summer staff handbook 2021 - shamineau
TRANSCRIPT
Summer Staff Handbook
2021 ble of
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Contents
Welcome .................................................................... 3
Ministry vs. Job ........................................................... 4
What to Bring .............................................................. 5
Statement of Faith ....................................................... 6
The Big Picture ............................................................ 7
Summer Camp Mission Statement .............................. 8
Summer Procedures ................................................. 9
Part I .......................................................................... 10
Part II ......................................................................... 16
Health and Safety Standards .................................. 21
Homesickness ........................................................... 21
Health and Safety Issues .......................................... 21
Dates and Schedules .............................................. 22
Daily Schedule .......................................................... 22
Spiritual Health ........................................................ 23
Welcome
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Welcome to Shamineau!
Dear Summer Staff Member:
Welcome to Shamineau! We are thrilled with the staff the Lord has assembled for this summer and excited that you will be a part of it!
Working and living with over 300 people in a community environment presents most of us with new and unique challenges. It requires commitment, understanding, a servant’s heart and sacrifice. On the flip side, communities like Shamineau also provide opportunities for growth, security and lifelong friendships. Community living, with its trials and blessings, is coming your way soon. This handbook was designed to help you make the transition.
Please read this handbook carefully and realize that you will be responsible for all the information contained in it. It is our desire that camp not be a place of do’s and don’ts, but rather a place where flexibility and personal commitment are exhibited in order to benefit the camp body as a whole.
In light of these factors, we hope all of camp’s policies make sense to you and that you will be able to join us in maintaining the Shamineau community. We will take time during staff training sessions to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Please remember to bring this handbook with you to camp as we will be adding to it throughout the summer.
We are excited about the summer. God has already blessed us with many registered campers and top notch, quality staff members. We anticipate this summer will be one of fun, excitement, growth and quality ministry. We can’t wait for you to get here and to see what the Lord has in store for us!
See you soon!
Shamineau Program Staff
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a MINISTRY vs. a JOB
Summer staff need to have a clear understanding of what it means to work at Camp Shamineau for the
summer. Camp is a ministry, not simply an 8 to 5 job, where you put in your time and then you’re done.
Ministry calls for an attitude of service. All staff should continually be watching for ways they can be of service
to campers as well as other staff members. Please remember that as you work, you are filling a role in reaching
lives for eternity.
A job is at your choice;
A ministry is at Christ’s call.
In a job you expect to receive;
In a ministry you expect to give.
In a job you give something to get something.
In a ministry you return something that has already been given.
A job depends on your abilities;
A ministry depends on your availability to God.
A job done well brings you praise;
A ministry done well brings honor to Christ.
-James N. Spurgeon
Remember....
We have been called together for ministry here at Shamineau. Our primary focus is to share the good news of the glory of Christ with everyone we come in contact with. This is accomplished through both our words and our actions as we interact with all who come to Shamineau.
MINISTRY is more than a job!
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What to Bring To Camp
THINGS TO BRING....
* work clothes (clothes that can get dirty)
* casual, everyday clothes
* dress clothes (at least 1 set for church and special occasions)
* rain gear
* jackets (light and warm)
* hiking gear (long pants, long socks, sturdy shoes)
* one-piece, modest swimsuit or tankini (no midriff showing) and towel
* theme-related decorations and/or costumes
* sleeping bag or sheets, blankets and pillows
* towels and washcloths
* personal items
* watch, alarm clock
* flashlight
* hat and sunglasses
* camera
* small bucket to keep toiletries in
* insect repellent
* devotional materials (for yourself and campers)
* Bible, notebooks and pens
* fan
THINGS NOT TO BRING...
* Pets
* Fireworks
* TVs, DVD players
* Video games
* Knives, guns or other weapons
* Phones/MP3 players/ipods
* Computers
* Vapes, juuls, e-cigarettes
* Drones
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Our Statement of Faith
Our statement of faith is from the Evangelical Free Church of America. The Evangelical Free Church of America is an association of autonomous churches united around these theological convictions: God 1. We believe in one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new for His own glory.
The Bible 2. We believe that God has spoken in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, through the words of human authors. As the verbally inspired Word of God, the Bible is without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for salvation, and the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires, and trusted in all that it promises.
The Human Condition 3. We believe that God created Adam and Eve in His image, but they sinned when tempted by Satan. In union with Adam, human beings are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God, and under His wrath. Only through God’s saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled and renewed.
Jesus Christ 4. We believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, one Person in two natures. Jesus-Israel’s promised Messiah-was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate.
The Work of Christ 5. We believe that Jesus Christ, as our representative and substitute, shed His blood on the cross as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for salvation.
The Holy Spirit 6. We believe that the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and in Him they are baptized into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God. He also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.
