Hey Alpha, First of all, congrats big-time on being a 2015 Alpha. We’re really glad you decided to do this, and we’re confident you’re going to have an incredible time during your two weeks with us. Being an Alpha is a really great experience. You’ll get to take part in some really great biblical teaching, and you get to do all of the classic camp stuff like waterfront, free time, and adventure activities as well. Also, Alphas get a lot of special privileges that other campers do not. With all that said, it’s important to remember that the special status comes with hard work and extra responsibility. In a way, you’ll get the chance to see what it’s like to be both a camper and a camp worker, and it’s really important to know what you’re getting yourself into. The next few pages have a lot of information that’s really important for you to know. Since we’re trusting you to serve here at camp, we need you to be well equipped to do a great job. Of course, our Alpha staff will be here all along to help you with whatever you need, but the more you know before you get here, the better you’ll do. So, even though it may seem like a lot of reading, I highly encourage you to get to know the information on these next few pages. Most of the questions you may have are probably answered here. If they’re not, feel free to e-mail me any questions you have. The Alpha Agreement form is a part of our registration process, read that carefully after you’ve read this, and sign it online (a paper version of the Agreement is also available if you don’t have internet access, contact our office for more information). Thanks a lot. I’m looking forward to meeting you. You’re gonna love it here.
Brad Hutchison Youth Ministry Coordinator bhutchison@covenantharbor.org 262-248-3600
-2-
Big Picture Stuff First, what we intend the Alpha program to do for you: At the end of your time here, you should: -Leave having grown in your knowledge of Christ and the gospel and your relationship to it. -Leave having learned more about service, and hard, good work with Jesus as our example (John 13:12-15). -Have developed new friendships with your fellow Alphas and Covenant Harbor staff. Our intention is for you to develop relationships that will build you up and glorify God. -Leave better prepared for potentially being a part of Covenant Harbor’s summer staff in the future, if that’s ever of interest to you. Being an Alpha participant is one of the best steps between being a camper and staff.
Next, what we do, and why we do it: We care a lot about camp and carefully set up our staff, who you’ll be serving with, to do it well. The Mission and Vision of Covenant Harbor explain exactly what we’re going for. Covenant Harbor’s Mission: The mission of Covenant Harbor is to draw people from their routines into opportunities to enjoy creation, recreation and relationships so that all may experience God through Jesus Christ. Covenant Harbor’s Vision Covenant Harbor, a sanctuary where people are transformed by God, will be known for innovation, unexpected service and God-honoring stewardship as the destination of choice. The big goals of our youth camping programs are simple and straight forward: Love Kids, Share Jesus. Our whole summer program is aimed at those two goals.
What this means for you:
As an Alpha you’ll be helping carry out our mission and vision. We need you to understand that the physical work you do has a direct and valuable impact on the success of our camp programs. You’ll work hard, and it matters greatly. Some of the jobs you do may feel unimportant, but they aren’t. Especially during your work hours, you’re helping us accomplish our big picture goals.
-3-
About Covenant Harbor Covenant Harbor is one of many Covenant camps around the country. Covenant Harbor is owned by the Central Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church (learn more at www.covchurch.org). Covenant Harbor has over 50 full and part time staff members that work year round in all sorts of positions. During the summer, there’s about 80 more summer staff, ranging in age from highschool to college, working all over camp. Summer Camp is four programs: Day Camp serves about 60 kids each week and most come from the Lake Geneva area. Kishwauketoe serves 40 1st - 3rd graders each week. Pier 30 serves about 200 campers each week, with programs for grades 3-8, in different groups. And finally, you, the Alpha Team, a small group of high schoolers, serving camp together. Of course, Summer Camp at Covenant Harbor is just one part of what happens here. We have year round youth, family, and church retreats. Also our Snake Road Adventure (outdoor education) and Road Scholar programs, serve thousands of people every year.
What this means for you: On the Alpha Team, the impact of your work goes way beyond summer camp. For example, cleaning the dining hall will benefit a weekend guest group just as much as summer campers; or the maintenance work you do will be a part of Covenant Harbor building far beyond your time here. The hours you spend serving each day are part of a larger ministry; you’re serving Jesus while you’re here.
Who We Serve By God’s grace Covenant Harbor serves tens of thousands of people each year. Many of them hear the gospel for the first time while they’re here. We serve the churches of the Central Conference of the Covenant Church, many other church groups and thousands of people from schools, businesses and other groups that come from all over the country.
What this means for you: It’s important for you to know that our campers come from a variety of churched and un-churched backgrounds. You’ll get the chance to interact with many other campers and help us carry the gospel to all of them.
