CAMP RESOURCE SUGGESTIONS
This document is designed for informational purposes only. The information may be
freely used by churches and other ministry organizations for their ministry purposes with
the following understanding:
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and does not give legal advice. Also, because the law varies from state to state
and changes frequently, Awana Clubs International cannot guarantee that all the
information and documents on the site comply with all state laws or are
completely current. Therefore, users are advised to consult with their legal
counsel regarding the implementation of any procedures or policies for their
circumstances.
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1
BUDGET
It is very important to establish and adhere to a balanced budget.
Anticipated income includes:
Registration Income (number of camper * cost)
Gifts
Miscellaneous Contributions
Anticipated expenses include:
Camp Rental and Expense
Office
Travel
Honorariums (camp speakers, worship leader, etc.)
Miscellaneous
Gifts
Sample Budget Attached-Sample 1
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SAMPLE 1
Proposed Budget
(insert camp year)
Camp Name
INCOME
Account #
Description
Gifts
Event Income
Misc.
TOTAL INCOME
Explanation
Description
Travel
Misc.
Honorariums
Event Expense
Office Expense
Gifts
TOTAL EXPENSES
Explanation
Amount Budgeted
$0.00
EXPENSE
Account #
VARIANCE
Amount Budgeted
$0.00
$0.00
COMMENTS (optional)
Submitted by:
(signature and date)
Approved by:
(signature and date)
3
CAMPER REGISTRATION
There are several important pieces to the camper registration process: the application, the
registration software and communication to the camper.
The application package includes:
Cover letter – dates, cost, camp specific information
Application – collects personal information and sponsor information (sample 2)
Parental consent/medical release form (contact your insurance company and/or
attorney for content)
Parental safety letter (sample 3)
Registration software is available from many sources. It should include basic camper
information, payment information, cabin assignments and team assignments. It can also
include camp staff information.
It is a good idea to send a confirmation letter to the camper (sample 4) or a letter to the
camper’s parents if the camper is on a waiting list (sample 5).
Final communication to the camper should be delivered about two weeks prior to the start
of camp. Important information to deliver would be dress code information (sample 6)
and a list of what to bring and what not to bring (sample 7) and a parent- and campersigned agreement of standards of conduct (sample 8).
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SAMPLE 2
(Name of camp)
Camp Dates
(circle one)
Please use a pen and print clearly.
CAMPER INFORMATION
Applicant’s Full Name: __________________________________________ Date of Birth:
__________________ Age: _____________
Name or nickname you prefer to be called (if different from above): _______________________
Male Female (circle one)
Address: _________________________________________ City: ____________________________ State:
_______ ZIP: ______________
Home Phone: (_____) ________________________ Family E-mail Address:
________________________________________________
(Circle one) Grade next fall: 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Graduate
Adult Shirt Size: S
M
XXL
L
XL
If you have ONE roommate preference in your age/grade level, please give their full name
____________________________
Every attempt will be made to honor your request.
SPONSOR INFORMATION
Camper is sponsored by:  Church
 Parent
 Clubber

Other
Sponsor’s Name _________________________________________ Address
_________________________________________________
City _______________________________ State ____________
ZIP ___________________________
REMEMBER TO REGISTER EARLY
We recommend that you keep a copy for your records.
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SAMPLE 3
Dear Parents of Campers:
Volunteers for camps are chosen and screened very carefully. Our goal is that all
volunteers will have a positive spiritual impact on youth attending camp.
We encourage you to talk to your son or daughter and encourage them to talk to you
about their camp experience. Also, let your son or daughter know they can feel free to
talk with a camp counselor or the camp director should there be something they are not
comfortable with at camp.
We desire camp to be a positive experience for all youth, a time of spiritual growth that
they look back on with fond memories. We covet your prayers as we work to bring
spiritual enrichment to the young people that are entrusted to us at camp.
Blessings to you!
(Insert camp name)
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SAMPLE 4
Camp name
Dear Camper and Parents,
CONGRATULATIONS! You have been accepted to attend camp on (insert dates) at
(insert location). The remaining camp fee of (insert balance due) must be paid by (insert
payment deadline).
It’s a great privilege for us to have you come. You are very special. Start praying now
that God will do great things in your life during this special week. We have planned an
exciting week for you. Some of the traditional camp activities are planned, but we have
included many new and exciting things, too!
We want this to be a week that you will never forget. Since we run a very busy camp,
we request that there are no visitors during the week of camp. Your parents may visit and
view the grounds when they drop you off. No camper will be allowed to make or
receive telephone calls unless there is an emergency.
Parents, in case of EMERGENCY ONLY the phone number of the camp is (insert
phone number here). No camper is permitted to leave before the end of camp. Parents,
please do not ask to pick up your child before the end of camp. We have a waiting list of
campers wanting to come and to allow your child to leave, before camp is completed, is
not fair to the others who were not able to attend. If your child cannot stay until the end
of camp, we request that your child not come so as to open a spot for another camper to
attend.
We will do everything in our power to ensure that your child has a good time. Our
counselors are experienced and have been highly recommended by their pastor. For the
good of all the campers, we expect that your child will abide by the rules and regulations
that have been established for the camp.
If for some reason your child has a problem with the rules or will not cooperate, we do
expect you to pick him or her up from camp. We cannot allow one camper to disrupt or
spoil the time for the other campers. This is a rare occurrence and we counsel and give
the camper an opportunity to correct his or her behavior. As a parent, I hope this is a
comfort to you as many rules are safety related.
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SAMPLE 5
To the parents of (Child’s Name)
Address
City, State, ZIP Code
Dear Parents:
We have received the application and deposit for your child’s camp registration;
however, we currently do not have any more openings. We have placed your child on a
waiting list and will contact you should space become available.
We are often able to accept campers that start out on the waiting list. Spaces become
available due to illness, family situations and other circumstances. For this reason we will
hold on to the deposit check (but will not cash it) until camp starts. If at that point there
are no spots available, we will return the check to you.
If for some reason you do not want your child placed on the waiting list for camp, please
call us and we will of course return the check sooner.
Sincerely,
8
SAMPLE 6
Camp Dress Code
Christians can hurt their testimony by the clothing they wear and the way they wear it. In
general, outfits that are too tight or too short do not honor the Lord and are not allowed.
The criteria below further define what is not acceptable.
Girls/Lady Counselors and Staff
T-shirt or other garments with offensive or inappropriate writing, language or pictures are
not allowed. Shirts or tops with plunging necklines are not allowed. Shoulder straps on
tank tops must be at least two-finger-width wide. Any tops that reveal underwear (or lack
thereof) are not allowed.
Bare-midriff clothing, short or mini-dresses/skirts are not allowed. Leggings may be
worn only if the remainder of the clothing is appropriate without the leggings.
Shorts must be modest in length. They are recommended to be mid-thigh. It should be as
long as your finger tips when standing with your arms at your side. No short shorts, splitsided jogging shorts or spandex shorts will be permitted.
Swimwear must be one-piece style (front panel liner preferred). Suits with plunging
necklines and/or high-cut leg openings are not allowed. Please bring a t-shirt or swimsuit
cover-up for walking to the pool or lake.
Sturdy shoes, tennis shoes or sandals must be worn for all camp activities – no bare feet!
Pierced jewelry is limited to earrings.
Guys/Men Counselors and Staff
T-shirt or other garments with offensive or inappropriate writing, language or pictures are
not allowed. Tank tops or shirts with low-cut arm openings are not allowed. Shirts must
be worn at all times except in the pool, shower or cabin.
Shorts must be modest in length. They are recommended to be mid-thigh. It should be as
long as your finger tips when standing with your arms at your side. No short shorts, splitsided jogging shorts or spandex shorts will be permitted.
Modest swimwear is required.
Boxers or other underwear should not be visible.
Sturdy shoes, tennis shoes, or sandals must be worn for all camp activities – no bare feet!
No pierced jewelry is permitted.