The Church 7. We believe that the true church comprises all who have been justified by God’s grace through faith alone in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. The true church is manifest in local churches, whose membership should be composed only of believers. The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer.
Christian Living 8. We believe that God’s justifying grace must not be separated from His sanctifying power and purpose. God commands us to love Him supremely and others sacrificially, and to live out our faith with care for one another, compassion toward the poor and justice for the oppressed. With God’s Word, the Spirit’s power, and fervent prayer in Christ’s name, we are to combat the spiritual forces of evil. In obedience to Christ’s commission, we are to make disciples among all people, always bearing witness to the gospel in word and deed.
Christ’s Return 9. We believe in the personal, bodily and premillennial return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The coming of Christ, at a time known only to God, demands constant expectancy and, as our blessed hope, motivates the believer to godly living, sacrificial service and energetic mission.
Response and Eternal Destiny 10. We believe that God commands everyone everywhere to believe the gospel by turning to Him in repentance and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that God will raise the dead bodily and judge the world, assigning the unbeliever to condemnation and eternal conscious punishment and the believer to eternal blessedness and joy with the Lord in the new heaven and the new earth, to the praise of His glorious grace. Amen.
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The Big Picture
MISSION STATEMENT OF SHAMINEAU MINISTRIES To create relevant camping experiences for children and youth for the purpose: Sharing the Gospel of Christ Encouraging growth in Christ Providing training for the Christian leaders of tomorrow
BELIEFS
We believe that everyone is uniquely created by God and is valuable. We believe that God loves everyone and desires that no one should perish, but come to a saving knowledge of Him. We believe that Christians are charged to reach out to the lost in Christ and tell them of His love and way of salvation, thus fulfilling the “great commission” as directed in Matthew 28:18-20. We believe that the investment of our time, camp facilities and money is best used for the purpose of reaching youth for eternity. We believe that camp is one of God’s tools for drawing youth to Himself and that it has eternal value. We believe that Camp Shamineau is uniquely situated to reach the lost youth of Minnesota in a way that is non-threatening, attracts people of all levels of spiritual interest, and offers God’s unconditional love and acceptance in a non-traditional Christian environment. We cannot be all things to all people, but we believe that ministering to youth can make a difference in the world. All departments are interdependent to see that our campers needs are met or exceeded. We believe that our commitment to the Gospel is in contrast to the world view, and it is the only place where some youth will hear the Gospel message. We believe that God can be present in all aspects of the camp experience and that all staff are counselors. We believe that Camp Shamineau is suited for the training of future Christian workers. We believe the counselors (that’s everyone) of today are learning skills that will make them effective Christian leaders of tomorrow. We value open, honest communication and seek to hire only growing disciples of Christ to serve as role model to our campers and train to serve Christ in the future. Every person will have an opportunity to be exposed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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Camp Shamineau Summer Mission Statement
It is our mission to remove campers from the distractions of everyday life and place them in an environment where, by the power of the Holy Spirit, they will return home as changed people.
Specifically, we want each camper to leave camp with:
1. A clear and accurate understanding of who God is.
2. A new or renewed commitment to Jesus Christ.
3. Knowledge, skills, resources and relationships that will help the camper stand by their commitments, understand God’s purpose and standards for living, as well as their place in Christ’s kingdom.
4. Memories of unique, exciting, wholesome fun experiences apart from what the world teaches is necessary.
**During staff training each staff member is required to memorize and discuss this mission statement with his/her supervisor. We suggest that you think about this mission statement before arriving for staff training.
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Summer Procedures
The following summer staff procedures were designed to help our staff work and live together in an effective, Christ-like way. They are also helpful to us as we build staff unity and are good examples for those we serve. PART I ...................................................................... 10
Conduct/Appearance.................................................................... 10
Time Off/Curfew ........................................................................... 11
Sunday Check-In .......................................................................... 11
Friday Check-Out ......................................................................... 11
Staff Housing ................................................................................ 12
Visitors.......................................................................................... 12
Telephones................................................................................... 12
Computers .................................................................................... 13
Vehicles ........................................................................................ 13
Meetings ....................................................................................... 13
Insurance...................................................................................... 13
Payment of Wages ....................................................................... 13
Kitchen Policy ............................................................................... 14
Staff Discipline.............................................................................. 14
Dating/PDA................................................................................... 14
Laundry Facilities ......................................................................... 15
Snack Shop and Gift Shop ........................................................... 15
Mail ............................................................................................... 15
PART II ..................................................................... 16
Waterfront Procedures ................................................................. 16
Adventure Procedures ……………………………………….………18
Ranch Procedures ……………………………………………………18
Emergency Procedures ................................................................ 18
Disaster Plans .............................................................................. 19
Health and Safety Standards ....................................................... 21
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Part 1CONDUCT/APPEARANCE
1. Christian standards of conduct are expected of all staff at all times.
2. Staff are strictly prohibited from using alcohol, tobacco and non-prescription drugs. This includes all forms of vapes, juuls and e-ciggarettes. Staff are also prohibited from having fireworks or indecent magazines in their possession and from any sexual activity outside of marriage.
