2024 Counselor Manual

COUNSELOR MANUAL 2024

Camp Olympia’s Mission Statement

Camp Olympia is dedicated to having fun together, helping people grow in body, mind and spirit.

INTRODUCTION

Each year millions of youth attend camps around the world. The experiences’ camping provides have lasting effects on the camper’s development and perspective. Indeed, there are many factors which influence the camper. Factors such as location of the camp, the atmosphere of the physical surroundings, the quality of the food, and the examples set by leadership. Yet none of these factors will have more of an influence upon the camper than YOU,

THE COUNSELOR.

The information within these pages is designed to help you become the very best you can be in your role as a Camp Olympia counselor. The fact that you’re hired for camp means we believe in you! We believe in your ability to give 110% to our kids. Whether you’re at camp for a few weeks or all summer you will be faced with many opportunities and requirements. We hope this manual will give you valuable information with which to begin this endeavor.

We are praying for you constantly, Cody, Michelle, Debbie, Keegan, Andy, Jasie, Shay and Morgan

The policies set forth in this Counselor Manual are not contractual, and may be revised amended, modified or otherwise altered at any time and according to Camp Olympia’s sole discretion.

MISSION STATEMENT OUTLINE

Camp Olympia is dedicated to having fun together, helping people grow in body, mind, in spirit.

DEDICATED

:

We’re sold on the value of camping. The real-life experiences’ camping provides cannot be matched for educational value. Preservation of this opportunity for future generations is a must. As we offer a program promoting adventure, challenge, fun and growth to people of all ages, we will continue to affirm the value of camping and its benefits.

FUN:

Fun keeps people coming back for more. We want our facility and program to be “enjoyable” for everyone who comes through our gates. We create a family atmosphere where FUN begins as an attitude and becomes a way of life. At Olympia fun is second only to safety.

PEOPLE :

There is nothing of greater value than human life. We consider safety our top priority in evaluating, planning and programming for any individual or group at Camp Olympia.

GROW:

The physical, mental and spiritual growth of every person at Olympia is important. We want people to leave Olympia with more esteem for God, others and themselves, and to feel positively challenged to work and plan for a successful life. Our program and facilities have been designed with the positive growth of people in mind.

BODY:

We encourage physical activity and new challenges throughout our daily schedule, allowing time to rest and reflect on the day’s events.

MIND :

We strive to provide a safe haven for working through real life situations and resolving conflict with the help of peers and counselors.

SPIRIT:

Growth at Camp Olympia is encouraged daily with a wholesome Christian atmosphere and non-denominational Christian Vespers are offered on Sundays.

OLYMPIA’S DRESS CODE

In keeping with a wholesome, safe environment we encourage everyone to wear well fitted, appropriate clothes, shoes and swim wear. Camp is a very active place and often guys and girls will be participating together in activities. Swimwear should provide complete coverage, fasten securely and be designed for active wear. We encourage female campers/staff to wear a one-piece swim suit however two-piece suits are allowed if they have only one tie and accompanied by another fastener. No triangle bikini tops and bottoms that tie are allowed. Also, water shorts are required when participating in lake activities such as blobbing, rocketing and wakeboarding/ waterskiing.

Colored sports bras provide adequate coverage and support and are acceptable tops for water activities. However, in all land activities, a tank-top or t-shirt needs to be worn with a sports bra or bathing suit. Tank tops and sleeveless shirts should fit appropriately and not have large, gaping arm holes that hang down past a sports bra or to the middle of the ribs. Crop tops or other shirts that show one’s midriff are not allowed. Shorts should be of a modest length. Closed-toe shoes are needed for all land activities, and lake shoes are recommended for our lake activities.

You can help prevent injuries or embarrassing situations by arriving to each activity dressed appropriately.

Counselors will need khaki dress shorts (please, no cargo shorts) to wear with your Camp O’ uniform shirt on opening and closing days.

SPIRITUAL SIDE OF OLYMPIA

Growth at Camp Olympia is encouraged daily with a wholesome Christian atmosphere.

“We teach what we know; we reproduce what we are.” Dawson Trotman (founder of The Navigators)

Christianity and principles for Godly living are caught, not taught.

1. Our Christian environment focuses on loving our campers and investing in their lives.

2. We are not a Christian camp in that our activities are not centered on a daily Bible Study.

3. We are asking you to live your life in such a way before others that imitating you will make a positive difference in their lives. Being a counselor is synonymous with being a role model. Being a counselor heightens that responsibility.

4. “The things you have heard and seen and learned in me, practice these things and the peace of God will be with you.” Paul to the Christians at Phillipi

5. Camp is unique in that it is accelerated living in a secure environment. As you invest your life in the lives of your campers, they may call on you to share why you are who you are and what you believe. What you share should be simple! If you share your faith in Christ it should be the simplicity of the Gospel - Christ loves me and wants a relationship with me or anyone else because His love is universal. It is not Olympia’s mission to save campers, but to focus on investing in their lives. If an individual camper wants more information then you should encourage them to seek you out and you can build a relationship with that camper and determine what their needs are.

6. We are not subversive in sharing our faith. Parents who may or may not be Christians have entrusted us with their children and we are to prove trustworthy. Obedience to Christ is a life of servanthood and self- sacrifice.

7. Prayer is important! Campers will not respond if we pray before or after every activity. Camp will open up with a prayer at each meal. Evening prayers should be encouraged by counselors as campers go to sleep. The best prayers are your individual prayers for your campers. Pray often for them and yourself. Let God do the work for you!

Camp Olympia Manual

Section 1

Facilities and Definitions

You are on the greatest threshold of your life. Seize the opportunity, and make the most of it!

Camp Olympia is tucked away in the pine-covered, rolling hills of East Texas’ Big Thicket country. It spreads over 500 acres on a lush peninsula surrounded by the beautiful waters of Lake Livingston. This is an ideal setting for a summer filled with fun, sun, and water. At Camp Olympia children and counselors will have the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new friends and gain memories that will last a lifetime.

MAP

LOCATIONS AND DEFINITIONS

Camp Olympia is located on 100 acres about five miles northeast of Trinity, Texas in Trinity County. By road it is four miles north-northeast of Trinity on Texas highway 94 and then five miles east on FM 3188. Olympia is at the end of the road. Camp Olympia also has limited access to the Whispering Pines Golf Club.

FACILITIES

The following facilities are a part of camp and give some idea of the types of things we have to offer.

BUILDINGS:

1. An air-conditioned dining hall designed to seat 400 with bathrooms

2. The Olympia Dome (O’Dome) Complex is a large open air gymnasium with basketball courts, arts and crafts room, textiles room, the Country Store, the radio room, and restrooms. The upstairs is a 3000 square foot movie room and auditorium

3. An air-conditioned nurse’s station with facilities for overnight sick stay

4. A laundry facility

5. An air-conditioned media production room

6. Camp offices

7. Thirty air-conditioned cabins and nearby or connected restrooms

8. Counselor retreat and Staff Lounge

9. Maintenance area for constant upkeep of the facility

10. Staff Housing

RECREATION AREAS

1. Swimming Pool: Has a one meter diving board, a three-meter platform, super slide, trolley, climbing wall, Water Wars, water polo nets, and water basketball goals

2. Two covered tennis courts/pickleball courts

3. Football field

4. Baseball and Softball fields

5. Soccer field

6. Sand volleyball court and optional covered concrete court

7. NRA 50-foot rifle range

8. NAA 40-meter archery range

9. Adventure Experiences Challenge Course

10. Tetherball courts

11. Eighteen hole golf course.

12. Driving Range with par 3 course

13. Jump pad

14. Auto belay rock climbing wall

15. Basketball court

16. O-O Courts

17. 9 hole Mini Golf Course and O-Park

18. Weightlifting Room

WATERFRONT:

1. Two Blobs with jumping platforms

2. 100 Foot Water Slide

3. Pier with lifeguard equipment

4. Permanent bulkhead

5. Ski area and boats

6. Sail area and boats

7. Kayaking area and kayaks

8. Canoe area and canoeing

9. Paddleboard area and paddleboards

10. Bathroom facilities

MISCELLANEOUS:

1. Horse barn with stalls and pasture space. Western style riding and trails complete the horseback program at camp.

2. Model farm - pioneer type barn houses chickens, a tortoise, and a large garden.

3. A chapel site set in the woods

4. Amphitheater at the lake

5. Dog Kennels

DEFINITIONS

Many things at camp have unique names or sayings that correspond with them. Below is a list of the ones most commonly used.

Activity Team: Responsible for the upkeep of activity equipment and areas as well as instruction of staff and lesson plans.

Black Lagoon: The name of the swimming pool.

Blob: The large red, yellow and blue inflated bladder at the point used as a type of water trampoline.

Cabin Camper of the Week: (CCOW) Camper chosen from each cabin and recognized in the cluster on Fridays after counselor meeting. Criteria for choosing camper is SPARK.

Cabin Camper of the Day: A Camper name is chosen each day per cabin for camper of the day. This entitles the camper to certain rights and responsibilities for that day. The cabin completes a CCOD card for the camper that evening.

Challenge Course: A series of challenging treetop obstacles designed to build confidence. It has its own series of odd names including: Dual Zipline, Pamper Pole, Screamer, 3-in-1, and Giant Swing.

Check Out a Book: Take a tonk.

Chicken Coop: Where you meet for Work Detail.

Chief/Chieftess: A male and female camper from the oldest cabins is chosen to lead their tribe after the first week of competition. They are chosen based on their spirit, enthusiasm, dedication, and leadership abilities.

Chow Hall: Camp Olympia's dining hall.

Cluster: Cabin grouping.

C.L.P.: Our sixteen year old campers are eligible to attend our Camp Leadership Program, which includes leadership training, lifeguard training and a week in Colorado.

Cypress Point Trail:Trail across from cluster A to be used to walk down to the lake area. Mini Golf Course sits just off the trail.

Demerit or D: A blue token taken for performing a misdeed.

A.D.: Assistant Director; responsible for the overall needs and programs for a cluster of campers and counselors. Lives outside the cluster area.

D.H.: Division Head; responsible for the overall needs

and programs for a cluster of campers and counselors. Lives in the cluster area.

Great Blue Dolphin: One of Olympia’s oldest traditions. The GBD makes a trip from Atlantis every three week term to open and oversee the running of Water Carnival. Usually accompanied by his wife Little Minnow.

Hammock Village: Area on the side of the O'Dome where there are 5 hammocks. Campers can hang out in these hammocks during free time, such as before COLOCO, but ONLY 1 camper in a hammock at a time.

Hidden O's: A game that campers can play during certain times of camp to find the CO logo placed all around camp. Introduced in 2011.

Jumping Pillow: A blob on land/ bouncy dome without walls. This is a great place for campers to hang out and jump! But no flips please!

KAMP: The call letters of the camp radio station. Tune into 98.9 for all the up to the moment happenings at Camp O'.

K.O. Corral: The horse stables.

Lead Counselor: A counselor chosen in the four cabin clusters there to assist the DH and take responsibility when the DH is out of the cluster.

Lettering: Earning beginner, intermediate or advanced in an activity.

Library: The camp restrooms. Leads to the phrase “I need to check out a book”.

Little Minnow: Wife of the legendary Great Blue Dolphin. She often makes the trip from Atlantis with him to help open Water Carnival.

Making Merits: A euphemism used as an excuse when off-duty and leaving for the night. Counselors speak of going to the “Merit Machine.”

Marathon: The all-camp Spartan/Athenian relay race.

Merit: A red token given for performing a kind deed or accomplishing something beyond the ordinary.

Merit Machine: The counselor retreat.

Mini Golf Course: Also known as Lil' Pines. A 9 hole mini golf course built off the Cypress Point Trail. It is to be used during Breakout and cabin/cluster nights.

Nation Chief & Chieftess: A male and female counselor chosen at the beginning of each term to lead their tribe of the Spartans and the Athenians.

O-Dome: The huge green building/open air gymnasium where many activities take place including basketball, gymnastics, aerobics, arts & crafts, cheerleading, and dance.

O'Crew: Once a camper completes CLP they are eligible to return as a volunteer work crew member.

Olympian of the Day: Camper honored by the entire camp as a model camper. Selected by the AD on Prowl.

Olympic Flame: The camp favorites chosen by popular vote.

One-two: Another way of saying twelve. See twelve.

O-O: Also known as Gaga, which is an exciting version of dodgeball that requires players to hit the ball with their hand or fist (rather than catching & throwing) below the waist of other players.

Overnight site: Camp out area where each cluster cooks out and plays games one night.

Package in the Office: Discreet message issued over P.A. system for off-duty counselors that have a phone message or visitor waiting.

Point: The peninsula that juts into Lake Livingston at the south end of camp. The site of all waterfront activities.

Program Team: Leadership team responsible for all full camp nightly programs from the ideas to setup.

Prowl: Director on evening duty who makes security rounds through each cabin. This usually occurs between 12:30 and 2:00 AM every night.

Sherwood Forest: The name of the archery range.

Shoreline Trail: Trail that runs from girls camp down to the lake to the different waterfront activity sites.

SPARK: An award given to a camper from each division. Camper is selected from those receiving CCOW. Also given to one staff member each term by administration who exemplifies these traits. S(speaks well of others), P (praises others), A (appreciates others), R (respects others), K (kind to others).

