INFORMATION

Visitor and Guest Policy

 

At River Pointe Church Camp, we are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our campers, staff, and volunteers. To ensure that all individuals on campgrounds are properly identified and authorized, the "Visitor and Guest Policy" outlines clear guidelines for managing visitors and guests during the camp season. This policy helps to protect the privacy, safety, and well-being of everyone at camp by regulating access and ensuring all guests adhere to camp rules and procedures.

 

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish clear protocols for admitting and managing visitors and guests on campgrounds, ensuring that only authorized individuals are allowed access to camp activities and facilities. The policy also provides guidelines for monitoring and supervising visitors while they are at camp.

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Visitor Guidelines and Expectations

1. Adherence to Camp Policies:

   - All visitors and guests are required to adhere to camp rules and policies during their visit. This includes respecting the camp’s code of conduct, behavior expectations, and child protection guidelines.

   - Visitors are prohibited from engaging in any inappropriate behavior, using offensive language, or violating the camp’s no-tolerance policy regarding drugs, alcohol, and weapons.

 

2. Interaction with Campers:

   - Visitors are expected to maintain appropriate boundaries with campers and should avoid one-on-one interactions that are not observed by camp staff. 

 

Parents Night on the Last Night of Camp

1. Parents Night Overview:

   - The final night of camp is **Parents Night**, a special event where families are invited to join their campers for evening activities and a closing ceremony. All parents and guests must follow the camp’s visitor guidelines.

   - Parents and guests attending Parents Night are required to **sign in at the pavilion with the Head Counselors** upon arrival. This ensures that all visitors are accounted for and can participate in the event while following the camp’s safety protocols.

 

2. Check-In Process for Parents Night:

   - Parents and guests must provide identification and sign the visitor log at the pavilion. The Head Counselors will oversee the check-in and our process. 

   - Visitor badges must be worn throughout the event, allowing camp staff to easily identify all guests.

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Vendors, Contractors, and Service Providers

1. Approval and Supervision:

   - Any outside vendors, contractors, or service providers (e.g., food deliveries, maintenance workers) must be pre-approved by camp leadership before coming on-site. These individuals are subject to the same check-in and identification procedures as all other visitors.

   - Contractors or service providers must be accompanied by camp staff while performing their duties on campgrounds. They are restricted from interacting with campers and must complete their work within the designated areas agreed upon by camp leadership.

 

2. Background Checks for Long-Term Visitors:

   - For long-term or repeat visitors, such as guest instructors or activity leaders who will be regularly interacting with campers, a background check will be required. These individuals will also be subject to the same screening procedures as regular staff or volunteers to ensure the safety of campers.

 

Unauthorized Visitors

1. No-Trespass Policy:

   - River Pointe Church Camp has a strict no-trespass policy. Any individual who enters the campgrounds without proper authorization will be asked to leave immediately. If the individual refuses to comply, local law enforcement may be contacted to ensure the safety and security of the camp.

 

2. Handling Suspicious Behavior:

   - If a staff member or counselor observes an individual on campgrounds who is not wearing a visitor badge or does not appear to be authorized, they must report the individual to camp leadership immediately. Staff should not engage with the unauthorized visitor but should monitor their movements until camp leadership or security arrives.

 

3. Emergency Situations:

   - In the event of a security threat or unauthorized individual on campgrounds, staff will initiate the camp’s emergency protocols. Campers and staff will be directed to safe areas while the situation is addressed.

 

Volunteers and Guest Instructors

1. Short-Term Volunteers:

   - Short-term volunteers, such as those assisting with specific activities or events, must go through the same check-in procedures as visitors. If they will be interacting with campers, they may need to undergo additional screening or background checks depending on the nature of their involvement.

   - Volunteers must work under the supervision of camp staff and follow all camp rules and policies.

 

2. Guest Instructors:

   - Guest instructors brought in for special activities or programs must be pre-approved by camp leadership and should be briefed on camp policies, particularly those related to camper safety and conduct.

   - If guest instructors are to be involved in regular camp activities or have ongoing contact with campers, they may be required to undergo the full staff screening process, including background checks.

 

Safety and Security Monitoring

1. Security Measures:

   - Security cameras may be placed at key locations, such as entry points and high-traffic areas, to monitor visitor movements. These measures are in place to ensure the safety of campers and to prevent unauthorized access to the camp.

   

2. Visitor Log Review:

   - The camp director or designated staff will regularly review the visitor log to ensure that all visits are recorded and that the appropriate procedures are followed.

 

Conclusion

The "Visitor and Guest Policy" at River Pointe Church Camp ensures that all visitors are properly identified, supervised, and adhere to the camp’s rules and safety standards. This policy is particularly important during events such as **Parents Night**, where large groups of visitors are expected. By following these guidelines, we can protect the safety and privacy of our campers and staff while allowing for positive and controlled interactions with approved guests. All staff and visitors are responsible for complying with this policy to maintain a secure and welcoming environment at camp.