3. Staff are not to wear any item of clothing with an indecent/inappropriate message on it or any advertisement for alcohol or tobacco companies.
4. Modesty in dress is expected of all camp staff. Shirts with spaghetti straps, midriff baring, leggings or other tight or revealing clothing, as well as binkini swimming suits are not allowed. Tankinis are ok, as long as they are not midriff baring.
5. Hair coloring must be restricted to natural colors, and no unnaturally dyed hair will be permitted. (i.e. no blue, purple, green, etc.)
6. A staff person with any form of body piercing, excluding ear piercing, must remove such rings or studs for the duration of the camper period.
7. Shoes must be worn at all times on camp.
8. Cover-ups or T-shirt and shorts must be worn over swimwear whenever not at the beach.
9. Staff shirts must be worn during each camps’ registration (Sundays) and during camper check-out (Fridays).
10. Biblical discretion must be used in theater attendance. Movies are not allowed on camp grounds without permission from the Director of Programs or Assistant Program Director during the camper week, and they must be rated G or less to be approved.
11. Interpersonal relationships are to be kept consistent with spiritual admonitions while at camp: John 15:12 “Love one another as I have loved you...,” Colossians 3:1-2 “Set your affection on things above...,” Galatians 6:2 “Bear one another's burdens...,”and Ephesians 6:18 “Praying always with supplication for all saints...”
12. Staff will always treat each other with respect and courtesy. Staff must model interaction that is encouraging and uplifting for campers and guests.
13. Staff must treat camp’s property and possessions, including all buildings and recreational equipment, with care and respect.
14. 100% involvement is expected from all staff at all camp programmed activities unless excused by the nurse or the Director of Programs.
15. Sexual harassment, in any form (physical, verbal, implied or overt) will not be tolerated. Victims of such harassment may report any such behavior to his/her supervisor or the Director of Programs. Accused violators will be suspended with pay until a full investigation is completed. Offenders will be immediately dismissed.
16. All staff over the age of 16 and volunteers are required to complete Ministry Safe's Sexual Abuse Awareness Training before arrival at Camp.
17. As a member of the Shamineau Ministries (Camp Shamineau & Rock Ridge Camp) staff, you are required to be in agreement with the EFCA statement of faith and abide by additional lifestyle standards (these statements are elsewhere in your packet). As such, Shamineau Ministries recognizes that a homosexual lifestyle is contrary to scripture.
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TIME OFF/CURFEW
1. When staff have a weekend off, they will have from 5:00pm on Fridays to 2:00pm on Sundays off. Program staff will have from 5:00 pm on Fridays to 1:00 pm on Sundays off.
** Note schedule changes on your staff contract
2. Because of the nature of their jobs, support staff is not necessarily with campers at all times. This should not be viewed as “time off” or “free time.” Support staff will be assigned responsibilities as cabin friends and in other areas and are required to attend evening Chapel. Cabin friends assist in devotions and interact with the campers at meals, in Chapel, and during other recreation times.
3. It is imperative that staff maintain their energy and health. Sickness can run quickly through a camp staff and leave it ineffective. To ensure proper rest, a curfew of 11:00 pm is enforced for all staff.
4. Staff are not permitted off camp grounds for any reason during the camper week, unless given permission by the Program Director or his/her department head.
5. Staff under the age of 18 may not leave the camp grounds during the week or weekends unless it is a Camp sponsored event.
6. Staff must sign out whenever they leave the camp grounds. This is true for any time for the day and for weekends. No staff shall ever leave the camp grounds with a camper without the permission of the Program Director or his/her full time staff department head.
7. During weekends, there will be several options to leave site in a “Camp sponsored” vehicle. Those under 18 may not leave unless it is during those times. Those 18 and over may choose to drive their own vehicle during approved times, with only passengers 18 and over.
SUNDAY CHECK-IN
1. All staff are required to attend the 2:00pm Sunday meeting. Program staff are required to attend the 1:00pm program meeting as well.
2. All staff should check the posted cabin lists for any updates before the meeting begins. They will receive their cabin packets with schedules, camper lists and weekly information at the 2:00 meeting.
3. The 2:00 meeting will be held in Oak Hollow and will begin ON TIME. At the beginning of the meeting “attendance” will be taken. If you arrive late you must check in with your supervisor.
4. By the time the 2:00pm meeting begins, staff are expected to be ready for campers: moved into their cabins, unpacked and wearing their staff shirts.
FRIDAY CHECK-OUT
1. Staff are required to attend the Friday staff meeting.
2. Each staff member must stop by the Program Office every Friday afternoon. All forms from the preceding week are due at this time. This includes all evaluations, postcards, cabin friend forms, support staff forms, etc... The forms must be completed before you are permitted to leave for the weekend.