Spartan\Athenian: The weekday competitive games held at Olympia. The Spartans (red) and the Athenians (blue) are competing tribes.

Special Duty: The night off-duty counselors must serve answering phones in the radio room.

Super Structure: The building out at the overnight site that is covered and used in case of bad weather.

The Nexus: The building next to the Chow Hall and OE office. This building is designed to be the meeting point of camp. It is used for overflow for dining and the greeting area for parents on opening and closing days.

The Sacrifice: The sacrificial jump into the pool by the defeated tribe’s Nation Chief and Chieftess to appease the gods and end Spartan-Athenian competition for the term.

Thirty-one Eighty-eight: The road into camp.

Thunder Dome: The name of the covered tennis courts.

Tonk: A bowel movement.

TOTAL Ministries: Male or Female staff member in charge of encouraging and ministering to the spiritual needs of campers and counselors.

Twelve: The partial day off earned by counselors twice each three week term and once during our two week term. May start at 12:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 a.m. on Sat. & Sun. or may start at 6:15 p.m. and end at 2:00 p.m. on Mon. & Wed.

Zeus, Neptune, Apollo, Taurus etc.: The names of all the camp cabins. Taken from characters in Greek and Roman mythology in keeping with the camp theme. Also, Zeus reigns as god over all in the Spartan-Athenian games. Mercury is god over the Spartans and Neptune is god over the Athenians.

Washing Boats: A euphemism used as an excuse when off-duty counselors get a chance to go to the Point for a night of water sking.

Water Carnival: A special day of fun and games focused on the pool and waterfront. Great Blue Dolphin and Little Minnow join us for the excitement.

Water Wars: A water balloon launching station designed for 4 campers at a time. They are aiming at a target at the opposite end and trying to hit the bulls eye to set off the water explosion.

Camp Olympia Manual

Section 2

Job Descriptions and Policies

Kids don’t care what you know, until they know you care!

COUNSELOR JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsible to: Division Head, Assistant Directors and Full Time Staff

Qualifications: Must be at least 18 years old and graduated from high school. Must love kids and possess qualities necessary for supervising kids in a twenty-four hour living situation.

Responsibilities:

1. HAVE FUN! BE SAFE

2. Supervise a cabin group of campers - includes organization, discipline, health, happiness, cleanliness, safety, daily routines, character and skill development and entertainment.

3. Continual and equal concern and care of each camper in your cabin.

4. Guide your cabin group in a positive way to participate in personal, cabin group, division and all-camp activities.

5. Keep the cabin book records and health checks daily for each camper.

6. Supervise and assist in cabin housekeeping.

7. Seek to take an active part in miscellaneous activities and special events.

8. See that campers are sending and receiving mail to and from home.

9. Complete all necessary written records for cabin campers and turn them into the office at the end of the camping term.

10. Be mindful of personal habits, health, dress, speech, table etiquette and relationships with other staff in light of camp policies.

11. Set a good example by entering enthusiastically into every phase of camp life.

12. Lead or assist activities for small groups of campers as scheduled by the scheduling director. The fundamental purpose of camp is to provide a safe and fun experience, an opportunity to acquirze new skills.Campers will imitate you. The success of camp, to a large degree, rests with the counselor.

13. Complete lettering rosters as needed per term.

14. Participate in scheduled work detail. Carry out tasks assigned.

COUNSELOR FEEDBACK

While you are at camp, your AD and DH will sit down with you and let you know how you are doing in performing the tasks listed above.

COUNSELOR CONDUCT & INSTRUCTION

1. Staff members are to abide by common standards of decency and are to refrain from use of obscenities.

2. All staff agree to abide by policies and procedures for each program area or facility. (i.e.: lakefront, pool, crafts center, culinary arts, internet, etc.)

3. Staff are not permitted in kitchen area without special permission from the Food Service Supervisor.

4. Camp vehicles may be used only by those approved as an elligible driver and appointed specifically by the Director in charge of work detail. In the case of overnights, vehicle drivers will be appointed by the Assistant Director. Personal use of camp vehicles is prohibited.

5. Counselor cars must be parked in the counselor parking lot. Only camp vehicles and office staff may park in the office lot.

6. Cars are prohibited from using camp roads other than to enter or leave camp grounds. Counselor vehicles should never be in the cabin area during the camp session.

7. Camp speed limit is 15 m.p.h..

8. All hair should be neatly groomed. No unsightly coloring please. Male staff hair should be no longer than collar length, and no tails or ponytails. Facial hair should be neatly groomed and trimmed. Males may not wear earrings. Tattoos are discouraged and should not be visible while working if possible and body piercings are not allowed while on duty.

9. While crazy clothes add to the camp atmosphere good taste should be shown at all times. Proper undergarments should be worn.

10. Personal needs that can’t be taken care of on offnights through ordering online, can be taken care of via town run. Please list items needed and where they may be purchased on the town run sheet posted in the office. (This should be done on personal time.)

11. All Camp Counselor meetings will be held in the Thunderdome on Fridays. Times will be announced. At the appropriate time the cluster assistant director will relieve the staff members of their cabin duties. While staff are in the counselor meeting A.D.’s will hold cluster meetings with the campers. After the counselor meeting all staff members will return immediately to the cluster for CCOW.

12. All counselors are expected to work until clean-up is finished on the last day of each term. All business of the term must be completed and the camp made ready for the next term before counselors are dismissed.

13. All tools checked out of the chicken coop must be returned promptly or at the end of the work period, even if the project is incomplete.

14. Counselors wishing to do so may send their laundry to be done with the cabin’s. If this is done, all articles should be marked. After 6:15 p.m. each evening the laundry area in maintenance may also be used. The large commercial washing machines are kept locked and may not be used. All personal laundry must be out of the laundry room by 7:00 am.

15. Counselors who have a cell phone will be responsible for it and know that it will NOT be allowed down in the cabins. There is a designated spot for them in the boys' and girls' camp directors offices, where they can be charged. You may also keep them in your car. Be aware that reception is poor to nonexistent on camp grounds and you can ONLY use them on your off time and not in front of campers. Those counselors caught with their cell phones will receive a LATE. See off duty procedures #5.

16. Counselors should always abide to The Rule of Three. Two people should never be alone together. You should always be in groups of three or more with at least one of the three being a counselor.

17. Counselors should remember that we are living in a community environment and when dressing should try and be as modest as possible. Please refrain from exposing yourself to the kids as much as you can.

GIRLS’ AND GUYS’ CAMP

1. Male and female camping quarters are private and are off limits to the opposite gender.

2. Staff members agree to keep their personal living quarters and themselves in a neat and clean manner. All living areas will be inspected daily. It is expected that they will be clean and neat. This applies to counselors in and out of the cabin as well as campers.

3. While campers are in bed or having cabin time at least one counselor must be in the cabin.

4. Loud talking, shouting, etc., after campers retire is to be avoided.

5. Camper property, use of camper property by the staff for personal use or pleasure is strictly prohibited.

6. Counselors may not use MP3/iPods while on duty. $5.00 fine.

7. Shirt must be worn in chow hall. Shoes must be worn at all times with exception of the pool. $5.00 fine.

8. At the end of camp, counselors are responsible for collecting all merits and d-pins, completing all parts of the cabin book, making sure cabin is spotless, clotheslines are empty, libraries are clean, lost articles are collected and returned.

9. Please keep extended conversation with other counselors of different cabins in the chow hall or at other times to a minimum. These detract from the kids’ time.

IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU REFRAIN FROM TALKING ABOUT OFF-NIGHTS IN FRONT OF CAMPERS

10. Any person committing a prank which results in damage to personal or camp property will be held responsible. Campers or camper belongings should never be involved in pranks. Pranks must never be done by on-duty counselors. Pranks considered to be malicious or inappropriate may subject you to disciplinary action up to and including termination

11. Camp Olympia policy requires that individuals not consume any alcohol or drugs while in camp employment or camp sponsored events. Smoking and Tobacco are hazardous to your health. Camp Olympia is a smoke-free facility. Send Cody Mauldin an email stating you will abide by camp’s policies!

12. There are no sleeping quarters for friends or relatives of Camp Olympia campers or employees.

OFF DUTY PROCEDURES

1. Counselors have alternating nights off as assigned by the appropriate Assistant Director. There are four exceptions as follows:

a. All counselors are on duty on the first and last nights of each term.

b. All counselors are on duty for the duration of their division’s overnight.

c. Counselors must serve a special duty night in the radio room once each term.

d. All counselors are on duty during Rodeo and Talent Show/Awards and will be dismissed after helping to clean up after the program.

2. Each counselor receives one 12 during each session. This is the counselors 20-hour-time-off-period-ofrest-and-relaxation. They are offered as follows: 6:15p.m Monday or Wednesday until 2:00 p.m. the following day. Check in at Work Detail. 12:30 p.m. Saturday or Sunday until 8:30 a.m. the following morning. Check in at breakfast. Sign up is done by drawing a number during the opening camp meeting on Saturday. Counselors sign up for 12’s on their days off (see odd/even). Please be sure to check the term schedule for your special duty night and cluster overnight before signing up.

3. You must follow sign in/out procedures for 12’s. You will always sign out at the radio room. When returning at 2:00 pm sign in at the chicken coop and report to work detail. When returning at 8:30 am sign in at the radio room on Sunday and breakfast on Monday.

4. On your off duty nights, please stay with your cabin until it is covered by another of your cabin’s counselors.

5. All counselors must check out and are subject to curfew as explained below: (counselors on 12’s are not under curfew)

a. This system works based on the idea that all counselors are here for the kids. With their health and well-being in mind it is hoped that all counselors will make every effort to get plenty of rest.

6. Curfew is 12:00 a.m. Sign in time for 12’s is 8:30a.m. or 2:00p.m., depending on the day. Failure to be accounted for by designated sign in times is AUTOMATICALLY a LATE.

a. 1st LATE = Warning

b. 2nd LATE = Come in 1 hour early from off-night.

c. 3rd LATE = Lose an enitre off night.

d. 4th LATE = Lose a 12!

7. All counselors are required to check out. A sign out sheet will be posted in the radio room on a standard clipboard. You will go back to your cabin at 6:00pm each night to be sure it is covered. Sign Out doesn’t begin until 6:15pm. You must then go to the clip board, located in the radio room, fill in the time, your general plans for the night and sign your name. You will NOT be considered off-duty until you have signed out. You MUST sign out for yourself. No one may sign out for you.

8. When you return for the night you MUST sign in – in person with prowl. Your signature that you are “in” means that you are from that point “on duty” with all its attendant responsibilities and ramifications. From sign in you must go directly to your cabin – you may not again leave (with a sole exception – if you have signed “in” well ahead of curfew you have not given up your right to your full time off – you may, if you wish, return, sign out again and then sign in again later). Sign ins can be done in the radio room.

9. If you arrive late and prowl has already left for rounds, you must wait in the radio room for their return. IT IS NOT OKAY TO RETURN TO YOUR CABIN AND WAIT FOR PROWL TO COME AROUND TO SIGN IN. You will already have been counted late and that status will not change. Those doing so will be asked to return to the radio room and wait for prowl to finish rounds

10. Prowl will wait up and remain in the radio room until all counselors have returned for the night and signed in. No other rounds will be made to look for missing counselors. While waiting for late counselors, prowl may make multiple cabin rounds.

11. Counselors who sign in and then leave their cabins/ activities are not considered late but are considered as having abandoned their cabins while on duty and are subject to dismissal.

12. A sign in consists of the counselor writing their signature and time in. Prowl then signs as a witness to your presence and personal appearance.

PERSONAL TIME

1. Counselors may take showers before wakeup provided:

a. The cabin is covered and

b. You are back in the cabin and ready BEFORE wake-up.

Off-duty counselors may shower after lights out but must be in bed before curfew. On-duty counselors should shower during cabin showering time to ensure the kids’ health. On-duty counselors will also have a time when they are assigned a time to be “Shower Monitor” to make sure there is only one camper in a shower at a time.

2. Counselors may exercise or seek spiritual enhancement prior to wake-up if:

a. It is after 6:00 a.m.

b. The cabin is covered

c. Showers are taken care of as above

d. You are back in the cabin by wake-up

CAMPERS MAY NOT ACCOMPANY YOU DURING THIS TIME

SPECIAL WORK ASSIGNMENTS

From time to time, work assignments will be made by the Director that are not the responsibilities as listed on the job descriptions. These are necessary and no job will be assigned that is not important to the operation of camp.

WORK DETAIL

Every day after lunch counselors who are on-duty that night report to work detail. Work detail meets at the chicken coop. They are assigned important tasks to complete before the end of rest hour. The smooth operation of camp is dependent on attention to details such as this. If you complete your assignment early, please check back with the Assistant Director in charge for further instructions.

SPECIAL DUTY

Generally, once a term all counselors will serve as special duty on one of their nights off. They report to the radio room and the Director in charge by 6:05 p.m. There they will answer phones and do anything required of them by the Director. They will complete all duties on the On-Duty check sheet and sign for them. They are not released from duty until all tasks have been completed and the director dismisses them. They are subject to all late rule provisions. Counselors should report first and eat in shifts as assigned by the Directors on duty.

