Camp Ondessonk Volunteer Code of Ethics
Camp Ondessonk is committed to providing a Catholic, faith-based, fun, safe, educational, and inclusive experience for all campers, CITs, staff, parents, and volunteers. With this in mind, we require volunteers and staff members to behave in a mature and responsible way and respect the rights and dignity of others while they are at Camp Ondessonk, participating in Camp-sponsored activities, or representing Camp Ondessonk in any way.
If you are in a volunteer position at Camp Ondessonk, you will commit to upholding Catholic values in your public work and acting as a positive role model and mentor to our staff, CITs, and campers. It will be hard work, BUT you can expect to end your experience with a better sense of community, self-value, faith, work ethic, and commitment to others.
All volunteers are expected to read, understand, and adhere to the following Code of Ethics:
- I promise to strive to meet the mission and vision of Camp Ondessonk, putting the Catholic core values of the organization at the forefront of all that I do as a volunteer.
- I understand that my job is to protect children at all times. In doing so, I will:
- accept personal responsibility to protect children from all forms of abuse, including:
- Physical Abuse – striking, shaking
- Verbal Abuse – humiliation, degradation, threats, profanity
- Sexual Abuse – including inappropriate touch, displays, acts
- Mental Abuse – hazing, neglect, manipulation, teasing, bullying
- never leave a camper unsupervised and follow the “Rule of Three” at all times.
- I promise to be a positive role model for youth at Camp and acknowledge I am a representative of Camp and the Diocese of Belleville to camper families during my off time, both outside of camp and online. In doing so, I will:
- exhibit the highest ethical standards and personal integrity.
- conduct myself in a manner that is consistent with the discipline and teaching of the Catholic Church.
- maintain an attitude of respect, loyalty, patience, courtesy, tact and maturity.
- show initiative, be responsible, and do things without being asked.
- display a positive attitude in response to stress and change.
- treat campers, CITs, and staff of all races, religions, cultures, and backgrounds with respect, dignity, and consideration.
- refrain from the use of profane or abusive language in the presence of campers or where campers may hear or see.
- refrain from inappropriate conversations with campers or in places where campers may hear that include topics such as politics, relationship status, sexual activity, drinking, smoking, etc.
- I promise to be a good volunteer. In doing so, I will:
- support and aid other volunteers and staff when the time and need arises.
- express dissent quietly, thoughtfully, respectfully, and never with campers present.
- respect the possessions and belongings of volunteers, staff, CITs, and campers, as well as the facilities and equipment of Camp Ondessonk.
- take care of myself and recognize my personal needs so I can be the best I can be.
- I promise to make good decisions. In doing so, I will:
- treat with confidentiality and respect the personal information I learn from or about campers, CITs, and staff (subject to the policies on reporting abuse and neglect).
- only smoke, vape, use, or possess any tobacco or e-cigarette product in designated locations at Camp Ondessonk.
- only drink alcoholic beverages at volunteer housing, not in the presence of campers or staff or before going to interact with campers or staff.
- not bring weapons onto Camp property.
I will use positive techniques of guidance, including redirection, and acknowledgement and anticipation of each staff’s and camper’s unique needs. I will use positive reinforcement and encouragement rather than competition, comparison, or criticism. I will make expectations clear and avoid power struggles with staff and campers.