3. When staff members leave the camp grounds for the weekend, they must sign out on their “check-out” sheet. These sheets are located in outside Program Office and will be available each Friday afternoon.
4. All staff are expected to leave for any weekends they have off. Any staff with special circumstances that wish to remain at camp for the weekend must receive permission from the Director of Programs or his/her full time staff department head.
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STAFF HOUSING
1. With the exception of cabin friends and during the check-in process, no one is allowed to enter a cabin inhabited by the opposite sex, including staff cabins.
2. Food and beverages may be brought into the cabins, but may not be stored in the cabins except in unopened, or sealed containers. This is to avoid attracting insects and rodents.
3. Staff members will share equally in the responsibility of keeping their housing areas clean and in order. A periodic inspection of each housing area will be made. Pay checks will be held until a cabin area is clean.
4. Lights out and quiet time follow the evening devotion time. The exact time for lights-out will be announced each evening during chapel by the Summer Program Directors. Staff members not staying in cabins with campers will have a curfew 30 minutes after camper curfew.
5. Cabin clean up time for campers each morning is to be seen as mandatory. Staff in cabins must make sure that bunks are made, trash is picked up in and around the cabin and the living area is generally in order.
6. If you have a maintenance problem with your cabin, you may pick up a “Maintenance request” slip from the Front Office. These slips allow you to write down the problems, request action, and give the tasks priority ratings. Slips should be filled out for anything that requires outside assistance or materials. For example, if a window breaks, you need a lightbulb, the door is broken, etc... Once you have completed the slip, return it to the Front Office. If you have a situation that requires immediate attention, you should find a member of the maintenance staff, or call/go to the office.
7. The common area in Thorwall is for Thorwall residents. Residents are allowed to bring FEMALE guests into Thorwall. No males are allowed in Thorwall. There will also be no females in male staff housing.
VISITORS
1. Staff are prohibited from having visitors while camp is in session unless permission is obtained from the Director of Programs or your full-time staff department head.
2. All visitors must register in the camp office and pay for any meal they will be eating. They will be given a wristband that identifies them as a visitor. They must wear this wristband as long as they are on camp grounds.
3. Visitors must obey the same rules as staff, and must not interfere with your duties.
4. Camp is a large place where unregistered guests could come on the grounds. You must approach and introduce yourself to someone who appears out of place. You may be of help in directing them to the person they are looking for, or help detect an unauthorized guest.
TELEPHONES/CELLULAR PHONES
1. All desk phones are for camp business only, including all phones in the program offices.
2. If staff members need to make a phone call they can come to the Program Office, receive permission from a program staff member and make the call from the Program Office.
3. The office phones will be answered until 4:30pm each day. After 4:30pm messages can be left or the emergency phone number can be called. This phone number is for emergencies only and will be answered 24 hours a day.
4. Cell phones will be collected by the Director of Programs at the beginning of every week. Staff members may go to the program office and use their cell phones to make calls during their designated time off.
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COMPUTERS
1. Computers are located in the Program Office. These computers are for use for camp business only. You must obtain permission from a program staff member to use these computers.
2. Use of the internet, computer games, snapchat, facebook, Instagram, any form of social media and email is expected to be done on weekends away from camp. Special needs will be considered by the Director of Programs and permission may be granted in certain circumstances.
3. Staff in cabins are not allowed to bring their own computers to camp. All other computers, tablets, and e-readers must be checked into the Program Office. Use of these items will be regulated under the same policy as cell phone use.
VEHICLES
1. No staff may drive any camp vehicle without the permission of the Director of Programs or department head.
2. Any accident involving injury to property or persons must be reported to the camp administration immediately.
3. All cars will be kept parked during the week in the assigned parking areas.
4. Personal vehicles are not to be driven on the grounds during the week.
5. Campers are NOT allowed to ride in camp vehicles or staff members’ cars.
6. There will be NO loaning of cars.
MEETINGS
1. All support staff are required to attend the following meetings:
Sunday opening meeting at 2:00 pm
Morning staff devotions
Nightly Chapel
Friday afternoon closing meeting
2. If there is a meeting that you cannot attend, you must clear it with your direct supervisor and the Director of Programs.
INSURANCE
1. Shamineau carries secondary medical coverage. This means that any medical bills resulting from injury to a camper or staff must first be submitted to the patient's health carrier.
2. Camp insurance does not cover sickness for staff.
3. Prescriptions are covered by the patient.
4. Camp does carry workmen’s compensation for work related injuries.
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PAYMENT OF WAGES
1. All staff are paid on a weekly basis.
a. Social Security taxes are withheld from all wages.
b. Income tax is withheld from those who qualify.
c. W2 forms are sent to those who need them at the end of the year.