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SAMPLE 7
What to Bring and What NOT to Bring
All luggage, clothing and items should be clearly marked with the camper’s name.
What to bring …
 Summer clothes
 Warm clothing (jacket or sweatshirt) – it can get cool at night
 Swimwear and towel
 Sleeping bag and pillow or sheets to cover the mattress
 Personal care items (towel, washcloth, soap, toothbrush/paste, sunscreen, insect
repellant)
 Sandals and shoes – closed-toe shoes are required for all athletic activity
 Flashlight
 Bible, notebook, pen or pencil
What is recommended (but not necessary to bring) …
 Camera and film
 Water bottle
 Fan
 Sharpie pen (some campers like to sign each other’s team shirt)
 Spending money
What NOT to bring …
 Cell phones
 Radios
 CD player or iPods
 Video games
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SAMPLE 8
Camp Agreement
1.
I will honor God with all my actions and attitudes at camp.
2.
I will respect others and value them while at camp.
3.
I will show respect to my counselors and others in authority
while at camp.
4.
I will set a good example for those around me while at camp.
5.
I will follow the rules and guidelines for activities at camp.
6.
I will not gossip or use my tongue to cut down others.
7.
I will not bring fads, excessive jewelry or inappropriate clothing (too
tight, too short or too offensive) to camp.
8.
I will commit to reading my Bible and having daily devotions while at
camp.
9.
I will, in good faith, enter into the spirit of camp, not just following
the rules but praying that God will use every experience to shape and
mold my life.
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I understand that attendance at camp is a privilege and that I may be
sent home at any time for failing to meet the terms of this agreement.
Attending Camper’s Signature _____________________________________________
Parent’s Signature _______________________________________________________
Camp Director’s Signature ________________________________________________
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RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS
Camp Positions
In addition to the campground paid staff, the suggested camp volunteer positions include
a camp director, activity directors, counselors, music directors, Bible teachers, chapel
speaker and a nurse or EMT (if not provided by the camp). It is important to identify and
notify the team very early in the recruiting process (sample 9).
Qualifications
Each team member should be a born-again Christian. Their lifestyle should be God
honoring and demonstrate a consistent walk with Christ. Each team member should be a
member in good standing with a local church. They need to complete a camp staff
training session. Each member should have a passion for ministry to youth.
Recruiting
Personal recommendations are best. All volunteers must be prepared physically,
emotionally, socially and mentally (sample 10).
Screening
Background checks, personal interviews and motor vehicle reports are all examples of
screening that should be completed for each volunteer and paid staff.
It is strongly recommended that a thorough background check be performed on all adults
who will be in contact with the campers. There are several resources to use.
Personal interviews often give the most insight to the reliability of the camp volunteer
candidate (sample 11).
If the volunteer will be asked to operate vehicles on behalf of the camp, they should
complete a release form (sample 12). In addition, it is recommended that a motor vehicle
report be completed as part of the background check.
Honorariums
There are some positions, such as music director or chapel speaker, that you may wish to
have as paid positions.
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SAMPLE 9
Camp name
Dear (Name),
Thanks for being an important part of camp for (YEAR). As a counselor, you have the
opportunity to make the biggest impact on the lives of campers during the week. We want
the week to be rewarding and enjoyable for you, and we are planning and praying to that
end.
On the first day of camp, plan to meet at 11 a.m. at (location). We have planned a tour of
the camp so you can get a feel for the place. Once the tour is over, we’ll meet for the
counselor/staff orientation. During the meeting, we’ll hand out counselor materials,
discuss camp policies/rules, go over what takes place during camp and what we expect of
you. This will replace our normal meeting the first day of camp.
Enclosed, please find the information sheet that each camper received regarding camp
rules and regulations. You will be responsible for cabin devotions and suggestions for
_____ that are included in the counselor manual. Please ask for help if you need it.
During the afternoon free time, it’s possible that you will be needed to supervise an
activity.
We look forward to a great week of camp. Thanks again for your willingness to help.
Should you have any questions, you may call me at (the number listed below). May God
bless you in a special way and may you be a blessing to others.
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SAMPLE 10
COUNSELOR PREP QUESTIONS
PHYSICALLY
Am I in good health, rested, and do I possess a hearty appetite?
Do I present a neat and clean appearance in camp (hair combed, clothes tidy and
pressed)?
Can I take the more rugged parts of camp life (hiking, participation in active games, long
hours, etc.) and enjoy them? Do I know my physical limitations?
EMOTIONALLY
Am I free from pronounced swings in mood from depression to elation?
Can I avoid taking hurts or slights personally?
Can I remain calm and objective in a crisis?
Am I secure enough to allow campers to participate in planning and conducting camp
events?
Am I impartial toward all campers?
Am I willing to accept responsibility? Do I do more than my share? Do I demonstrate a
desirable sense of humor?
SOCIALLY
Do I adjust to new groups of people fairly easily? Can I get along with people quite
different from me in temperament and reactions?
Am I reasonably sensitive to atmosphere and to the feelings of others?
Can I work effectively under someone else?
Am I poised in meeting other adults?
Do I genuinely enjoy campers?
MENTALLY (habits, attitudes)
Am I flexible in my thinking? Can I adjust to sudden changes in schedule?
Am I interested in camping and the outdoors? Can I stimulate camper interest?
Can I keep campers interested and occupied happily for long periods of time?
Do I take careful care of equipment?
Do I finish what I start?
Do I have initiative?
Do I constantly seek to improve my performance?
Am I loyal to those in authority?
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SAMPLE 11
CHILD PROTECTION APPLICANT INTERVIEW
NAME OF VOLUNTEER APPLICANT
Interviewer Name
Interview Date
Please check the questions as you discuss them with the applicant.

How long have you been attending your current church?
Since

What were the circumstances that brought you to that church?

What is your church background?

When and how did you hear the salvation message?


How did you respond? <select from list>
Tell me about your family growing up (father, mother, brothers, sisters).

Tell me about yourself. Married? Children? Career? Hobbies/activities?

Where have you served in your current church? How long? Likes/dislikes about
serving?
1) What are your spiritual gifts and how have you been able to use them to serve the
Lord?
2) Do you consider Scripture the final authority in all matters? Please explain.
3) Tell me about your current walk with the Lord and how you work to build your
relationship with Christ.
6) Are there things I need to be aware of about you that you have not already disclosed?
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Other Comments
Users are advised to consult with their legal counsel regarding the implementation of any
procedures or policies for their circumstances.
SAMPLE 12
A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is designed to promote accuracy, fairness
and privacy of information in the files of every "consumer reporting agency" (CRA). Most
CRAs are credit bureaus that gather and sell information about you – such as if you pay
your bills on time or have filed bankruptcy – to creditors, employers, landlords and
other businesses. You can find the complete text of the FCRA, 15 U.S.C. §§1681-1681u.
The FCRA gives you specific rights, as outlined below. You may have additional rights
under state law. You may contact a state or local consumer protection agency or a state
attorney general to learn those rights.
• You must be told if information in your file has been used against you. Anyone
who uses information from a CRA to take action against you – such as denying an
application for credit, insurance or employment – must tell you and give you the name,
address and phone number of the CRA that provided the consumer report.
• You can find out what is in your file. At your request, a CRA must give you the
information in your file and a list of everyone who has requested it recently. There is no
charge for the report if a person has taken action against you because of information
supplied by the CRA if you request the report within 60 days of receiving notice of the
action. You also are entitled to one free report every 12 months upon request if you
certify that (1) you are unemployed and plan to seek employment within 60 days, (2)
you are on welfare or (3) your report is inaccurate due to fraud. Otherwise, a CRA may
charge you up to $8.
• You can dispute inaccurate information with the CRA. If you tell a CRA that your
file contains inaccurate information, the CRA must investigate the items (usually within
30 days) by presenting to its information source all relevant evidence you submit,
unless your dispute is frivolous. The source must review your evidence and report its
findings to the CRA. (The source also must advise national CRAs – to which it has
provided the data – of any error.) The CRA must give you a written report of the
investigation and a copy of your report if the investigation results in any change. If the
CRA's investigation does not resolve the dispute, you may add a brief statement to your
file. The CRA must normally include a summary of your statement in future reports. If
an item is deleted or a dispute statement is filed, you may ask that anyone who has
recently received your report be notified of the change.