STAFF POLICIES

PERSONNEL POLICIES

Personnel policies are necessary to insure a smoothly functioning camp. The following section of the manual presents Camp Olympia’s policies which have been established through years of experience. Additionally, any offer of employment is conditioned upon the receipt of the satisfactory results of a health history form provided with the application for employment, and proof of legal residency in the United States or accepted documentation for I-9s.

1. Employment: Camp Olympia offers equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, creed, sex or national origin. A completed application with three references and criminal background check are required before any consideration for employment is given. In addition to this, the individual must have a signed contract, a completed health history, and proof of all necessary citizenship forms required by law before employment is complete.

2. Insurance: Staff members while on the job are covered by Worker’s Compensation. Any activities not sanctioned by the camp, which cause injury or reactivation of a chronic condition will be at the expense of the employee. Staff must carry their own comprehensive accident and illness insurance.

a. Whenever staff members feel ill or incur an injury they may report to the nurse after areas of responsibility have been adequately covered.

b. ALL medications MUST BE turned in to the nurse upon arrival at camp.

c. Only the camp nurse or resident camp physician will dispense medications.

d. In the case of illness or injury, which extends for an unreasonably long period of time and hampers the staff member from carrying out his/her counselor duties, replacement will be at the discretion of the Director.

e. Staff are expected to get enough rest to prevent excess fatigue, illness and injury. If staff are not getting enough sleep, campers are put at risk therefore, the Director at his/her discretion will take appropriate action.

f. The staff health history must be on file in the camp office before the beginning of staff training. It must be complete and be a true reflection of the individual’s physical condition. Information purposely not completed or falsely completed will be grounds for release.

4. Staff Visitors: There are no sleeping quarters for friends or relatives of Camp Olympia campers or employees.

5. Use of Phone: Cell Phones may be used on off time ONLY and out of sight of campers. (Remember - they may not be kept in the cabin.) THE CAMP PHONE IS FOR CAMP BUSINESS ONLY. Any personal calls made on the camp phone by ANY staff member will result in a conference and fine. No exceptions. Personal phone messages received for staff will be relayed by the appropriate A.D. Counselors may return personal calls on their off time. Personal calls of an urgent nature which require immediate attention may be made from the office phone once camper responsibilities have been covered. This should be done as quickly as possible. If counselors serving as special duty receive personal calls, these should be kept to a maximum of five minutes. Please be mindful that this is a business phone and camp is a 24-hour business. Email Michelle Mauldin that you promise to turn your phone in and not have it down in the cabins to keep the campers safe.

6. Emergency Leave: At various times, staff will need special leaves because of valid business reasons, emergencies, and sickness. However, because of the special nature of the staff positions and limited resources to replace staff members on emergency leaves, any emergency leave will have to be subject to the following conditions:

a. The appropriate Director must be notified in advance and his/her approval must be obtained. Emergency leave will mean

• a loss of time-off and/or

• a prorated reduction in salary

7. Contracts: A signed contract is mandatory. In relation to the staff application, any information purposely left off or false information presented that would materially effect a hiring decision will be grounds for release. Counselors agree to the following policies in their contract agreement:

• Fulfill the contract

• No felony convictions

• No use of illegal drugs and agree to random drug testing

• Will abstain from consumption of alcohol

• Will support and practice the condition of Camp Olympia’s policies and procedures.

8. Pay Day!$!$!$: In addition to room and board counselors will receive a pay check on the last day of each term worked. Counselors will be paid when the entire staff has completed all checkout duties at the end of each term.

Advances: Counselors may advance portions of their paycheck (up to $100). Please contact Pat Centilli during work detail (only). Advances greater than $50.00 will require a 24 hour notice.

a. Camp Olympia prohibits any counselor or employee from receiving monetary or expensive gifts from campers or their parents, either at the end of camp or in the off-season. Never refuse a small gift from the family of a Mexican camper. Gift-giving is a cultural necessity to them and refusal is an insult.

9. Performance Evaluations: At least once during the summer, a performance evaluation will be done by the appropriate Assistant Director and Division Head on each staff member. It will be discussed with each member in private. If a staff member is having problems or difficulties of any kind that he/ she cannot resolve or if there are rules or regulations that you feel are unfair or would work better another way, please feel free to talk with your Division Head or Assistant Director. If you feel something needs to be changed please discuss it with those who can actually bring about the change. Thanks for verbalizing your concerns in a positive manner. Also, during evaluations, the Division Head and Assistant Director will cover positive and negative attributes of the staff member. This is not done to criticize but to improve performance and the camp by offering suggestions on how to better your job performance. A signed copy of your evaluation will then be placed on file in the office.

10. Grounds For Dismissal: A counselor’s employment at Camp Olympia is at will, and may be terminated at any time, with or without prior notice, and for any reason not prohibited by statute. Without limitation, an employee may be dismissed by the Camp Director for any of the following reasons:

• If his or her job performace endangers the safety of campers, the reputation of Camp Olympia, or lacks cooperation with the system.

• Any unauthorized use of the lake, pool, boats or camp vehicles.

• Leaving the cabin after prowl.

• Shortening of camp period because of fire, epidemic, accident, etc.

• Insufficient campers to warrant retention of staff.

• Failure to abide by Camp Policies and Procedures or to carry out an assigned task or duty.

• Immoral or unethical conduct.

• Inability to live and work in harmony with campers and other staff.

• Medical condition which, in the opinion of either or both the Camp Director or Camp Nurse, will interfere with the welfare of either the camp or the employee.

• Any person found to be in possession of or using illegal drugs will be dismissed and turned over to the proper authorities.

• Counselors are not permitted to drink alcohol while in the employment of Camp Olympia; which includes directly prior and after the contracted period begins and ends. Abuse of this rule will result in dismissal.

• Smoking and chewing tobacco in the presence of campers or while on duty is prohibited. WORK DETAIL OR SPECIAL DUTY IS NO EXCEPTION. Olympia prefers you do not smoke or chew.

• Salary will be paid as per contract. Should employment be terminated prior to end of camp, salary will be prorated.

11. Resignation: Should any employee wish to resign he/she shall notify the Camp Director ten days in advance, unless an emergency prevents the advance notice. Salary will be paid up to the day of termination only if the staff member actually works.

12. Staff-evaluations for future employment with Camp Olympia will be e-mailed the first of October. Future employment status will be communicated by e-mail. If you have questions or concerns, please direct them to the appropriate director.

13. Vehicles: No vehicle may be used for personal use, Camp Business Only. An inspection and gas and oil check of each vehicle should take place before any employee uses a camp vehicle for travel. Please report all vehicle repairs immediately. Never drive a vehicle that is not in proper working condition, for example: bad tires, lights not working, etc. Always use camp vehicles for camp business, unless cleared in advance with the Director of Transportation. Any traffic violation must be reported immediately to the Human Resource Manager. Any staff involved in any accident is subject to drug testing. All new employees are required to read and abide by the Vehicle Policy and Procedures. * Text messaging, surfing the internet, receiving or responding to email, checking for phone messages on a cell phone while driving a company vehicle is prohibited at all times. Camp Management Inc. and Camp Olympia Inc. will NOT be responsible for loss, damage or theft to employee vehicles.

ONLY ELIGIBLE DRIVERS MAY DRIVE ANY CAMP VEHICLE. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED DURING COUNSELOR TRAINING SCHOOL AS TO YOUR ELIGIBILITY STATUS.

14. Camp Equipment: Use of any camp equipment for personal use is prohibited, unless approved by Director. No camp equipment should be altered from its original state. Safety in use of equipment should be a priority at all times.

Examples: Eye protection worn when weed eating, avoid cutting grass when campers are in the area. Never leave equipment unattended, especially electrical. Secure all areas when unattended or break for lunch. Remove keys from all equipment when not in use. Report all repairs immediately and tag equipment with repair tag. Never use equipment in need of repair.

15. Sexual Harassment: Camp Olympia strives to treat all employees and campers with respect and dignity. To achieve these goals, Camp Olympia Inc. has adopted a policy that strictly prohibits its employees from engaging in any form of sexual harassment. Employees should contact the appropriate camp director. This should be done expeditiously.

DEFINITIONS: Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other sexual conduct, either verbal or physical, or any conduct or other offensive unequal treatment of an employee or group of employees that would not occur but for the sex of the employee or employees, when:

a. The advances, requests, or conduct have the effect of interfering with the performance of duties or creating an intimidating, hostile or otherwise offensive work environment;

b. Submission to such advances, requests, or conduct is explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment; or employment decisions.

c. Submission to correction of such advances requests, or conduct is used on a basis which will be utilized in the investigation process with the Human Resource Director (Pat Centilli). Regarding campers, sexual harassment is defined as ANY and ALL sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other conduct of a sexual nature which is either verbally or physically inappropriate, and/or offensive or unequal treatment of campers on the basis of sex.

PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING ALLEGED SEXUAL HARASSMENT:

Any employee who has cause to believe that a camper or themselves has been, or is being, subjected to any form of sexual harassment shall immediately report the matter to the Camp Director at which time, the employee will complete a form on the alleged offense, which will be utilized in the investigation process with the Human Resources Director (Pat Centilli).

A report of alleged sexual harassment of a camper by either a camper or a counselor to any employee shall be deemed to be cause to believe that sexual harassment has occurred, or is occurring. An employee violates this policy and is also liable for sexual harassment if the employee has cause to believe that sexual harassment of a camper has occurred, or is occurring, but fails to report the information as provided by this policy. An employee who believes sexual harassment or any type of abuse has occurred, or is occurring, should report such conduct to the Camp Director or Human Resource Manager (Pat Centilli) regardless of the position of the offending person.

Recognizing the legal and moral responsibility of all Camp Olympia, Inc., Camp Management Foods, and Camp Management, Inc. employees to protect our campers, physical and mental health and welfare, any employee who has cause to believe that a student or camper has been or is being sexually harassed shall assume that such conduct might adversely affect the camper's physical or mental health or welfare and shall make such reports as are required by law.

PROCEDURES FOR INVESTIGATING COMPLAINTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATING THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY:

All sexual harassment complaints will be promptly investigated. Complaints will be handled as confidentially as possible. It is intended that the privacy of administration, staff or campers, will be protected except to the extent necessary to conduct a proper investigation. If the investigation substantiates that the complaint is valid, immediate corrective action designed to stop the harassment and prevent its reoccurence will be taken.

Regarding sexual harassment of employees, such corrective action may, in appropriate circumstances, include discipline (up to and including discharge) of the offending person.

Regarding sexual harassment of campers, substantiation that a complaint is valid will result in immediate termination of the offending person. All employees agree that while at camp they will adjust personal habits and actions to the customs, policies, procedures and ideals of the camp. They will conduct themselves at all times, both in camp and away from camp, in such a manner that they will be of credit to themselves and to the camp. All camp personnel are expected to comply with the camp rules and regulations. Failure to observe these rules of conduct will result in penalties ranging from fines to dismissal.

LIABILITY OF PERSONS REPORTING ALLEGED SEXUAL HARASSMENT:

Other than a person reporting his or her own conduct, any person who in good faith and without malice reports or assists in the investigation of sexual harassment of a child is immune from civil and criminal liability that might otherwise be imposed. In addition, an employee who has cause to believe that sexual harassment has occurred, or is occurring, and who reports the matter pursuant to this policy shall not be retaliated against or adversely treated with respect to terms and conditions of employment because of the making of the report. Lastly, nothing in this policy shall require any employee alleging sexual harassment to present the matter to the person who is the subject of the complaint.

16. Sexual Abuse: Whether it is real or perceived, sexual abuse can destroy the goals of Olympia in “helping people grow in body, mind and spirit.” The abuse can be counselor to camper, camper to camper, or counselor to counselor. It is every staff member’s responsibility to be aware of their own actions and those of their campers and other staff members at all times, so there is never any doubt regarding the possibility for sexual abuse. Just remember, the one place you CAN touch a child is their heart. Sexual Abuse can take many forms. Touching another person in a sexual manner, hugging a person too long and too often, excess scrutiny of nakedness, and verbal sexual teasing or flirting with the same or opposite sex, to name a few.

Camp Olympia wants to protect you, our staff and our campers. Following these rules will help avoid the issue altogether:

The Rule of Three: No time should two people be alone together. You should always be in groups of three or more with at least one of the three being a counselor.

Identify high-risk situations- There will be times when some situations will have a greater risk of sexual abuse. Monitor these times carefully as follows:

• Undressing

• Nudity

• Bedtime

• Periods of stress

• Shower time (Shower Monitor)

• Attending to camper basic hygiene

• Different caretakers

Architectural Risks - Below are some areas where sexual abuse can occur. Remember, at NO time should two people be alone together in any of the following places:

• Corners

• Isolated areas

• Stairwells

• Unused rooms

• Closets

• Bathrooms

• Enclosed areas where there is no access to informal monitoring

• The woods

Twenty Ways to Protect Yourself from False Accusations

• Rule of Three

• Establish clear boundaries with children

• Avoid physical contact that may be misinterpreted (ex. Piggy back rides, sitting in lap, playing with hair, massages, full frontal hugs)

• Avoid affection that cannot be observed

• Adhere to uniform standards of affection

• Don't show favoritism

• Avoid gift giving and receiving unless it is for the whole cabin

• Use informal monitoring (line of sight)

• No secrets with children

• Avoid provocative or revealing attire

• Avoid swearing and telling off-color jokes

• Avoid adult methods of flirting with children

• Do not allow children in your camp bed

• Do not allow nudity (i.e. no counselors in the same shower with kids)

• Do not lie down with a camper

• Do not discuss your own sex life or activities

• Do not share adult literature, magazines, books, music, posters, or videos with campers

• When campers are undressing, avoid staring, taking pictures, or making comments about their bodies

• Seek supervision for high-risk situations

• When in doubt document the activity

What to Do When You Observe Possible Abuse

Our staff and our campers have a right to be safe. If you observe any situation that upsets you, come report it to the Director of Girls’ Camp- Michelle Mauldin, Director Boys’ Camp - Cody Mauldin, or Administration Director

- Debbie Stubblefield. We will take your report seriously and investigate and do everything to protect your rights.