2. Each SMT/SMW/SMA member will receive an allowance paid at the end of each week.
3. SWAT team members do not receive payment or an allowance.
KITCHEN POLICY
1. Most staff eat at regular meal times with guests. During certain weeks there may be a need for staff to eat after the campers have finished or to eat in a different location.
2. Kitchen equipment and dishes are not to be taken out of the kitchen.
3. State laws require that only kitchen personnel be allowed in the kitchen.
4. Any food should not be eaten or taken from the kitchen, without permission from a full-time kitchen staff member. Also, kitchen utensils, bowls, dishes, etc. may not be taken from the kitchen without permission from a full-time kitchen staff member.
STAFF DISCIPLINE
1. Should it become necessary to deal with inappropriate behavior of a staff member, great care will be given to be Biblical and fair. The following steps will be taken:
If an inappropriate action is observed, the staff member will meet with their immediate supervisor. At this time it will be documented. Included in this documentation is an account of what happened, the consequences of the behavior, and details of future consequences should the behavior occur again. This must be signed by the staff member and the supervisor and is added to the staff member’s permanent file. This form also contains a space for the staff member to add any information they feel was overlooked in the report.
If another action is observed, the staff member will be asked to meet with their supervisor and the Director of Programs. At this time, the first statement will be reviewed and another statement written (if appropriate).
Each offense will be handled individually and at the discretion of the Director of Programs; however, it is likely that after the third offense, the offending staff member will be dismissed.
2. Please note that while we strive to follow these steps with most conflicts, there are some offenses that will result in immediate dismissal.
3. This procedure may also be used by you to deal with inappropriate behavior by your supervisor.
DATING/PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION
1. While not wishing to discourage the enjoyment of healthy friendships, we do not permit public displays of affection between camper or staff couples.
2. Dating campers is strictly forbidden.
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LAUNDRY FACILITIES
1. The washers and dryers in Poplar Ridge are for use by the housekeeping staff only. Do not plan on using these machines during the week.
2. The washer and dryer in the Health Center are for use by the Heath Center staff only.
3. The washers and dryer in Ponderosa are for staff to use during their times off. Please respect this area and others doing laundry. Keep it clean, organized and quickly remove your items when finished.
SNACK SHOP AND GIFT SHOP
1. Staff are free to use the Snack Shop and gift shop whenever they are open. Staff must pay with cash; no “charge accounts” will be set up.
2. Staff receive a 20% discount on “Shamineau” items in the gift shop.
1. All mail will be picked up at the post office and brought to camp by the office staff. All mail will be in the mailboxes by lunch time OR brought to the amphitheater for mail call. Please don’t ask for your mail before this time.
2. All outgoing mail should be brought to the Front Office mailbox. Envelopes and stamps are available for purchase.
3. All mail should be addressed as follows:
Staff member’s name, position (if known)
c/o Camp Shamineau
PO Box 244
Motley, MN 56466
UPS or FedEx packages can use this address:
Staff member’s name, position (if known)
c/o Camp Shamineau
2345 Ridge Road
Motley, MN 56466
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Part 2
Procedures
WATERFRONT PROCEDURES
1. The buddy system
The buddy system will be used for all campers at all times (this does not apply to family camp or guest groups).
New buddy tags for each week will be available Sunday evening. Campers who have passed the red tag test will have a red tag on the buddy board. Those who have not will have a yellow tag. Staff are to use the blue, unlabeled tags.
All campers MUST put their tags on the board with a buddy before going into the water. Everyone must remove their tags as soon as they get out of the water.
Staff who wish to be buddies with campers are to use the blue, unlabeled tags.
2. Whistles
Whistles will be blown to give directions to swimmers.
One blast begins a buddy check.
Two blasts ends a buddy check
Three blasts means that all swimmers are to leave the water.
OTHER SWIMMING RULES
1. One at a time on the tower, slides, swing platform and ladders.
2. WALK on the docks. Do not swim under the docks.
3. No pushing off the dock or rafts.
4. Any entry in the shallow water must be feet first.
5. Do not hang on the buoy lines.
6. No fishing from the swimming docks, when people are swimming.
7. Splash boats only in the designated area. Do not tip other splash boats.
RED TAG TEST
1. All campers who are under 18 years old and wish to swim in the deep water, use canoes or sailboats, must pass the red tag test. The test may be given any time the beach is open.
2. A record of all persons who pass the red tag test is kept in a computer file.
3. The test consists of: swimming 2 strokes, treading water and survival floating.
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BOATING PROCEDURES
1. All boats are to be checked out and in with the lifeguard on duty at the boathouse.
2. Rowboats and paddleboats may be used by all ages of campers. One person in each boat and paddleboats must have a red tag.
