You have been chosen to serve on the Outdoor & Retreat Ministry (ORM) Staff for the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church. You are now a vital part of the camping ministry that occurs in this conference.

Many persons have applied each year and YOU have selected. The ORM managerial staff believe that God has led us to choose you to be a part of this year’s staff. We pray that you will enter this summer with excitement and knowledge that you will have the opportunity to fulfill Christ's purpose.

During your time with us this summer, you will have several opportunities for personal growth in areas of maturity, self-care, spiritual, emotional and interpersonal relationships. You will also experience opportunities to see growth in campers and co-workers in these same areas. We hope you, too, look forward to these wonderful growth opportunities!

The weeks of training prior to the beginning of the summer camping program will include much important information. This pamphlet is a ‘smattering’ of what is to come. Please be familiar with this information prior to your arrival.

It is important that you know this information before your arrival on site. The more prepared you are in advance, the more comfortable you will be in the training.

The Northern Illinois Conference has two sites that they do Outdoor Retreat Ministry is done from:
• Wesley Woods Conference Center was purchased in 1955 and is located in Williams Bay, Wisconsin on beautiful Lake Geneva. This fresh water lake allows swimming, boating and a variety of water activities.
• Reynoldswood Christian Camp and Retreat Center was purchased in 1958 and is located on Rock River in Dixon, Illinois. This center sits on 170 acres of beautiful forest land.

Summer Camps include a variety of camp themes. Each camp week will spend time with a chosen curriculum but may also focus on a particular theme or population—such as sailing, hiking, horseback riding, etc, in addition to the spiritual growth aspect of the week.

The Outdoor & Retreat Ministries operates in accordance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, age, handicap, religion, or national origin.

Campers, Volunteers and Staff come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. The majority of participants are from Illinois and are from varying economic backgrounds.

A high percentage of participants are in some way affiliated with the United Methodist Church, but there are participants from varying beliefs involved in the program.

The staff is expected to work faithfully and diligently in the focus area of responsibilities. Staff is asked to perform their duties in their area and remain busy at all times. In the event your tasks are complete we expect you to look around your area of responsibility and find work to do. In the event you are caught up and cannot find more to do in your area, please go to your supervisor, Site Manager, Program Director or Executive Director for instructions.

ORM staff members are a team. You may be requested to work in a different area from time to time in order to meet the needs of our guests.

If the weather affects your ability to work in your area of responsibility, please seek out work in other areas.

Taking a break away from your work assignment is appropriate from time to time, due to heat, fatigue, exposure, etc. These breaks should be taken in your general area and should not exceed 15 minutes. If you have supervisory responsibilities for campers, you may not leave your duty station until relieved by another staff person.

BACKGROUND CHECK
• All persons being considered for employment by ORM must complete the application for background check. This form authorizes ORM and the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church to complete the required background check for employment.

REMUNERATION
• All Staff will be compensated at a rate of pay established by the ORM and the Site in which you work for. This amount will be as agreed per the Wage Agreement Form.
• Social Security and withholding taxes (Federal and State) will be deducted from the gross pay on each paycheck.
• Summer employees are paid bi-monthly.
• Paychecks will be mailed from Northern Illinois Conference Office.
• Unemployment compensation is not available
• Your last check will include your regular stipend and any adjustments.

EMPLOYMENT-AT-WILL & CONDITIONS OF SEVERANCE
It is the policy of the Northern Illinois Conference that all employees are employed at the will of the NIC, so that either party may terminate the relationship as hereinafter set forth for any lawful reason.
• In the case of gross misconduct, ORM reserves the right to dismiss an employee with little or no notice. The employee has the right to appeal a dismissal.
• In all cases of contract cancellation and/or dismissal, the employee will be paid for paid for those hours actually worked.• Dismissals and reasons for the same are to be written and documented to both parties

TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
The employment agreement shall continue as long as the employee complies with the terms of the Policies and Procedures of the Outdoor and Retreat Ministries.
If the employee and employer of ORM agree that for their own best interest or due to: fire, epidemic, or accident, the agreement shall be terminated with pay due him/her as to the number of days worked.

