and the world• Not satisfied with simple answers• Needs challenging activities• Strong desire to belong• Describes God in human terms• Clings to faith attitudes of parents

“Common Traits” permission granted to use. Nurturing Faith through the Stages of Life, Augsburg Fortress 1998

Age Characteristics Age Characteristics cont.

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Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many.

-1 Corinthians 12:14

Overview Of the week

Full Week Session:Sunday • NLOM Staff depart from Carol Joy Holling, Ashland • Arrive at the church approximately 5:30 p.m. • NLOM staff calls CJH to report arrival on site • Meet with Day Camp Church Liaison for tour of facilities • Supper with Church Liaison or as arranged • Review forms and make assignments • Volunteer Training • Finish unpacking supplies and prepare for Monday morning • NLOM Staff to Host Homes

Monday - NLOM staff will arrive by 8:00am. • Volunteer Training/Leadership Team meeting at 8:30 a.m. • Site ready for campers at 8:45 and Leadership Team at assigned stations • Day I begins 9 a.m. — departure 3 p.m. • Leadership Team meeting 3 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. • Clean on-site, next day preparations for NLOM staff • Evening — NLOM staff with host families

Tuesday • Leadership Team meeting at 8:30 a.m. • Site ready for campers at 8:45 and Leadership Team at assigned stations • Day II begin 9 a.m., Departure 3 p.m. • Leadership Team meeting 3 – 3:30 p.m. • Clean on-site, next day preparations for NLOM staff • Evening — NLOM staff meeting for supper and Bible study Will return to host homes by 10 p.m.

Wednesday • Leadership Team meeting at 8:30 a.m. • Site ready for campers at 8:45 and Leadership Team at assigned stations • Day III begins 9:00 — departure 3:00 • Leadership Team meeting 3:00 – 3:30 • Clean on-site, next day preparations for NLOM staff • Evening — NLOM Staff team available for activity with congregation

Thursday • Leadership Team meeting at 8:30 a.m. • Site ready for campers at 8:45 and Leadership Team at assigned stations • Day IV begins 9:00 • Cookout Day • Day IV departure 3:00 • Leadership Team meeting 3:00 – 3:30 • Clean on-site, next day preparations for NLOM staff • Evening - Intergenerational Outreach Event- see evening program flier.Friday • Leadership Team meeting at 8:30 a.m. • Site ready for campers at 8:45 and Leadership Team at assigned stations • Day V begins 9 a.m. • Lunch with families and closing program at 12 noon • Camper departure at 1 p.m. • Leadership Team meeting for evaluation and thank you notes • Evaluation session with Church Liaison and NLOM Site Leader • Closing NLOM Staff Meeting on Site • NLOM staff pack supplies, clean up and depart for CJH

The four-day short session will follow the same schedule Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday will follow the Thursday schedule and Thursday will follow the Friday schedule. Staff are available for evening program either Tuesday or Wednesday.

Overview Of the week cont.

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Quick reminders

NEBRASKA LUTHERAN OUTDOOR MINISTRIES27416 RANCH ROAD, ASHLAND NE, 68003

402-944-2455 • www.nlom.org

• Bring a sack lunch everyday except Thursday.• Volunteer Training - Sunday, 6 p.m.• Dress for the weather. No sandals• Be at the church by 8:30 a.m. and plan to stay until 3:30 p.m. for the Leadership Team meeting• Day Camp is for those in grades 1-6 (2014-2015 school year)