3. Canoes and sailboats may be used by red tag swimmers or led by a qualified counselor.
4. No swimming from the boats.
5. Everyone in the boat must wear a life jacket. The life jacket should be hung up after use.
6. All boats are to stay within easy sight of the boathouse lifeguard.
BLOB RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. The Blob area is open only when a waterfront staff is present and has announced that the blob is open.
2. All camper blobbers must wear securely fastened life vests.
3. Only two persons are allowed on the blob at one time. One blobber and one jumper.
4. No blob wars are allowed.
5. The blobber and jumper must be within 50 lbs. of each other.
6. One lifeguard must be supervising all jumping.
7. Blobbers may be asked to demonstrate to the blob attendant a bottom (butt) drop off the deck before using the Blob.
8. Blobbers must be on the end of the Blob sitting down leaning slightly forward, with their feet toward the lake end of the Blob and their back toward the tower. All Blobbers must have their mouth closed before Blobbing.
9. The supervisor will say “Blobber Ready?” The blobber will respond when ready by lifting their arm straight up in the air. The supervisor will then say, “jumping” and allow the jumper to jump bottom first into the Blob.
10. Jumpers must hit bottom first on the second color from the end of the Blob.
11. New jumpers must wait for past Blobber to climb out of the water before positioning themselves to jump.
SWING RULES
1. One person on the platform at a time.
2. When you leave the platform you must let go into the water. There is no swinging back onto the platform.
3. The next swinger may not leave the platform until the previous swinger is out of the water.
OFF HOUR BEACH USE
1. No campers will ever be allowed to swim or use the boats when the beach is closed.
2. Staff persons wishing to swim or use the boats off hours must check-in with a lifeguard or the Waterfront Director before and after swimming. They must be accompanied by a buddie at all times.
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SHAMINEAU ADVENTURES PROCEDURES 1. No one is allowed at the Indoor Climbing Wall, High Ropes Course, or Low Ropes course at anytime without an Adventures instructor present. 2. To use the Low Ropes Course with your cabin, you must first check with the Adventures Director or the Summer Adventures Director.
SHAMINEAU RANCH PROCEDURES PRIVATE HORSE POLICY
1. Private horses brought to camp must meet one of two requirements: a. The horse must “earn” its board (feed costs) by being useful in camp activities on a daily basis. b. The owner must pay for the horse’s expenses.
2. Private horses are the responsibility of the owner. 3. No WIT or SMW may bring his/her own horse to camp. 4. Support staff may bring his/her own horse for special activities, but should supply his/her own feed, unless
otherwise negotiated. 5. All outside horses must have a negative Coggins test and be approved by the Ranch camp staff prior to
being left or used at camp. Camp staff will do chores at the same time as chores for camp owned horses. 6. Personal use of private or camp owned horses will be coordinated with the Horsemanship Coordinator. 7. Shamineau Ranch carries NO mortality insurance on ANY private or camp owned horses. 8. The Horsemanship Coordinator may use his/her discretion in all decisions. Legal forms are required and are
available at the Ranch Office. LOOSE HORSE PROCEDURE If a horse is found loose around camp:
1. Move all campers to a safe location away from the horse. 2. Contact the Ranch Staff immediately with the “last seen” location. 3. DO NOT chase the horse or try to stop the horse—leave that to the Ranch Staff.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
1. All injuries need to be seen by the camp nurse. Do not trust your own judgment on these matters and do not do any medicating or treating of a camper.
2. No camper should have any medication in their possession without the prior approval of the nurse.
3. In case of an accident:
Contact a permenant staff member and/or the nurse ASAP.
Make sure everyone stays calm.
Always confirm that the injured person is breathing.
Stop any serious bleeding by applying pressure to the wound.
If a chemical spills on skin or in an eye, wash out with cold water immediately.
If injury is not to back, neck or to a serious bone, take camper to the nurse. If injury is to back, neck or serious bone, leave the camper where they are to prevent any further injury. Bring the nurse to the injured person.
If you witness an accident, please make sure a report form is filled out and turned in to the Program Office.
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DISASTER PLANS
Emergency measures:
When paging someone, use the word “immediately” in case of emergency only.
Only in a multiple casualty incident where an ambulance is not available, use camp vehicles for an ambulance, if necessary. Only approved camp staff may drive.
If campers need to be evacuated, they will be loaded into busses in the ball field. If the road is blocked due to a fire, walk the campers down the lake shore to an exit.
TORNADO WATCH OR WARNING
1. When there is the potential of dangerous weather, administrative staff will notify summer staff of the potential, review the procedures below and monitor radio and sheriff reports.
During resident camps...
2. Prior to the need for any movement of campers to a safe location, administrative staff will have assigned “messengers” to the following locations:
Ponderosa & Ridge cabins
Oak Hollow & Skyview cabins
Thorwall & Lake cabins
Poplar Ridge, Ranch & campgrounds
3. If the need arises to move campers, messengers will notify counselors in each of the above identified areas to bring their kids to the assigned safe areas.