• Inaccurate information must be corrected or deleted. A CRA must remove or
correct inaccurate or unverified information from its files, usually within 30 days after
you dispute it.
However, the CRA is not required to remove accurate data from your file unless it
is outdated (as described below) or cannot be verified. If your dispute results in any
change to your report, the CRA cannot reinsert into your file a disputed item unless the
information source verifies its accuracy and completeness. In addition, the CRA must
give you a written notice telling you it has reinserted the item. The notice must include
the name, address and phone number of the information source.
• You can dispute inaccurate items with the source of the information. If you tell
anyone – such as a creditor who reports to a CRA – that you dispute an item, they may
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not then report the information to a CRA without including a notice of your dispute. In
addition, once you've notified the source of the error in writing, it may not continue to
report the information if it is, in fact, an error.
• Outdated information may not be reported. In most cases, a CRA may not report
negative information that is more than seven years old or 10 years for bankruptcies.
• Access to your file is limited. A CRA may provide information about you only to
people with a need recognized by the FCRA – usually to consider an application with a
creditor, insurer, employer, landlord or other business.
• Your consent is required for reports that are provided to employers or reports
that contain medical information. A CRA may not give out information about you to
your employer, or prospective employer, without your written consent. A CRA may not
report medical information about you to creditors, insurers or employers without your
permission.
• You may choose to exclude your name from CRA lists for unsolicited credit and
insurance offers. Creditors and insurers may use file information as the basis for
sending you unsolicited offers of credit or insurance. Such offers must include a tollfree phone number for you to call if you want your name and address removed from
future lists. If you call, you must be kept off the lists for two years. If you request,
complete and return the CRA form provided for this purpose, you must be taken off the
lists indefinitely.
• You may seek damages from violators. If a CRA, a user or (in some cases) a provider
of CRA data violates the FCRA, you may sue them in state or federal court.
KEEP FOR YOUR RECORDS
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MVR Disclosure and Release
INVESTIGATIVE CONSUMER REPORT DISCLOSURE
Users are advised to consult with their legal counsel regarding the implementation
of policies for the MVR disclosure and release form.
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Driver License Information and History
Please Print:
Name:
Dept. #:
(as it appears on the license)
Address:
City/State/ZIP:
License Number:
Expiration Date:
Have you had any traffic violations in the last five years?
Yes
□
No
□
Have you ever had a license suspended or revoked in any state?
□
□
Has the State issued any restrictions on your driver’s license?
□
□
Do you have any medical, physical or mental conditions/limitations affecting your ability
to drive?
□
□
If you have answered “Yes” to any of the questions, please explain:
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TRAINING AND CAMPER CARE
Staff and Volunteers:
Prior to the start of camp, every team member must attend operational and child
protection training.
During the operation training, each volunteer should understand the full scope of their
responsibilities (sample 13). This also includes caring for the camper’s personal and
spiritual needs. It is the primary responsibility of the cabin counselor to care for the
spiritual and personal needs of each camper. Personal needs would include such topics as
homesickness (sample 14), responding to the need for first aid (sample 15), what to do in
case of emergency (sample 16) and discipline (sample 17). Spiritual training would
include instruction on counseling for salvation (sample 18), leading cabin devotions
(sample 19), taking part in personal devotions (sample 20) and being prepared with
scriptural counseling references (sample 21).
Child protection is another important focus of volunteer training (sample 22). Each
volunteer or paid staff must be trained and tested in the basics of child protection. They
may elect to be trained via video using resources like “Reducing the Risk” video.
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SAMPLE 13
COUNSELOR DUTIES
The counselor is a spiritual leader whose primary responsibility is to minister to the
campers, not to be ministered to. At all times counselors must maintain high Christian
standards and be modest in dress and behavior. See then that you walk circumspectly redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16).
A counselor …
1. Arrives at camp on time on the opening day of camp.
2. Is responsible to the camp director and fully cooperates with entire camp staff.
3. Welcomes all incoming campers at his/her assigned cabin, assigns beds and
introduces cabin mates to each other.
4. Becomes acquainted with campers for whom he/she is responsible as quickly as
possible, assigns cabin responsibilities and prayerfully seeks to gain the confidence of
each camper.
5. Is prompt in arrival at, and always attends, each Bible lesson, meal time, evening
meeting, scheduled activity and flag ceremony.
6. Supervises and instructs campers regarding:
 Preparation of Bible lessons
 Personal neatness and cleanliness
 Cooperation with other campers and camp rules
7. Knows at all times the whereabouts of each camper assigned to his/her cabin.
8. Handles all minor discipline problems in the cabin. When necessary, the head
counselor may be consulted.
9. Is ready at all times to assist and counsel campers in their spiritual needs or other
problems, especially at the close of chapel. He/she is to serve as a counselor, not act
as a policeman.
10. Encourages campers to form the habit of spending some time each day at home in
private devotions. If there is to be Christian growth and victory over sin, a “quiet
time” is essential. The following should be stressed:
 Establish a specific time and location each day for Bible reading and prayer.
 Don’t allow anything to interfere with this established time.
 Devotional time is not necessarily a Bible study but a time of fellowship with the
Lord.
11. Enforces camp rules regarding taps at the end of each day. A rested camper is a happy
camper. Enforcing camp rules regarding taps is often a thankless task, but the value of
a quiet cabin after lights out cannot be overstated. The camp program cannot be fully
achieved if campers are tired and sleepy during the day. Complete silence is required;
lights are to be out. All campers are to be in the cabin in bed. Any infraction of these
rules should be identified the following morning.
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12. Leaves the cabin in proper order and condition at the conclusion of camp. Reports to
head counselor before leaving campground.
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SAMPLE 14
HOMESICKNESS
Homesickness is a very real problem for some children. As a counselor you need to be
particularly sensitive to the camper and understand them, too. These children are not
“babies” or “sissies” but children who are feeling “homesick” for a variety of reasons.
How do you handle homesickness?
1. EXPECT HOMESICKNESS: Sometimes on opening day, a parent will say in front of
their child, “This is John’s first time away from home, and he will be homesick” (or
words to that effect). The child is being told that if he is NOT homesick, there is
something wrong! He is EXPECTED to be homesick by his parents.
SUGGESTED REPLY: “Oh, we don’t have homesick kids at our camp. We have
such an active program that they don’t have time to be homesick.”
Politely, but POSITIVELY, turn the situation around and then list some of the
exciting activities of camp, such as swimming and team activities, finding out at the
same time what the camper really enjoys.
2. APPRECIATE HOMESICKNESS: Often homesickness is MASKED by “I have a
tummy ache.” Usually they really do feel sick if they are nervous, upset, afraid or
lonely. They may start crying, and finally after some probing, express that they are
“homesick.”
 Be SENSITIVE: Talk about their “tummy ache.” Does this happen often? Did
you eat something that perhaps you shouldn’t have? GIVE TLC (tender loving
care). If this is midweek in the program, it could also be a symptom of exhaustion,
and all they really need is a good afternoon nap. We all get out of sorts when we
are overtired.
 Be a GOOD LISTENER: Let the camper talk.
3. BE SUPPORTIVE: Let them know that you WANT them at camp.
4. ASSURE THEM: They are not weird or a baby because they miss their family.
Assure them that this is normal for many people and is all part of growing up. All of
us go through this at some time in our life. (Perhaps you can share your own
experience if you were like this.)
5. OCCUPY THEIR TIME: Focus on something that can be done right away. If it’s
their first time at camp, give them (and your cabin) a tour of the camp. Often
unfamiliar settings cause us to be fearful.
 Help them set up their bunk.
 Show them what they are to do.
 Do a special cabin activity or go with them somewhere, such as swimming, the
rope swing, table tennis, boats, etc.