RESIGNATION
An employee shall give ORM 7 days written notice of his/her resignation. During the time between the resignation and departure, the individual is expected to maintain a professional attitude and continue to act in the best interest of ORM.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
In the event you need to work out employee/employee, or employee/employer situations or that you feel your civil rights have been violated please follow the following five-step procedure:
1. Bring the matter up to the individual in a private personal way in order to try to workout the situation
2. Bring the matter up to your Supervisor, Site Manager or Program Director.
3. After the above steps have been accomplished and you feel the matter has not been dealt with to your satisfaction, you may contact the Executive Director for the Outdoor & Retreat Ministries at 1-800-NIC-CAMP.
If the above steps are completed and you
1. still do not feel the matter has been resolved to your satisfaction, you may contact the Chief Program Officer of the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church.
2. If all of the above steps do not resolve the matter to your satisfaction, you may contact the Illinois Department of Labor

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
ORM believes in the principal of respect for the dignity of each individual, since everyone is created in the image of God. We further believe in the Biblical doctrine of obedience to the laws enacted under the power delegated to government ordained of God. We, therefore, enforce as policy, the law that each individual, as a matter of basic right, is entitled to equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin or age except where sex or age is a bona fide occupational qualification. This right to equal employment opportunities encompasses all phases of hiring, placement, training, promotion, compensation and development.
You Have the Right
(OSHA)
You have the right to refuse to work in unsafe conditions.
If you become aware of an unsafe situation, please contact the Site Manager and/or Program Director

TIME OFF
In view of the fact that some ORM summer staff assumes twenty-four hour responsibility, the staff shall have one continuous twenty-four hour period off each week. This period of time shall be worked out with the Program Director and/or Executive Director.
Other summer positions will have days off as delegated by the Site Manager and/or Executive Director

SICK LEAVE
All summer staff members working over eight weeks will be entitled to four sick days per summer. The Camp health Officer and your supervisor shall be notified for approval. Additional days off will be time without pay.

INSURANCE
• All staff who are required to operate a camp vehicle as part of their job responsibilities are protected un the camp vehicle insurance policy.
• In case of injury or accident on the job, all staff are covered Worker’s Compensation Insurance in accordance with Illinois state law. A First Report of Injury must be filed within 24 hours with the office on the site which the accident occurred. This insurance is provided by the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church 8765 W. Higgins Rd, Chicago, IL 60631

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
(HR 19 &HR-20)
All staff persons will have a performance review and an exit interview by the Program Director, Site Director or Executive Director, dependant on position held. However, staff will be observed daily.
Concerns will be shared with the Site Directors, Program Director and Executive Director as deemed necessary.
All staff are expected to:
• Be a positive role model
• Be courteous to others
• Treat others with respect
• Follow camp rules
• Know when to be calm and quiet and when to have fun
• Use an appropriate use of humor
• Not put others down

Each staff member is responsible for their own self-care and is urged to observe all standard health practices.
• Employment with ORM is contingent on having a current Camp Health Form filled out and filed with the respective office. If your physical is within 24 months, only a Physician’s signature is required on the Camp Health Form. A current signed form is acceptable.
• All employees will have an Emergency Medical Release Form on file with ORM. This signed form allows ORM to secure emergency care in the case that the staff person is unable to do so themselves. Staff persons under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian sign the Release form. This form also releases ORM from liability for non-authorized activities off of camp property, your free times, days off and off grounds for non-camp business.
• The appropriate safety equipment is required for all activities and tasks:
— Including use of rubber or protective gloves when potentially in contact with blood or body fluids or other hazardous materials
— Use of safety glasses or goggles when operating power equipment or other such activities
• Summer is very demanding and adequate rest and diet are very important in maintaining health and vitality. Under normal circumstances, a minimum of six hours of sleep is required.
• All staff are expected to be on time for all meals. And to eat meals with your campers.
• At the first sign of illness, contract the Camp Health provider and Program Director. For the health and well-being of the entire camp family, see that colds, sore throats, or any other illness have immediate attention.
• All summer staff members, working over eight weeks will be entitled to four sick days per summer. The Camp Health officer and Program Director shall be notified for approval. Additional days off will be time without pay.

