Mission YOUTH Camp

STATEMENT OF FAITH

Our mission is energized by our faith in Christ and informed by the teachings of the Bible. We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, the source of principles upon which this organization is founded. Our faith touches every aspect of our lives, guiding how we interact with others with respect, compassion, and care. While we understand that adopting a statement of faith may seem exclusive or judgmental to some, we recognize that all religions and philosophies are defined by their beliefs, which naturally differ from one another. The key issue is how we treat those with whom we disagree. We strive to provide a safe environment where everyone can freely explore and discuss faith in a respectful, dignified, and loving manner. Disagreements may arise, but we are committed to addressing them with integrity while staying true to biblical principles. As a public benefit non-profit, we do not require those we serve to agree with our beliefs or practice our faith, but we do expect that our sponsoring churches, leaders, and volunteers share our faith and align with biblical teachings.

Standards for Leadership and Volunteer Selection

Compassionate volunteers are essential to the success of MYC. Volunteers are trained to model Christ’s love, rather than proselytize or judge campers. While we uphold biblical principles for personal conduct, we recognize that all volunteers are on a journey of faith and growth. Volunteers will be evaluated based on a submitted application, references, a background check (dated within the last 3 years), an interview, and mandatory in-person training. We also evaluate if past challenges such as childhood abuse or criminal history have been addressed and reconciled. All volunteers should be screened thoroughly to ensure the emotional and physical safety of campers, keeping in mind that we are all sinners saved by grace. Volunteers who struggle with issues like addiction or purity standards are welcome to serve when they demonstrate a commitment to God’s Word and have shown a life of transformation through His grace.

Position Statement Basic Tenants

We believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and without error in its original writings (2 Timothy 3:16). We believe there is one eternal God who exists in three persons as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe Jesus Christ, being both fully God and fully human, died on the cross as an atonement for our sin, and was resurrected so that we may be reconciled with God. We believe salvation comes by faith, repentance, and submission to Christ. We believe the Holy Spirit indwells believers, empowers them for godly living, and equips them with spiritual gifts for service. We believe the Church is the body of Christ, composed of all believers, called to worship God, spread the Gospel, and serve others in love. We believe in the personal and visible return of Jesus Christ and the final judgment of all people.

Marriage and Sexual Purity

We believe that God’s design for human sexuality is outlined in Scripture. We affirm that marriage, as defined in the Bible, is a faithful, heterosexual union between one man and one woman. For unmarried individuals, we uphold a call to committed celibacy, believing that sexual activity outside the boundaries of a biblical marriage—whether through adultery, fornication, homosexuality, pornography, or other forms—goes against God’s will (1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Hebrews 13:4). As Christians, we are called to pursue purity and holiness in both thought and action (Matthew 5:27–28), striving to reflect God’s love in all aspects of our lives.

Sobriety

Scripture consistently warns against drunkenness and the misuse of substances, including alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescription medications (Galatians 5:21). As followers of Christ, we are called to exercise self-control and avoid behaviors that may lead others to stumble in their faith. We recognize that substance abuse is a prevalent issue in society, and we strive to model a lifestyle of purity and self-discipline, demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit in all areas of life.

Sexual Identity

We believe that God has created each person as either male or female, and that these biological distinctions are part of His perfect and intentional design for humanity. As such, we affirm that any attempts to alter one's gender or identity outside of God's created order is a rejection of God’s purpose for life and relationships (Genesis 1:27, Deuteronomy 22:5, Romans 1:24–27).

Due to the current limitations of facilities and resources, MYC is unable to accommodate specific needs related to gender identity or same-sex attraction. Our camp groups are organized according to biological sex, which we believe supports emotional and physical safety for all campers. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for all campers, particularly those who have experienced neglect or abuse, and we strive to create opportunities for growth, adventure, and teamwork. While we may not be able to accommodate everyone’s needs at this time, we approach all individuals with grace, respect, and a desire to serve them in Christ’s love.

Please complete the required Reference information. You will need the e-mail addresses for your references. A "Reference Form" will automatically be sent to your references when this application is submitted. Make sure to inform them to check their e-mail. A background check request will be sent to your e-mail from Sterling Volunteers for you to complete and pay online, approximately $40. The background check is good for 3 years. If you have a background check from another source contact us to see if it can be used.

MYC Volunteer Expectations & Limitations:  Our goal is for the children to be safe and have a life-changing experience at camp.  Here are some things you need to know:

1.     Most of these children are from Foster homes.  All the children come from backgrounds of abuse, abandonment, or neglect.

