SCYC Staff Handbook

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for agreeing to work as a staff member for the youth who will be attending Simpson County Youth Camp during the week of June 15th-20th at Taylor Christian Camp!  Everyone is SO busy today, and we know you are no exception.  The elders of Franklin church of Christ, the campers, and I appreciate your sacrifice and servant heart so very much!

Wonderful blessings will come your way from camp work.  The campers will enrich your life tremendously!  Another blessing is the opportunity to get to know other staff members that you don’t know much about or are acquainted with on a regular basis!  Lifetime friendships can begin and be cultivated through our efforts together!

We urge you to bring a determination to be a responsible and dedicated staff member.  And please remember above all that we must exhibit the spirit of Christ among ourselves and with the campers.  Let us let our Christian light shine brightly for the Lord!

Again, thank you for being on the staff for Simpson County Youth Camp.  Let’s make this a great week to the glory of God and to the joy of the youth!

God Bless All of Us,

Steven Kirby – SCYC Director

RESPONSIBLITIES of Lodge Clean-Up:

1ST Cabin: Sweep and mop floors; take out garbage; take out and dump liquid bucket; check and clean the men’s restroom in the lodge.

2nd Cabin: Wipe off tables and seats; throw away any leftover trash on tables, check and clean the women’s restroom in the lodge.

Assigned cabins for lodge clean-up duties will eat last.  They will line-up last in the food line.

1.   They will not rush those in line or those eating to finish so they can clean.

2.  Counselors of the cabin assigned clean-up duties must oversee all of their campers to make sure the clean-up work is being done, i.e. emptying trash cans, liquid bucket, cleaning tables, etc., in a timely manner.

3.  When the campers finish eating, they should immediately begin a “FINAL” clean up!

4. Counselors should have a schedule within the cabin to make sure that all the campers participate in the assigned clean-up activities.  This will help by not letting campers skip out from helping their fellow campers in the clean-up duties.

5.  All campers should participate at least once during the day of the assigned clean-up activity.

6.  Cleaning supplies will be provided by the director, co-directors, or kitchen staff.

RESPONSIBILITES of Bathhouse Clean-Up:

1st Cabin: Clean (sinks, toilets, shower drains, etc.), empty trash, and sweep the boy’s bathhouse,

2nd Cabin: Clean (sinks, toilets, shower drains, etc.), empty trash, and sweep the girl’s bathhouse

DAILY CABIN CLEAN-UP

I.                Clean Up Directions

1.               All floors within the cabin and the front porch must be swept and clean.

2.               Beds or sleeping bags must be made neatly.

3.               Pillows must be neatly placed in a uniform manner of the bed.

4.               Suitcases must be uniform.

5.               Shoes must be under the beds and in a neat row.

6.               No other personal items should be left on the floor, bed, etc.

7.               Articles on shelves or cubbies must be neatly arranged.

8.               Dirty and/or drying clothes must be out of sight or hung properly on a hook or clothesline.

9.               No food or drink allowed in or around the cabins.

10.            Littering or rearranging items or beds in your own cabin or in another cabin so as to attempt to cause loss of cabin inspection will not be tolerated!

11.            Area around outside of cabins must be clean (free of trash, paper, etc.)

II.     Caution: The kids are to do the cabin cleanup … NOT THE COUNSELORS!

III.           Cabin inspection will be conducted during AM Bible class time……EVERYDAY!

Definitions of Staff Assignments & Responsibilities:

·   Camp Director 

o   In charge of the entire camp (staff, campers, visitors, etc.) during the week of SCYC.  In charge of enforcing all the rules and regulations during the week.

·   Boy’s & Girl’s Counselors-In-Charge

o   Conducts training of staff.  Oversees and leads all the counselors for the week. 

o   Addresses any problems between staff members and/or with campers.

·   Counselors

o   Staff workers who are at camp for the campers first and foremost. 

o   Senior Counselor – 5+ years of experience

o   Assistant Counselor - <5 years of experience 

o   Jr. Counselor – 0 camp experience (must be one year removed from high school)

·   Education Coordinator

o   Organizing and getting Bible curriculum and class schedules ready for the week.

o   Bible Class Teacher – assigned a certain age group during the week to teach Bible.

o   Teacher Assistants – assigned to help teacher with classes during the week.

