Code of Conduct
Camp Yeshua would not be possible if not for the exceptional staff who have given of their time to help lead, teach, and encourage the youth who attend every year. Your service is invaluable to provide the fun and safe environment that Camp Yeshua provides for Messianic youth to learn and grow in their spiritual walk. Such is not possible without rules, regulations, and guidelines followed by all who attend. All staff must be aboveboard and without reproach in conduct and action. Here is a list of items expected of all adult and junior staff who attend Camp Yeshua. The following guidelines will be discussed in detail at the adult staff meeting on the first day of camp. Responsibilities of staff include but are not limited to...
1. PERSONAL DISCIPLINE — Staff and Junior Staff must maintain a high level of maturity and emotional strength as would be expected from a person in any position of leadership. Staff must be a positive example to those under their charge from a behavioral standpoint as well as a Biblical/spiritual standpoint. Staff must have an understanding of all Camp Yeshua rules and guidelines to exercise good judgment in all conflicts or situations. You are never to be alone with a camper.
2. CONDUCT — We expect the conduct of all staff to be consistent with Torah-based principles and a Judeo-Christian faith and ethics. Conduct, which is immoral, illegal, or contrary to the policies, procedures, and tradition of Camp Yeshua, may result in dismissal of staff, Jr. Staff, or campers. Camp Yeshua is committed to co-operate with law enforcement if any individual is found in possession of illegal substances or performs any activity that is prohibited by law. Permission for adult staff to possess firearms, tobacco, alcohol, or fireworks may be granted at the discretion of the Camp Operations Manager. In all other cases, possessions and actions that are prohibited at Camp Yeshua include but are not limited to: tobacco, alcohol, drugs, weapons of any kind, any explosive device, any item with direct ties to the occult (Magic: The Gathering cards, jewelry, etc.), blatant disregard for rules and authority, physical altercations (fighting), stealing, trespassing another's property, or sexual contact with any campers. If you as a staff member become aware of any of the items listed, it is your job to immediately report any such findings to the Camp Operations Manager, needed to resolve the situation. Your conduct before and after the scheduled dates of Camp Yeshua (especially regarding interactions with youth) may affect your participation in Camp Yeshua and subsequent Camp Yeshua events.
3. PERSONAL DRESS & GROOMING — You, as a staff member, are to set an example for the campers. Modest dress is expected and required of all staff. No undergarments should be visible. Clothing with any questionable slogans or graphics on clothing will not be allowed. Modest swimming attire required during swim activities. It is essential to maintain regular hygiene.
4. CAMPER SAFETY — As a staff member, your top priority is to the campers. At no time will any camp staff encourage or allow campers to take part in any activity that could endanger the campers’ safety or health. This includes activities and games that intend to inflict harm to one another. Likewise, staff will in no way harm others, whether through harassment, physical force, verbal and mental abuse, or neglect.
5. POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS — As a staff member, your relationship priority is to build rapport and connect with the campers. Close bonds between staff members are natural but should always be secondary to camper needs. Although Camp Yeshua does not forbid romantic relationships between staff, it is discouraged. Public displays of romantic affections (holding hands, kissing, backrubs, etc.) are not allowed. We also ask that staff members who are married to each other publicly refrain from these activities so as not to be a distraction to others. Appropriate displays of affection between family members is not discouraged, but in all cases be mindful of your appearance to others as to not distract others. Romantic relationships and/or sexual contact between staff members and youth campers, regardless of age, is forbidden at Camp Yeshua and subject to violation of various state and federal laws. Physical contact with any members of the same sex (staff to staff, or staff to camper) should also be limited to avoid the appearance of unseemliness.
6. SUPERVISION — Unless you have been specifically assigned the supervision of other staff members, it is not your place to correct or “help” other staff members by correcting them. If you believe they are not performing their responsibilities, please bring it to the attention of the Camp Director or Administrator.
7. STAFF HOUSING — To avoid any appearance of impropriety, male staff may not enter female housing and female staff may not enter male housing unless in the event of an emergency.
8. ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT — Adult staff should have their phones on them at all times in the event that we need to contact you. Use of your phone should be reserved to calls and texts for Camp Yeshua related contact and needed communication for work and/or family. Campers' cell phones are turned in at registration and should not be in their possession. Junior Staff are required to turn in their cell phones. Any exception must be allowed by the operations manager prior to camp. All usage of cell phones will be done in the business center. Personal computers may also be allowed for use by staff and Junior Staff if needed for work related issues and if used during free time. Wireless access will be granted if needed to phone and computer users.
9. SOCIAL MEDIA — Staff should show great restraint concerning posting to social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Tik Tok, or other social media. For safety reasons and to minimize distractions, please show restraint in using social media to announce specific times when you will be present at camp. Likewise, please make sure that all posts before and after Camp Yeshua reflect well on Camp Yeshua and the Savior we serve. Please respect any request by the Camp Director to remove posts, pictures, or video that might be perceived as detrimental to the reputation of camp.
10. PROMPTNESS — It is expected that all staff members will be on time to meetings, activities, and events in the program schedule.
11. PRIVACY/CONFIDENTIALITY — Confidentiality will be maintained for all personal matters disclosed by campers or other staff to staff. Staff members are encouraged to discuss matters with additional staff, the Camp Director, and/or Spiritual Leaders if you are unsure of how to deal with a specific situation or revelation. Before discussing these personal matters with parents, permission shall be requested from the camper who has shared. The camp's privacy will be maintained except
in the following situations:
> If the Director believes the camper is an imminent danger to themselves or others.
> If evidence of abuse is present that has not been previously reported, proper authorities will be contacted. As a staff memeber you are required to follow the proper chain of command in reporting any abuse to Camp Director. You will not disclose any confidential information to anyone outside the camp.
You affirm you have not been convicted or accused of any criminal activity.
I agree to abide by and follow the above code of conduct and understand that failure to do so either willfully or by omission may result in immediate dismissal from Camp Yeshua, removal from the premises of Camp WOW, and/or a ban from subsequent Camp Yeshua events at the discretion of the Camp Director.