• Sleeping quarters are off limits to the opposite sex. There may be rare exceptions by Site Manager
• All housing shall be kept clean and neat
• No pets allowed
• No nails or screws will be put into the walls or ceilings
• The exterior of the building will be kept clean
• Guests will leave by the appropriate times
• Common rooms and lunges are not sleeping areas

• It is expected that the actions of all ORM staff members will represent good and safe judgment
• Openness to the Christian faith and a willingness to grow in faith are considered bona fide qualifications for employment
• It is expected that all ORM staff members accept, respect and be responsive to all guests and other staff members of any racial or ethnic backgrounds
• Any kind of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior is not tolerated
• Any kind of violence or threat of violence is not tolerated
• Clothing is to be modest and in good taste.
• The use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs on camp property is prohibited
• Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs when on duty is prohibited
• Weapons, such as firearms, slingshots or any other dangerous equipment are prohibited
• Equipment mentioned above, fireworks or other dangerous equipment will be confiscated. The use of any such equipment may result in termination.
• Co-habitation is prohibited
• Any infractions of the above personal conduct rules will be handled individually by the Camp Director and Program Director.
• An infractions of any of the above mentioned items is grounds for immediate dismissal.
• Please keep in mind the proper “Chain of Command” as is seen on the Organization Chart. Keep disagreements and concerns within these parameters only.

Other than those items stated to demand immediate dismissal, the following disciplinary actions will be followed:
1. 1st violation—Verbal reprimand followed by documentation
2. 2nd violation—Formal written reprimand
3. 3rd violation—Dismissal with documentation

• Staff is encouraged to build friendships but dating relationships are discouraged.
• Staff are expected to refrain from becoming involved in any relationship that becomes a distraction from the important work we are doing at camp.
• Dating relationships with campers is prohibited

All ORM staff are expected to:
• Treat all persons with respect and kindness and with Christ’s love
• To listen to campers in a manner that reflects respect and kindness
• To be available to meet the needs of the camper
• Not engage in any language or activity that would threaten or ridicule any camper, staff person, other leader or group of people
• If one becomes aware that they have offended someone, it is necessary to apologize and attempt to reconcile
It is your role to oversee camper safety and camper program.

Staff will be offering Bible studies and worship each week. It is desired that these times will be of sound doctrine and serve as spiritual nurture

Rest and rejuvenation is critical for your body due to the rigors of the positions you hold. It is required that you are alert, alive and maintain an enthusiastic performance throughout the summer. Please keep these times in mind:
• The camp will be quiet from 11:30 PM to 7:00 AM
• Lights out for staff is 11:59 PM
• Loud music or other noise or behavior, which disrupts camp program , is not allowed at any time

Each staff person will be issued a nametag. Nametags are to be worn when on duty. Replacement nametags cam be purchased for $10.00 in the Camp Office.

When the following guidelines are met, ORM Staff members are allowed to use the waterfront and pool area and to participate in aquatic activities.
• At least one certified lifeguard must be present and on duty
• The lifeguard on duty must be out of the water at all times unless performing a rescue or rotating positions. They must not interact with swimmers and boaters in such a way as to be distracted from their duties.
• ORM Staff may participate in aquatic activities when scheduled with campers under the following conditions:
— All swimming and boating guidelines are strictly adhered to
— The staff member is not disruptive to the camper program
— The lifeguards are not distracted from their duties

ORM will supply each staff person with camp shirts. All staff is expected to wear their shirts on Sunday when a new week of camp is checking in and during staff introductions. The staff is requested to be in camp shirts as often as possible. Additional shirts will be available in the camp store at cost. Non-camp shirts and other clothing are to be in good taste and repair. No clothing that promotes liquor, drugs, tobacco, sex or violence are to be worn on site or during programs.

Tools belonging to the camp are available for your use by request only. You will replace any tool that is broken maliciously or out of the work environment. Please check with Site Manager for requirements at each site.

Staff may be released from their responsibilities during the camp season, if The camp attendance falls too short or the camp week is cancelled. Staff may be offered one or more of the following options:
• A week off to leave camp
• Privilege to stay at camp with room & board but no responsibilities
• The balance of the camping season off

All camp vehicles are for camp use only. When not in use, vehicles are to be parked in designated areas. Keys are to be returned to designated place.
• Permission to use the golf cart must be obtained from the Program Director and/or Site Manager.
• Only staff with valid drivers license will be allowed to drive any camp vehicle.
• Staff persons must meet all requirements before being allowed to drive any vehicle.
• All camp rules and regulations regarding driving and parking of vehicles must be met
• All camp vehicles will be equipped with a vehicle logbook which must be maintained. All vehicle will be safety checked before use each day and recorded accordingly.
• Campers and staff should only be transported in vehicles designed to carry passengers. Transporting persons in back of pick-up trucks is prohibited except in cases of extreme emergency and only if directed by appropriate staff.
• Each person in the vehicle must be secured by a working seatbelt
• Do not exceed the number of passengers specified by the vehicle manufacturer
• An adult must be present in each vehicle

Transportation will not be provided by ORM to and from the camp at the beginning and end of summer.