·   Kitchen Coordinator

o   Oversees all the kitchen staff.  Keeps the entire camp feed throughout the week.

o   Snack Coordinator – in charge of organizing snacks time (twice a day).

·   Worship Coordinator

o   Oversees and schedules all participants (song leader, scripture reading, and prayers) for any worship/devotional services.

o   Goal should be met to have as many male campers involved as possible.

o   Devotional Times Include: Flag Raising, Morning Group Assembly, Afternoon Group Assembly, Evening Devotional, and Evening Vespers

o   Assistants will be assigned to help with the audio/video equipment.

·   Recreation/Activities Coordinator

o   Oversees and schedules all the recreational/sport activities for the week during the afternoon and evening times.  Assistants will be assigned to help.

o   Lifeguard – a head lifeguard will be in charge with others assigned to help.

o   Skits – a head coordinator, along with assistants, will oversee organizing and planning this activity to take place on Thursday afternoon and evening.

·   Craft Coordinator

o   Oversees and organizes all craft activities for the entire week.

·   Nurse

o   Makes sure that all campers’ health and well-being are made a top priority.

o   In charge of keeping up with and dispensing medications throughout the week.

·   Maintenance:

o   Oversees water/hydration, paper products, and other duties to help.

·   Cabin Inspectors:

o   To inspect the cabins and monitor the cleanliness of the campers & counselors.

·   Security

o   Helps to maintain the overall safety of all campers, staff, and property.

o   Helps to keep an established schedule and hours of camp honored.

·   Staff may also be assigned other duties not listed to help make the week go smoothly.

THE COUNSELOR’S ROLE

Of all the staff at camp, no one has the level of contact or impact on a camper’s life as that of a Counselor.  A Counselor lives with his or her campers, guiding and leading them every day.  While each Counselor has his or her own style, all must have the same commitment to upholding God’s Law, encouraging, and developing the young people, and showing loyalty and support for the camp administration.

Yours is an awesome responsibility, one you cannot fulfill alone. You need the support of your assistant, the counsel of those in charge of the camp, and the advice and support of the other staff.  Don’t try to go to it alone!  We all need to work together as a team to give the campers the best time possible. The Counselor/Assistant Counselor are positions that complement each other. The two are to help one another by providing different perspectives as well as abilities.  While the Counselor has the final say in any decision, there should always be a “thinking out loud” process that both Counselors go through to know what each other is thinking.  This avoids any “surprises”.  With the two working together as a team, the cabin will respect both individuals while still being able to see the proper workings of relationships.

Your greatest support while at camp is from God.  Don’t let counseling take you away from this most important relationship. Strive to take advantage of available personal time for prayer and Bible Study. This “sharing” of time will help each Counselor start the day right and will provide the campers with a positive example as well.

THE ASSISTANT COUNSELOR (and/or JUNIOR COUNSELOR)

Each Counselor could or may have an Assistant and/or a Junior Counselor.  The Assistant/Junior Counselor’s role is to back up the Counselor in everything the cabin does. He or she must have the same high standards and example as the Counselor. The Assistant/Junior Counselor is not an “alternative” to the Counselor, but a support.  The Assistant/Junior Counselor is also in a training capacity and should be given the opportunity to lead the cabin in various situations. So, work as a team in fulfilling your responsibilities and accomplishing your goals.  The Assistant/Junior Counselor should learn from the Counselor and ask questions about how to be a successful staff member of church camp. 

COUNSELOR’S DIRECTIVES

Here are several rules and guidelines you will need to know.  These are designed to help us receive all the intended benefits of this camp.  Other rules and regulations may be established during the week of camp, and must be followed by all campers, staff, and/or visitors.

General Rules

A. Counselors are responsible to the Camp Director.  The Camp Director should always be made aware of any major rules violations that are broken during the week of camp.  Anything that is minor in nature should be able to be handled by the Boy’s and Girl’s Counselors-In-Charge.  If you are unsure of the degree of the violation – always make sure to tell the Camp Director.

