Ikthoos Camp Child Protection Guidelines

Commitment Statement

At Ikthoos Camp we are committed to providing a safe, secure, and happy environment for children and youth. We want to be diligent in providing oversight and have a heartfelt conviction that the children and youth who come to camp deserve the best.

Principles upon which these guidelines are based

1. The welfare of a child or young person will always be paramount.
   
   
2. The welfare of families will be promoted.
   
   
3. The rights of children, young people, and their families will be respected.
   
   
4. Those people in positions of responsibility within Ikthoos Camp will work in accordance with the interests of children and young people and follow the policies described in the following pages.

Selection of Workers

All persons who desire to work with the children participating in Ikthoos Camp shall read and accept, via signature, these guidelines.

Any information discovered which would indicate that the applicant poses a threat to others or has any prior history of physical or sexual abuse directed against another person will result in the immediate removal of the individual applicant from consideration for any involvement at Ikthoos Camp. Any person who may pose a threat to children, youth, or vulnerable adults will be prohibited from working at Ikthoos Camp.

Gender Specific Area Access

It is our goal to ensure the privacy and safety of individuals within gender specific areas by regulating access based on gender.

1. No individual is permitted to enter a gender-specific area designated for the opposite sex unless accompanied by an adult of the same gender as the area being entered.
   
   
2. Gender-specific areas include but are not limited to restrooms, dorm wings, and other facilities designated for use by a specific gender.
3. Exceptions may be granted in cases where entry is necessary for emergency services, maintenance, or other essential purposes, provided that such entry is conducted with appropriate measures to ensure privacy and safety.

Violation of this rule will result in:

1. First offense: warning and reminder of the rule
   
   
2. Second offense: automatic dismissal

 

Guidelines for Physical Contact

1. Limited physical contact, such as, but is not limited to, a pat on the back or on the head, or a handshake are permissible. Hugs are permissible within sight of others, but a worker must be mindful of a child's desire not to be hugged.
   
   
2. Volunteers shall not abuse children or youth in the following ways, but are not limited to these items:
   
   
   1. Physical abuse
      
      
   2. Verbal or Mental Abuse
      
      
   3. Sexual Abuse of any kind, including touching and exposure (physically or digitally)
      
      
3. Volunteers should avoid the appearance of impropriety, such as sitting older children on the lap, kissing, or embracing others, etc.

 

Dating Relationships

At no time shall any Volunteer working with children or youth pursue a dating relationship with any child or youth at Ikthoos Camp.

Camp Communication Policy

Ikthoos Camp desires to promote safety and to create a healthy environment for texting and electronic communication (email, social media, online platforms, etc.) between its youth workers and students who participate in camp activities. As a result, Ikthoos Camp has developed the following guidelines:

1. Ministry youth workers may not transmit any content that is illicit, unsavory, abusive, pornographic, discriminatory, harassing, or disrespectful when communicating with each other, or with minors involved in ministry activities.
   
   
2. Volunteers who become aware of possible child abuse through electronic media must immediately notify camp leadership.
   
   
3. No information, images, or videos shared electronically through public communications channels are considered confidential.
   
   
4. All digital communications shall be done in a group-chat setting.
   
   
   1. One-on-one digital communication between and adult and a minor are strictly prohibited.
      
      
5. Following camp, it is strongly recommended to use the same guidance for communication between adults and minors and/or receive approval by the parent or guardian of the minor.

Responding to Allegations of Child Abuse

In the event that an individual involved in the care of children at Ikthoos Camp becomes aware of suspected abuse or neglect of a child under his/her care, this should be reported immediately to an Ikthoos Camp leader for further action, including reporting to authorities as may be mandated by state law.

A printable version of these guidelines can be found at ikthooscamp.org.