• All camp rules and regulations regarding driving and parking of vehicles must be met
• Keys of drivers under the age of 18 years old will be left in the camp office and checked out as needed
• Campers and staff should only be transported in vehicles designed to carry passengers. Transporting persons in back of pick-up trucks is prohibited except in cases of extreme emergency and only if directed by appropriate staff.

All ORM staff members will receive an orientation of the kitchen at each site.
• Each site may have different guidelines for ORM staff entering their kitchen facilities. Dependant on the site guidelines, and if agreed to by Site Director, ORM staff may use the kitchen ONLY IF
— They have received kitchen policies and procedures orientation
— All health standards and policies are strictly adhered to
— Staff member cleans up after him/herself
• Eating and drinking in the kitchen is prohibited at all times
• All health standards for use of the kitchen and/or handling of food apply at all times
• Appropriate attired must be worn in the kitchen at all times
— Socks
— Closed toes shoe
— NO swimwear
• The kitchen is for authorized personnel only—visitors, guests and campers are prohibited from the kitchen and pantry areas at all times

Dishes and other items are NOT to leave the kitchen and Dining areas. Under no circumstances may dishes and other kitchen items be used for skits and other program supplies

Both sites have washers and dryers available to the staff.
• All staff persons are responsible for keeping the laundry area clean and tidy
• All staff members will exercise consideration of other staff persons personal property
• Laundry is to be done in a timely fashion so as not to hold up other staff persons being able to do their own laundry
• Camp use takes priority to personal use of laundry facilities

The site telephones are for camp business and EMERGENCY USE ONLY. Personal calls may be received and made on the pay phone. Parents and friends may call on the camp phone to leave messages.
Collect calls are not acceptable.
Personal calls are to be made during free time

E-mail may be retrieved, read off line and sent between 8—9:00 PM IF you are free from work responsibility
• Any e-mail written or read on an ORM computer is considered the property of ORM. ORM may exercise its right to read any such message from time to time.

ORM is not responsible for the loss of personal property while staff members are employed by or residing on camp property.
Please do not bring items of value.

Due to the important work we are about and for camper safety, visitors (including friends and family) are not allowed to just ‘drop in’ unexpected.
• Guests may be invited to camp during appropriate times if advance approval from the Site and/or Program Director is obtained.
• All guests and family members must be registered at the Site office upon arrival
• Appropriate fees will be paid for insurance, lodging and food
• Meals are available to your guests at the regular price with advance notice to the kitchen
• In no way should your family and guests interfere with your responsibilities.
• No guest will stay with you when you are responsible for campers overnight
• Reynoldswood and Wesley Woods Management, the Executive Director of ORM and the Program Director retain the right to evict individuals from camp property

Recreational equipment is available to the staff during their free time. Priority of use should be granted to the site guests or program participants.

In order to keep Reynoldswood and Wesley Woods as beautiful as possible, the staff are asked to pick up litter whenever they are walking about the grounds and place it in a waste container.

All staff persons leaving the grounds will sign OUT. All staff persons will sign themselves IN upon returning to the site. Staff under age 18 must clear their leaving with the Program Director and Site Manager. Persons under the age of 18 who have vehicles at camp will deposit their keys with the Camp Office.

Any and all maintenance work will be requested by filling out a Maintenance Request Form. These forms are to be given to the Site Manager for assignment to the maintenance staff.

Meals are provided for your nourishment. Staff will attend all meals. If you are on your day off and wish to skip a meal, please notify the kitchen one meal in advance.

In the case of ORM program staff, you may need to notify the kitchen staff if you are planning to remain at the site during your time off.

Keys to various buildings in the two sites will be distributed on a ‘as needed’ basis. All keys are to be retuned at the end of the season.
Lost keys will be replaced at a cost of $3.00 per key

Staff is encouraged to participate in worship, campfires, and programs with the ORM staff and campers as free time permits and with permission of the Program Director.