Your Space: The popularity of social networking sites, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube, raises the concern of making sure our staff and our campers are protected. As a result, Camp Olympia has set forth some guidelines to follow when taking part in these networking sites.

Policy:

All Internet activities must uphold all values of Camp Olympia. This includes, but is not limited to, postings on Facebook, Instagram, blog sites and YouTube. Furthermore, it is illegal to post any pictures of campers on the internet without specific written permission of a Camp Olympia director. We appreciate you respecting our guidelines. At Olympia we are committed to creating a safe environment for our campers and our staff, whether they are here at our facilities or in cyberspace.

Pictures/Videoing: Staff will NOT be allowed to take pictures/video while on duty or while on camp’s facility. Camp employs a photographer and videographer each summer that will capture all the daily happenings of camp. Campers are only allowed to take pictures during sanctioned camp events. The use of cameras inside cabins is prohibited. The use of video cameras for counselors and campers is NOT allowed in the cabins or at camp!

Section 3 Daily Schedule and Operations

CAMP OLYMPIA DAILY

SCHEDULE

Monday – Friday

7:45 Wake up

8:00 Breakfast (see schedule below)

9:15 COLOCO

9:25 Spartan/Athenian Competition

10:20 Water Break (at field)

10:25 Travel Time (call period)

10:30 Activity 1 (m/w/f) *Breakout (t/th)

11:10 Travel Time (call period)

11:15 Activity 2

11:55 Travel Time (call period)

12:00 Radio Show

12:15 LUNCH

1:30 Rest Period

2:45 Snack Attack

2:55 Travel Time (call period)

3:00 Activity 3

3:40 Travel Time (call period)

3:45 Activity 4

4:25 Travel Time (call period)

4:30 Activity 5

5:10 Travel Time (call period)

5:15 Activity 6

6:00 End of Activity (back to cabins)

6:25 Dinner

8:00 Nightly Program

*Breakout is structured freetime held from 10:30 - 12:00 on T/Th

BREAKFAST SCHEDULE

8:00 Sr. II-Boys & Girls

8:10 Sr.I-Girls

8:15 Sr. I-Boys 8:20 I-Girls

8:30 I-Boys 8:35 J-Girls

8:40 J-Boys

LUNCH SCHEDULE

12:15 J-Boys & J-Girls 12:25 I-Girls

12:35 I-Boys 12:45 Sr. I-Girls

12:55 Sr. I-Boys 1:00 Sr. II-Girls & Boys

DINNER SCHEDULE

6:25 J-Boys & Girls 6:35 I-Girls

6:30 I-Boys 6:50 Sr. I-Girls

6:40 Sr. I-Boys 7:00 Sr. II-Girls

6:55 Sr. II-Boys

Saturday

7:45 Wake up (no inspection)

8:00 Breakfast (See schedule)

9:00 Travel Time (call period)

9:00 Activity 1 (follow TT Schedule)

9:40 Travel Time (call period)

9:45 Activity 2

10:25 Travel Time (call period)

10:30 Activity 3

11:10 Travel Time (call period)

11:15 Activity 4

12:00 Radio Show

12:15 LUNCH

2:30 S/A meets/Special Day

6:00 End of Activity

6:25 Dinner (see schedule)

7:30 Movie

Sunday

8:45 Wake up

9:00 Breakfast (See schedule) Begin Major Inspection/Cluster Vespers

12:15 Lunch

1:30 Rest Period

2:00 Free and Easy

6:25 Dinner (See schedule)

7:45 All Camp Vespers

DAILY OPERATION

THE DAILY SCHEDULE

7:45 a.m. The morning wake-up show, 30 minutes of popular (and not-so-popular) music and important reminders for the day, is hosted by one of the summerAD's (who rotate daily). The time period is used for waking up and preparing for breakfast. Counselors should be up and dressed before wake up (7:30 a.m.). Be cheerful and rouse campers who are slow to rise. The entire duty of the counselor is to make sure the kids are ready to go when the breakfast call comes. This may be a chore with the younger kids, a snap with older ones. The big kids, though, may be harder to stir from slumber.

In addition, there are several cabin or counselor duties that can be started if time allows. They must be completed before leaving for COLOCO or first period activity. First is the checking of the kids' health (temperature) and the gathering of merits, all recorded in the cabin book Many counselors do this as the first item of business for the day. Calling the kids by name and requiring them to come to the counselor bunk is a good way to get them out of bed. Make sure and have them sit on a trunk while doing cabin book and not on the counselor's bed. The counselor must not lay in bed to do this. Laziness is contagious. Cabin Camper of the Day should also be done during this time.

Second, counselor library duty, the thorough daily cleaning of the bathrooms, should be done before wake-up. Work out with the cluster when the best time for this task to be completed will be. Do not neglect campers’ needs to do this. Don't forget to go back over the bathrooms during rest hour to help maintain cleanliness.

Third, the campers and the counselors may start the cleaning of the cabin for inspection. For some cabins this is a necessity since there may be little time after breakfast to complete the job.

8:00 a.m. Breakfast . The wake-up person will call breakfast. Please take your campers to breakfast according to the breakfast schedule listed. The meal is served cafeteria style at the chow hall. Counselors (especially of Juniors) should help keep an eye on kids who may need help getting breakfast items. Be sure all of your campers eat and any special dietary needs are met at every meal.

After finishing breakfast counselors should be sure the plates are up and tables clean before leaving.

The nurse will be handing out medication outside the chow hall for those campers who take morning medications.

Once back at the cabin the kids should finish cleaning for inspection, and the counselors should finish cabin book and library duty. Kids who have aquatic activities should change into swimsuits.

9:15 COLOCO - everyone meets at the BOD. For Olympians only!

9:25 Spartan/Athenian competition begins each day Monday - Friday. The clusters will be divided for effective competition. An all-inclusive schedule will be handed out at the beginning of each term and should be posted in each cabin. Counselors and campers should be prompt to their scheduled activity and be dressed for their competition. Make sure campers are ready for all morning activities because they won't be allowed to return to the cabin after S/A. Some may need swimsuits for BREAK OUT or jeans for horseback class. They will need your help in this preparation. No one should leave an activity except in case of emergency or if the child needs to report to the nurse. An Assistant Director will be the official at each field with counselors assigned as coaches. Counselors should never leave their activity uncovered.

10:20 Water Break will be served on the soccer field for the Spartans and the football field for the Athenians. Campers will need their water bottles and should not go back to their cabins at this time.

10:30 a.m MWF Activity 1 begins. Campers will be given 5 minutes between activities for travel time which makes the actual class time 40 minutes.

10:30 a.m. TTh: BREAK OUT!! Can you say free-time with all the fun stuff at camp at your disposal? There will be some counselors on duty while the others are spending time with campers in the areas that are open. These areas will include ropes course, tennis courts, all fields, pool, O'Dome and special activities such as scheduled tournaments. Basically, the "guts" of camp will be available for PLAY! The only scheduled activities will be at the Point in order to give all campers an opportunity for those activities. ** PLEASE pay attention to schedules, as each cluster may be scheduled at the main areas during this time for this summer.

11:15 a.m. MWF Activity 2 begins. Those campers & counselors in a 2 period class will not need to switch classes.

12:00 p.m. Radio Show. This is a time for the Olympian of the Day to play his/her favorite tunes on KAMP. He/ She will be accompanied by a cabin counselor. This is an excellent time to spend with the kids. It is a short period and not a time for napping. Check the inspection score for the day and make any appropriate comments to encourage the kids to do better or to reward them for a job well done. This is an excellent time to hand out merits for spotless cabins. Kids should change out of wet swimsuits, cool down, wash their hands and faces, and get ready for lunch. A Country Store schedule will be posted in your cabin book. A few cabins will be scheduled during Radio Show each day. Send Shay Rowe an email and tell her what songs you want to hear this summer!

12:15 p.m. Lunch is called. All cabins report to the Chow Hall at the their assigned time and go through the line. Campers and counselors are encouraged to drink water first before having punch. Once the cabin sits down, everyone digs in.

Announcements will take place twice during lunch rotations in order for everyone to hear them and will include the traditional countdown: 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1, May-I-have-your-attention-please, all-right-first-of-allwe-have-a-few-announcements-to- make, followed by a brief rundown of the day's schedule, plans for special events, important reminders, birthday celebrations, a rundown of special camper achievements for the day, some brief silliness, and grace.

Cabins are responsible for correctly cleaning their own table using proper Chow Hall procedures. Finally, the work detail counselor is responsible for a final check of the table to be sure it is clean. Cabins who leave their tables messy at lunch will receive a cabin demerit. NOTE: Campers needing medicine will have to go by nurses' table outside and get their meds from the camp nurse.

1:30 p.m. Work detail counselors report to the chicken coop area by the Model Farm area. Mail Call: The cabin camper of the day will pick up the day’s mail outside by the flagpoles from the P"O"NY Express Mail Service. The cabin will also pick up their Special Delivery packages from here as well. The Camper of the Day will distribute the mail once they get back to the cabin. The only packages coming through camp this summer will be a Camp O Special Delivery or something purchased for them through the Country Store. Staff will receive their packages on their off time in the office. Rest period. After lunch and mail call all off-duty counselors (“off” referring to evening program) return to their cabin. All campers must be quiet and on their own bunks. Juniors

and Intermediates should be strongly encouraged to sleep. Older cabins may read or talk quietly, but should be respectful enough to allow others to sleep. No more than two kids on a bunk.

2:40 p.m Wake-up

2:45 p.m. SNACK TIME by the pool and by the Point, Monday - Thursday. Fridays will be at the cluster for CCOW.

3:00 p.m. Afternoon activities begin. MWF Activity 3 and TTh Activity 1. On MWF, periods 3-6 are in the afternoon and on TTh, periods 1-4 are in the afternoon. They will be every 40 minutes with 5 minutes for travel time. On Saturdays this will signal the beginning of Special Days or the S/A Track and Swim meet and Free & Easy on Sundays will start.

3:45 p.m. MWF Activity 4 & TTh Activity 2

4:30 p.m. MWF Activity 5 & TTh Activity 3

5:15 p.m. MWF Activity 6 & TTh Activity 4

6:00 p.m. Clean up time. All folks return to their cabin to get ready for supper. Counselors may sign out for off time at 6:15. They must check their cabin and make sure duties are covered before departing. Do not leave your cabin until they are covered by the counselor on duty that night. Please make as little fuss about leaving for the night as possible. Talking about off-nights is TABOO. It’s best to avoid the issue. Off-duty counselors report immediately to the radio room to sign out before leaving.

Special duty counselors report to the Radio Room as soon as possible, wait to shower or cleanup as time will be given for this during the evening.

Merit questions should be asked sometime before nightly program.

6:25 p.m. Dinner time on rotations.

8:00 p.m. Nightly program varies. This may be an opportunity to shower and dress or it may begin nightly program. Please check your term schedule. If not listed, consult your division head. During shower time counselors should be especially alert to the kids' health, checking for sores, bites, scratches and infections. One counselor from the cluster should be assigned as shower monitor, changing each night to ensure campers privacy and safety. A counselor should never shower with a camper. The campers also need to prepare their bunk area for bedtime since lights are allowed on for only ten minutes after returning from nightly program.

9:15 p.m. End of day. (Occasionally this will be later.) Cabin lights may be on for ten minutes only. Everyone should be in bed within fifteen minutes of arrival. ALL TRUNKS AND PARAPHERNALIA SHOULD BE UNDER BUNKS. The only exceptions to this are in cabins 13 and 14 and K and L, where trunks are stored differently. If this is not done, a cabin counselor will be awakened by prowl to move any objects from floor which might cause injury to unsuspecting campers or counselors. Campers that become sick during the night, have trouble sleeping or that wet the bed should wake a counselor for help.

9:30 p.m. This is a perfect opportunity to get to know your campers. During this time, you need to draw a CCOD card and bring the cabin together to complete it. Be sure to put it in the mail the next morning. Please invest this time in your campers. After completing the CCOD card, you can tell stories (ABSOLUTELY NO GHOST OR SCARY STORIES), sing songs, hash out cabin problems or just develop friendships.

10:00 p.m. Lights out please!

SUNDAY

Sunday at camp is a day of rest and relaxation. Many things go on, but most are at a leisurely pace. Everyone sleeps until 8:45a.m. We eat breakfast at 9:00 a.m. on rotation. Between wake-up and lunch, each cluster should accomplish clean up, cluster vespers and major inspection.

