PANHANDLE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION/CAMP GIBSON

Communicable Disease? If Yes, please explain

Is Sponsor(s) authorized to approve medical treatment?

Insurance Information (Special Instructions: Please attach a copy of your insurance card to this form)

Ithe participant covered by personal/family medical insurance?

PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT/LIABILITY RELEASE/MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION

Iacknowledge that participation in the activities at Gibson Baptist Camp involve risk to the Participant (and to Participant's parents or guardians, if Participant is a minor and may result in various types of injury including, but not limited to, the following: sickness, bodily injury. death, emotional injury. personal injury. property damage, and financial damage. In consideration for being accepted by PANHANDLE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION for participation in GIBSON BAPTIST CAMP ("Camp Gbson or "camp" we. (1 being 21 years of age or older, do for ourselves (myself) (and for and on behalf of my child-participant if said child is not 21 years of age or older) do hereby release, forever discharge and agree to hold harmless PANHANDLE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. CAMP GIBSON. and the directors thereof from any and all liability, claims or demands for personal injury. sickness or death, as well as property damage and expenses. of any nature whatsoever which may be incurred by the undersigned and the child-participant that occur while said child is participating in the above described trip or activity. Furthermore, we (I) [and on behalf of our (my) child-participant if under the age of 21 years] hereby assume all risk of personal injury. sickness, death, damage. and expense as a result of participation in recreation and work activities involved therein Further, authorization and permission is hereby given to said camp to furnish any necessary transportation food, and lodging for this participant. The undersigned further hereby agree to hold harmless and indemnify said church, its directors, employees. and agents. for any liability sustained by said camp as the result of the negligent, willful, or intentional acts of said participant, including expenses incurred attendant thereto.

We (I) understand that my/our child-participant's [if under the age of 21 years] image may be included in a video or in photographs that may be made during camp. I consent that my child's image may appear on videos, promotional resources, camp endorsed web sites, etc.

If the participant has not attained the age of 21 years: We (I) are the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of this participant, and hereby grant our (my) permission for him (her) to participate fully in said trip. and hereby give our (my) permission to take said participant to a doctor or hospital and hereby authorize medical treatment, including but not in limitation to emergency surgery or medical treatment. and assume the responsibility of all medical bills, if any. Further, should it be necessary for the participant to return home due to medical reasons, disciplinary action or otherwise, we (I) hereby assume all transportation costs.

(Only the participant needs to sign if he or she is 21 years of age or older. If under 21, both parents must sign unless parents are separated or divorced, in which case the custodial parent must sign)

*Please Read Gibson Baptist Camp's Policies and Procedures for Camp Operation

Protecting our Children

Gibson Baptist Camp

Panhandle Baptist Association

2024

 
General Purpose Statement:
Gibson Baptist Camp/Camp Gibson is overseen and operated by Panhandle Baptist Association, an Association of the Southern Baptist Churches in the Panhandle of Oklahoma.  The Camp is a Christian facility; as such the operation of camp is guided by Christian values and principles from the Bible.  The principle purpose of the camp is to provide a place of enjoyment and Christian education.  Therefore, Panhandle Baptist Association/Camp Gibson seeks to provide a safe and secure environment for all who visit and participate in the programs and activities at the camp.  

Management of Emergencies:
The camp is in a rural setting.  The emergency medical assistance is provided by the Hooker Fire and Emergency Services.  Other safety issues will be handled by the Texas County Sheriff Department.  In the event that it becomes necessary to contact either, the 911 service is to be used and the Camp’s  911 address is: 5700 Road Z, Hardesty, OK.  The staff has been trained in American Red Cross Emergency First Aid and CPR.  There are also First Aid supplies in the kitchen to handle most minor needs.

Group leaders are encouraged to be considerate of other children when deciding whether to bring a sick child to the camp, when a child has any of the following symptoms:

Fever, diarrhea, or vomiting within the last 48 hours;
Green or yellow running nose;
Eye or skin infections, and/or;
Other symptoms or signs of a communicable or infectious disease.

In the event of severe storms, the basement area under the Dining Hall is a secure shelter.  While, several of the cabins are constructed of concrete block, it is the roof which makes the cabin unsafe in a severe storm which may include a tornado.  In the event that it is necessary to take shelter, an alarm shall be sounded.  There is emergency lighting in the event of the loss of power in all the cabins, Dining Hall, and in the emergency shelter area. In the event of the loss of power impacts the local cell service, there are three “land-line” telephones, at the Office in the DOM cabin, pool, and the kitchen.  Each of these phones operate without power, and must only be used for an emergency.

The pool is licensed by the Oklahoma Health Dept.  The pool will only be available for use at prescribed times and when the camp approved lifeguard is present. The gates of the pool enclosure will be locked when the pool is not in approved use.  The rules for the use of the pool are for the safety of all who are using the pool, and are posted and will be reminded by the Lifeguard if they are not being practiced.  The lifeguard is the supervising authority while the pool is being used. 

With all other activities, the behavior of all participants, campers and adults is to be proper so that to ensure the safety of all. 

Code of Conduct: 
The code of conduct is intended to assist all guests to the camp to have a safe and enjoyable camp experience while developing and growing their spiritual faith.  

Sponsors from each church are responsible for enforcing the code of conduct, 

All campers are required to be in their cabins between 10:30pm and 6:30am.