ORM staff will be involved in an intense one to two week training program. A portion of this training may include working directly with children and youth of camper age.

See organization chart on page 11 of this manual. Even though we are all in ministry together, we remain ‘frail human beings’ and conflict may arise.
Please use caution when dealing with conflict. Contact the Site Directors and Program Director for advice and leadership.

In order to maintain appropriate camper ratios, site staff summer employees may be asked to spend the night in the cabin with you and your campers.

While children and youth are at camp, staff members have a tremendous responsibility for their supervision. The parents and guardians of these young people are entrusting their children with our staff. This responsibility is 24 hours a day for the duration of the camp.
Supervision of campers:
• Campers should always walk around camp with another person
• All campers should be involved during activity times. It is not an option to just sit in the cabin or away from the large group
• Be aware of situations, facilities, equipment or objects which may pose a risk to campers and staff
• Immediately stop risky behavior
• Look out for children or youth who are extremely quiet. Don’t allow them to “get lost in the crowd”
• Consider daily cycles. When campers are hungry or tired, accidents may happen more frequently
• Reinforce positive behavior through compliments and praise

ORM Program staff are responsible to monitor campers throughout the night. Other camp staff may be asked to also spend the night in cabin with campers in order to maintain appropriate camper ratios. Supervision
may include:
• Staying in a common area of the building with campers
• Staying close to the cabin so that you can monitor coming and going
• Campers should not be left in a cabin alone. Coordinate breaks and time away with other staff members
Request assistance from Program Director and other staff members when needed

Staff members will be scheduled by the Site Manager to serve in rotation as the Night Duty Staffer. This person will be required to:
• Stay on camp property grounds from 8:00 pm to 8:00 am.
• Carry a camp radio and a full set of keys.
• Sleep in the Camp Infirmary or other assigned area.
• Assist any guest by answering questions, opening doors, delivering snacks, turning off lights, providing minimal maintenance, etc.
• Act as the first line of defense in an emergency
• Wear staff shirt and nametag when on duty

Safe Sanctuaries is a concept adopted by the United Methodist Church as a way to protect children and adults from situations which may be construed as inappropriate. Following is a list of appropriate conduct for camp staff:
• If you must be alone with a camper who wants to talk privately to you, do it in the open where you are in plain sight of others.
• If you must discipline a camper, do it in the presence of another adult
• Do not use physical force with a camper except where the camper is in imminent danger of doing bodily harm to him/herself or another camper.
• Take care that verbal discipline or instruction is done in a firm, clear, but not overbearing and abusive way. Do not use language that is a put-down or racist.
• Touch is important part of communication—conveying care, friendship, a sense of closeness and understanding. In order to touch in appropriate ways, observe the following criteria:
‡ If you sense someone does not want to be touched—DON’T
‡ If you are not sure about a camper’s wishes—ASK
‡ Touch people in “safe” places—on the back above the waist, on the arm or elbow, or on the shoulder
‡ Do not touch for any prolonged period of time—a short touch will communicate your understanding and caring and not make anyone uncomfortable
‡ If your group is in an area away from plain sight of other leaders and campers, always be sure that at least two leaders are with the group.
‡ In sleeping areas, keep doors open between same-sex rooms so that other cabin leaders are able to observe that room

Safety orientation will be given verbally at the beginning of each camp week and will be reiterated as necessary throughout the week.

Campers may be allowed, if they desire, to keep asthma inhalers and epi-pens for severe allergy reactions. Each campers that desires to keep these medications is instructed on safety and to keep the items on their person and not laying about in the cabin or camp.
• The Camp Health Officer will communicate the need to these campers to know when, how much and how these medications are used for charting purposes

Non-designated persons on staff are NOT allowed to administer any medications. This includes both prescription and/or non-prescription meds

If a situation becomes tense enough that a camper is sent to the Program Director, Site Manager or Executive Director, it is imperative to have a record of the conversation on file. Check with the Site Director for the correct form to be used.