Lunch is served at 12:15p.m. on rotations.

The afternoons will continue with Free and Easy for some cabin bonding and relaxation. Check the memo for your cabin’s scheduled time for rocketing and blobbing. The pool is open from 2-5. This is a great chance for you to hang out as a cabin and choose something they want to do, from pool, to pickleball, to hoops - just not hanging out in the cabin sleeping.

Sunday morning vesper services are done in the cluster and led by cluster counselors. The counselor assigned to leading cluster vespers should meet with TOTAL Ministries to discuss options and ideas if they need help.

On Sunday nights we have all-camp vespers. Usually a Christian artist will come in for a concert on one Sunday evening while the Olympia staff will lead songs, skits, and scripture for the whole camp on the other Sunday evenings.

Camp Olympia Manual Section 4 Activities

I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day, I’d rather someone would walk with me than merely show the way. The eye is a better student and more willing than the ear, fine counsel is confusing, but examples are always clear. And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds, For to see good put into practice is what everybody needs. I soon can learn to do it, if you’ll let me see it done, I can see your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run. And the lectures you deliver may be very good and true, But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do. For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give, But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

RUNNING ACTIVITIES

COUNSELOR SCHEDULES

Counselors are placed into activity groupings and will focus primarily on these activities due to their competency and ability to teach particular activities based on their activity skill sheet. Activities are camper centered and should be organized as such. Counselors will assist activities with which they are not skilled. The role of the assistant is to interact with kids and keep a watchful eye to ensure a safe environment. Remember, activities should be SAFE and FUN! Send an email to Jasie Hatcher to tell her you can assist any activity!

PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION OF ACTIVITIES

Since a large portion of the camper’s time is spent at activities, the planning and organization of each activity is very important. You will receive an activity handbook for each activity that you will be responsible for teaching. This can be used as a guide for how to run the activity. You can also access other resources in the Activity Director’s office. (Numerous references are located there and are provided to help guide the instructor.) Activity handbooks are available to be picked up when picking up your term's schedule.

Each activity area of camp is overseen by either a Director of that area or the activity team. You will meet these leaders at Counselor Training School (CTS). During CTS, counselors will have the opportunity to participate in activity planning, which will help bring enthusiasm and new ideas to our program. Counselors will also be able to learn from other staff members regarding what has been successful in prior years.

CAMPER SCHEDULES

All campers are given a sheet before camp for class registration. They choose and list in order fifteen activity choices. This is entered into a computer and each child is scheduled according to his/her choices. It is our intention that all campers get three out of their top five choices. However, this is sometimes not the case.

Each child receives a computer printout of their schedule. It should be copied into the cabin book, a copy made for the younger kids to wear on their D-Pin and a copy taped to the wall by their bunks. A copy is retained

in the radio room to reference in case of an emergency or just to help a camper remember their next activity. Counselors need to be sure to record all schedules in the cabin book. We allow schedule changes once during each term at a specific time during Breakout. Campers can only change into an activity they listed as a preference and they may not change out of anything listed in their "Top 5". After that, only changes due to illness or injury will be allowed.

Please note: If you have a camper that is very unhappy with his/her schedule after attending a particular class, please talk to the Director in charge of scheduling. Although we do not make schedule changes we will make exceptions as we want the campers experience to be positive and FUN!

CLASSES

Classes are divided up by boys and girls and by division (Some classes are coed). Counselors receive rosters the first Tuesday morning of camp for every class they are to teach. (Please check the back of the chow hall for the file of rosters.) Included are the names of any assistant instructors, and the camper number and name of each child in the class. Care should be taken to make all the proper notes concerning camper health restrictions. This information can be taken from a health sheet circulated by the Nurses. Schedule updates after Tuesday will be posted in the daily memo and/or new rosters will be distributed. Please cross reference these to your rosters. Rosters can also be used to keep track of scores in individual sports and levels for lettering purposes.

Assistant Directors are in charge of setting up all schedules, double-checking them and making changes. They must also derive the counselor schedules from this information. Counselor class assignments are NOT negotiable.

OPERATION

The first thing every counselor should do is check the roll and make sure all kids are accounted for. Use an assistant to hunt down missing or late kids if necessary. Each child is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. Take D’s for late arriving campers, especially repeat offenders. Learn all your kid’s names. Use the merit system freely but wisely.

NO MORE THAN ONE MERIT AT A TIME FOR ANY REASON.

Counselors should always participate fully in the activities and be enthusiastic. Counselors should strive to make classes fun as well as educational.

Safety and fun can go hand in hand and is the number one priority. Make sure the activities are picked up after and equipment is always in good repair. Report broken or dangerous items to the Activity Team. Counselors in the last class of the day should secure the activity completely for overnight.

A counselor should always be the last to leave an activity. Make sure that all campers know the equipment is not to be touched until their counselor has arrived. D-Trap.

LETTERING

Each activity will have a standardized skill level. There will be listed standards for achieving Beginner (B), Intermediate (I) and Advanced (A). The levels are determined by counselor intuition and a skills test given to each child the last week in each activity. Campers may choose not to participate in skills tests. However only those campers participating are eligible to letter. This is important so that every child feels that he/she had an opportunity to achieve a level. NEVER tell a kid that they cannot test because they are not capable.

The skills testing goes on during Tuesday 1-4 and Wednesday 1-6 of the last week of camp. Lettering rosters should be brought to lunch on the last Wednesday of the term for T/T/S classes and the last Thursday breakfast for M/W/F classes. Please turn them in promptly to the Activity Team.

The activity team will also discuss with all their instructors and choose a Most Improved and a Most Outstanding camper in each activity.

COUNSELOR AWARDS

TCB Hat: Awarded at the end of each term, these coveted hats are given to the select few counselors who have shown the greatest desire to work. The award was begun by Dave Jones in 1983.

The Blue and Red Raggers: Based on the story of the “Ragpicker” these are given to the boy and girl counselors voted each week as most outstanding by their peers. The “rags” are worn that week by the raggers and are a highly respected symbol of Olympian excellence.

The Gold Ragger: Based on the same principle the Gold Rag is worn by the counselor voted most outstanding by the Administrative Staff. They are also awarded an I. C.A.R.E. t-shirt.

The Oil Ragger: Awarded weekly for excellence at work detail.

The Coach of the Week: Awarded to an outstanding coach from Spartan/Athenian who works with their team and encourages and motivates them.

Teacher of the Week: Awarded to an outstanding teacher for their ability to teach activity skill and make them fun.

SPARK: Awarded to one counselor at the end of the term by the administration, who exemplifies the traits of what the award stands for.

Flame: Awarded to the most popular male and female counselor of the term. It is voted on by all the campers.

Counselors also receive year awards beginning with the fifth year.

Camp Olympia Manual Section 5 Camper Conduct

GOD IS MORE CONCERNED ABOUT OUR CHARACTER THAN OUR COMFORT. HIS GOAL IS NOT TO PAMPER US PHYSICALLY BUT TO PERFECT US SPIRITUALLY.

CAMPER CONDUCT

THE

MERIT SYSTEM

Every organization must have some form of discipline. At best this is accomplished through mutual respect at all levels of the organization. At worst it involves harsh action. The Olympia merit system is a form of discipline that walks a middle ground. It has its basis in teaching the kids that there is a natural consequence for their actions, good or bad. The respect is developed by showing them that the consequence is created by and thus directed at their actions and not them, and that they are still trusted, respected and dealt with as a human being by their peers and counselors. Along with our merit system, campers and their parents are asked to sign a Camp Olympia Code of Conduct that enforces our merit system so that they understand the consequences when a wrong action is made.

The system is very simple in its operation. Good actions are rewarded with a merit, bad ones by the taking of a demerit.

Jr. & Intermediate Camper's D's = one merit

Senior I Camper's D's = two merits

Senior II Camper's D's = three merits

Campers collect merits (they are “banked” daily by the counselors in the cabin book) and may thus purchase items of their choice from the Country Store. They start each day with five demerits. Each one they lose takes away a merit from their account in the cabin book. Losing all five indicates a more serious problem, ranging from laziness, mischievousness, or forgetfulness, to severe attitude, aggression, or other emotional problems. More serious problems are dealt with in the chain of command from Division Head to Assistant Director to Boys'/Girls' Camp Director and parents if necessary. Incorrigible children may be sent home where they can receive appropriate help rather than allowing them to ruin the cabin’s behavior or good times.

The system is a very good one, it has worked well for us for over fifty years. But its impact depends ENTIRELY on the fair administration of both merits and D’s by all counselors. It is too easy for one complacent counselor to ruin the system for one kid and/or even an entire cabin. Counselors seeking to feel a need to be friends with all their kids often mistake merit-giving with true friendship. Such an abuse of the system leads to breakdowns that are impossible to cure.

Campers should receive merits at the discretion of the counselor. Give only one at a time. There are a great many kids who would earn dozens of merits every day if given one for EVERY great thing they did. They are just naturally great kids. There are also those who go out of their way to earn merits, always running ahead to open doors, sweeping every morning, offering to fill up juice glasses for their counselors. These must be dealt with delicately. In the first case the counselor should set higher standards for the kid. Look for something in each kid that is truly outstanding. A very nonathletic kid may get a merit for hitting a single, but an outstanding natural athlete may have to hit a home run to earn one. The kid who asks to earn merits automatically breaks one of the cardinal rules of the merit system – NEVER ASK FOR A MERIT. Even though the request is not verbal, it is still an obvious request for a merit. This is tough to deal with because, even though merit-hungry, the child is still showing some genuine caring. Often a merit for the first time an action occurs, and a thank you after that will suffice. Try, without telling, to instill the idea that the things he/she is doing are wonderful things to do for others when done for the right reason. Be sure that the child still receives his/her share of merits.

Another problem is the child who earns few merits, and the ones who don’t care (or pretend not to care) about merits. These can be most difficult since in almost all cases they REALLY do care about merits but will not voice that. All the kids like to go to the Country Store and look at the FUN things there. It can be very frustrating for the wallflower kid who just doesn’t get many merits because the camper’s quiet, or nonathletic, unskilled or uncoordinated. Also, don’t mistake this child for the one who has few merits because he/she loses lots of D’s. For the child this is the learning experience we are trying to accomplish, that they can’t spend what they don't earn. We hope it will encourage better behavior.

The merit system is also a confidence builder. It allows kids, perhaps for the first time in their lives, to earn something on their own. They may spend whatever merits they have when their cabin goes to the Country Store. There they can purchase many things with their merits including many kinds of shirts and shorts with the camp logo, as well as toys and utilitarian things like laundry bags and water-bottles. They also learn the advantages of being frugal. First, by saving 300 merits they gain entrance to one of Olympia’s elite clubs, the Merit Club. And the more they save the better they are able to buy bigger and nicer things.

PROBLEM KIDS

Rarely does a good kid lose all five demerits. It is simply a hard thing to do. Even forgetful kids who lose many demerits don’t very often lose all five. It is expected then that a child who loses his/her entire set of D’s is one who has failed, for the day, at living up to Olympian standards. We have a three-part means of dealing with such kids.

The child who loses his/her set of D’s for the first time or is guilty of a serious offense (such as fighting) is given a conference with the camper's Division Head. The DH seeks the source of the problem and tries to determine whether it is because of a personality conflict, a series of unfortunate circumstances, an unresolved cabin problem, or whether the child actually has a personal problem that needs to be dealt with. Appropriate measures can be easily taken to remedy the former three circumstances. It is the latter which causes continued difficulty.

The DH, as would any counselor, tries to deal with the problem in a way in which common sense and logic dictate to the child what would be best. If the child is unable to solve the problem on his/her own AND see that it is in the camper's own best interest then there is little hope that it won’t happen again.

Each DH will keep a card file for the problems that arise in his/her division. On each card should be the account of one session. It should list the date and time of the conference, the child’s name and the counselor who referred the problem. The counselor should make detailed notes of the problem and what action was taken to solve it. After the discussion the DH and the child sign the card. The child is warned that further problems will result in other conferences.

The second time during a term that a child loses five demerits, the conference will involve the appropriate Assistant Director, who must also sign the card. The third transgression results in a conference with the Girls'/ Boys' Camp Director and a phone call to the parents. They may be given the option to speak to the child. In any case this serves as a warning to the child and parent that one more will result in the child being sent home. The cards, as well as the end of term evaluations, are used as a means of weeding out problem kids in future years. Kids who have repeatedly had conferences will be warned also that it affects their eligibility to return to camp. When end of term evaluations are done by counselors on each camper, the counselors should consider the number of cards and conferences if any.

Evaluation of campers will be completed by each cabin counselor at the end of every session. The evaluation will be done on a number scale. Comments should be written for excessively bad behavior. This information is also confidential and should be used only by camp personnel. Remember, any camper receiving a four (4) should have discipline cards on file.

PHYSICAL CAMPER DISCIPLINE

At no time, and not for any reason, is there to be physical punishment of campers.

If discipline cannot be achieved through the merit system and the approach of friendship and reason, the problem is to be brought to the attention of your Division Head. If the Division Head is unable to resolve the problem, then the Division Head will refer the problem to the Assistant Director in charge of the division.