B. Counselors are also responsible to the Boy’s and Girl’s Counselors-In-Charge.  Feel free to talk to them about any question or problem concerning your fellow counselors, campers, or the camp.  If the question or problem cannot be handled by the Boy’s and Girl’s Counselors-In-Charge, the Camp Director will be notified to help with the situation. 

C. Concerning your own actions and attitude:

1.       Conduct yourself as a Christian and abide by the established Code of Ethics. (page 20) 

2.      Show respect for the rules of the camp.

3.      Attend all devotional periods.  Show a reverent attitude at all these meetings. 

4. Sit with your campers during devotional periods and assemblies. 

5.      Dress neatly and conservatively. 

6.      Always present a good example to the campers.

D. Be a true friend to your campers, willing to help them at any time.  Let them know in your first meeting with them that you desire to help!

E. Teachers and counselors are to report at once the absence of any camper from class or the cabin!

F. All counselors are expected to follow all the camp rules! (Page 18)

G. There are no special privileges for you.  You are here to work!

1.       Senior Counselors – head counselor overseeing their cabin and campers.

2.      Assistant Counselors – an assistant to a head counselor

3.      Junior Counselors – intern who will be under the supervision of a senior counselor.

Camper/Counselor togetherness

A. You are responsible for the campers assigned to you.  See that they follow the camp rules.  You are to be always with them, except when they are in morning classes.

B. Check to make sure your campers attend the classes, devotionals, and group assemblies.

C. You are to be with your campers during all recreational activities…sports, swimming, crafts, and evening programs.  See that all your campers are at that activity.  They are to be there whether they participate or not.  Encourage them to participate in all activities.

Counselors/Staff with Children at Camp

A.    This can be a difficult situation!

B. Your children may tend to hang on to you as their parent(s).

C. Urge them to integrate into their own cabin and not to hang onto you. 

D. Urge that they must obey their own counselor.

E. No special favors (treats, food, etc.) should be given to your own child while ignoring others.

Mornings/evenings in the cabin

A. See that your campers stay in the cabin until “Rise and Shine” each morning.  If they must go to the bathhouse, have them come right back to the cabin.

B. No staff member, camper or helper shall leave the cabin at night after lights out except to go to the bathhouse.  Campers are to let counselors know when they leave and when they return.  No one is to be in or at the lodge, on the basketball court, playground area, or anywhere else except in his/her cabin, after the lights out, except with the director’s permission.

C. No food or drink is to be in the cabin at any time.

D. No jumping from bunk to bunk!

E. No horseplay, wrestling, or other unnecessary activity should take place inside the cabins or anywhere else on the camp property during the week.

F. Counselors are expected to make sure that their campers are in bed at a decent hour and are well rested for the next scheduled daily activities.

G.    Counselors are expected to have their campers up and out of the cabins by 7:45 a.m. each morning.  Everyone must be at the flag raising by 7:50 a.m.

H. Counselors are expected to have cabin time and prayers before turning the lights out and going to bed.  Devotional sheets will be provided as a guideline or the counselor in charge of the cabin may come up with their own lesson dealing with the week’s subject matter.

Dress Code

·   Be sure your campers dress modestly.  If there are any questions regarding this, consult the Boy’s and Girl’s Counselors-In-Charge.

·   Anyone (campers, staff, and/or visitors) dressing inappropriately/immodestly will be asked to change immediately.

·   Modest dress is always expected!  Clothing NOT ALLOWED will include: any clothing that is tight fitting, to small, low cut (mid-drift must not show), spaghetti straps, revealing cutoff shirts (Note: Sleeveless shirts may be worn, but must be 2 inches wide across the shoulders.), tank tops, clothing promoting alcohol, drugs, or profanity, etc. Skirts and shorts must extend to the mid-thigh or longer when properly fitted at the waist.  Undergarments must not be showing outside of your clothes.  Swimwear should be appropriate length trunks for boys, and girls must wear one-piece swimsuits or dark-colored t-shirts that will cover two-piece swimsuits. 

• Boy Counselors: Remind the boys that when they are going to the bath house or to-and-from swimming, they are to wear a t-shirt along with pants, shorts, or their swim trunks.

