Staff Conduct Expectations
The following is an online version of our Staff Manual - Section C
Staff Conduct & Related Policies
Staff Behaviour
As a Camp Kadesh staff member, you now represent the camp both when you are onsite and offsite. It is our hope and expectation that each staff member would always be striving to live a life that reflects an active relationship with Jesus. We ask that staff keep this standard in mind as they interact with campers, parents and the outside world as representatives of Jesus, and also staff of Camp Kadesh. Staff will also be evaluated on this standard when applying for future positions.
Personal Relationships at Camp
Camp Kadesh is an environment where healthy personal relationships are encouraged between all members of the camp community. The following are guidelines for various types of interactions.
STAFF TO CAMPER
A healthy staff-to-camper relationship is encouraged with appropriate expressions of affection. Staff members are expected to avoid any inappropriate relationships with a camper. Abusive behaviour (physical, emotional, or spiritual), corporal punishment, or intimate physical contact with a minor is not acceptable in any way.
Do your best to ask for consent before any physical touch. This can be expressed vocally or through actions. Examples: Asking “Can I give you a hug?” or offering a high five and giving time and space for a camper to reciprocate or not.
Touch children in safe places on their bodies, avoiding private places. The back, the head and the shoulders are acceptable places. The buttocks, breasts, thighs and groin are not acceptable. No form of contact with a camper should be over an extended time.
Make a point of showing affection to all your campers in public view where others can see you. Your actions should be such that you, as staff, feel comfortable that others see you. Because campers open up to various people differently, ask permission to hug or show affection to them. Piggy-back rides and sitting in laps is unacceptable.
Avoid being alone with a camper, unless it is unavoidable. Try to always let a fellow staff member know where you will be, why and for how long. Staff should always avoid any situation with campers that could, in any way, be misconstrued as being indiscreet.
STAFF TO STAFF
For healthy personal relationships between staff members, we expect each staff member to be respectful of each other in our camp community. Outward displays of affection, such as kissing or any type of intimate physical contact is not permitted while camp is in session. Married couples are exempt, but please use discretion while in the presence of campers. Single staff must not share living or overnight accommodations with other staff on a co-ed basis. Staff should not be in the accommodation space of the opposite gender, whether in a cabin or on the second floor. All staff should use discretion when relating to other staff. We encourage staff to wait until camp is over to start any relationships. Yes, camp is a great place to meet new people, but hold on to those romantic feelings until summer is over!
Staff Conflict
When there is conflict, the expectation is that you seek to sort things out first with the other person (Matt 18:15). If there is a problem with a fellow staff you should discuss it with them and not talk about (grumble, slander) it with other staff. In the event that you can not find common ground it would be expected that you would take the issue to a lead staff member (Program Coordinator or a Director) to help with a resolution. There should not be any grumbling and conversation about the conflict with other staff. Unity in our staff is of high importance.
Staff Medications Policy
Staff under the age of 18 must turn in all medication to the First Aid Responder on Sundays for the duration of their term at camp. A plan will be made as to when it will need to be accessed and can be picked up at the end of the week. Staff over the age of 18 must keep their medications in a locker in the staff bathroom to keep them safe from guests that may make their way into the bathrooms upstairs.
Smoking/Vaping Policy
Camp Kadesh supports a smoke/nicotine-free environment. Smoking/vaping is prohibited for staff on camp property. If you have a concern about this policy, please talk to the Executive Director to create a plan.
Alcohol Policy
Camp Kadesh strictly prohibits possession of alcohol on camp property by anyone. During breaks between camps the following guidelines should be observed:
Staff members who are of legal consumption age are asked to refrain from alcohol consumption 12 hours before active responsibility at camp.
Staff members that are of legal drinking age are asked to never drink alcohol when in the company of other staff members that are not of drinking age in any social setting outside of camp during the summer months of employment.
Our hope for our staff is that they would approach consumption of alcohol in view of Ephesians 5:18 “Do not be drunk on wine… but be filled with the spirit,” and that legal consumption on personal time would be in moderation and consumed responsibly.
Cannabis Policy
Camp Kadesh strictly prohibits possession of cannabis on camp property by anyone. While we recognize the legalization of Cannabis in Canada, we ask our staff to refrain from consumption during the length of employment at Camp Kadesh. If Cannabis needs to be used medicinally, we would require a note from a doctor, as well as it be administered by our First Aid Responder.
Illegal Substances (Drug) Policy
Any individual using or distributing illegal drugs or chemical substances, on or off property, will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination of their position or dismissal and referral for criminal prosecution as the circumstances dictate.
Harassment Policy
It is the policy of Camp Kadesh that all members are entitled to work in an environment free of: Unwelcome or repeated advances, demands or harassment of a sexual nature and all other forms of verbal or physical harassment based on sex, race, religious preference, age or ethnic background. Such conduct offends an individual‘s dignity and creates an objectionable work climate, which cannot be tolerated morally or legally.