Physical punishment is not the same as physical restraint. A camper hitting other campers, biting or using dangerous objects may need to be physically restrained for the protection of the other campers. Punishments, such as isolating problem campers from others, verbally threatening campers, or acts that involve campers' personal belongings are acts not permissive for use by the counselor. Remember, stick with Olympia’s method of discipline, the merit system. Extreme or excessive discipline problems should be taken through the chain of discipline quickly.

Also, realize that this policy regarding physical punishment is for your own protection too. Even mild forms of physical punishment can be considered physical abuse. NO physical punishment is tolerated. Any physical punishment of campers will result in immediate dismissal of the counselor.

If you have a camper who continually is physically abusing or tormenting others, inform your Division Head, as from there, the problem will be handled. If circumstances warrant the camper will be sent home. Camp is for all and it is unfair to the other campers and the counselors as well to have to constantly watch a camper. You’re not doing a child a favor by letting him/her “get away” with wrongful actions. Be firm but loving. Never fail to recognize good behavior.

BULLYING

QUICK TIPS FOR COUNSELORS

BULLYING is any intentional hurtful act, committed by one or more persons against another. Bullying occurs when there is an imbalance of power between a bully and a victim. The main types of bullying include:

a. Physical — punching, hitting, shoving, stealing personal things, or getting into someone’s personal space when asked not to.

b. Verbal — name calling, hurtful teasing, taunting, racism, unwanted nicknames, gossiping.

c. Relational — exclusion, humiliation, blackmailing, manipulating friendships.

Who are the “bullies”? Bullies are often smart, popular, well-liked, and have good social skills. They may look like leaders and be liked by counselors and other campers, but bullies lack empathy. The “victims” on the other hand show some vulnerability that makes them easy targets. As a counselor, you need to be aware of those kids that may be left out or have a difficult time fitting in or making friends.

As a counselor, your role is to be a hero! You need to discuss camper rules and role model the behavior that you ask them to follow. Let campers know that bullying is unacceptable and won’t be tolerated. Do not play favorites with some campers since that would show them that it is okay to “exclude” others. Bullying usually occurs in places when counselors are not around, so it is important to make bullying a regular topic of discussion with your campers on a weekly basis at a minimum, so they know you take it seriously.

When a counselor observes bullying of any kind, they must intervene by stepping in and separating the children involved. Support the victim, and report any bullying behavior to your leadership team immediately. Teach your campers to be a real “caring” community and let you know when they see someone left out, teased, or upset by someone else. Teach campers the difference between reporting: getting kids out of danger and into safety and tattling: telling on others with the intent to get someone in trouble. When a camper reports that he or she is being picked on, support him or her and keep an eye on the situation.

When you role model to your campers that you want them to be heroes themselves and step in to help another camper or find a counselor when there is a bullying problem, you have done a great job! Campers follow your actions much more than they follow your words. Make camp a place where everyone feels valued by how you bring everyone together.

Camp Olympia Manual

Section 6

Other Staff Duties

The highest reward for a man’s toil is not what he gets for it, but rather what he becomes by it. -American Way

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK

COUNSELOR MEETING

The Saturday before each term at approximately 1:00 p.m. a counselor meeting will be held to make assignments for the following term. At this meeting, assignments will be made such as welcoming committee for clusters, handing out uniforms, and greeters.

During this meeting the Division Head and Assistant Director for your cluster will cover each camper’s personal profile sheet with all cluster counselors. This sheet is completed by the child’s parent and is confidential. This will give you a head start in knowing your kids and will point out many useful things you need to know such as which kids are bed-wetters, require special diets or medications, have important fears, etc. Be sure you know your campers problems.

You will receive a cabin book with a page for each camper to whom you are assigned. This is not every camper in your cabin but is usually three to five campers. Although you are responsible for caring for every camper in your cabin, you are specifically responsible for building relationships and keeping close tabs on those listed in your cabin book. Included in your cabin book is a copy of each child’s personal profile sheet. (Never let the campers look through the cabin book, since much of the information is confidential and very personal.)

When all opening term business has been completed, numbers will be drawn for “12” sign up. Don't forget to check your special duty night and overnight before signing up.

While the opening term meeting is taking place, counselors who are leaving camp will be given cluster clean up assignments. Once the opening term meeting is complete, the closing term meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. During this meeting counselors are bid farewell and paychecks are handed out for the previous term. All counselors are then given time for rest and relaxation until our 9:30 a.m. meeting the next morning. All counselors must attend this morning meeting.

CAMPER ARRIVAL

Camp’s opening days are on SUNDAYS! We will begin opening our gates by 1PM and ask that families arrive in their allotted time as we will stagger check-in times alphabetically. We also ask that the family stay by their car unless otherwise directed by a Camp Olympia staff member. Upon arrival, they will go through their

temperature check. Once they have been cleared, they will head down the main road, and around the Cabin Loop. Once they get to the camper’s cabin, a staff member will meet them at their car and unload the camper’s belongings. They will be asked NOT to leave their vehicle. The camper will say their goodbyes by the car and the counselor will escort the camper to the cabin. If they have medications to drop off or need to speak with a nurse before leaving, there will be a station to stop by and visit with them about their camper.

Once the car arrives at the cluster, counselors located there should enthusiastically greet campers and parents and assist the camper in moving in. It is imperative that you remain outside your cabin in order to greet campers and parents immediately upon their arrival. Counselors located in the clusters should greet campers, unload luggage and assist campers in moving in. Get fired up!!!!!

In their clusters, campers are introduced to their cabin counselor and other cluster counselors and are allowed to move into the bunk of their choice. Counselors should help campers move their belongings inside. It is very important that campers gain a sense of belonging and security as soon as possible. Once a complete cabin arrives, the cabin counselor(s) should take their cabin on a detailed tour of camp. Be sure to point out all activity sites. Please follow the schedule handed out at the morning meeting for obtaining camper uniforms, checking in with the nurse, and picking up schedules.

CLOSING DAY

Camp’s closing days are on SATURDAYS! Counselors will receive these assignments in the lunch memo on Friday. An explanation will be given at the final all counselor meeting held on the last Thursday of camp. Wake-up will be called at 7:15 a.m. on the last morning. Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. All cabins should move through this process as quickly as possible. Encourage your campers to wear something with the Olympia logo on it. (This is not mandatory, but should be encouraged.) Make sure each camper’s appearance is clean and neat. Counselors and campers are responsible for leaving the cabin and cluster area clean.

Our gates will begin opening at 9:30AM. Upon arrival, at the designated pick-up time, they will drive through Camp’s front gate and be greeted by a staff member. This staff member will ask for identification and that staff member will cross-check the identification with the approved names listed on the Parental Authorization for Camper Pickup Form, which indicated who they have specified to be allowed to pick up their camper. Once

cleared to proceed, they will then drive down the Cabin Loop to their camper’s cabin. There, they will remain in their car and their camper will meet them at their vehicle while the counselors load the camper’s belongings into their vehicle. Once they have their camper and belongings, we encourage them to tour camp, visit the Country Store and stop by the Nexus to watch our summer video and sign up to an Early Bird. Note, any camper medication will be placed within the camper’s trunk prior to pick-up thus eliminating the need to stop by the Nurse’s Station.

STAY WITH YOUR CAMPER(S) UNTIL PARENTS ARRIVE!

When your campers have been picked up by their parents you should:

-If you are not working the following term, go to your cluster to finish details such as cluster clean up. You are on duty until the closing day counselor meeting has been adjourned. Please help out where needed.

- If you are working the following term, go to the top of the O'Dome after 12:00 p.m. or when all of your campers have been released to their parents and begin writing post cards and studying camper profile sheets.

LIBRARY DUTY

Counselors, assigned by their Division Head, will do daily library duty. A list of tasks to accomplish will be posted in each library. This is necessary to protect everyone’s health. You should clean the library once before wake-up and then freshen it up during rest hour. A schedule will be posted in the bathhouse.

CABIN BOOK

In order to make the counselor's job more concise and counselor/camper communication most successful, each counselor will receive his/her own cabin book. Each counselor's cabin book will contain three to five campers (depending on the counselor/camper ratio in the cabin). Although the entire cabin is the responsibility of each cabin counselor, the campers assigned to each cabin book are the primary responsibility of that counselor. Responsibility to these campers includes but is not limited to morning cabin book, health and well being, parent phone calls, letters home (camper and counselor) and any specific information taken from personal profile sheets. If you will miss cabin book for any reason, or if

the need arises and you will be away from camp for a prolonged period of time, it is your sole responsibility to communicate with the other cabin counselors and ensure that your duties are covered.

Every morning the counselors in the cabin should take care of the cabin book. This book is also confidential and should not be viewed by the kids. In it are the correct names and addresses of all parents, names of siblings, number of years at camp and previous merits.

The first day the counselors should add to the book information on the kid’s tribe (Spartan-Athenian) if assigned, clubs and honors awarded, the camper’s schedule and new merits. The merits that should be added are those sent to the child for birthdays, report cards, playing merit games in the newsletter, and those won at Open House. Many kids will have a sheet listing sign up merits but those have already been added. The total number of merits can then be added and placed in the first space.

Daily the counselor should ask each child the questions listed along the top of the columns and deal with each as necessary. The counselor will also keep a daily log of camper's temperature in the cabinbook. The questions are: How do you feel? Did you take your medicine? Did you brush your teeth? Did you take a shower? Did you shampoo your hair? Did you clean your ears? Do you have any bites or cuts? Did you tonk? How many merits did you get (and take them up?) Did you lose any D’s (and replace them?) Then subtract the number of D’s lost (Jr.s & I's D's = 1 merit, Sr. I's D's = 2 merits, Senior II's D's = 3 merits) from the merits earned and add them to the total merits. Merits spent at the Country Store the day before should be subtracted from the overall total.

Soon you should be able to run down the list with each kid, checking quickly: Feel? Meds? Teeth? Shower? Shampoo? Ears? Bites? Cuts? Tonk? Merits? D’s?

Some kids tend to be relatively trustworthy with their hygiene. Spot check every once in a while. The younger kids will need to have their ears and teeth checked more often. Deal compassionately but logically with kids who don’t feel well. Make sure kids who need meds receive them. Remind forgetful kids of brushing teeth and cleaning ears. It is your responsibility to make sure your cabin campers maintain good hygiene while at camp.

Bites and cuts should be doctored as often as possible to prevent infection. Hydrogen peroxide and alcohol are good cleansers. Keep dry bandages on larger cuts and abrasions. These can be found in your cabin first-aid kit.

Infections should be checked by the nurse. Kids having failed to tonk during a three-consecutive-day span should be encouraged to eat fruit or drink fruit juices and possibly be sent to the nurse.

Merits should be taken on the kid’s word that they were properly earned. Don’t accuse campers of theft but do keep an eye on kids that are suspected and deal with accordingly if caught. See MERIT SYSTEM for details.

Counselors, don't forget, merits are to be given one at a time. If a camper turns in an unusually large number of merits, question as to how they received them. Do this respectfully.

CABIN CAMPER OF THE DAY

Each day the counselors in the cabin should draw a campers name to honor as their “Cabin Camper of the Day.” It is important to make sure each child is honored at least once. After each child has had the opportunity to be Cabin Camper of the Day, the cabin counselors will choose a camper on each of the remaining days. Choose carefully and wisely. Do not, however, give it to a child simply because it’s their turn. The others will resent an undeserving recipient. Cabin Camper of the Day receives responsibilities as well as privileges. Some examples are sweeping cabin, sponging off table at meals, retrieving mail, turning in dedications to Olympian of the Day, etc. At the end of the day, the counselor(s) on duty should fill out the CCOD card with the comments of the cabinmates.

SONG

“Camper! Camper of the Day!

Here’s to the greatest camper anywhere — Hey!

Give her/him an honor he/she will proudly wear.

Let’s hear it now for (name) Camper of the Day!”

HYGIENE AND CLEANLINESS

Campers and counselors should shower once a day, no exceptions. It is important that on-duty counselors shower during the same time period as the kids to check for bites, cuts and scratches as well as rashes and infections. Never shower with a child and take your turn as the Shower Monitor. The overall health of each child is easiest to gauge at this time. The kids should always wear clean clothes. It is the counselor’s responsibility to see that the kids change daily. The kids should also change out of wet clothes at any time they are not required for

their activities. It is most important that they not wear wet clothes to meals or bed. Any nightwear is suitable for the kids to sleep in from underwear to manufactured pajamas. Do not let them wear jeans, bathing suits or tight shorts to bed as they bind. The resulting constricted area itches, is often scratched, becomes easily infected and is very difficult to heal.

The kids should brush their teeth often, if at all possible after each meal and before bed. The kids should also shampoo their hair every day.

In the cabin the trunks should be kept neat and clean and neatly positioned under the bunks. The latches should be down in order to prevent slicing shins. This is a D-Trap.

The beds should be made neatly with a mattress cover and cover sheet, and a blanket if desired. Although sleeping bags can be used as a top cover, campers may not sleep inside their sleeping bags but must sleep between sheets. This allows for easy cleaning of bedding. Counselors need to check daily for the presence of sand in the beds. Kids MUST sleep head to toe and head MUST be at opposite end of the ladder. For safety the name of each child and counselor must be written on a piece of tape and attached to each bunk. This will help prowl identify missing or ill campers.