-4-
Practicals What we expect from you while you’re here Relationships You’ll interact with Covenant Harbor staff and campers. Relationships between Alphas and either of these groups must always remain respectful and Christ-honoring. Covenant Harbor is an environment of open, honest and direct communication. Staff and Alphas need to deal with problems in a Christ-like fashion. Complaining, gossiping, and talking about people behind their backs quickly erode healthy community and won’t be tolerated. Dating is not allowed between Alphas, Covenant Harbor staff, or other campers.
Modesty Policy & Dress Code Alphas must be appropriately and modestly dressed at all times. Use common sense; if there is any question about whether something is appropriate, just choose something else. General Appearance: We expect you to be neat and clean, as we do our staff. Come as you are and stay as you are – we don’t allow you to make extreme changes to your physical appearance while you’re here (no new hair colors, piercings, hair cuts or tattooing). You must wear your nametag anytime you’re outside your cabin. Female Appearance: Only one piece swimming suits are allowed. Tight fitting tops and bare midriffs are not allowed, nor are visible bra straps. Leggings do not qualify as pants at Covenant Harbor. Appropriate length of shorts will be determined by Alpha Team directors. Male Appearance: No speedos. Shirts must be worn at all times except at the waterfront. Aframe undershirts do not count as shirts. The Alpha Team Director, Youth Ministry Team and/or Executive Director have the authority to determine what constitutes appropriate dress and appearance, including clothing, hair style and body art. These staff members reserve the right to ask you to change if necessary.
Calling Camp Covenant Harbor’s phone number is (262) 248-3600. If your parents need to contact us immediately, they can call this number. Please do not have friends or family use the night emergency message service unless it is a real emergency.
Cell Phones Alphas may bring personal cell phones. Phones may be used only during your time off and must be kept in your cabin at all times. Cell phone usage is a privilege for Alpha Team members that will be revoked in the event of misuse.
-5-
Visitors & Guests Covenant Harbor is a closed camp for reasons of safety and security. Visitors, including parents, family, and friends are not permitted on grounds during the Alpha session.
Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs Alcohol, illegal drugs and tobacco are not welcome at Covenant Harbor. Violators of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.
Living Area Guidelines Alpha Team members are not permitted to enter the living areas of the opposite sex. Living areas need to be quiet enough to sleep by midnight, at the latest. Additional quiet hour restrictions may be added as necessary according to the Alpha Team directors. The care and cleanliness of your room is your responsibility. Again, using common sense, respect the people you live with and don’t trash your room.
Safety Alphas are not permitted to operate any machinery, boats, or vehicles. Tools may be used only with specific permission and under supervision of Covenant Harbor staff. Necessary safety equipment will be provided for any task necessary. Alphas are required to properly use any safety equipment they are instructed to use. It is your responsibility to know and enact all safety and emergency procedures explained during any training that you receive, whether you’re on and off duty. Any behavior that could jeopardize your safety or the safety of others is always prohibited; you’re expected to act reasonably and responsibly.
-6-
Other things to know Hours of Work & Time Off Though individual tasks vary based on Covenant Harbor’s needs, work hours and time off are carefully scheduled for each Alpha group. You’ll get plenty of time to enjoy all of the classic camp activities like the waterfront and adventure activities. You’ll also get plenty of free time to hang out with friends. Alpha Team members are not allowed to leave Covenant Harbor Harbor without their leader(s).
Laundry Camp has free washers and dryers available for staff. These machines can be used by Alpha Team members in urgent situations, but the Alpha Team should plan on packing enough clothes for the entire two week session.
For your family to keep in touch with you Letters & Packages - We encourage your parents/guardians to leave letters and a package in our mail boxes at check-in; our staff will deliver it on whatever day indicated. Care packages must be packaged and sealed as if they would be mailed. Gift bags will not be accepted. Address mail as follows: Camper Name Covenant Harbor (Alpha Team & Dates of Camp Session) 1724 W. Main St. Lake Geneva, WI 53147 Mail Delivery - All mail (letters, packages, faxes and e-mails) is delivered ONCE per day, during lunch. Therefore, anything that arrives after noon will be delivered the next day. Any piece of mail received after noon on the last full day of camp may not be delivered. E-mail - E-mails can be sent directly to campers@covenantharbor.org. The subject line must be Alpha Team, Camper Name. E-mails improperly identified may not be delivered. Campers cannot return messages via this e-mail. We accept no more than three per-camper per-week. Phone Calls – Beyond personal cell phones, Alphas do not have direct phone access. Again, Alpha’s can’t carry their cell phones, so it shouldn’t be expected that parents will be able to reach you on your cell.
Disciplinary Action Violation of Covenant Harbor’s policies or other gross misconduct may result in disciplinary action up to and including being sent home. Serious discipline problems will be addressed by the Youth Ministry Team and, when necessary, the Executive Director.
-7-
What’s Next? All future communications will be sent via email. Each email will share the latest information, prepare you for the camp experience and remind you of important details. Again, if you have any questions about this or other information about Alpha, don’t hesitate to contact me.
-8-