• Girl Counselors: Remind the girls that when they are going to the bath house or to-and-from swimming, they are to wear a towel or clothing over their swimsuits.  Also, when going to the bathhouse at night, they are to be fully clothed or wear a robe or housecoat over their night clothing.

Rules Review

A. Review rules and guidelines with your campers as they apply.  Rules will be posted in all cabins and in the lodge.

B. Remind the campers they are under camp rules and guidelines until leaving with their parents or authorized person.

C. These rules are not made to hinder anyone from having a good time.  In fact, if these are followed, we all will have a great time!

Leaving the campground

A. If you must leave, tell the director so another person can be assigned to the campers while you are away!

B. If children leave the camp to go home, the director must be notified!

Lodge/Dining Hall

A. Please see that your campers eat properly.

B. Clean-Up Assignment Sheets will tell your cabin when you must clean the dining hall.

C. Staff Only will be allowed in the kitchen area!  The kitchen is NOT a hangout spot to spend time – it is a work zone.  Please make sure to ask permission to enter the kitchen area and be respectful of the kitchen staff and other workers.

D. Campers will only be allowed in the kitchen on a as needed basis and will be invited in by either the kitchen or camp staff.

Cabin Visits or Raiding

A. Campers must not visit cabins other than their own without permission from either their own counselor or the counselor of the visited cabin. 

B. Boys and Girls are to always stay away from the cabins of the opposite sex.

C. Raiding a cabin is strictly forbidden!

Homesickness

A. Try to do all that you can to help overcome this.

B. If you need help, see the Boy’s and/or Girl’s director, the co-directors, or director.

C. The director may allow the child to call home if he thinks it will help.

D. If the director deems it necessary, the director may move the child to another cabin.  Please do not take such action personally!

Awards

A. Camper of the Week Award

·       Best Boy & Girl Junior Camper (Kindergarten-6th Grade)

·       Best Boy & Girl Senior Camper (7th-12th Grade)

B. Other Awards

1. Male and Female Outstanding Bible Student

2. Male and Female Sportsmanship

3. Survivor Award (if applicable)

4. Fishers of Men Award (if applicable)

C. On Monday morning, there will be sheets handed out so that the staff may keep up with camper names they would like to put up for award nominations later in the week. 

D. On Thursday morning at our staff meeting, each counselor may nominate a camper for the camper of the week and the other awards (#1-#3).  The campers nominated will then be given to the counselors for review.  This will allow you one more day to observe campers before we vote on Friday morning.  The other awards will be selected by the co-directors.

Staff Meetings

A. There will be two meetings held prior to the camping season in preparation for camp.   Dates will be announced in plenty of time by the camp director so that potential staff may attend.

B. There will be a mandatory staff meeting on the Sunday of camp week.  Final assignments and other items will be discussed to help make sure camp week will be successful.

C. Daily staff meetings will be held – as needed!  They will be brief! 

D. In the Thursday morning meeting, nominations will be made for the Camper Awards.

E. In the Friday morning meeting, we will vote on these awards.  Also, during the meeting, a review of the week and plans/suggestions for the next camp will be discussed.

Enthusiasm Is a MUST!

A.    We MUST get to camp READY TO GO!

B. Let’s keep ourselves UP for the kids!

C. We must view our efforts with enthusiasm and joy, not just as a job to do!

Cooperation Is a Must!!!

A.    During a hard week’s work at camp, cooperation is A NECESSITY!

B. It is easy to be dissatisfied with methods or with others and to become complainers!

C. This is especially true with relation to the judging of sporting activities, cabin cleanup, etc.

D. Campers can easily sense such disharmony!

E. If conflicts arise, let us work them out openly, fairly, and in a Christian manner.

Counselor’s Work

A.    You are to be always with the campers except during class time!

1. Crafts

2. Swimming

3. Recreation

4. Etc.

B. Even if you do not swim, you must be at the creek or the lodge area with campers!  (No afternoon staff naps are allowed during these times.)

C. Help the craft staff assist your campers – this is EXTREMELY important!

D. Even if COUNSELORS do not participate in contest, be out there encouraging your campers and/or cabin to do their BEST.