2.     They may look like your kids, but their backgrounds are not common and therefore, some of their behaviors may not be common.  They may be anxious, scared, timid, aggressive, outspoken, even use foul language or act out in ways other children would not. 

3.     Be extra patient, be kind & smile a lot. They just want to have fun, so be fun.  Treat them like Royalty!

4.     Speak words of encouragement, words of hope and words of affirmation. Do not talk down to them in any way, shape or form.  No sarcasm.  If you see evidence of past abuse or overhear stories of abuse, don’t overreact.  

5.     Be very careful how and where you touch them.  Some campers don’t like to be touched due to their abuse.  Others might throw themselves all over you, also because of their abusive background.  Only side hugs are to be used and only after asking their permission.  

6.     If you don’t understand what the campers are doing or why, ask another adult.  If you don’t understand some area of your function as a volunteer, please ask.

7.     You CAN NOT contact the campers outside of an MYC event and you are not allowed to share any personal information with them, i.e. name, address, phone number, e-mail, facebook, etc.

8.     One of our safety rules states that there can NEVER be only one adult with a child or children.  There must always be TWO adults present.  A part-time volunteer without a background check and training, is NOT allowed to be a “Two-Deep” person in these situations.  Part time volunteers can help in groups and in open areas with other adults present, but are not allowed to be in any secluded area with a camper alone or with only one other additional adult.  Stay in open areas.

9.     I understand that "Camp is for the Campers"! It's not about you.

10.   Cell phones are NOT allowed to be used during the week of camp. Access is allowed during specific break times and locations.

REPRESENTATIONS AND RELEASE

I understand that MYC maintains strict policies against any form of child abuse, and that violation of these policies may be cause for dismissal. Child abuse is punishable by law, and MYC is bound by law to report allegations of abuse or any inappropriate sexual contact to the proper authorities. ALL reporting is kept confidential, by law. All volunteers must commit to immediately report any behavior that seems suspicious, questionable, abusive or inappropriate between: child-to-child, staff-to-child, and staff-to-staff.

If YOU are struggling with a sexual attraction to children, please opt out of service in MYC or any other child-serving organization, and seek help. One option is: “Hope for the Heart” at (800) 488-HOPE (4673) or www.hopefortheheart.org.

I understand that I will be required to submit to a background check as a condition of acceptance as a volunteer, and that unsatisfactory results, refusal to cooperate, or any attempt to affect the results of these background checks will result in me being removed as a volunteer or volunteer applicant. 

I hereby certify that all of the information provided by me in this Application (or in any other accompanying or required documents) is correct, accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.  I understand that the falsification, misrepresentation or omission of any facts in these documents may (or will) be cause for the denial of acceptance as a volunteer, or immediate removal as a volunteer, regardless of the timing or circumstances of discovery.

In consideration of the receipt and evaluation of this Application by MYC Leadership, I hereby authorize you to contact any references, churches, youth groups, schools attended, former and present employers, charities, courts, and any other person, agency, or organization that may have information about me, and for them to provide to you such information (including opinions) that they may have regarding my character and fitness for working with children; I hereby release any such references, churches, youth groups, schools attended, former and present employers, charities, courts, and any other person, agency or organization who may have provided information about me, including record custodians, both collectively and individually, from any and all liability for damages of whatever kind or nature which may at any time result to me, my heirs, or family, on account of compliance or any attempts to comply with this authorization.  I also agree to hold MYC, the sponsoring church and MYC Leadership harmless from any damages created by my unwarranted attempt to collect damages for providing information described above. I waive any right that I may have to inspect any information provided about me or by any person or organization identified by me in the Application process. 

I understand that submission of an application does not guarantee me acceptance as a volunteer.  I further understand that should the MYC Leadership extend an offer to me as a volunteer, it is for no specific duration and may be revoked by either the sponsoring church, the MYC Leadership, or me at any time, with or without cause.

I understand that none of the documents, policies, procedures, actions, statements of MYC, the sponsoring church, the MYC Leadership or their representatives and agents used during the volunteer application process is deemed a contract, real or implied.  If accepted as a volunteer, I agree to conform to the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of MYC while serving as a volunteer, and understand that such compliance is a condition of remaining a volunteer.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Mission YOUTH Camp. At this time we can only accept applicants from volunteers who are currently living according to the standards for leadership & volunteers as outlined in our MYC Statement of Faith.