**Family Camp Volunteer and Staff Code of Conduct**
I wish to participate as a volunteer/counselor/staff member at Family Camp. In accepting this position, I accept the responsibility to carry out the duties assigned to me to the best of my abilities and to abide by the Family Camp rules and policies. I understand that while I am at Family Camp, I am a role model for the children and will conduct myself accordingly. I also agree: To ensure a safe, fun and meaningful camp experience, NEHA Family Camp expects all staff to adhere to certain rules of conduct. By signing the acceptance of this agreement you agree to follow the rules listed here.
1. Staff members are expected to have fun. With camper safety first and foremost in our minds, laugh, play, sing, and dance till you can no more. Enjoy this experience.
2. Communicate openly. In order to maintain the best work environment possible, staff members are expected to be approachable, listen to their coworkers, and respect all others at camp. Work toward solutions. It’s more productive than dwelling on problems. Talk to the Camp Director who is Program Director of NEHA whenever you have an issue that you need assistance with during camp.
3. Staff members are expected to be appropriate role models for campers at all times. This does not mean to thwart individuality, but be aware of the fact that you’re taking care of impressionable children. Think about whether or not you would participate in a behavior in front of a camper’s parents.
4. Staff will supervise campers in a way that encourages campers’ independence, dignity, and safety.
5. Staff needs to treat all camper information as confidential and to only use such information in a professional manner. Information about a camper’s medical condition cannot be used for personal gain.
6. Camper disclosure of any child abuse (sexual, physical, or neglect) or suicidal indication must be reported immediately to the NEHA Executive Director or Camp Director.
7. Abuse of campers by a staff member is forbidden. Disregard of this policy is grounds for immediate dismissal and will be reported to local authorities. Any staff member observing the behavior of another that is considered abusive must report this to camp administration immediately. NEHA has a policy of “One Strike and You’re Out”.
8. For the protection of all campers, staff, volunteers, and visitors, NEHA Family Camp does not allow isolated one-to-one interaction between a staff/volunteer and child inside any closed room, vehicle, bathroom, shower stall or any area that could be considered private. In all cases, there should be at least 3 in a group with a staff member and a camper.
9. Sexual harassment is not allowed. (Title VII of the Civil Rights of 1964) It is against policy for any employee or volunteer, male or female, to sexually harass other employees/volunteers. Staff who believe they are victims of sexual harassment should immediately contact NEHA’s ED.
10. Smoking tobacco is not permitted on camp grounds with campers present and is only permissible in places designated by Geneva Point Center. Smoking marijuana is not permitted on camp grounds at all. Disregard for this policy will constitute grounds for dismissal. NEHA Family Camp is a drug, marijuana, and alcohol-free workplace. Alcoholic beverages, marijuana, other forms of narcotics whether prescribed or not and other illegal drugs are not allowed on camp grounds. Staff on prescribed narcotics will store such medication in the infirmary. Staff is not permitted on grounds if they appear under the influence of any drugs, appear impaired, or are legally intoxicated. Disregard of this policy constitutes grounds for immediate dismissal.
11. All staff must turn over all medications to the Medical staff for storage while camp is in session. This includes aspirin and over the counter medications or vitamins.
12. Personal financial transactions between any staff member and a camper are not allowed.
13. Staff members are not to leave camp grounds at any time while camp is in session without the permission of the Camp Directors.
14. No personal visitors when camp is in session. Visitors may not visit areas where campers are present unless special permission is received from the Camp Director.
15. Staff should not receive phone calls during working hours except in the case of emergencies.
16. For the safety of all, staff members are not allowed to use the waterfront, campfire, or GPC facilities, without proper supervision and permission.
17. Camp property is not to be removed from the grounds for personal use.
18. NEHA Family Camp is not responsible for damaged, lost or stolen personal items. It is strongly recommended that whenever possible all valuables (money, jewelry, passports, etc.), be left at home or locked in the nursing office.
19. Gross misconduct is staff behavior that warrants the immediate termination without following the steps of progressive discipline. Examples are violent behavior, abuse, neglect, exploitation of campers, using drugs or alcohol or being under their influence while on camp grounds, extreme insubordination, gross neglect of duties, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment. Should there be a disagreement over the interpretation of camp policies or a grievance related to one’s duties or relationships with staff members, it is to be reported to the ED of NEHA promptly.
20. Staff members may not have in their possession or on the camp property: firearms, slingshots, fireworks, and any types of weapons, excepting utility/camp knives used in conjunction with camp activities.
21. Relationships with campers should be friendly and supportive. Staff members may never become romantic, intimate, suggestive, or sexual with a camper.
22. Relationships with other staff members should be friendly and supportive. Staff members may never become intimate, suggestive or sexual with each other while at camp. Staff relationships may not interfere with any camp responsibilities.
23. Staff members are expected to be at all scheduled activities on time, alert, and prepared.
24. Staff must be free of physical or psychological conditions that might adversely affect children’s physical or mental health. If in doubt, an expert should be consulted.
25. Profanity, inappropriate jokes, sharing intimate details of one’s personal life, and any kind of harassment in the presence of children or parents is prohibited.
26. Staff members and volunteers will adhere to all COVID-19 rules and protocols as set forth by NEHA and Geneva Point Center. I understand that Family Camp leaders have the authority to dismiss those who do not follow these policies.