 Give them a responsibility, something simple that makes them feel a part of the
cabin.
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6. PRAY WITH THEM: Let them know that if they want to overcome homesickness,
the Lord will help them have the victory.
7. LAST RESORT: a phone call. DO NOT MENTION THIS POSSIBLITY TO THE
CAMPER. Talk to (name or names) about the homesick camper. They will talk to
the camper and further evaluate the situation. Most likely before the camper is
allowed to call home, (name) will call the parents to get a feel for how the parents
will respond and will normally ask the parents to encourage the child to stay at camp.
It is important on the opening day of camp that the counselor be with their campers and
in the cabin to welcome both campers and parents and to help set up your campers’
quarters. It is imperative that you assure your campers that you will be there for them.
Your first responsibility is to the Lord and then to your campers. Be with them, pray with
them, play with them, be a friend to them.
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SAMPLE 15
FIRST AID IN CAMP
1. Counselors should provide basic first aid for minor cuts and scrapes (i.e., washing a
cut, putting on a bandage). For nasty or very dirty cuts, the counselor should escort
the camper to the nurse.
2. Counselors should escort campers to the nurse except for regularly scheduled
medications.
3. The camp nurse will administer first aid and follow-up with minor injuries. The camp
nurse will recommend consultation with an area doctor or hospitalization when
deemed necessary.
4. A first aid kit is available for use by the camp nurse.
5. An infirmary is available on the campground, so the nurse may attend to anyone who
needs medical attention.
6. Specific times will be scheduled for those campers who have brought medication to
camp.
7. Counselors must not give campers any medication, over the counter or otherwise,
including but not limited to aspirin, Tylenol®, vitamins, allergy medication or
antibiotic ointment.
8. Only the nurse may excuse a camper from a meal or activity.
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SAMPLE 16
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
1. In all areas of life, there is always the potential danger of sickness, accident or
injury. The level of severity varies with the activity. Camp staff and counselors
must constantly be alert to accident potentials.
2. When accidents or medical emergencies occur, the following procedure will be
followed:
3. The counselor at the scene of the accident will immediately notify the camp nurse
and the activity director. As qualified, the counselor will make the injured person
as comfortable as possible until the arrival of the nurse. Note: In case of possible
neck or back injury, do not move the injured person.
4. The camp nurse will assess the extent of the injury and will determine necessary
action. Under the nurse’s supervision, the injured person will be removed from
the activity area.
5. If a hospital visit is necessary, the camp director will be responsible for arranging
the transportation. Know where the nearest treatment center is located.
6. In the meantime, the activity director, working with the activity staff, will take
immediate steps to maintain order among campers and staff. Mass hysteria often
causes more problems than the actual incident.
7. In any event, the activity director’s goal will be to resume a normal camp program
as quickly as possible. Sometimes it will be necessary to remove campers from
the accident scene to another area for a different activity.
8. If the camp nurse feels that the activity involving the accident is too dangerous for
future use, the nurse will make recommendations to the activity director.
9. Medical permission slips, signed by the parents, must be on file for each camper.
The permission slip must be taken with the camper to the doctor or hospital.
Retain permission slips and medical log after camp.
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SAMPLE 17
DISCIPLINE
Most kids think of punishment, penalties or being grounded when they hear the word
discipline. It’s a word they dread, and it’s packed with negative connotations. But
discipline doesn’t have to be negative. It doesn’t have to be a long list of don’ts
accompanied by threats. It should be positive.
The word comes from “disciple,” meaning follower. Discipline is the process of
becoming a follower of someone or something. It does involve consequences for wrong
actions, but it also includes training, assistance and affirmation.
1. Create a positive discipline environment.
2. Make discipline a matter of prayer among the camp staff. Camp staff should have
a common understanding of what discipline is and how to achieve it. Camp staff
must also present a united front so that the discipline is consistent from person to
person.
3. Establish guidelines for order and boundaries. Make sure rules are clear and that
the campers understand them as well as the consequences for not following them.
4. Make sure each rule is realistic.
5. Be sure each rule is necessary.
6. Don’t make unenforceable rules.
7. Counselors and staff need to be good role models.
8. Counselors and staff need to be consistent and fair. Boundaries shouldn’t change
from day to day or from kid to kid.
9. Reward in public; rebuke in private. If you need to address a problem, pull the
camper aside and talk with him or her privately. By privately, we mean plainly
visible but out of earshot of the rest of the group.
10. On the other hand, whenever possible, give genuine compliments to your campers
in front of their friends.
Stopping Problems Before They Start
1. Plan well.
2. Be prepared.
3. Understand the quirks of the age group. Teens and pre-teens are generally insecure in
many ways. Many discipline problems are the result of anger or hurt from a joke or
insult.
4. Don’t let things get out of hand. Watch how your campers are interacting with each
other. If there are glaring looks or heated words you might need to make adjustments
in seating assignments or pull teens aside to work things out.
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5. Recognize disciplinary needs.
There are three different types of problems, each of which needs its own form of
discipline.
Problems of ignorance
A. They just don’t know.
Many campers have never been away from home before and may not understand
many of the things some of us take for granted.
B. Use gentle instruction.
Gently tell them or show them what is acceptable, what is not acceptable and
why. This approach helps kids feel loved and wanted.
C. Avoid forceful confrontation.
Since these campers don’t know what they did wrong, confrontation may lead to
bitterness or rebellion. Don’t ignore the problem, however. View the problem as
an opportunity to teach and minister.
Problems of frustration
A. They know what to do but aren’t able to do it.
When this happens, teens and pre-teens feel discouraged, helpless, and they just
want to quit trying. They can get frustrated when they are faced with a tough
verse, had a bad time during an activity or maybe they are just overtired.
B. Comfort, don’t instruct.
Give them a pat on the back or some verbal encouragement. They are probably
already overwhelmed with what they know they’re supposed to do; they just can’t
do it. Additional instruction will only frustrate them more.
C. Avoid forceful confrontation.
This will just give them more reason to give up and become apathetic.
Problems of rebellion – these are the toughest problems to deal with.
A. Instruction will be resented and encouragement will be ignored.
B. Only God can solve problems of rebellion, yet we still have to deal with it.
C. Problems of rebellion demand firm but loving confrontation, and you must stick
to your boundaries.
D. Use the three-count when a teen refuses to cooperate.
1. A formal warning is issued by the camp director privately yet visibly.
2. If the behavior continues, the camp director again takes the teen aside and
talks through the behavior and the consequences for continuing. They should
also be separated from the rest of the group for that segment of the day. No
more activities, sit in the back with a counselor during chapel, etc.
3. Remove camper from camp and call the parents to come pick them up.
Remember – discipline is an outgrowth of love, and the purpose of discipline is for
restoration to the group and to fellowship. We need to be careful that when we use the
three-count it is for discipline and not for punishment.
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Also keep in mind that confrontation is only a small part of discipline. More than
confrontation, there is a lot of loving, comforting, instructing, encouraging, planning,
preparing and caring that goes on as well.
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SAMPLE 18
COUNSELING FOR SALVATION
1. As you present the gospel, remember:
2. Have complete confidence in its power. It – not you – is the power of God unto
salvation. Don’t mix up the message. Don’t say too much or too little. Emphasize
the cross! Don’t wander off in rewards about Christian living and behavior, lest
the child think that salvation depends on his good works.
3. Salvation is not a purchase. We have no heavenly currency. Never ask a boy or
girl to do anything but believe what God has done. Anything done on their part is
works – or purchasing God’s gift.
4. Salvation is not an exchange. It is not the mistaken idea many people have: “If
you do your part (repent, be good, quite your sinning, etc.), then God will do His
part.” God takes ungodly people (Romans 4:5) as they are. He will do the
changing.
5. Salvation isn’t a bargain. Many unsaved people think God’s way is too easy – too
cheap – not worth much! We must present salvation as the most expensive
commodity in the universe at God’s tremendous cost – His Son becoming sin for
us.