Sports and Activities

A.    Urge all children to participate!  That is the MAIN THING!

B. Remember – Lots of kids are not athletic and that’s OK!!!

C. Counselors – Do not take the sports events SO seriously!

1. YES, it is for friendly competition!

2. BUT it is also for FUN!

3. REMEMBER, it is not life or death!

Skit Performances

A.    Being loud enough to be heard is extremely important!

B. Limit the skit to less than 10 minutes in length!

Weather

A. Rain:

1. Stay in the cabin during afternoon activities.

2. Counselors need to take board games for in-cabin activities during rain!

3. Activities or assigned locations will be rescheduled or moved if necessary.

B. Storms:

1. If lightning, stay in the cabins.

2. If the director deems it necessary for everyone’s safety and for the emotional encouragement of the children and staff, you may be called to the lodge.

3. We will try to avoid going there unless the weather is very severe.

4. If a tornado were to come, we would get everyone in the lodge under the tables or in the basement.

C. Heat

1. In excessively hot weather you may get ice for the campers!

2. Counselors should ask the kitchen coordinator before entering the kitchen and taking ice to the children.  An ice chest/cooler may be provided for campers in the lodge if it is deemed necessary to do so.

3. Water coolers will be provided at several locations around the camp.

4. Water breaks will be encouraged during sporting activities and throughout the day!

5. The schedule may be altered if the weather is excessively HOT!

Lodge/Dining Hall (Mealtime)

A. Campers are not to enter the lodge/dining hall until called.

B. Campers will eat in an order to be determined during the assembly before the allotted mealtime!  This will be done by the director, co-director, or whomever oversees the assembly.

C. Campers are to clean the dining hall on a rotating basis!  Those with these duties will eat last, and then clean!  This will keep them from rushing others to hurry and eat!

D. Clean-up duties and responsibilities will be clearly defined and posted for all campers and counselors by the director, co-directors, and/or boy’s/girl’s directors.

E. Staff members may eat food at night.  However, only eat what is designated by the cooks!  Do not take any food unless “Okayed” by the kitchen staff director or staff! 

F. Visitors/guests will be served last after all campers and staff have been served.

Snacks

A. Snacks will be provided for the campers twice a day.

B. Snacks should be consumed in the lodge area, in designated play areas, or outside of cabins.  (Note: Please limit the use of snacks in cabins to help with pest control.  Make sure all snacks are sealed, put away, or consumed.  Keep your cabin clean!!)

C. ALL trash from snacks should be placed in the proper trash bins.

Devotionals/Worship Assemblies

A.    Counselors must sit with their campers during devotionals and worship hours!

B. Let’s use the raised hand as a “quiet call” for the camp!

C. Counselor should set the proper example for ALL our campers in ALL assemblies.

Camp Nurse

A. Counselors are urged to be respectful of the nurse.

B. Counselors should care for minor scrapes, cuts and headaches.  Fix them better than you would your own children.

C. Remember that many headaches and stomachaches may be homesickness!

D. We urge restraint in calling for the nurse without consideration.

E. Counselors:  Please check your campers for ticks daily!

F. Counselors: Please ensure daily bathing of all campers.

Loudspeaker Usage (Announcements)

A. Only the Director, Boy’s/Girl’s Counselor-In-Charge, Worship Coordinators, or the Recreation/Activities Director should use these speakers.

B. These are not for play, only for imparting information to the campers and staff.

C. If you have any announcements, please make them known to whomever oversees the assembly to make sure it is properly announced.

Phone

A. No long-distance calls are to be made by the staff or camper unless approved by the Director.

B. If a child is extremely homesick, the director may allow that child to call home…it will be at his discretion!

Recreation/Activities

A. Activities

1. Staff may participate but MUST not take over.

2. Let kids be the center of the activity or program.

B. Recreation

1. Start on time.

2. Each camper/cabin must compete in each sporting event!  Fairness is a must!

3. Clear-cut guidelines and rules must be laid down.

4. An authorized judge or counselor is to supervise events and report to the Recreation Coordinator!

5. Staff members are expected to assist the director and judges.

Vehicles/Service Vehicles/Golf Carts:

A. Staff members and campers’ personal vehicles must remain parked in designated areas for the duration of camp.  Counselors overseeing campers who can drive to camp should not allow them access to their vehicles unless it is absolutely deemed necessary.

