INFORMATION

Staff and Volunteer Screening Policy

 

At River Pointe Church Camp, the safety and well-being of our campers are our top priority. To ensure that all staff and volunteers meet the highest standards of integrity and competence, we have implemented a comprehensive **Staff and Volunteer Screening Policy**. This policy outlines the procedures for screening, background checks, and qualifications required for all individuals working or volunteering at camp. The goal is to ensure that only those who are committed to the camp’s mission and have demonstrated a high level of responsibility and trustworthiness are allowed to work with our campers.

 

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a clear process for the recruitment, screening, and selection of staff and volunteers to ensure the safety, well-being, and protection of all campers and the integrity of the camp’s program. This policy also ensures that staff and volunteers have the necessary qualifications, skills, and commitment to provide a positive and safe camp experience.

 

Pre-Employment/Volunteer Screening Process

1. Application Process:

   - All prospective staff members and volunteers must complete an official camp application, which includes personal information, previous work/volunteer experience, references, and a disclosure of any criminal history.

   - A detailed job description outlining the responsibilities, expectations, and qualifications for each position will be provided to all applicants.

 

2. Pastor's Recommendation:

• All applicants must be recommended by their pastor who can attest to their character, faith, and ability to work with children or in a ministry setting.

• The recommendation should speak to the applicant’s commitment to Christian values, integrity, and personal responsibility.

• Camp leadership will contact the recommending pastor to verify the information and ensure the applicant's suitability for working at a faith-based camp.

 

3. Reference Checks:

   - A minimum of two professional or character references will be required for all applicants. These references must provide insight into the applicant’s previous experience working with children or in similar roles.

   - The camp director or designated staff will contact the references and document their feedback, ensuring that the applicant’s character, responsibility, and ability to work with children are verified.

 

Background Checks

1. Criminal Background Checks:

   - All staff members and volunteers must undergo a comprehensive criminal background check before being hired or allowed to work with campers. This includes screening for any criminal offenses related to violence, child abuse, sexual misconduct, or other behavior that would make them unsuitable to work with children.

   - The background check will include national and state-level criminal databases, including sex offender registries. Any individual with a history of criminal offenses related to children or violent crimes will be disqualified from working or volunteering at camp.

 

3. Driving Record Check (If Applicable):

   - For staff or volunteers who will be responsible for transporting campers, a driving record check will be conducted to ensure they have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving history.

 

4. Re-Screening for Returning Staff/Volunteers:

   - Returning staff and volunteers must undergo background checks. This ensures that any new legal issues or concerns that may have arisen since their last season are addressed.

 

Ongoing Monitoring and Performance Evaluation

1. Supervision and Monitoring:

   - Throughout the camp season, staff performance and behavior will be regularly monitored by camp leadership. This includes observing interactions with campers, adherence to camp policies, and overall job performance.

   - Any concerns or incidents involving staff behavior, safety issues, or violations of camp policies will be addressed immediately by camp leadership.

 

2. Performance Evaluations:

   - Staff and volunteers will receive regular performance evaluations from their direct supervisors. Evaluations will focus on their ability to work with campers, uphold camp values, maintain safety standards, and contribute to the overall camp environment.

   - Staff will be given feedback and, if necessary, additional support or training to improve their performance.

 

Disqualification and Termination

1. Grounds for Disqualification:

   - Any individual who fails the background check, provides false information on their application, or demonstrates behavior inconsistent with the values and mission of the camp will be disqualified from employment or volunteering at camp.

   - Any staff member or volunteer who engages in misconduct, violates camp policies, or demonstrates unsafe behavior will be subject to disciplinary action, including termination.

 

2. Immediate Termination for Misconduct:

   - Immediate termination will result from any staff member or volunteer found to be involved in:

     - Child abuse or neglect.

     - Physical or verbal abuse of campers or staff.

     - Violations of the camp’s no-tolerance policy on drugs, alcohol, or inappropriate conduct.

     - Any other behavior that compromises the safety or well-being of campers.

 

Confidentiality and Privacy

1. Confidential Handling of Personal Information:

   - All personal information, including background checks and health records, will be kept confidential and securely stored. Only authorized camp leadership will have access to this information.

   - Applicants will be informed of the results of their screening and any further actions required based on the findings.

 

2. Disclosure of Information:

   - If any disqualifying information is uncovered during the screening process, applicants will be notified and given the opportunity to clarify or address the findings. However, camp leadership has the final decision regarding hiring or volunteer acceptance based on the screening results.

 

*Conclusion

The "Staff and Volunteer Screening Policy" at River Pointe Church Camp is designed to ensure that all individuals working with campers meet the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, and professionalism. By implementing thorough screening procedures, including background checks, reference checks, and mandatory training, we aim to create a safe and nurturing environment where campers can thrive. All staff and volunteers are responsible for upholding the values and standards of the camp and maintaining a commitment to the safety and well-being of every camper.