Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021 Staff Manual

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HERMANN SONS LIFE CAMP HERMANN SONS LIFE CAMP 2021 STAFF MANUAL 2021 STAFF MANUAL • GUIDE TO CAMP COUNSELING • GUIDE TO CAMP COUNSELING ••IDENTIFYING UNDERSTANDING IDENTIFYING &AND UNDERSTANDING THE THE RISKS OF CHILD MALTREATMENT RISKS OF CHILD MALTREATMENT • CORE ACTIVITY • CORE ACTIVITY MANUALMANUAL WELLPOLICIES CAMP POLICIES • WELL •CAMP • ADMINISTRATIVE • ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIESPOLICIES

This manual is designed to acquaint you with the programs and policies of Hermann Sons ThisCamp. manual designed to you acquaint with thefor program and policies of Hermann Life As aisstaff member will beyou responsible its contents.

A reference copy will Sons Life Camp. a staffShould member you will inbethis responsible its contents.

A be available to you As at Camp. any material manual befor unclear, direct your referencetocopy will be available to you or atyour Camp.

Should any material in this manual questions the Executive Camp Director immediate supervisor. be unclear, direct your questions to the Executive Camp Director or your immediate supervisor.

Ian “Gunner” Brassett Ian “Gunner” Brassett

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TABLE OF CONTENTS GUIDE TO CAMP COUNSELING

(P.3 – P.34) P.4 The Starfish Story P.5 High Expectations P.6 A Professional Camp Counselor Always...

P.7 An Unprofessional Camp Counselor...

P.8 Top 21 Things Campers Say P.9 Responsibilities Of A Cabin Counselor P.10 Guidelines For Camper Interaction P.11 Tips For Cabin Counselors / Instructors P.12 Arrival Days P.14 Medication Form and Waiver Form P.14 Camper Goodbyes-Luggage Drop Off P.14 Counseling Staff P.14 Head-Feet P.14 Camper Activities P.15 Fire Drill P.15 Safety Orientation P.16 Sunday Dorm Meeting P.18 25 Conflict Resolution Strategies P.19 De-escalation Strategies P.20 Camp Integrants P.21 Homesickness P.23 Strategies - Helping Homesick Campers P.25 Bullying P.29 Safety Issues – Emotional and Physical P.29 Staff and Gossip P.30 Active Supervision P.30 Rule Of Two P.31 Age Characteristics P.32 Working With ADD/ADHD Children P.34 Want To Be A Great Camp Counselor?

IDENTIFYING AND UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS OF CHILD MALTREATMENT (P.35 – P.45)

CORE ACTIVITY MANUAL

(P.46 – P.55) P.47 Daily Camp Schedule P.48 Activity Operation P.48 Schedule Changing P.48 Staff Communication P.48 Counselor Assignments P.48 Daily Activity Focus P.49 Goals for Activity Instructors P.49 Clipboards P.49 First Aid Backpacks P.49 Med Alerts P.49 Being On Time to Activities P.49 Walkies, Communication, Cell Phones P.50 Maintenance Logbook P.50 Hazards at Activities P.50 Attendance

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

P.50 Punch and Snack Breaks P.50 Instructor Qualifications P.50 Specialized Activities at Camp P.51 Supervision of Instructors P.51 Eligibility Requirements for Campers P.51 General Camp Activities Ratio P.52 Camp Equipment P.52 Teaching Skills P.52 Lost and Found Procedures P53 Activity Site Organized and Secure P.53 Non-participation P.53 Activity Awards P.53 Training for Accidents and Emergencies P.54 Medical Emergency on Camp Grounds P.55 Accident Reports P.55 Accident and Incident Report Forms

WELL-CAMP POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

(P.56 – P.78) P.57 Introduction P.58 A Healthy Camp Begins at Home P.59 Participation Guidelines P.59 Pre-arrival Screening P.59 Self-quarantine P.60 Watch for Symptoms P60 Clinic Protocol P.61 Health Care P.61 Sick Call P.62 Medications P.62 Sunscreen and Lip Balm P.62 Hydration P.62 Water Bottles P.63 Daily Screening for COVID-19 P.63 Response to a Positive Temperature P.64 Contagious Diseases P.64 How Germs Spread P.64 Cover Your Cough P.65 Correct Handwashing Techniques P.65 Hand Sanitizer P.65 Camper and Staff Showers P.65 Rest P.66 Identifying Communicable Disease P.66 Emergency Procedures P.66 Personal Injury P.67 Emergency Hospital Transportation P.67 Cleaning and Disinfecting the Camp P.67 Keeping the Facility Clean P.67 Daily Cleaning Responsibilities P.68 At the Activity Sites P.68 In the Cabin P.68 Emergency Cleaning Procedures P.68 Exposure Control Plan P.71 Post-Exposure Plan P.72 Friday PM/Sat AM Work Crews