Sheets should be changed every week. Wet and soiled clothes should be hung on the clotheslines.

BED WETTERS

Kids who are chronic or occasional bed-wetters are usually indicated on the personal information sheets. Care should be taken to give each of these a bottom bunk. Counselors should also reassure them that they will be dealt with compassionately and discreetly.

If a child wets their bed, they should wake up a counselor. The bed should be stripped and new sheets put on. The child’s clothes and sheets can be taken discreetly to the nurses' station and should be discreetly returned.

Returning off-duty counselors, when arriving at the cabin, should wake up these kids nightly and take them to the bathroom.

A general talk is best to take care of those instances that are purely accidental or where the parents have failed to inform us.

MEDICAL

Eardrops should be administered every time the kids get wet, be it pool or lake or sprinkler system. Some kids have their own personal drops and should be allowed to use them.

Counselors should use common sense and logical first aid in case of injuries. Get the nurse as quickly and safely as possible.

The nurse is responsible for administration of medicines, treatment of minor ailments and injuries, and first treatment of major injuries. Kids are transported to Trinity or beyond for serious matters. If a camper needs special attention or is given activity restrictions, the nurse will complete a medical form containing the information that will be given to the boys' and girls' camp directors. They will share the information with the cluster AD on their message strip that will be passed along to the camper’s counselors.

Counselors are responsible for seeing that the kids take all medicines and also for any follow-up treatment or illnesses and injuries.

All medicine, camper’s and counselor’s, must be kept at the nurse’s station and administered from there. Medications are to be taken, at the direction of the nurse, after breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Chow Hall. Nighttime meds will be delivered to the clusters by the nurses.

Counselors should help maintain order at the nurse’s station and should stand in line for their medication. A counselor must accompany kids to the nurse’s station.

The nurse’s station is not publicly available for visiting or using the restroom or phone.

Non-emergency illnesses and minor scrapes should report to the nurse after COLOCO. Kids needing to see the nurse practitioner will be brought to the clinic at the time given by the nurses.

Emergency cases should be brought immediately to the nurse’s station. No one should come after 10:30 p.m. unless it is an emergency. Your DH will have an emergency radio down in the cluster to contact the nurses in the middle of the night if someone gets sick.

The nurse will prepare a medical alert list so that everyone will be alert to the camper’s needs. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO CHECK THIS LIST AGAINST YOUR CLASS ROSTERS TO BE AWARE OF POTENTIAL PROBLEMS!

INSPECTION

Inspection of the cabins takes place daily except on Saturdays. A check sheet will be placed in each cabin at the beginning of the week. It is the cabin counselors’ responsibility to make sure this check sheet is hung securely in an obvious spot in the cabin (preferably by the door.) This check sheet will list categories on which cabins will be objectively and comparatively rated.

A final, major inspection occurs each Sunday with all campers present. (The final major inspection of the term will take place on the last Friday of camp.) In addition to the condition of the cabin, the trunks are checked as is each individual camper.

I. Procedures for Major Inspection:

A. Campers strip beds and lay top sheet on ground outside of cabin.

B. Place trunk on sheet. Empty, clean and straighten trunk.

C. Sweep cabin thoroughly.

D. Spray disinfectant on mattresses.

E. Clean windowsills and fan.

F. Clean A/C filter.(This should be done Wednesdays & Sundays.)

G. Clean windows

H. Empty trash can/pick up trash in cluster area.

I. Make beds with clean sheets.

J. Write a letter home (have them do this Saturday afternoon during Free & Easy, it's their ticket into the Movie)

K. Check clotheslines for dry articles. (On the last major inspection the line should be completely emptied. If there are wet clothes, the division head may gather, dry, and return each article to the appropriate person.)

The cabin receiving the highest total score for the week in their division earns candy bars. The highest cabin in camp also gets soft drinks.

The last Major Inspection is held during first and second period on the last Friday of camp. Follow regular procedures. Campers should keep bedding, sleepwear, clothes for parents’ day (encourage campers to wear something with the camp logo), towel, and personal grooming items out of their trunks. Trunks should then be moved back into the cabin and not accessed unless necessary. See your Division Head for specific details on

placement. Campers will then organize their trunks and belongings in the cluster the morning of closing day.

Counselor bunks are also checked and scored daily. The counselor with the lowest total for the week will have to do library duty for the counselor with the highest score in the cluster (this is in addition to his/her own.) This policy will be enforced if a counselor is being blatantly negligent in cleaning his/her bunk area.

AIR-CONDITIONERS

Air-conditioners should be left on at all times to keep them from freezing. However, the setting should be low enough to cool but not low enough to chill. The number one medical problem at Camp Olympia, three-to-one, is sore throats and earaches caused by air conditioners set at an extremely low temperature. Please use good judgment. Filters should be cleaned regularly during rest hour on Wednesdays and Major Inspection on Sundays.

LOST AND FOUND

Lost and found items can be left in the box beside the radio room at the O’Dome. At mail call, occasionally lost and found articles will be left in cabin mail boxes to be taken to the cabin and distributed. D's should be taken for these articles. Special Duty or work detail will often be asked to sort through this box and ready articles for return.

MEAL (CHOW HALL PROCEDURES)

ALL meals are served cafeteria style on our Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner rotation schedule.

All campers and counselors will go through the serving line and then proceed to the table available for their age group. Counselors will need to be aware of staying on time, in order to get everyone through the serving lines and stay with the camp schedule.

To cut down on traffic it is important that cleanup is done as an orderly team effort. Food and trash will be thrown away in the trashcan at the end of the table and left over liquid will be poured into the water pitchers on the table. Last, the cabin should thoroughly wipe each table and bench clean with a rag. This should be done by Cabin Camper of the Day.

Everyone should wash their hands thoroughly before each meal. Hair rollers, nightgowns or night clothes, and

counselors' off-night attire are not appropriate at meals.

No one is allowed in the Chow Hall except at designated meal times or for certain class periods. Exceptions are made for announced rainy day activities and other activities by permission of the directors.

Everyone should be at the Chow Hall within a few minutes of meal call. Everyone remains seated for the duration of the meal. When leaving a meal, food is NOT to be taken out of the Chow Hall.

MEMO

Daily, except Sunday, a memo is passed out to the counselors in the cabin’s mail bag. In it are special notes regarding camper problems and illnesses, schedule reminders and changes, and any other news of interest. Special Day schedules are often included. It is important that these are disposed of after reading and do not fall into the hands of the campers.

If you have something for the Memo, you can drop it in the box next to Ashley's desk in the morning before 10:00 a.m.

MAIL CALL

Mail will be available after lunch next to the flagpoles through The P"O"NY EXPRESS. No one may touch the mail until mail call. The cabin’s Camper of the Day should be sent to get the cabin’s mail right after lunch clean up is completed. The only packages being received are ones from Camp Olympia, Special Delivery and orders from the Country Store. If a staff member receives a package, they may be picked up and checked out in the office on their off time.

REFRESHMENT TIME

Ice water is available at the cabins daily. Monday through Thursday, SNACK ATTACK will take place right after rest hour by the pool and by the Point. Campers can receive a healthy refreshing snack. On Friday our snack attack is during CCOW presentation. Campers are furnished with a cool treat. Counselors should take enough charge to see that each child is served fairly and trash is thrown away. Left over snacks should be brought to the chow hall by the A.D.

Each child is asked to bring a personal water bottle with them to camp. They should use these and keep them clean. Counselors should not allow the kids to open the tops of the coolers to get ice or to try and drink from

the spout. It is a very unsanitary practice and a D-trap!

COUNTRY STORE

This is the place where all those merits can be spent. Each cabin will have a designated Country Store time. That, generally, is the only time the kids will be allowed in the Country Store. Counselors are responsible for bringing their entire cabins there at least once a week at the designated time. A schedule will be passed out at the beginning of the term.

Once there, the kids may choose items they are able to afford. Counselors write the kid’s purchases against their accounts in the cabin book. These are subsequently subtracted from their total merit number.

LAUNDRY

Once a week the cabin’s laundry is cleaned. The kids need to prepare their laundry the night before their scheduled day. A schedule will be provided at the beginning of each term, along with a group of colored laundry bags for your cluster that are marked for your cabin.

The kids should divide all their clothes into the appropriate categories and combine them into as few bags as possible. Bags of similar content should be tied together.

Bags will be picked up the night before and taken by prowl to the laundry room. AD's will bring them back to the cluster after dinner on the day you have laundry.

Procedures:

1. Prepare clothes for laundry the NIGHT BEFORE.

2. SORT and COMBINE their clothes into these categories and put them in laundry bags that are labeled with your cabin letter/number:

A. Sheets.

B. Towels.

C. Whites.

D. Darks.

E. Colors.

F. Tie laundry bags together that contain the same items. Example: You have two bags of towels you would tie laundry bags together.

3. Prowl will transport laundry bags to the laundry using a camp vehicle the night before. The A.D. will subsequently deliver the clean laundry back to

the cluster after dinner. **It is very important to put laundry bags in YOUR CABIN'S laundry basket.

4. Sort all clothes back to campers that evening! If you have any unclaimed articles, please keep them together and bring them to the office work room. If you are missing articles, please check with the other cabins in your cluster and notify your A.D.

MERIT QUESTIONS

Daily each child should be asked individually three merit questions. They should be given one merit for each question answered properly. For many kids this is one of the few ways they will get merits. The questions are important. The best time for asking them is in the down time while waiting for dinner and during shower and cleanup time. Use the time to help you get to know your kids one-on-one. You can find suggested merit questions at the end of this section.

MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES

FREE AND EASY

This is what Sunday afternoon is called. There are no regularly scheduled activities with exception of Point activities - rocketing, blobbing and the slide - that will be assigned in the Saturday memo. The cabin should decide as a group how they choose to spend their afternoon. Some time may be spent resting, however, counselors should encourage group activities such as a game, sport, hike, craft, etc. The pool is always open from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Send an email to Andy Hatcher and promise to always help hang up lifejackets at The Point!

PICTURE DAY

During the first day of each term, the kids will be called, one cabin at a time, to have their pictures taken. Boys' Camp and Girls' Camp will each have their time scheduled during Bonanza to take their pictures. All kids must wear their uniforms. It is the counselors' duty to make sure the kids keep their uniforms clean until needed for pictures. Counselors should arrange to be with their cabin for pictures.

Pictures will be taken at an on-site location that will be announced. Someone will be waiting to give you further instructions. There should be no silly pictures, funny clothes, wigs, etc. Pay attention to the daily memo for when your cabin is scheduled and check if there has been a location change.

RAINY DAYS

In the event of rain a staff member will come on KAMP and give instructions. A CODE BLUE will be called with instructions on where to send the campers. A program will be devised by the appropriate person and announced. Please organize your kids so that the schedule can be followed quickly and efficiently. On occasion rain may be so severe as to prevent movement or the kids may be exhausted from activities and all will be allowed to rest in the cabins. Movies will seldom be offered as a replacement activity

MERIT QUESTIONS

1. Name all the campers in your cabin.

2. Name your 3 counselors.

3. What do you call the open air gymnasium? Olympadome (O-Dome)

4. What is the name of the swimming pool? Black Lagoon

5. What is the name of the covered tennis courts? Thunderdome

6. What is the theme for this summer? Jump Start!

7. Name one of the Directors at camp? Michelle Mauldin, Cody Mauldin, Debbie Stubblefield

8. Name one of the camp owners? Chris Gilbert and Corby Robertson

9. Name 3 D-traps.

10. How do you become a member of the Merit Club? By earning and saving 300 merits

11. How does one become a member of the Letterman’s Club?

Intermediate or Advanced in 8 or more activities

12. What are the themes of this year's programs? Rodeo, Camp Marks the Spot, Outer Space and Tacky Prom

13. Name two 2 period activities.

14. Where do the puppies live? Puppy Palace

15. Who goes first to breakfast? Senior II Clusters

16. When do we have waterbreaks?

After Spartan/Athenian

17. What do you get after you swim? Ear drops

18. Where is the Country Store? O'Dome

19. Who is the Point Director?

20. What is your schedule?

21. What does COLOCO stand for? Camp Olympia Goin' Crazy

22. How many clubs at Camp Olympia? Six

23. Name the cabins in your cluster.

24. When did Camp Olympia first open? 1968

25. What do you get your 6th year of camp? Backpack

26. Name 4 activities in the O'Dome.

27. Which owner was nominated for the Heisman trophy? Chris Gilbert

28. Who does Radio Show? Olympian of the Day

29. What time is Wake-Up? 7:45 a.m. everyday, but Sunday - 8:45 a.m.

30. What kind of dog is camp’s mascot, Merit? Labrador Retriever

31. Who picks up mail for your cabin? Cabin Camper of the Day

32. What days are Spartan and Athenian? Monday through Friday

33. What night is movie night? Saturday

34. What do you get your 5th year at camp? 5 year ring

35. Name one of the nurses.

36. What do we call the bathroom at Camp Olympia? Library

37. What lake is Camp Olympia located on? Lake Livingston

38. Who is in charge of the Swimming Pool?

39. Who does announcements at lunch?

40. Who is the Chief and Chieftess of your tribe?

41. What is the name of the island in the middle of the lake?

Ant Island

42. Name one of the people who does morning wakeup?

43. How many merits does it cost if you lose your dpin? 15

44. Where do water-skiing and sailing meet? The Point

45. What written document do you need to get into the movie?

A letter home

46. What is the name and dial location of Camp Olympia’s radio station?

KAMP @ 98.9

47. When do we have major inspection? Sundays

48. How many flagpoles are there in front of the O’Dome? 3

49. Name 10 activities at Camp Olympia.

50. How does one become a member of the V.I.P. Club? Olympian of the Day, Royalty, Rodeo Queen/King, Flame or S.P.A.R.K.

51. What is the Ping Pong area called? Ping Pong Pergola

52. Who is in charge of horseback?

53. What do you do before entering the pool? Wash your feet

54. Name the Full time staff.

55. Name three Greek Gods.

56. Name a D-Trap at the pool.

57. How do you become a member of the Order of Olympia?

By receiving Merit Club, VIP Club, Letterman Club, Philanthropy Club and Spartan/Athenian Club.

