Introduction

Purpose

The purpose of this manual is to provide our staff and counselors with the tools and guidelines necessary to serve our camp community with integrity and for the glory of God. It outlines the policies, procedures, and expectations for each team member, all of which are designed to foster a culture of unity, integrity, and a standard of excellence.

Mission

Our mission is to offer exceptional, Gospel-driven programs that provide intentional opportunities for whole-person development and discipleship via our Summer Camp offerings. This includes:

• Sports Camps

• Day Camp

• Combination Camp

• LEAD

Values

The following are our core values of camp and the breakdown of how these values are accomplished. These values are in order of how they should be achieved - a subsequent value cannot be upheld if any values before it are ignored. All staff are expected to do their very best to uphold these values at all times.

1. Safety - All of our campers must be kept safe from physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual harm while in our care. This is accomplished by:

   1. • Setting and maintaining appropriate boundaries including relational boundaries between staff and campers, physical boundaries on campus and while using equipment, and emotional boundaries between staff and campers. This also means establishing firm rules and following through on discipline when campers break those rules.

      • Creating and maintaining trust between staff and campers. This means keeping private things private (excluding situations of actual or potential harm), keeping your word, showing up on time, speaking the truth in love, and advocating for your campers.

      • Constant supervision and attention. This includes physically watching campers to ensure they are not being harmed as well as being emotionally attentive to their needs and wellbeing.

2. Love - All of our campers must know that they are loved first by God, their Creator, as well as being loved by every staff member they interact with. This is accomplished by:

   1. • Being honest in all that you say and do. This includes following through on expectations and consequences, sharing the truth of God's Word, and living out what you say you believe.

      • Exhibiting compassion in how you treat campers and other staff members. This includes spending time listening to campers' hearts and responding without judgement.

      • Showing genuine interest in your campers' wellbeing. This includes getting to know each of them as individuals and learning what they like.

3. Encouragement - All of our campers must know they are valued, that their efforts are seen, and that we will be a support system in their journey of personal growth. This is accomplished by:

   1. • Challenging your campers to grow in their faith and character. This includes having honest conversations about their choices, instituting discipline, and pushing them to dive deeper into what God is calling them to. 

      • Giving praise when your campers experience moments of courage. This includes positive reinforcements and celebrating wins publicly in order to show campers how proud we are of them.

      • Engaging in meaningful discussions with campers. This includes talking through the devotion concepts, asking questions about their faith journey, and letting them know they can share whatever they need to.

4. Excellence - All of our campers must know that we seek to create a high quality program year after year. This is accomplished by: 

   1. • Taking initiative in every aspect of your job and going the extra mile to ensure campers are having the best experience possible. 

      • Engaging in critical thinking and problem solving to ensure that negative issues are taken care of quickly and effectively.

      • Thinking creatively about ways to make our program better and bringing those ideas to life.

Vision

Our vision is to impact the greater Raleigh community with the Gospel of Christ through the gifts that God has given us.

 Camper Outcomes

1. We want campers to encounter the Gospel in a personal way.

2. We want campers to feel known, valued, and loved.

3. We want campers to grow in their understanding of God's Word.

4. We want campers to build meaningful, Christ-centered friendships.

5. We want campers to practice Christian disciplines - prayer, worship, scripture reading, teaching, and fellowship.

6. We want campers to explore the outdoors and enjoy time in nature.

7. We want campers to grow in respect and responsibility.

8. We want campers to develop attitudes of teamwork and kindness.

9. We want campers to try new things and pursue adventure with confidence.

10. We want campers to recognize their identity in Christ - that they are uniquely created in His image.

Huddle Breakdown

Each of our huddles has a unique purpose and vision within the camp community. Campers are placed in huddles based on age and we strive to take an individualized approach in encouraging them in their spiritual growth by focusing on the challenges most directly in front of them.

Doves - Kindergarten

• First time campers; we want them to focus on having fun, trying new things, and learning the fundamentals of Christian faith.

• Doves are a symbol of peace in the Bible. We want these campers to know that God made them, He loves them, and He will always be with them.

• Slogan: Peace!

Rangers - 1st / 2nd Grade

• First or second time campers; we want them to focus on engaging in activities, being adventurous, and learning what it means to be saved and transformed by God.

• Rangers are those who travel new paths and are courageous in following God. We want these campers to know that God has a plan for their lives and that He is calling them to follow Him.

• Slogan: Go and Do!

Flames - 1st / 2nd Grade

• First or second time campers; we want them to focus on engaging in activities, being adventurous, and learning what it means to be saved and transformed by God.

• Flames represent God's power and presence in the Bible, burning bright to lead His people. We want these campers to know that God has a plan for their lives and He is calling them to shine brightly with His love and mercy.

• Slogan: Shine Bright!

Guardians - 3rd / 4th Grade

• Multi-year campers; we want them to focus on making friends, being creative, and learning how to follow God with their whole heart.

• Guardians are those who protect the truth and stand firm no matter what others say and do. We want these campers to know that God's Word is the ultimate truth and He is calling them to live out those truths in a broken world.

• Slogan: Stand Firm!

Ambassadors - 3rd / 4th Grade

• Multi-year campers; we want them to focus on making friends, being creative, and learning how to follow God with their whole heart.

• Ambassadors are those who represent Christ in the world and show others what it means to follow Him. We want these campers to know that God gives them strength to do the right thing no matter what others around them choose to do.

• Slogan: Represent!

Shepherds - 5th / 6th Grade

• The oldest and most experienced campers; we want them to focus on being an example for others, exhibiting great sportsmanship, and diving deeper into God's Word.

• Shepherds are leaders - they provide for and protect those in their care. We want these campers to know that God is calling them to be an example for His kingdom and to share His Gospel with others.

• Slogan: Rise Up!