Unless the camper has driven themselves to camp, minor campers can only be released to their legal parent or guardian unless:
• The Site Director is notified at registration that campers from the same church or area are car pooling
• Parent/Guardian instructs the camp during registration time that camper is to be picked up by another person
• The camp receives written notification from legal parent/guardian
• The camp receives telephone call during week of camp and is able to verify information
• Documentation is to be kept attached to camper registration form

After camper registration is complete, the Site Office will initiate contact with any “no-show” listed on the registration form.
• Check with other campers from same church/area
• Call parent on primary telephone number
• If no answer, contact secondary telephone number
• May desire to contact pastor, if necessary

In the case of an emergency when communication from persons at the site of the incident to camp administrative and Health Care personnel or community emergency services is needed, quick response time is imperative.

If the incident occurs on site, walkie-talkies are used by many Site Staff personnel. Find those persons to radio the camp office. Emergency Services will be contacted through the camp office.

The Program Director or leader of the event, will carry a cell phone for off-site activities. The cell phone will serve as an emergency telephone to contact appropriate Emergency Services.
• Once emergency service is contacted, the Site Manager should be contacted to be appraised of the situation.
• If cell service is not available, the event leader will send another leader to make contact with the Emergency Services and Camp Director. Do not send a camper and do not leave campers alone.
• The Site Manager will subsequently contact the ORM office and the camper’s parents/guardian. If the parents/guardians are unavailable, the secondary contact will be notified
If the situation would attract the attention of the media, the Executive Director of ORM will inform the necessary persons of the ORM Board and the Northern Illinois Conference.

The Bishop is the spokesperson for the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church.

The Executive Director of Outdoor Retreat Ministries is the ONLY person authorized to talk with media

On the first day of the camp session, Program Staff members should review with campers what to do if separated from their group. Contact the Site Manager within the first 10 minutes of becoming aware of a Missing Camper situation.

In case of one of the above situations begin the following procedures in conjunction with the Site Manager and Program Director:

• Stay calm—do not upset other campers
• Implement a quick check of areas of where camper last seen, including restrooms and nearby buildings
• Interview leader and other persons who last say the missing camper. Request information:
‡ Age category of subject: child age 1-6; 6-12; or adult
‡ Place last seen
‡ Clothing and/or equipment
‡ Physical condition: Healthy and active? Tired? Dehydrated?
‡ Medical condition: get the person’s health form; check with Camp Health Officer
‡ State of mind: Was the camper depressed or angry; threatening to run away; etc.
‡ Personality: Is the camper shy or assertive?
‡ Weather: hot, cold, stormy
‡ Terrain analysis: near lake? In forest?
Other questions:
‡ What was the group doing?
‡ Where was the group going?
‡ What did the person like to do? What interested him or her?
‡ What was the person feeling when lost?
‡ Did you see any strangers in the area?
‡ Did the person express serious signs of homesickness?
‡ Any other questions that might help the search
• Do a search in the immediate area with available staff. Be sure that plenty of staff are with campers.
‡ Take walkie-talkies, cell phones or other forms of communication
‡ Send someone in vehicle down the road to check for missing camper
‡ Send runners on all trails
‡ Check waterfront areas
• If the camper is not found within 20 minutes, the camper will be presumed lost. The Site Manager will institute a public search that will include contacting the Sheriff Department, ORM office and camper’s parents.
• If camper is found, immediately contact Site Manager so that Sheriff Dept, ORM office and parents can be notified immediately.
• Complete Incident Report and all other necessary paperwork

One of the great gifts of Christian Camping and our sites is God’s beautiful creation of the outdoors. If offers a vast and wonderful variety of activities, as well as the indoor activities.
Over the years, many campers form a variety of traditions they look forward to at camp each summer. These may include (but are not limited to):

The camper registration form requires a parental signature for camp participation. However, some activities, such as Teams Building Course, Horseback Riding excursions, etc. require additional parental permission.

Campers and minor staff members are not allowed to participate in these activities if parental permission is not secured.

Aquatic, Teams Building Course and Archery Course activities and equipment are NOT available without trained personnel present.

ORM staff will receive First Aid-CPR, Universal Precautions and Blood Born Pathogens Training.
There are two levels of health care in which camp staff participate.
1. Help to maintain the health of the campers.
2. Support role during illness and/or injury

Rationale: It is reasonable for parents to assume that their child will return from a camp experience in good health. Consequently, it the responsibility of the entire staff to help monitor that health status and refer the child to the Health Care Provider as warranted.