Ponderosa: Lower Poplar Ridge
Ridge cabins: Basement of the Dining Hall
Oak Hollow & Skyview cabins: Basement of the Dining Hall
Thorwall & Lake Cabins: Basement of the Dining Hall
Poplar Ridge & campgrounds: Basement of the Poplar Ridge
Ranch staff: Basement of the gray house by the entrance to camp
During family camps…
4. A warning signal will be sounded in a long steady blast.
5. All staff and guests should meet in the lower level of the Dining Hall, and lower Poplar Ridge. If additional space is needed, staff and guests will be directed to the basement of the house in the middle of camp, and entrance of camp.
Staff will inform the following areas as follows:
Ponderosa & Ridge cabins Oak Hollow & Skyview cabins Thorwall & Lake cabins Poplar Ridge & campgrounds Ranch 6. A member of the administrative staff will, in as much as is possible, take a role call using the guest lists and staff lists, and the staff sign-out notebook.
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FIRE PROCEDURES
1. Warning signal will be blown (same as tornado warning).
2. Campers will meet in the Dining Hall basement with counselors.
3. If the Dining Hall is on fire, meet in the parking area.
4. Report fire to the office immediately. Call 911 if necessary.
5. Evacuate all neighboring buildings.
6 Program staff will keep campers busy in area away from the fire.
7 Fire extinguishers are located in or near all buildings.
8 In case of forest fires:
evacuate all campers along the lake, against the wind.
LOST CAMPER PROCEDURE
1. Campers should be instructed that if they cannot recall the way back, they should remain where there are; if the camper continues to walk, they may go further from help.
Distress signals may be used to alert someone to assist. Any signal repeated three times is a universal signal for distress. Three consecutive blasts from a whistle could alert anyone close by.
2. When the announcement is made, all counselors and support staff should meet in the Program Office.
3. Program directors will take charge of directing the search for a lost camper and assign staff to search specific areas and comb likely forested areas with other staff. Each search party should carry a radio or cell phone.
- Ranch staff will search the Ranch area and Northridge.
- Waterfront staff will search the beach and lakeshore.
- Adventures staff will search the Ropes Course area.
- Other staff will be assigned to search specific areas.
o Program Staff members will lead each of the following groups:
Trailblazer side of camp – 4 groups (lake, hockey box, main sign, Thorwall to ropes course).
Voyager side of camp – 2 groups (lake shore, upper ridge) search past camp boundary to road.
4. When the lost camper has been found, there will be another announcement made to alert other searchers that the camper is found and to return to the Program Office.
LOST SWIMMER PLAN
1. After a buddy check, if someone is missing and preliminary checks indicate an emergency, the Waterfront Director will:
sound the beach warning signal
clear beach of all swimmers
organize all staff that report and perform a search as taught during staff training.
call office, which in turn will notify the nurse, county sheriff and first response team within 15 minutes if the emergency continues
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Health and Safety Standards
The health and safety of the camper is important to parents, as well as to the nurse, counselors, staff and administration. We must think of two kinds of health practices. These are “preventative” and “curative”. The responsibility of preventative falls heavily on the counselors and staff. The curative aspect rests mainly with the nurse. Good health practices for the campers throughout the camp period are important. These include:
adequate sleep and rest (including afternoon rest times for Trailblazers)
encourage cleanliness and dental hygiene
regularity of meals and good food habits
care of beds, clothing and personal articles
prevention of sunburn, over-exertion and poison ivy
HOMESICKNESS
The biggest health problem among campers is homesickness. It is the biggest problem because it can manifest itself in so many ways; headaches, stomach pains, hives, restlessness and many others. The counselor and staff can do many things to prevent or alleviate this. Our aim is to prevent it!
1. Counselors should be in the cabins when campers arrive on Sunday. This will show them right away that the staff care about them. It also shows parents that you are a concerned and reliable counselor.
2. SMTs, SWAT and Support Staff should be activly involved in the registration process and offer a welcoming atmosphere to the camper and his/her family.
3. When campers are expected to be in the cabins or at an activity, that is where the counselor also belongs. This sets a good example and also shows them that you want to be with them.
3. Both staff and counselors can show interest in the activities of camp. The busier the campers are, the less time they have for homesickness.
4. No matter how much interest you show, there may still be one or two campers that will need a little more special attention. Cabin friends can help the counselors here. They can give some extra time and attention to the campers who need more individualized attention than the counselor can give.
5. Additional methods and tips on dealing with homesickness will be covered during staff training.
HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES
1. Report any sign of illness or contagious diseases (fever, runny nose, rash, reddened eyes, etc.) to the nurse.
2. Report all cuts and other injuries to the nurse.
3. With younger campers, it is important to watch their food intake. Encourage them to eat well at meal times and limit their sweet intake to a reasonable level. With older campers (especially girls) be aware of any sign of eating disorders and report them to the nurse.