B. A limited number of recreational vehicles and/or golf carts will be used during the week.  The vehicles will be used for specific purposes only and will be operated by designated staff only.  Vehicles WILL NOT be used for recreational purposes.   

C. Campers will NOT be allowed to ride service vehicles, golf carts, or any other type of vehicle without approval from the director.  

D. Staff members are expected to walk and interact with the kids during all camp activities.

E. Vehicles that will be used for water activities or other trips to the creek will be authorized and approved by the co-directors.  Campers will be allowed to ride vehicles for these activities.

F. Please be aware of all your surroundings while driving any type of vehicle at camp.  Please make sure to drive at a SLOW SPEED so that accidents may be avoided! 

Disrupting Church Camp (including Pranks and/or Hazing)

A.     Behavior that materially or substantially disrupts any church camp activity shall not be tolerated and shall subject the offending counselor and/ or camper to appropriate disciplinary action. For purposes of this section, behavior which disrupts church camp shall include, but not be limited to:

a.  Conduct which threatens the health, safety, or welfare of others.

b. Conduct which may potentially damage church camp or private property, including the property of students or staff.

c.  Illegal activity; or

d. Conduct that materially or substantially interferes with another camper's ability to enjoy church camp week activities, including the ability to attend, participate in and benefit from Bible classes and recreational activities; or

e.      Conduct that materially or substantially disrupts the delivery of worship services, Bible class lessons, or interferes with the orderly administration of the church camp activities.

B.     Counselors and campers must learn to respect the rights of others and to interact with them in a civil manner. Therefore, counselors and campers are required to speak and behave in a civil manner toward everyone during camp week.

ACTIONS NOT TOLERATED – The use of lewd, profane, or vulgar language is prohibited. In addition, counselors and campers shall not engage in behaviors such as hazing, bullying, menacing, taunting, intimidating, verbal or physical abuse of others, or other threatening behavior. This policy extends to any/all counselor and camper language or behavior including, but not limited to, the use of electronic or online methods. Such behavior is disruptive of life and overall, Christian morals.

C. Finally, malicious pranks and/or hazing of individuals and/or camp property WILL NOT be tolerated.  Proper disciplinary actions will be taken against all parties involved.

Security/Fire Safety

A. If for some reason fire should break out in a building, the woods, an open field, or a vehicle, it is the counselor’s responsibility to evacuate all campers or individuals to a safe place. Confirm with other adults that all campers are accounted for in a safe place, then immediately report the situation to the Camp Director.  Never try to extinguish a fire - just evacuate.

B. It is the camp counselor’s responsibility to accompany campers to the creek.  Counselors are invited to swim with the campers, but they must also be aware of those they are responsible for. Swimming rules will be enforced by the certified lifeguards on duty. As a camp counselor please cooperate and assist in keeping these rules for everyone’s safety.

C. If you discover that a camper is missing:

a.      Double check with other campers to see if they know the whereabouts of the missing camper.  Look in bathhouses, craft buildings, or other areas campers may go to.

b. After looking in these areas without success an adult should report the situation to the Camp Director.  The camp staff will conduct a search of the campus and contact the proper authorities should the need arise.

SCYC RULES & GUIDELINES

·   The guidelines and requirements apply to all campers, staff, and visitors during camp week, and they are provided for the safety and well-being of everyone in attendance at SCYC.

·   Campers are subject to direction and correction by any staff member.  The camp director may send home any camper who is guilty of persistent disobedience or violation of camp rules.

·   No one (campers, staff, visitors) is to leave camp for any reason without the permission of the camp co-directors.  For insurance purposes, ALL staff, campers, visitors must sign in and out with the camp director during the week.  The sheet will be in the lodge. 

·   Full accidental insurance is carried out on all campers and staff.  Campers who need medical attention or dispensing of medications are asked to see the nurse or camp director immediately. 

·   Christian behavior is always expected.

·   All campers and staff are expected to participate and/or attend all the camp activities.

·   Improper/bad language, malicious pranks and/or hazing, vandalism, alcohol/drugs/ or tobacco products, weapons (including air-soft), fireworks, lighters, or matches are forbidden and will not be tolerated. Any damage will be charged to the responsible parties and/or parents.

