Completing Training
Summer Staff/Volunteers

When you are hired, you will be informed of the schedule for staff training.

In two weeks we create a team of persons who are dedicated to fulfilling the mission of our camp. To do this, as a group we must prepare to serve all the people who are coming to participate in the program over the course of the summer. This includes meeting and working with adult volunteers (this is a new group each week). Preparing to work with young people and making each program area safe and ready to use.

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Since adult volunteers and youth both look to our employed staff for answers to questions, we intend staff training to be much more than a review of skills or preparing for one program area to the exclusion of all others. In two weeks, staff are expected to be familiar with all areas of our program, resources, diocesan policies, and have a clear sense of how Camp fits into the structure of Christian Formation in our Diocese.
 

Below are some of the areas we will be covering in staff training.
 

Program:
 

• What does a Camp Day look like: for Sr. High, Elementary, Middler Camps.

• Episcopal 101: What’s in the Book of Common Prayer, Bible, tips for helping with Chapel, and more

• Age Characteristics: how to plan programs for different age groups

• Discipline Model: We train and expect our staff to use a consistent Discipline Model 

• Chapel: How Cabins help plan and participate

• Digital Discipleship Ministry: website

• Procedures and Practices in the following program areas: Arts and Crafts, Music, Sailing, Waterfront, fishing (not required), Challenge Course, Field Games, Camp Fire, and Talent Show

• Our Food Service Program – What should we know & how can we help

• Cabin Management – Building community in your cabin

• • Lifeguard Training may be offered for staff not currently certified. Having staff who are certified lifeguards before Staff Training prevents disruption and allows for a more cohesive staff. If you take a class before Staff Training the Diocese will pay up to $150 of the course fee upon successful completion.
     

Policies:

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Summer Staff Policies and information. We will review this to be sure everyone is familiar with the information. Some of these include;

• Safeguarding God’s Children: All staff, are required to review this as a group. Since we are the primary leaders for Volunteers, we will spend some time in “role-playing” how to work with each other in living into these policies.

• Prevention of Sexual Harassment Policy for the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas.

• Prevention of Sexual Exploitation Policy for the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas.

• Health and Safety: Emergency Procedures First Aid and CPR Class (for those not currently certified)

• Emergency Action Plan

• Health Care Plan

• How to fill out an Accident/Incident Report Form
   

Step Four for Volunteer Staff: Pre-Program Work

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Youth Camp Programs: Volunteers should arrive at camp one day before the start of a program between 1 and 3 p.m. to allow time for settling into their cabin. At 3:00 p.m. the Director (or designee), will meet with the new group of volunteers to review files, procedures, and answer any questions you may have. It is expected that required training, such as Safeguarding God’s Children, will be completed prior to your arrival.

On Sunday Morning, all employed and volunteer staff are expected to be at breakfast at 8:00 a.m. We begin to plan the week starting at 9:00 a.m. 

On occasion, volunteers (including clergy) are unable to make this meeting. It has been the experience of the Director that any time a person misses this meeting there is a negative impact on the program week. All employees and volunteers are requested to adjust their own schedules to be sure this meeting is attended.