It is suggested that churches or organizations limit or prohibit the campers’ use or possession of cell phones and two way radios.

The possession of weapons of any sort is prohibited at the camp, unless approved by the camp manager and must be properly stored with child-proof protection. Fireworks are not permitted on the camp grounds.

Use or possession of unlawful drugs, alcohol, or tobacco are not permitted on the camp facility.

 Issues of Abuse:
As noted in the Camp’s purpose statement the safety of all who attend is the goal for all who use the Camp. The Issues of Abuse is any action (or lack of action) that endangers or harms a child’s psychological, emotional, physical well being and harms their development.  Child abuse occurs in different ways and may include the following:

Physical Abuse: any physical injury to a child that is not accidental, such as beating, shaking, burns, and biting.
Emotional abuse: emotional injury is when the child is not nurtured or      provided with love and security, such as an environment of constant criticism, belittling and persistent teasing.  This may include what is commonly known as “bullying.”
Sexual Abuse: this is any sexual activity between a child and an adult or between a child or another child at least four years older than the victim.  The abuse may include activities such as fondling, exhibitionism, intercourse, incest and pornography.
Abuse may also include Neglect: depriving a child of their essential needs, such as adequate food, water, shelter, and medical needs.

Any form of abuse will not be tolerated. The Oklahoma Law demands that certain  forms of abuse to minors (under the age of 18) must be reported to the proper law enforcement and parents or guardian.  Abuse may require the offensive person to be expelled from the camp and sent home.   

There are several forms of the prevention of Issues of abuse.  These are required to be exercised at the camp.  

a. All adults “sponsors’ volunteers must be 18 years or older and have had background check performed by the participating church or sponsoring organization.  These must be held in the possession of the principle leader while at the camp. 

b. While at the camp the children will be properly supervised at all times by two adults.  This is known as the two adult rule.  This will take intentional planning to ensure that the children are not left alone without adult supervision or with only one adult supervising.  

c. Adult volunteers in the supervising of the children must be on the alert for any inappropriate behavior and which may include the appearance of such behavior.  Such behavior or appearance when noted must be reported to the principle leader of their group, the Associational Missionary, and Camp Manager.

Dress Code:
The intent of the dress code is to provide an equitable dress code for all campers that will encourage modesty.   Modesty extends beyond the dress code, as it is also an attitude of proper behavior that is associated with Biblical teaching of the proper dress and behavior. It is the responsibility of the sponsors from each church or organization to model and encourage a standard of modesty and the adherence of the dress code.  

Generally, campers may not wear apparel that exposes the midriff which includes Tank-tops, extremely tight fitting clothing, fish net shirts, for girls no see through blouses, or clothes or hats which have inappropriate writing.  Apparel must not display or promote tobacco products, alcohol, controlled substances, violent behavior or inappropriate language or pictures. Sleeveless shirts are acceptable if they are not split down the side.  All shorts and dresses should be modest length.  These are measured by the arm to the tip of the extended hand.  Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times outside of the cabins, except when swimming.  Swimming clothing is to be modest.  No cut-offs are to be worn in the pool. A dark t-shirt must be worn over a two-piece suits. It is recommended Campers to wear closed toe shoes at all times.  

 

Discipline of Violations of the Code Conduct:
Most discipline issues are already addressed with the attitude and proper supervision by the sponsors promoting a great time at camp, along with proper planning of fun activities of a busy day. If a sponsor finds it necessary to deal with 

issues with a child:

a. Pull the child aside and talk to them privately about his or her actions.  Explain why their behavior was a bad choice. State your confidence in the child to make the change and later encourage with praise when the change is noted.

b. If problems of bad choices continue, the sponsor should consult with the camp committee and may choose to limit participation in certain events, such as the use of the pool, slide, game room, or other activities.

c. If the problems continue, then the sponsor and member of the camp committee will consult with the camp director and call the parents to come and take their child home.

Cabin sponsors or those renting cabins, grounds, facilities or equipment are responsible for the conduct of campers under their direction and are directly responsible to the Camp Manager, Associational Missionary or their agents or representatives. Discipline is the responsibility of the sponsor, but if they refuse to deal with problems, the Camp Manager may step in and take the necessary actions and if deemed necessary expel the camper(s) from the campgrounds. Sponsors shall be responsible for arranging transportation. 

There is one more vital issue that requires a formal statement.  Again to repeat an important truth in our Purpose Statement: “The Camp is a Christian facility, as such the operation of camp is guided by Christian values and principles.”  The non-Christian world has differing values and norms for behavior.  The Bible is clear and so too should our beliefs and practice.  God created man and woman.  Two distinct and complementary sexes.  The nature of each is distinct genders.  Therefore we have adopted the policy based on these truths: those using the camp facilities will use the restrooms, changing facilities, and housing facilities in accordance to their biological sex at the occasion of their physical birth.     

May we recognize and honor the General Purpose of the Camp.  The Camp is a Christian facility; as such the operation of camp is guided by Christian values and principles.  The principle purpose of the camp is to provide a place of enjoyment and Christian education.  Therefore, Panhandle Baptist Association/Camp Gibson seeks to provide a safe and secure environment for all who participate in the programs and activities at the camp.  May the camp and the participants always  honor God.