·   Snacks will be provided.  Please limit what you bring to camp for your cabins.

·       Dress Code: Modest dress is always expected!  Clothing NOT ALLOWED will include: any clothing that is tight fitting, to small, low cut (mid-drift must not show), spaghetti straps, revealing cutoff shirts (Note: Sleeveless shirts may be worn, but must be 2 inches wide across the shoulders.), tank tops, clothing promoting alcohol, drugs, or profanity, etc. Skirts and shorts must extend to the mid-thigh or longer when properly fitted at the waist.  Undergarments must not be showing outside of your clothes.  Swimwear should be appropriate length trunks for boys, and girls must wear one-piece swimsuits or dark-colored t-shirts that will cover two-piece swimsuits.  Anyone (campers, staff, and/or visitors) dressing inappropriately/immodestly will be asked to change immediately.

 ·   Shoes and socks will be required for all physical activities.  Sandals, Crocs, etc. will not be allowed to be worn during these activities.  Campers are also expected to wear either shoes or sandals during the entire week of camp.  No camper will be allowed to go barefoot at any time. 

·       Electronics are only allowed in cabins during free time.  Small electronic items may be brought to camp, but it is highly recommended that you leave them at home.  SCYC is not responsible for lost or stolen items.  Also, electronics may be confiscated at any time by the camp staff if not being used as suggested. (Note: Phones may be used for picture taking only outside of the cabins.)

·   No girls are allowed in or around the boys' cabins and vice versa. No exceptions!

·   Cabins are to be cleaned daily and will be inspected.  If a cabin is not at or above a passing mark based upon inspection, the cabin residents and counselors will be instructed to clean up before other activities take place.  Cabin cleanliness guidelines will be posted in each cabin during the week.

·   No overnight visitors without permission from the camp co-directors. (Based on space availability.)

The “Be-Attitudes” Of A Simpson County Youth Camp Counselor

BE PATIENT. Seek to be tolerant with Simpson County Youth Camp staff, your camp leadership team, and especially with campers (Proverbs 16:32; 29:11; Colossians 3:12-13; 2 Timothy 2:24).

BE TEACHABLE. Be open and accepting to teachings and seek to listen as much as you speak (Proverbs 1:5; 9:9).

BE SUBMISSIVE. Be an example in following all guidelines and rules, remember that your students will be watching you (Romans 13:1-7; Titus 2:9-10).

BE CONSIDERATE. Actively seek to follow the “Golden Rule” and treat both adults and students as you would like to be treated (Matt. 22:39; Gal. 5:13-14).

BE FLEXIBLE. Go with the flow while you are working with others. “Flexibility”

means patiently bending under pressure instead of breaking. It does not mean taking it upon yourself to break established guidelines.

BE ENTHUSIASTIC. Pour your energies, enthusiasm, and joyful encouragement into exhibiting God’s unconditional love. Remember that you are a part of a TEAM effort (Romans 12:11).

Code of Ethics

As a staff member for Simpson County Youth Camp, I agree to follow the set rules and guidelines pertaining to the appearance I portray and the actions I exhibit.

I agree:

·   To be a servant of God by putting the youth attending SCYC first and foremost in everything I do, and by helping my fellow staff members do whatever we can to make the week of camp go smooth for everyone.

·   To be in line of sight when talking one on one with a camper, especially a camper of the opposite sex.  An example would be when a young lady asks to speak to her Bible class teacher, youth minister, or a family friend, they must not be off by themselves out of the line of sight of others.

·   To stay in groups larger than two, especially when one male and one female counselor are together.

·   To always follow the rules and guidelines of camp, especially concerning the dress code.

·   To set a positive example to all that I meet.

·   To report any problems immediately to the camp director by keeping him informed and all documentation taken care of.

·   To work hard, study diligently, and enjoy the week.

I also understand that I will be obligated to attend pre-camp staff meetings, read, abide by, and understand the counselor’s handbook, and be willing to do whatever I can to make SCYC camp week the best week ever for the youth that will be in attendance. 

I commit to everything that has been stated above.  

Note: As a SCYC staff member, you will be asked to sign and turn in a copy of the code of ethics along with your staff application to the camp director.