6. Salvation is not on the installment plan. The “installment plan” teaches that you
received salvation at first for nothing, but you have to perform properly forever
after in order to keep it.
7. We are fearful sinners in His sight. Be sure boys and girls know that God does not
see anything good in any of us (Isaiah 64:6).
8. Emphasize Christ’s blood shed on Calvary. Without shedding of blood (Christ’s
blood), there is no remission (of sin) (Hebrews 9:22). Any other death could not
have availed.
9. Emphasize also who died in our place: Jesus Christ, God in the flesh – not just a
good man. Only deity can pay for sin!
10. When a sinner believes the message of the cross and receives it in simple faith,
this is the one and only thing that God requires of him for salvation.
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WHAT THE COUNSELOR NEEDS TO DO
Share the gospel
 We have all sinned – Romans 3:23.
 God must punish sin – Romans 6:23.
 Jesus died to take the punishment of our sin and rose again – 1 Corinthians 15:34.
 We must put our trust in Christ’s death to pay for our sin – John 3:16.
Invite them to trust Christ
 Would you like to trust Christ to forgive your sin?
 Would you like to pray, telling God you are trusting in Christ’s death to forgive
your sins?
Use terms carefully
Sometimes the terms we use can subtly shift the focus off the real issue - trusting
Christ. Her are some phrases that tend to confuse and should be avoided:
 “Give your heart to Jesus”
This is not what God asks us to do. We are not saved by giving God anything,
rather He gives us everything (Colossians 2:10).
 “Give your life to God”
God does not ask us to give our life to Him in order to be saved. We are saved
when He gives us His life (1 John 5:11).
 “Ask Jesus into your heart”
The Bible does not instruct us to do this. Revelation 3:20 is talking about
fellowship, not salvation. We are not saved by asking Jesus into our heart; rather,
His Spirit comes to indwell us when we believe or trust in Christ’s death to save
us.
 “Would you like to pray to receive Christ?”
This is not what the New Testament asks us to do. The issue is not praying, but
trusting. The danger is that a person could end up trusting in a prayer to save them
rather than trusting in Christ.
Give assurance
Doubts occur when we subtly shift our trust from Christ’s work on the cross onto
ourselves or something else. Try to determine what they are really depending on to get to
heaven. Ask them what they would say to God if He were to ask, “Why should I let you
into My heaven?” Their answer will expose what they are trusting in for salvation. For
example if they say, “I prayed a prayer when I was younger,” they are trusting in a prayer
and not in Christ’s death.
John 5:24 is a good verse to use for assurance.
“He that hears My word”
”And believes in Him who sent Me”
”Has everlasting life”
”And shall not come into judgment”
”But has passed from death into life”
Did you hear God’s Word?
Are you trusting in Christ’s death?
What has God given you?
What will not happen to you?
Do you need to fear death?
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What the Camper Needs to Understand:
Foundational Truths
† God is holy and cannot tolerate the presence of sin. Exodus 15:11; Revelation
21:27
† We are all sinners. There is nothing we can do to take away our sin. Romans 3:1012, 23; Isaiah 64:6; Jeremiah 17:9; Titus 3:5
† God must punish sin. This punishment is eternal separation from Him in hell.
Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15
† God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die in our place, taking the punishment for our
sin. He rose again, proving that His death for sin was effective. Jesus is God. 2
Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 5:8; John 20:31
† We must put our trust in Christ, believing and relying on His death to forgive our
sins. John 3:16; Romans 4:4; Hebrews 9:22
† The purpose of salvation is to become like Christ by maintaining fellowship with
Him and doing good works. When we sin, fellowship with God is hindered; as we
acknowledge our sin, fellowship is restored. Romans 8:29; Ephesians 2:10; 1 John
1:9
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WHAT THE CAMPER NEEDS TO DO:
BELIEVE!
The response from man that God requires for salvation is faith. God’s grace in
sending Christ to die for our sin saves us. That is the work, and Christ did it all
(Ephesians 2:8-9)! We appropriate Christ’s death on our behalf by faith, trusting,
relying and depending on His death to save us. What God is asking the unsaved
person to do is BELIEVE. The gospel is Christ died for our sin. Our response is to
believe and trust in Christ’s death alone to save us.
Make the issue trusting Christ! We are not saved by praying a prayer or by
walking an aisle. We are saved by God’s grace through our faith. Sometimes we
subtly shift the focus off Christ’s work and rely on the fact that we prayed a prayer or
had some religious experience. There is nothing wrong with having a camper pray,
but make the issue trusting Christ, not praying a prayer. Instead of saying, “would
you like to pray to receive Christ?” say, “Would you like to pray, telling God you are
trusting in Christ’s death to save you?”
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IMPROPER DIRECTIONS FOR
LEADING A CHILD TO CHRIST
Because salvation is a gift, provided by grace, and something to be received, it is a
mistake to tell an unsaved child:
1. To “give his heart to Christ.” We do not give God anything for salvation. It is a
gift to us. Such a direction confuses the issue. The verse quoted in Proverbs
23:26, My son, give Me your heart, is not addressed to a sinner but to a child
of God. It is therefore like Romans 12:1.
2. To “surrender all” to be saved. This also puts a price on salvation. Salvation is
a gift. We present ourselves to God, as being alive from the dead (Romans
6:13) after the matter of our justification is all settled. This is foundational.
Havoc has been wrought by giving wrong directions. Our hope is not in our
surrender to Christ but in His surrender in death for us.
3. The word “commitment.” It is widely used today and can cause confusion
unless it is carefully defined. Whether intentional or not, the use of this word
by some often omits reference to man’s sinfulness or his lost condition. Also,
contrary to the implications of the term, no merit is earned by “committing
your life to Christ.”
4. To “forsake all his sin.” This is the same as promising God that you will live
perfectly from now on. In other words, the person who promises God anything
for salvation is merely presenting his righteousness to God in another form.
God’s standard of holiness is utter perfection (James 2:10). We cannot offer
this to God but come only as sinners, accepting Christ’s righteousness.
5. To pray, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” This prayer was offered by the
publican before Calvary. Its correct rendering is “God be mercy-seated to me,
a sinner.” It refers to the Old Testament ordinance whereby the high priest
sprinkled blood on the mercy seat for the sins of the people. There is no
mercy apart from the shedding of blood in Scripture. Mercy has been shown
by the death of Christ at Calvary. We are now to rest our hope in the mercy
already shown.
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SAMPLE 19
CABIN DEVOTIONS
Cabin devotions should not be a time of preaching but of testimony, sharing and praying
together. Cabin devotions should be a “family time” for all to enjoy and share.
Particularly at the close of a busy day, it is a time to quiet down and relax, to think and
fellowship together around the Word of God.
Many of these boys and girls have never prayed aloud in public, so encourage and help
them. Give opportunities for personal testimonies and sharing the good times of the day.
Make those 15 minutes count! Conclude cabin devotions before “lights out.”
Suggestions for devotions:
1. Make sure campers are all ready for bed, i.e., bathroom break, pajamas on, teeth
brushed, etc.
2. Sit together on the floor or sides of bunks so everyone can see each other. Give
them all the feeling of belonging. The “circle” can set that atmosphere. This can
be a good time of getting to know your campers by allowing them to talk for a
few minutes or by asking a question or two of them. Then tell them it is time for
devotions.
3. Make sure everyone has their Bible and devotional book or material before you
start.
4. All “play things” (i.e., flashlights, lanyards, stuffed animals, etc.) should be put
away.
5. Open with prayer, seeking direction from the Lord.
6. If reading, ask if they would like to read around but do not insist, as some
campers may not be able to read well. If they make a mistake, mispronounce a
word or do not know how to pronounce a word, the counselor should do the
correcting and not the other campers. You may have to assist campers in finding
the passage in their Bible. Don’t start until everyone has found it. Campers may
have different translations, so a word of explanation should be given that their
translation may not be the same as the one being read.