4. Make sure that each camper sleeps in his/her own bed. See that campers’ beds directly opposite each other are arranged in a head to foot manner.
5. Help make camp free of nails, broken glass and other health hazards. If you see a problem you cannot fix, report it to the Facilities Department at once.
6. Never give a camper medication or treatment.
7. Blood born pathogens, first aid buckets, accidents, emergency situations, communicable disease, and child abuse will be addrssed during staff training
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Daily Schedule
SUNDAY
1:00 ............................................................................... Program Staff Meeting
2:00 .............................................................................................. Staff Meeting
4:00 ........................................................................................ Check In Begins
5:00 ...................................................................................................... Supper
6:30 ............................................... Skills Class Sign-Up/Waterfront Orientation
8:30 ...................................................................................................... Chapel
MONDAY-THURSDAY
7:00 ................................................................................................... Wake Up
7:30 ............................................................. Morning Assembly and Devotions
8:00 .................................................................................................. Breakfast
9:00 ................................................................................................ Skills Pods
10:30 .............................................................................................. Cabin Time
12:00 ....................................................................................................... Lunch
12:30 ........................................................................................ Memory Verses
1:00 ............................................................................................... Amphiteater
1:30 ................................................................................................. Rest Time
2:00 ................................................................................................. Free Time
3:30 ........................................................................................ Bible Exploration
5:00 ....................................................................................................... Supper
6:30 ......................................................................................... Evening Activity
8:30…………………………………………………………..…………………Chapel
10:00…………………………………………………….………..Evening Devotions
10:30………………………………………………………………………..Lights Out
FRIDAY
7:30 ............................................................. Morning Assembly and Devotions
8:00 .................................................................................................. Breakfast
8:30 ....................................................................................... Pack and Clean
11:00 ....................................................................................................... Lunch
12:30 ........................................................................................ Closing Chapel
2:00 ................................................................... Load busses - Campers leave
4:00 .............................................................................................. Staff meeting
5:00 .......................................................................................... Staff dismissed
**This schedule is subject to improvement and is for a Trailblazer week on main camp. Schedules for Island Camps,
Tenderfoot Camps, Ranch Hand Camps, Cowpoke Camps and during Voyager weeks will vary from this format.
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Spiritual Health
A DAILY ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS CHRIST In order to maintain spiritual health while at Shamineau, staff are encouraged to utilize the following:
A daily quiet time
Sunday services
Keeping yourself spiritually “fit” this summer will necessitate a daily encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. During
each day, we try to make time available for the staff to take this necessary time. Some programs include a devotional
guide while others leave the material up to the individual. Here are some suggestions that you may want to apply to
your daily quiet times.
1. As soon as you wake up, pray and commit your life and activities of the day to Jesus Christ. Ask for His control in your life as well as the direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Pray for your campers or co-workers and ask the Lord to use you in any way He would see fit. 2. Have a schedule of prayer and Bible reading. Keep track of what you have read, what you are learning and the answers to prayer that you have seen. Perhaps this could be done before breakfast or before bedtime. 3. Your department spupervisor may suggest a list of reading for the summer. Make a commitmnet to read through these this summer. Another option would be to choose a Christian living book to read this summer or do a topical study on a subject of interest to you. 4. Ask yourself questions after every passage of Scripture you read: What does this teach me about who God is? Because God is like this, what does that mean for my daily life? What example is there for me to follow? What command is there for me to obey? What error is there for me to avoid? What sin is there for me to confess? What promise is there for me to claim?
Pick out the key verse in the passage, underline it and memorize it. NOTE: Nothing that we can teach or share about in chapel will affect a campers personal devotional habits like seeing YOU model in your life how to enjoy quiet time with God. Don’t be afraid to share with your campers what the Lord has been teaching you or to tell them you are going to take some time away from the cabin to be with the Lord.
SUNDAY SERVICES
1. Each staff member should make an effort to attend a Sunday service.
SCHEDULED MEETINGS AND PRAYER TIMES
1. All staff are expected to be in chapel every night. Cabin Friends should sit with their campers. Staff members not
with cabins may be in an organized prayer time or in chapel listening to the speaker. 2. Attendance at morning devotions and evening Chapels are required of all staff. 3. At different times throughout the summer, prayer meetings, discussion groups and special Bible studies will be planned. These times are not required, but staff are encouraged to participate in some of these events.
ONE FINAL NOTE
Many people come to camp believing that it will be an easy place to get their spiritual life in order. This is not the case! In fact, if you do not have a scheduled quiet time before you get to camp, chances are you won’t for the summer either! Start something now and come to camp prepared. More time and material will be dedicated to your spiritual health during staff training.