INFORMATION

Camper Supervision Policy

 

At River Pointe Church Camp, ensuring the safety and well-being of our campers is our highest priority. Proper supervision is essential to creating a positive, secure, and supportive environment where campers can engage in activities, grow in faith, and build lasting friendships. The **Camper Supervision Policy** outlines guidelines and expectations for staff and volunteers to ensure all campers are adequately supervised at all times.

 

Purpose

This policy is designed to ensure that campers are under continuous, appropriate supervision by trained staff or volunteers. By maintaining proper supervision, we can prevent accidents, ensure compliance with camp rules, and provide a safe and nurturing environment for all campers.

 

General Supervision Guidelines

1. Camper-to-Counselor Ratios:

   - To maintain proper supervision, the following camper-to-counselor ratios must be adhered to:

     - **For campers in Camp Adventure: 1 counselor for every 6 campers

     - **For campers in Camp Journey: 1 counselor for every 8 campers

     - **For campers in Camp Inspire: 1 counselor for every 10 campers

   - Additional staff or volunteers may be present for larger groups or during high-risk activities.

 

2. Always Account for Campers:

   - Counselors are responsible for knowing the location of their assigned campers at all times. Regular headcounts should be conducted, especially during transitions between activities, meals, and free time.

   - Campers should not be allowed to wander off or separate from the group without counselor permission. A "buddy system" may be implemented for campers who need to leave the group for any reason (e.g., to visit the restroom).

 

3. Dormitory Supervision:

   - Campers should never be in dormitories or cabins without supervision. A counselor or staff member must be present in or near the dorms when campers are getting ready for bed, resting, or spending free time in their living quarters.

   - The "Rule of 3" must be enforced in dorm settings, meaning there should always be at least three people in the dorm (two campers and one counselor, or two counselors and one camper) to prevent inappropriate or unsafe situations.

 

4. Activity Supervision:

   - All camp activities, whether scheduled or recreational, must be supervised by staff or volunteers. Specific staff may be assigned to oversee high-risk activities such as swimming, rafting, kayaking, and sports.

   - Counselors are expected to engage with campers during activities and monitor their behavior to ensure that safety rules are followed.

   - Safety equipment (e.g., life jackets, helmets) must be used where applicable, and counselors are responsible for ensuring that campers comply with these requirements.

 

5. Supervision During Free Time:

   - Even during designated free time, campers must remain in areas where they can be safely monitored by staff. Counselors should circulate among the campers to ensure they are safe and not engaging in inappropriate behavior.

   - Campers should not leave the main campgrounds or go off-site without prior approval and appropriate supervision.

 

Transition Periods and Headcounts

1. During Transitions Between Activities:

   - Transitions between activities are critical times for supervision. Counselors must ensure all campers are present and accounted for before moving to the next location.

   - At each transition point, a headcount should be taken to confirm that all campers are with the group.

   

2. Morning and Evening Supervision:

   - In the morning, counselors are responsible for waking up campers, helping them get ready, and ensuring they arrive at scheduled activities on time.

   - In the evening, counselors should oversee bedtime routines, ensure campers are in their dorms at "lights out," and monitor the dorms during the night.

 

Special Circumstances

1. **Nighttime Supervision:**

   - Campers must remain in their dorms during nighttime hours unless they need to leave for emergencies or to use the restroom. If a camper needs to leave the dorm, they must be accompanied by a counselor or another camper (buddy system).

   - At least one counselor must be in or near the dorm throughout the night to respond to any issues that may arise.

 

2. Trips and Off-Site Activities:

   - For any off-site activities, the same camper-to-counselor ratios must be maintained. Additionally, the trip leader must have a clear plan for transportation, supervision at the destination, and handling potential emergencies.

   - A headcount must be taken before departure, upon arrival, and at regular intervals during the trip.

 

3. **High-Risk Activities:**

   - Activities such as swimming, kayaking, Rafting or climbing require additional safety measures and supervision. Trained lifeguards or specialized staff must be present during pool activities, and all required safety equipment (life jackets, helmets, harnesses, etc.) must be used.

   - Counselors supervising high-risk activities must be attentive at all times and refrain from distractions such as phone use or personal conversations.

 

Behavior Management During Supervision

1. Encouraging Positive Behavior:

   - Counselors should actively engage with campers, promote positive interactions, and provide encouragement. Clear expectations should be set regarding behavior, and counselors should model the kind of respectful and responsible behavior expected of campers.

2. Addressing Inappropriate Behavior:

   - If a camper is engaging in unsafe or inappropriate behavior, counselors must address it immediately. This could involve redirecting the camper, applying logical consequences (e.g., sitting out of an activity), or involving a senior staff member if necessary.

   - Serious behavior issues should be documented and reported to the camp director or head counselor.

 

3. Preventing Bullying and Conflicts:

   - Counselors should be vigilant for signs of bullying or conflicts among campers. Intervene promptly if issues arise, and encourage campers to resolve conflicts respectfully. If a situation escalates, involve senior staff for further support.

 

Safety Protocols and Procedures

1. **"Rule of 3":**

   - At no point should a counselor or staff member be alone with a single camper in an unsupervised or private location. The "Rule of 3" (two campers and one counselor, or two counselors and one camper) should be enforced in all areas to protect both campers and staff from inappropriate situations.

 

2. **Camp Boundaries:**

   - Campers must stay within designated camp boundaries unless participating in off-site activities with proper supervision. Counselors are responsible for ensuring campers do not wander off or leave the camp area without authorization.

 

Failure to Supervise

1. Consequences for Failing to Supervise:

   - Staff and volunteers are responsible for ensuring the safety and supervision of all campers in their care. Failure to adequately supervise campers can result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from camp duties.

   

2. Reporting Concerns:

   - If any staff member notices that another counselor is not fulfilling their supervision duties, they must report it to camp leadership immediately. This helps maintain a culture of accountability and ensures that all campers are kept safe.

 

Conclusion

The "Camper Supervision Policy" at River Pointe Church Camp is designed to ensure the safety, well-being, and positive experience of every camper. All counselors and staff are responsible for providing consistent and attentive supervision, maintaining proper camper-to-counselor ratios, and engaging with campers during activities. By following these guidelines, we can create a safe and structured environment where campers can grow spiritually, emotionally, and socially. It is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers to adhere to this policy and ensure that campers are never left unsupervised.