7. Discuss the portion you have read, perhaps asking a few questions, i.e., “How
does this apply to your life?” and “What do you think these verses mean?” Leave
a definite impression on them of what you have been discussing.
8. Avoid being sidetracked by “incidents” or “questions” that are not about spiritual
things or are not related to your devotional time. Tell them that you will talk
privately to them about it later (or tomorrow). At times, however, a question can
really make the devotional time. Use your judgment.
9. Do not “drag out” your devotional time. Ten to 15 minutes at the most should be
adequate.
10. On the following pages is a suggested guide for leading each day’s devotional
time.
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CABIN DEVOTION SUGGESTIONS
Saturday – Get Acquainted
Ask each camper to give their name, town they live in and church they attend regularly.
Ask if their parents are saved. (It helps to understand the camper better.)
Fill out the camp questionnaire. Lead campers through this but don’t have them work
together or discuss answers. Collect them when they are finished. It will help determine
where campers are spiritually. The last question may be used for Thursday’s devotions.
Lead the kids in prayer the first night, especially remembering the campers. Pray that
they will make important decisions for the Lord during that week.
Sunday – Testimony
Ask for salvation testimonies from individual campers (limit to half of your cabin). Lead
each testimony by asking:
 How old were you when you were saved?
 Who led you to the Lord?
 Can you think of any Bible verses used in leading you to the Lord?
Ask two or more campers to lead in prayer, thanking the Lord for their salvation.
Monday – Testimony
Ask the other half of the cabin to give their testimonies, using the same approach as
Sunday night.
Before closing in prayer, ask if there are campers who made any decisions that day. If so,
would the campers like to share and tell the others about their decision?
Ask one or two to lead in prayer.
Tuesday – Prayer
Ask if any campers have made decisions that day and if they would like to share.
Ask for prayer requests for unsaved family members.
Assign requests for unsaved family members. Assign the requests as they are voiced.
Ask several campers to lead in prayer, remembering the requests. Also pray for
missionaries, foreign and domestic.
Wednesday – Soul Winning
Ask each camper to think of an unsaved person (other than family) and name that person
by first name only.
Ask each camper to pray for that person, asking the Lord to save him/her.
Close the time in prayer yourself.
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Thursday – Question and Answer Night
Ask for questions on any subject but keep it on a spiritual basis. You may consider
reviewing the back of the camp questionnaire where the campers indicated the questions
they would be interested in discussing as a group.
Avoid politics or current events, etc., unless they are related to prophecy or another phase
of spirituality.
If you don’t know how to answer the question, tell that to the campers. Don’t make up an
answer that you think sounds good.
Close in prayer, thanking the Lord for His answers to life.
Friday – What Camp Has Meant to Me
Ask for testimonies on what camp has meant to each of the campers spiritually.
Request that they comment on what help or encouragement they received from:
 Bible lessons
 Christian friendships
 Chapel
 Verse recitation
 Decisions made.
Encourage campers to thank God for all that He has done for them; relate this to today’s
Bible lesson.
There are many other subjects that you could discuss. Encourage each who shared to
mention specific areas of camp that have helped him/her spiritually.
Other Ideas
Take notes during the Bible lesson and chapel. Ask campers what they learned, what
touched them most and how they are going to apply what they learned that day when they
go home. Ask what they thought about different things the Bible teacher or the pastor
said.
Remember
You, the counselor, are the leader. You are to guide the devotional time. Your word is to
be firm. Ask for cooperation and quietness and expect it. It may be that the cabin “clown”
may have to be spoken to first in front of the others (not ridiculed) but asked to be quiet,
etc. Get them to sit beside you. If continued, warn them, privately, that they will be asked
to leave or they will be reported to the camp director. Some of these campers may come
from broken homes, where there is a lack of love and discipline and this may be their way
of attracting it. They must not get away with doing wrong but must also be understood.
Take time during the day to get to know the troublemaker(s). Show that love is necessary
for them and take genuine interest in them.
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SAMPLE 20
PERSONAL DEVOTIONS
What is a “Quiet Time”?
A “quiet time” is a time of direct contact between your mind and God’s, using the Bible
and prayer. It is a dedication, cleansing, instruction, strengthening and delight.
Bible study and prayer are not simply for our sake. God deeply desires our fellowship and
worship; it gives Him joy and pleasure (John 4:23). Think of it from this perspective: If
you’re not moved by this fact, you have not understood it.
Communication with God must be daily (Joshua 1:8-9). To know God (not just to know
about God) is the goal. How we pray, delight and think on God is the only measure of
whether our relationship with Him is alive (John 15:4). God bought (in blood) personal
access to His presence for us. Even Abraham and Moses did not have this (2 Corinthians
3:12-18: Matthew 27:51). Moses was denied (Exodus 33:18, 20: 2 Corinthians 4:6) that
which we may have each morning (John 4:21-23).
Maintaining a daily quiet time is perhaps the most consistently difficult duty of the
Christian life. Its difficulty is a humbling reminder of our lack of commitment to Him. It
is an unalterable principle, however, that a quiet time is necessary for Christian growth
and obedience.
What are the goals of a quiet time?
First, worship: to get to know Him, to be humbled by His holiness, comforted by His
love and strengthened by His presence.
Second, change: to root out sins and establish biblical attitudes and actions in your life.
How do I have a quiet time?
First, meet God. Still your heart, ask for His presence and concentrate. You may wish to
praise Him a bit with a psalm to “warm up” your heart. Take a psalm and look for things
to praise Him for.
Secondly, listen to God by reading a passage from His Word. Don’t choose more than a
chapter! Read it carefully, reverently, intelligently: read it more than once. Pick out what
you think is the central thought of the passage. Record that thought and/or some other
truth that has struck you in your own words. Then determine what God’s message is for
you. Is there:
a. A promise to claim?
b. A sin to confess?
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c.
d.
e.
f.
A command to obey?
An example to follow?
An error to avoid?
A new thought about God?
Once this is determined, record it and think of some way to practice or act upon the
message if possible.
Thirdly, talk to God through prayer. The elements of prayer are:
a. Praise and thanksgiving. Be specific. Search your life and mind for things to
thank Him for and then praise Him for them. (“Thank You for letting me lose that
contest! I see how wise You are; it would have been bad for me! Thank You for
forgiving me after the way I acted yesterday; how merciful You are!”)
b. Confession. Search your life for sins committed since yesterday. Search for good
deeds you avoided doing as well! Ask for cleansing and then thank Him for His
full forgiveness through Christ’s blood.
c. Requests for self and others. Be specific. Unload your burdens and pour out your
feelings. Also make a list of things to pray about before you go to prayer.
How can I get started?
Make a contract right now to begin a daily quiet time. Be consistent in time and place.
Start with about 20 minutes. It should be unhurried. The place for it should be quiet;
morning is ideal. Use a notebook and/or a “quiet time sheet.” Expect dry periods! That’s
not an excuse for stopping. Every so often, change your format or the book of the Bible
you are reading. This will avoid stagnation.
Share what you are learning in your quiet time with other Christians. Try to get some
materials to help you as a quiet time guide. The pastor will be able to show you a variety
of materials.
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QUIET TIME FOR COUNSELORS
In order for the staff at camp to perform their duties in a way that will honor Christ, each
staff member must be alert to the spiritual needs of the boys and girls with whom they
work with inside the camp program.
If the camp counselors are to be used of God in this way, they need constant fellowship
with Him. Each counselor must find time for prayer and meditation even though they
may feel they are almost constantly surrounded by campers.
It is only as they meet God in this way, developing their own maturity, that they will be
able to be used fully by Him.