If an individual is found to be the perpetrator of work-related harassment, he or she will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination or dismissal from camp. Any staff person who feels that he/she has been subjected to harassment of any type, whether by a coworker, supervisor, customer or any agent of this organization should promptly report the incident to their supervisor or the Executive Director.
Staff Cell Phone Policy
Cell phones and other technology (i.e. airpods or headphones) should only be carried on personal free time and not be visible to campers during this time. Cell phones are not permitted to be kept in cabins and will be stored in the program office. Staff members who are required to carry a phone should avoid using a phone during any meal or other times when campers are present unless part of camp programming. Any use of cell phones should be approved by the Program Coordinator(s) beforehand. Smart watches are permitted as long as they do not become a distraction. (See Section 10 below).
THIS MEANS, you need to bring/use an alarm clock for your cabin or use your watch.
*For social media policy and meeting with campers in person see Section D.
Pranking Policy
It is our general policy that all staff should avoid coordinating any pranks. This would include pranks directed at fellow staff members or campers. It is our hope that all staff would intervene against pranks coordinated by campers to ensure a safe and enjoyable camp experience. If a staff wishes to coordinate some sort of general prank, the only way that it would be allowed is for the prank to be approved by a Director, in advance, and it would need to pass the 4 “S” Test: 1) Is it SAFE? 2) Does it build SELF ESTEEM? 3) Is it good STEWARDSHIP? 4) Are you being a good SERVANT to others? If the prank does not meet/pass the 4 “S” TEST the prank will not be allowed. If you have creative energy, please use it to surprise someone with a blessing, instead of a curse.
Time Off Policy
Time off needs to be requested using a “Time Off Request Form.” These forms can be found HERE. Requests should be made two weeks in advance. All requests are subject to the needs of staffing requirements and will be granted in the priority they are received. Requests made within two weeks will be granted at the discretion of the staff member’s direct supervisor and the Camp Director. Staff whose position is less than full summer should not ask for time off during their limited work term. Exceptions can be made, but those requests should be directed to one of the Director’s before requesting time off.
During a week of camp, Staff are permitted to leave site during their designated off times. All staff must sign out/in using the book at the front office. If you would like to travel further than Christopher or Emma Lake, you must clear this trip ahead of time with a Director.
Lights Out & Curfew
Sunday - Thursday: 11:00 pm (unless program dictates otherwise)
Friday night: Midnight*
Saturday night: 11:00 pm*
Lights out means that all general gathering areas are empty, lights are turned out, the facilities are quiet, and all staff are back on property. If you are offsite and will need to get ready before bed, arrive back with time to spare before Lights Out. All staff are expected to be in personal accommodations after this time. Exceptions can be granted with permission from one of the Directors or where specific roles dictate late working hours. In the case of late work hours this should be in an office space and not sleep space. *Permission for a later curfew can be requested in advance for Friday and Saturday nights. Requests should be made before 7:00 pm on that day of the request.
Punctuality Expectations
Staff are expected to be aware of their schedules and be on time for all activities. Staff meetings, meals, games, and other camp activities are required attendance, unless scheduled off or alternative plans have been made with a Director.
Weekend Expectations
Senior staff are allowed to stay at camp over the weekends. Junior staff & LIT’s are required to go home. Dining hall, kitchen and dish-pit are to be cleaned by all staff who stay at Kadesh over the weekend. Meeting time for weekend cleanup is 1:00 pm on Sunday. No meal preparation or eating of camp food is allowed after 1:00 pm on Sunday. All staff are expected to attend church on Sundays. If you are staying at the camp, there are churches nearby you can attend. If you are unable to go to church, please talk to a Director.
Visitors to Camp Kadesh
Visitors must:
Be approved by a Director before extending an invitation to Camp Kadesh.
Not be a distraction to staff duties or camper programming.
Wear a visitor badge while campers are present.
Be with a staff member at all times, or be in a non camper area (such as the staff lounge or program office).
Be off property by 8:00 pm, unless participating in (attending) chapel and/or campfire, after which time all visitors are expected to depart.
Kitchen Policy
The Food Services Manager has final authority in the kitchen. When in doubt, ask.
Only eat food that is designated for staff or set out for a particular meal.
Staff should avoid entering the kitchen unless on the food team or absolutely necessary.
Staff should not enter the walk-in freezer, cooler or pantry unless they are part of the meal prep and/or under the direction of kitchen staff.
No sitting on counters or tables at any time. (This includes the dining hall)
Clean up after yourself in all areas of the kitchen and dining hall area.
Dining hall, kitchen and dish-pit are to be cleaned by all staff who stay at Kadesh over the weekend. Meeting time for weekend cleanup is 12:00 pm on Sunday. No meal preparation or eating of camp food is allowed after 12:00 pm on Sunday.
Additional policies will apply to staff working directly in the Kitchen and Dishpit.
waterfront safety policy
Use of the waterfront between sunset and sunrise is prohibited for all Camp Kadesh staff. These times are defined by the listed times published by Environment Canada. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) must be worn by staff when using any boats or waterfront equipment. This includes during camp programming and time off or weekends. This includes all boats, canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.