Counselor Role in Health Care
Counseling staff are an integral part of the campers health and well-being. They are specifically charged with managing cabin and activity groups to support activities of daily life, (e.g., adequate rest, water, nutrition).
• You may be the first person to notice symptoms of illness or injury . It is your responsibility to act appropriately to your observations.
• During cabin times, it is the counselor responsibility to monitor camper self-care—such as brushing teeth, etc.
• During activities, it is the counselor responsibility to monitor camper activity and safety.
• Intervene as needed

First Aid people may only treat individuals within the training that he or she has been qualified to provide.

The majority of care will be administered by the Camp Health Provider

It is the position of the Outdoor & Retreat Ministries that campers too ill to participate in the program should be under the care of the Camp Health Care Provider.
• Counselors are to refer sick and/or injured campers to the Camp Health Care Provider for assessment
• Provide an appropriate activity level for those campers who are recovering from illness or injury
• Regard to injury is based on the State Good Samaritan law and use of universal precautions
• Assist inured people according to the level of your training ONLY
• Initiate the camp emergency response system as outlined
• Relinquish care of an injured person to the Health Care Provider or Community Emergency Response Team

Each group traveling off-site will have take with them:
• Copies of Health Care and permission to treat forms
• Any medications needed to be taken during time away
• A First Aid/CPR certified person will act as the Primary Care Giver for that group in the event of incident, accident or injury. Their role will include watching campers for:
• Fatigue
• Dehydration
• Sunburn
• Hyper or hypothermia
• Ticks or other insect bites and stings
• Behavior issues
• Risk management

In the event First Aid Care is needed, the Primary Care Giver must:
• Always wear protective gloves and follow all sanitary procedures when dealing with infectious waste or body fluids
• Strictly adhere to all standards and procedures of care given per training
• If injury or sickness is life threatening OR beyond the scope of training , call 9-1-1 on cell phone (or send another leader to make that call)
• Stay with camp participant until emergency care arrives
• Send another leader with camp participant if taken for emergency care. The Primary Care Giver MUST remain with the group
• Contact the Camp Office and the NIC Office as soon as possible
• Complete paperwork and charting for Health Log

Orientation for off-site Health Care is provided by:
• First Aid/CPR Course Instruction
• Staff Training before camper arrival
• Individual instruction from Health Care Provider
• Parental instruction at time of camper registration

Orientation by Health Care Provider will include:
• Any symptoms to watch for, I.e., diabetic reaction, seizure, etc.
• Information on medications, including dosage, time to be given and proper administration
• Precautionary information on sunburn, dehydration, etc.
• Proper use of asthma inhaler, epi-pen or other emergency medications
• Proper use of any medical equipment needed

Due to privacy issues, ORM staff will be notified of campers with special needs on an individual ‘as-need-to-know’ basis.

Due to important laws of privacy, campers medical conditions, medications, history and other private information is NOT topic for discussion with campers or other persons.

If staff person needs pertinent information for camper safety, please be extremely careful how questions are asked, who is able to hear question and response and how this information is handled.
Confidentiality must be maintained
at all times.

An unfamiliar person on the camp property may range from someone lost and looking for directions to a person with intent to do harm to persons or property. Some judgments must be made on the part of staff.
To prevent false alarms and unnecessary fright, all camp personnel will carry flashlights and identify themselves when walking in the camp at night.
• When you become aware of an unfamiliar person on site, address the person with an inquiry such as, “May I help you?”
• Be polite, give assistance when possible, refer the person to the camp office, or politely ask them to leave.
• Observe to ascertain that the person leaves the site
• Be observant as to the make, model, and license number of the vehicle
• If the appearance of the unfamiliar person makes you uncomfortable, approach with another staff member—but make sure a leader stays with the campers away from the situation.
• If the person refuses to leave, contact the Program Director and Camp Director
• If the person appears to be threatening in any way, DO NOT APPROACH or take any chances. Remove yourself and the campers from the area, notify the camp office and observe the whereabouts of the person
• If you see or suspect an intruder at night, immediately and quietly notify the other staff members and the Camp Director.
Check all camper sleeping areas with a head count.
— Teach campers to come quietly and tell you if there are unfamiliar persons on the property
— Reassure the campers without frightening them. Allow the camper to express their emotions and to know that it is okay to be afraid. Allow them to talk about their experience.
• Complete Incident Reports and any other required paperwork