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SAMPLE 21
SCRIPTURES FOR COUNSELING CAMPERS
Adultery: Matthew 5:27-28; Proverbs 6:32
Anger: Proverbs 14:17; Psalm 37:8
Anxiety and worry: Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:7
Assurance of Salvation: John 5:24; 6:37; 10:28; 1 John 5:13
Bible Study (neglect): 1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:15; 4:15
Bitterness: Hebrews 12:15
Bodily Harm: Proverbs 16:29
Cheating: Proverbs 15:3
Comfort: Psalm 23:4; Matthew 5:4; 11:28; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Complaining: Philippians 2:14-15; Jude 15-16
Complacency (indifference): James 4:17; Revelation 3:15-16
Confidence (developing): Proverbs 3:26; 14:26; Galatians 6:9; Philippians 4:13;
1 Peter 2:9
Covetousness: Exodus 20:17; Luke 12:15, 1 Timothy 6:9-10; Hebrews 13:5
Danger (protection from): Psalm 32:7; 34:7, 17; 91:1; Romans 14:8
Dating (improper relations): 1 Corinthians 15:33
Difficulties (discipline through): Romans 8:28; Hebrews 12:7; Revelation 3:19
Disappointment: Psalm 55:22; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Discontent: Philippians 4:11-13; 1 Timothy 6:6-8
Discouragement: Joshua 1:9; Psalm 27:14; John 16:33
Disobedience: Isaiah 1:19-20
Disrespect (not submissive): Ephesians 5:21-22; 6:1-2; Proverbs 20:20;
1 Peter 5:5-6
Doubt: 1 Thessalonians 5:24; Romans 14:23b; John 10:29
Drinking: Proverbs 23:30; 23:29-33
Drugs: Revelation 21:8; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Faith: Romans 10:17; Ephesians 2:3-9; Hebrews 11:16; James 1:5-6
Fear: Psalm 27:1; Romans 8:31; 2 Timothy 1:7; Matthew 6:25-32: Philippians 4:6
Forgiveness of Sin: Psalm 32:5; 51:1-19; Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 1:18; 55:7,
1 John 1:9
Forgiving Others: Matthew 6:12, 14; Ephesians 4:23; Colossians 3:13
Fornication: Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7;
Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 5:9; 6:13, 18; 10:8
Friends and Friendliness: Proverbs 18:24; John 13:35; Galatians 6:1, 10
Gambling: Genesis 3:19; 2 Thessalonians 3:10; Proverbs 15:27; 28:20-22; 1 Timothy 6:6-12
Gossip: 1 Timothy 5:13; Proverbs 26:20-22
Guidance: Psalm 32:8; Isaiah 30:21; Luke 1:79
Hatred: Matthew 5:21-22; 1 John 3:15
Homosexuality: Romans 1:26-27
Hospitality: Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9
Hypocrisy: Job 8:13-14; 13:16; Matthew 23:28; 7: 15-23; James 1:26-27
Idolatry: Deuteronomy 11:16; 8:19; 1 Corinthians 10:7; 1 John 5:21
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SCRIPTURES FOR USE IN COUNSELING
(continued)
Impatience: James 1:2-4
Irritation to Others: Proverbs 15:1
Jealousy: Proverbs 27:4; 14:30
Judging Others: Matthew 7:1-2; Romans 2:1
Language (bad): Ephesians 4:29; Matthew 12:34-35; James 3:1-18
Language (idle): Matthew 12:36; 2 Timothy 2:16
Laziness: Ephesians 5:15-16
Loneliness: Psalm 23:1-6; Isaiah 41:10; Hebrews 13:5
Love (God’s): John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 8:38-39; 1 John 3:1
Love (lacking): 1 John 4:7-8, 20; 1 Peter 4:8
Lust of the Eyes: 1 John 2:16
Lust of the Flesh: 1 John 2:16; James 1:15
Lying: Ephesians 4:25; Proverbs 24:28; 19:5
Marrying (dating) Unsaved People: 2 Corinthians 6:14
Moderation (lack of): Philippians 4:5
Murder: Exodus 20:13
Motives (bad): 1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 5:21
Murmuring: James 5:9; 1 Corinthians 10:10; Philippians 2:14
Music (wrong): Proverbs 23:7; Ephesians 5:19
Necking/Petting: 1 Corinthians 7:1
Obedience: 1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 119:2; Matthew 6:24; John 14:21
Overeating: 1 Corinthians 9:27; Proverbs 13:25; 23:20-21; Deuteronomy 21:20
Peace of Mind: Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27; Romans 5:1; Colossians 3:15
Persecution: Matthew 5:10; 2 Timothy 3:12; Hebrews 11:25
Personal Appearance (clothing, hair style, modesty): Proverbs 11:22; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20;
1 Timothy 2:9-10
Practical Jokes: Proverbs 25:18-19; 10:23; Ephesians 5:4
Prayerlessness: 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Galatians 6:2; James 5:15-18; 1 Peter 4:7
Pride: Proverbs 16:18; Galatians 6:14; James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:5-6
Profanity: Psalm 109:17; James 3:10; 5:12
Provision: Psalm 37:3-4; 84:11; Matthew 6:33; Philippians 4:19
Purity: Matthew 5:8; Psalm 24:3-4; 1 Timothy 5:22; Colossians 3:5-6
Quitting: Luke 14:26-27; Matthew 24:46
Rebellion: 1 Samuel 15:23; Deuteronomy 9:24
Rejoicing (lack of): 1 Thessalonians 5:16; Philippians 4:4
Selfishness: Philippians 2:4, 21
Sickness: Psalm 119:71; James 5:15-16
Sin: Romans 3:23; 6:23; Galatians 6:7-8
Smoking: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 3:16-17
Soul-Winning (burden lacking): Proverbs 11:30; Ezekiel 3:17-18; Jeremiah 1:7-9
Speeding: 1 Peter 2:13-14; Romans 13:1
Spiritual Growth: Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 2:2
Stealing: Ephesians 4:28
42
SCRIPTURES FOR USE IN COUNSELING
(continued)
Strength: Deuteronomy 33:25; Psalm 27:14; 28:7; Isaiah 40:29-31; 2 Corinthians 12:9
Strife: James 3:16; Romans 12:18; Proverbs 25:8
Stubbornness: Proverbs 29:1; 1 Samuel 15:23
Stumbling Block: 1 Corinthians 8:9-12; Romans 14:13, 21
Temper (losing): Proverbs 16:32; 25:8
Temporal Values: Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Timothy 2:4
Temptation: 1 Corinthians 10:12-13; Hebrews 2:18; James 1:14
Thoughts: Psalm 119:11; Proverbs 15:26; 23:7a; 30:32; Ecclesiastes 12:14; Philippians 4:8
Trusting: Psalm 37:5; Proverbs 3:5-6
Unfaithfulness: 1 Corinthians 4:2; 15:58; Proverbs 20:6
Unforgiving Spirit: Mark 11:25-26
Ungratefulness: Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Victory: Romans 8:37; 1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; 2 Timothy 2:19
Witchcraft/Astrology: Deuteronomy 18:10-11; Micah 5:12-15
Worldliness: 1 John 2:15ff
Wrath: James 1:19-20; Job 36:18
43
SAMPLE 22
General CP Guidelines:
You may want to include guidelines or policies as to how adults should interact with kids
and how kids should be supervised. These policies are focused on protecting the kids and
the adults that work with the kids. This list is meant to get you thinking about some of
these items and is not meant to be inclusive. Here are some things you may want to think
about.
1. Supervision: Define your expectations for how many adults need to be around for
each activity. Also, is there a male-to-female ratio that you want to strive for? Do
co-ed teen groups need co-ed leaders? Is it ever appropriate for an adult to meet
one on one with a minor? Will the kids ever be allowed to pair off, go off alone or
must they always stay in groups? If groups, what size groups?
2. Respect of privacy: In cabins and other areas where changing of clothes and
showering will occur, do you want adults and minors changing clothes, showering
and using the bathroom at the same time?
3. Camp facilities: If facilities do not permit separate male and female bathrooms,
how will you handle this?
4. Sleeping accommodations: Will adults sleep with the minors in the same
rooms/cabins? If so, how many adults need to be there and are the adults ever to
leave the cabins unattended?
5. Hazing and initiations: These items need to be addressed as they create numerous
problems for the kids and the adults. A firm stand against these items is advised.