Camp Olympia Manual

Section 7

Awards and Recognition

Set them an example by doing what is good.

-Titus 2:7

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

We strive to recognize every camper at Olympia. This goes with part of our philosophy that says “No one sits on the sidelines at Olympia.” We offer lettering ranks in all classes so that every kid has a chance to be rated and improve. In our minds, improving is as important as excelling. We also choose to recognize those that excel at camp and try to spread the honors widely by rewarding those who achieve in different areas. There are awards for athletic prowess, for intelligence, for friendliness, popularity, and a myriad of other things. Basically, kids can earn accolades for positive behavior. Listed below are the various awards and types of recognition bestowed on honored Olympians.

ACTIVITIES

Beginner: This first skill level means that a camp has achieved a minimum level of proficiency in the activity and is now eligible to work on the next level.

Intermediate: In this second skill level, the camper earns a “letter” for achieving in an activity. They still can improve to a third, higher, level.

Advanced: This is the highest activity level that can be earned at Olympia. Earning this level does not mean there is no room for improvement, nor does it mean that it is automatically earned in future years.

Most Outstanding: Given to the one camper or the boy/ girl combination that excels above all other campers for the session in that activity. Campers must have a proper Olympian attitude and sense of sportsmanship to earn this award.

Most Improved: Earned by the camper or boy/girl combination that has shown the most dramatic improvement over the course of ONE term. Attitude and sportsmanship are also important aspects of this award.

OLYMPIAN OF THE DAY

This award is chosen by the Assistant Directors based on the outstanding qualities of the selected camper. This camper must measure up in all ways to the Olympian idea. This is not a popularity award and will not be given to a child solely because "he’s a great comedian" or "she’s so cute." Along with the prestige of the award goes the privilege of hosting the next day’s Radio Show and the wearing of the Olympia ring. The A.D. on duty for the nightly program will choose an Olympian of the Day from his/her particular cluster.

CABIN CAMPER OF THE DAY

Chosen by the cabin counselors each day and given privileges and responsibilities for that day.

CABIN CAMPER OF THE WEEK (CCOW)

Each cabin's counselors select a camper who has displayed love, compassion, positive attitude, etc. as the Cabin Camper of the Week. This award is bestowed on the camper on Friday after rest period. The camper is awarded a red (girls) or blue (boys) bracelet and other campers in the cluster are given the opportunity to praise the camper for deeds of the week.

S.P.A.R.K. AWARD

The S (speaks well of others), P (praises others), A (appreciates others), R (respects others), K (kind to others) recipient is selected from those campers who were selected to receive the CCOW award. One camper per cluster is chosen and receives the S.P.A.R.K. award during the award banquet on closing night.

CLUBS

There are six major clubs at camp. All campers strive diligently to earn these awards. Some can be earned by responsibility and excellence, others are earned by being well-rounded campers.

Letterman’s Club: This patch is earned by achieving a letter (intermediate or advanced) in at least eight different activities. Activity letters are carried over from prior years.

Merit Club: This patch is earned by saving 300 merits.

Philanthropy Club: This patch is earned by giving up to 10% of their total merits for the term and reaching a total donation amount of 60 merits. At the end of each summer, Camp will match what the campers have given. A new charity will be chosen each summer. This club was introduced in 2011.

Spartan-Athenian Club: This patch is earned by being selected as a Tribal Chief or Chieftess or by being chosen Most Valuable Player for the week in Spartan-Athenian.

VIP Club: This patch is earned by being chosen Olympian of the Day or Rodeo Queen/King, or by being elected to Carnival Royalty, S.P.A.R.K., or Olympic Flame.

Order of Olympia: The only way this patch can be achieved is to earn all five of the other club patches.

SPECIAL CAMPER PROGRAMS

CAMP LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

(C.L.P.)

C.L.P. is designed for our sixteen year old campers. During the three-week program, campers will participate in a leadership experience trip taken the second week of the term and will spend the other two weeks at Olympia undergoing rigorous leadership training. Included in this will be aspects of Counselor Training School and activity training, as well as lifeguard, first aid and AED/CPR certification. The overall goal of this program is to aid in development of leadership qualities, gain knowledge in specific skill levels, and supply the participant with valuable resources in dealing with responsibilities.

OLYMPIA CREW (O' CREW)

This program is designed for our seventeen year olds who completed the CLP program the summer before. They apply in the fall to work one term during the summer. The O' Crew learn more about being an Olympian counselor and most of all about servanthood. Their tasks are many and varied, and a lot of their tasks are behind the scenes. Camp would not run as smoothly without their work. Send Davis du Vigneaud an email telling him that you understand that the “O” in “O’Crew” also stands for OFF LIMITS as they are minors.

HONORS

Carnival Royalty: A King and Queen of Carnival (Seniors) and a Prince and Princess from each division are elected by the campers. They preside over the camp carnival, which is held near the end of camp.

Olympic Flame: A boy and girl camper and a boy and girl counselor are elected Most Popular each term. The entire camp votes on these choices.

Chief/Chieftess: A male and female camper from the oldest cabins is chosen to lead their tribe after the first week of competition. They are chosen based on their spirit, enthusiasm, dedication, and leadership abilities.

Rodeo Queen: A queen/king of the rodeo is selected from senior girls/boys who take horseback class. The queen/king is selected by the Wrangler and Assistant Wrangler from the Advanced Horseback Class.

VIC: Every day at COLOCO, each cluster A.D. chooses a Very Important Camper from his/her cluster and presents this camper to the rest of camp.

YEAR AWARDS

Awards are granted in recognition of attendance at Olympia. These awards are handed out at the our Talent Show, where we recognize 5 yrs and up, and then on the last day we recognize our 1-4th year campers down in the cluster.

1 Year: Theme medal with white ribbon.

2 Years: Theme medal with red ribbon.

3 Years: Theme medal with blue ribbon.

4 Years: Theme medal with tri-color ribbon.

5 Years: The five-year silver ring.

6 Years: Backpack.

7 Years: Fleece blanket.

8 Years: Beach Towel

9 Years: Key chain.

10 Years: Paperweight or Cross Necklace.

11 Years: Olympia Blanket

12 Years+: Special yearly awards.

Camp Olympia Manual

Section 8 Emergency Procedures

Character is not made in crisis --It is only exhibited.

-Freeman

EMERGENCY AND DISASTER PROCEDURES

In any emergency, the children’s safety is our most important concern. Some emergencies cause children to panic, so close supervision is critical. The following procedures are offered as a guideline based on widely accepted practices. However, when it is impractical to follow these procedures let common sense and reason be your guide.

FIRE

In case of a forest fire move children to the point by the amphitheater. Counselors should make a head count and remain with their cabin group. The director on duty will report the fire. All staff without cabin responsibilities will report to the main office area for instructions.

In case of a fire in the Chow Hall, have the cabin groups leave the building in groups at the nearest available exit. Take a head count on the football field and then move all children to the point. All staff without cabin responsibilities report to the main office for instructions.

In case of a fire in the cabin or bathhouse, move all children to the point. One counselor should notify other clusters to do the same. Another counselor should notify the director on duty. Be sure all cabin groups are supervised. If the conditions are not conducive to the fire spreading then only the affected cluster should be moved. All should go to the Chow Hall or the O’Dome. One counselor should report the fire to the Director. Counselors without cabin responsibilities should report to the office.

NOTE: Two story buildings at camp are equipped with ladders located in the closets to help individuals get down from the top story.

LIGHTNING

If outdoors, seek shelter in a building. If severe with no immediate shelter available, seek a low lying area and lie flat. Avoid large open spaces and trees away from dense forest. If indoors, stay there until the storm passes. Unplug all appliances.

TORNADO

If you are outdoors and cannot get to a cabin, the Chow Hall or O’Dome get children to the lowest area possible. The best areas are those clear of debris. If possible use a creek bed and stay on the south, southwest, or west bank.

In the cabins have the kids lie on the floor and cover them with mattresses. If there is time, open the windows and secure loose objects. In other buildings get to the lowest area. Have the children lie on the floor, under tables or what is available, and open the windows.

HURRICANE

There will be enough warning of an approaching hurricane that the directors will have formulated a specific plan and will issue instructions when necessary.

ACTIVE SHOOTER

Staff will be advised during training school of different scenarios and where to go for boys' and girls' camp. Your AD and/or DH will be trained and updated on the predetermined and existing escape routes.

MISSING A CHILD

The conduct and type of search depends on the set of circumstances surrounding the incident. The following steps are offered as general guidelines to follow in the event a child is determined as lost or missing.

Make a hasty search to determine if the child is actually missing.

If on a trail or in the woods, mark the location where the child was last seen. Use something very visible. Get immediate help. Return to the office and notify the director and the nurse. They will organize a general search.

DURING ANY EMERGENCY IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT CAMP STAFF REMAIN CALM TO PROVIDE AN EXAMPLE FOR THEIR CHILDREN. CAMP COUNSELORS SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT THEIR CABINS ARE SUPERVISED AND THAT ALL CHILDREN ARE ACCOUNTED FOR.

INJURY OR ILLNESS

If a child should become injured or ill the staff person supervising the child should first assess the extent of the problem and administer the appropriate first aid. If warranted the child should then be taken to the nurse’s station for further medical attention. The child should not be moved if such an action might aggravate the injury or endanger the child. While handling this emergency the staff person should be sure the other children will be supervised.

EMERGENCY SIGNALS

Remember - any repeated horns or sirens mean danger and take immediate action!

Immediate action = Move to your cabin.

In the event that you cannot make it to your cabin, seek shelter in a low lying area. The best area would be clear of debris. Wait for a staff member to give you instructions.

DEATH

STAFF DEATH

Due to the nature of the field of camping there is the possibility that a death may occur while a staff member is off duty. The following applies to a death off the camp grounds.

The Director, when notified of the accident, should immediately leave for the scene of the accident. It is wise for him to take a nurse with him. The Director should be followed by a person in another vehicle. The person should be an Assistant Director, Program Director, etc.

On arriving at the scene the Director must first check with the officer in charge and ask for a report. He must identify himself as the victim’s Director.

Director must then check the conditions of other staff members present.

The Director should then send the Assistant Director back to camp with instructions on what to report to the person in charge at camp. Chances are the Director will be at the scene for some time. The person who is left in charge at camp, after receiving the report from the Director, should notify the entire staff.

At this point it is vital that the person in charge at camp keep the camp phone line open. The person in charge at camp should make one phone call to the owners of camp. No other calls should be made until the Director returns. It must be up to the Director to notify the parents of the deceased. He must make the judgment at what point to do this.

Depending on the camp situation one must decide if the situation should be explained to campers.

The camp program should continue as normally as possible. Be aware of areas where staff members close to the deceased are working. They will probably need relief.

The media should receive a written statement that is composed by the Director and owners. No one on staff should talk to the media other than the Director. The media should be asked not to interview any staff members or to photograph on camp site.

Place a gatekeeper at the gate and keep that gate locked at all times. Only allow approved vehicles to enter campgrounds.

It is best if the family of the deceased can travel to camp as quickly as possible. If circumstances do not allow this, the Director must be responsible for tentative arrangements.

As quickly as possible, get a professional counselor, preferably a Ph.D., who is familiar with the camp to talk to staff members who may need it. It is also wise to get a Priest, Minister, Rabbi, etc. for the same purpose.

Have a memorial service quickly, arranged as much as possible by staff members.

The Director should accompany the body and attend services no matter what the distance. Staff members who feel strongly about attending should be allowed to.

The Director should keep a written log of notes, with times, as much as possible, from the time of the accident through the following few days.

CAMPER DEATH

The preceding procedure should be followed. In the event of a death to a camper or counselor on campgrounds, the Texas Department of State Health Services must be notified and for a staff member OSHA must be notified as well.

RADIO CODE SYSTEM

When using the radio system at camp there are four codes/colors that you may use to alert others to a situation on camp grounds. An example would be: we have a Code White at the Point.

1. CODE BLUE - Bad weather is coming in and we need to move campers out of the elements.

2. CODE WHITE - A camper or counselor is injured or sick and they need a ride to the nurses' station. This is a minor situation.

3. CODE RED - A camper or a counselor has been injured and needs to be transported to town. You will then go to Channel 1 and give the individual's name so their medical form can be pulled.

4. CODE GREEN - A camper is missing and we will begin a search.

5. CODE SKUNK - Unknown visitor.