6. Discipline: How are the adults to handle potential problems and discipline? Is
there a philosophy of discipline that you want to portray? You likely will state
that corporal punishment is not permitted, but what about other measures of
discipline? Will all discipline be handled by a specific person?
7. Attire: You may want to state something about appropriate shoes, no bare feet,
appropriate swim wear, jeans, socks and shoes on hikes, etc.
44
MARKETING
Your camp can be marketed to all churches, youth groups, past campers and other
organizations. Typically, summer plans book early, so it’s best to begin marketing as
soon as possible in the calendar year.
Promotion can be as simple as an informational letter or a four-color brochure.
45
PROGRAMMING
There are several unique features to the programming schedule of camp (sample 24) that
highlight camping standards of excellence. This includes a team-based award system that
assigns points for the successful completion of daily activities. Points are awarded for
wearing proper identification, cabin cleanliness (sample 25), athletic competitions and
Scripture memory.
46
SAMPLE 24
NORMAL SCHEDULE
6:30
Staff Prayer
7:00
Wake Up
7:30
Quiet Time
8:00
Breakfast
8:45
Cabin Cleanup
9:00
Bible Lesson
10:15
End of Bible Lesson
10:50
Morning Activity
12:00
Lunch
1:00
Cabin Rest
1:30
Free Time
4:15
Staff Meeting
5:00
Dinner
6:00
Evening Activity
7:00
Chapel
8:45
Personal Cleanup
9:20
Cabin Devotions
10:00
Lights Out
47
JR. HIGH SAMPLE SCHEDULE
6:30
Staff Prayer
7:30
Quiet Time
8:00
Breakfast
8:50
Cabin Cleanup
9:10
Bible Lesson
10:20
End of Bible Lesson
11:00
Morning Activity
12:30
Lunch
1:15
Cabin Rest
1:45
Team Meeting
2:00
Free Time
4:30
Staff Meeting
5:30
Dinner
6:10
Evening Activity
7:30
Chapel
8:45
End of Chapel
9:15
Personal Cleanup
9:30
Cabin Devotions
10:00
Lights Out
48
HIGH SCHOOL SAMPLE SCHEDULE
7:30
Staff Prayer
8:10
Quiet Time
8:40
Breakfast
9:00
Cabin Cleanup
9:30
Bible Lesson
11:00
Morning Activity
12:45
Lunch
1:15
Cabin Rest
1:45
Team Meeting
2:00
Free Time & One on One Training
4:30
Staff meeting
6:00
Dinner
7:00
Evening Activity
9:15
Chapel
10:30
Personal Cleanup
10:45
Cabin Devotions
11:30
Lights out
49
SAMPLE ARRIVAL DAY SCHEDULE
2:30 – 3:30 Counselors arrive at camp. Check in outside the (designated area).
Campers may not check in until 3:30. Park in (designated area)
after dropping off luggage.
3:30 – 5:30 Campers arrive, check in outside the (designated area) and move
into cabins. Campers have free time until dinner.
6:05
Dinner
6:30
Evening Activity – video, rules, traditions
7:45
Chapel
9:30
Personal Cleanup
10:00
Cabin Devotions
10:35
Lights Out
SAMPLE DEPARTURE DAY SCHEDULE
6:30
Wake up and pack
(encourage campers to start this Friday night)
7:00
Quiet Time
7:15
Cabin Cleanup
All luggage and personal belongings moved out of cabin to (a
designated area)
Decorations taken down
Cabin swept
All garbage picked up (inside and out)
Trash emptied
Final Cabin Inspection
8:00
Breakfast
8:30
Camp is over – goodbye and see you next year!
50
SAMPLE 25
CABIN SCORECARD DIRECTIONS
 Ten points are awarded each day in the following areas:
 Quiet Time
 Bible Lesson
 Daily Verse
 In order to receive quiet time points, campers must have their quiet time at
the designated time in the morning. There are no make-ups for quiet time
except if the camper is ill in the nurse’s station. Campers may then have
their quiet time another time during the day and still earn full points.
 To receive all 10 points for the Bible lesson and daily verse, they must be
completed by dinner.
 Bible lessons and daily verses that are completed late are worth five
points. Late points are awarded on the day the Bible lesson or daily verse
is completed.
 The daily verse must be said on the specified day. Campers must say the
daily verse each day, even if they have already completed their verse
review.
 Verse reviews are worth 100 points and are earned on the day the review
was said. Campers may recite verses starting on Sunday.
 Bonus verses do not earn team points.
 Please total each team color before turning in your score sheet.
 Turn in score sheet at dinner.
51
SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES
Another aspect of camp is the camp store and bank. It is generally supplied with
candy and souvenirs. Each camper is encouraged to open a “bank account” at the start
of camp. This prevents the temptation of theft or of cash being lost. Withdrawals
(sample 26) can be made for cash for purchases at the camp store or cantina where
available. At the end of the week, any unspent balances are returned to the camper.
Organized games have always been a huge part of the camp experience. Large games
utilize the team concept with points awarded to the winners and to the most
sportsman-like. The reward promotes healthy competition by teaching campers how
to be a humble winner and a good loser. There are several books available that
explain successful camp games.
Other activities might include a craft store where campers can purchase craft supplies
to work on small projects. It’s a good idea to have crafts that are age appropriate and
suitable for both boys and girls.
Typically the last night includes a bonfire. It provides a time for campers to share
their testimonies with the whole group.
Some camps provide kitchen staff while others do not. For the sheer sake of
convenience, it is advisable to rent a camp with its own kitchen staff.
To continue to provide a rewarding camp experience for the camper (sample 27),
counselors and camp staff (sample 28), an evaluation should be completed. This will
help the camp director make positive changes to enhance the experience the following
year.
52
SAMPLE 26
BANK of (Name of Camp)
BANK of (Name of Camp)
WITHDRAWAL
WITHDRAWAL
First Name:
First Name:
(Just like button)
(Just like button)
Last Name:
Last Name:
Amount: $
Date:
Cabin:
Amount: $
Team:
Date:
Cabin:
Team:
BANK of (Name of Camp)
BANK of (Name of Camp)
WITHDRAWAL
WITHDRAWAL
First Name:
First Name:
(Just like button)
(Just like button)
Last Name:
Last Name:
Amount: $
Date:
Cabin:
Amount: $
Team:
Date:
Cabin:
Team:
BANK of (Name of Camp)
BANK of (Name of Camp)
WITHDRAWAL
WITHDRAWAL
First Name:
First Name:
(Just like button)
(Just like button)
Last Name:
Last Name:
Amount: $
Date:
Cabin:
Amount: $
Team:
Date:
Cabin:
Team:
BANK of (Name of Camp)
BANK of (Name of Camp)
WITHDRAWAL
WITHDRAWAL
First Name:
First Name:
(Just like button)
(Just like button)
Last Name:
Amount: $
Cabin:
Last Name:
Date:
Amount: $
Team:
Cabin:
53
Date:
Team:
SAMPLE 27
54
SAMPLE 29
Dear Counselors and Staff:
Our desire is to have the best possible camp to accomplish the goals and traditions of
camp. Even more so, our objective is to set an environment conducive to the work of our
Lord in the lives of these special kids! Please help be our eyes of observation as we
evaluate this year and plan for the next. Comments from last year’s staff were very
helpful to us in the evaluation and planning process. Please use this sheet as a forum; let
us know the good things about camp and the areas for improvement. We have enclosed a
self-addressed, stamped envelope for your convenience.
Serving Him Together,
Good things
Areas for improvement
Cabins
Meals
Activities
Chapel
Free Time
Bible Lessons
Other
55
RESOURCES
There are also many camp reference books. Recommended titles include:
Better Safe Than Sued by Jack Crabtree
Basic Camp Management (6th edition) by Armand and Beverly Ball
Early Childhood Smart Pages by Sheryl Haystead
Two recommended organizations that can be used for reference are:
American Camping Association www.acaamps.org
Christian Camping and Conferences Association www.ccca-us.org
56