P.73 Food Service P.74 Hilltop Dining Hall Layout P.75 Riverside Dining Hall Layout P.76 Dining Hall Procedures P.76 Serving P.76 Drinks P.76 Why We Sit by Dorm P.77 Cleaning the Table P.77 Serving Responsibilities

ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES

(P.79 – P.95) P.80 Staff Agreement P.80 Pay Schedule P.81 Sick amd Personal Leave P.81 Illness, Injury and Insurance P81 Health History P.81 Employment Hours and Time Off P.82 Time-Off Calendar P.82 Leaving Camp Grounds P.83 Staff Swimming P.83 Performance Coaching and Appraisals P.83 Exit Interviews P.84 Staff Evaluation Form P.85 Activity Observation Form P.86 Staff and Camper Contact and Relations P.86 Internet Policy P.86 Alcohol and Illegal Drugs P.87 Tobacco P.87 Socially Sensitive Issues P.87 Camp Relationships P.87 Conduct Unbecoming a Staff Member P.88 Sexual Harrassment P.88 Standards of Dress P.88 Medication and Clinic Visits P.88 Visitation and Guests P.89 Staff’s Children P.89 Vehicular Traffic on Camp P.90 Personal Possessions P90 Spot Rules P.90 Quiet Lounge P.90 Lounge Rules P.91 Curfew P.91 Pranks P91 Phones P.91 Snacks P.91 Weapons and Explosives P.91 Restricted Areas P.91 Vendor Procedures for Deliveries P.92 Accident and Incident Reports P.93 Incident / Accident Report Form P.94 Payroll Calendar P.95 Payroll Policies

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GUIDE TO CAMP COUNSELING

MAKING MEMORIES, MAKING A DIFFERENCE! Counseling campers is a tough job. You might get frustrated when the kids aren’t listening.

You might feel like all your efforts are wasted and you’re not accomplishing anything. Be assured, your efforts aren’t wasted and you are making a difference.

You’re impacting the kids every minute of the day. It's just not immediately visible! The story on the next page is told in the context of "making a difference" - which is what we want our staff to do in the life of each child in their care.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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THE STARFISH STORY

Original Story by: Loren Eisley

One morning, after a terrific storm, an old man is walking on the beach and, as the sun is beginning to rise, he sees in front of him, lying onTHE the beach thousands and thousands of STARFISH STORY starfish that must have washed ashore due to the storm. As Original Loren Eisley far as the eye can see, lay starfish, drying out Story and by: surely destined to die in the warming of the morning sun. And so One morning, after a terrific an old man isdown walking on the beach and, as the ever so carefully, the storm, old man stoops and, one by one, sun is beginning to rise, he sees in front of him, lying on the beach, thousands and begins to toss the starfish back into the sea so that they may thousands of starfish that must have washed ashore due to the storm. As far as the survive. As he does this, he is seen by a much younger man eye can see, lay starfish, drying out and surely destined to die in the warming of the who, eyeing the task in front of the old man, simply shakes morning sun. And so ever so carefully, the old man stoops down and, one by one, his head in disbelief. begins to toss the starfish back into the sea so that they may survive. As he does this, he is seen by a much younger man who, eyeing the task in front of the old man, Aftershakes a brief period, the younger man approaches the old simply his head in disbelief.

man and says to him, "Old man, what are you doing? Don't youa brief see period, that there are literally thousands of man starfish washed After the younger man approaches the old and says to him, upman, on what this are shore?

WhatDon't youyouare can a of "Old you doing? see doing that there arenever literallymake thousands starfish washed up on this shore? What you are doing can never make a difference." difference."

TheThe old old man,man, saddened by whatby hewhat hears, he stares straight into the eyes ofinto the saddened hears, stares straight younger man.ofAnd, ever soman. carefully, he stoops picks up one more the eyes thethen, younger And, then, down, ever so carefully, he starfish, and casts it into the sea.

He then turns to the younger man and responds, stoops down, picks up one more starfish, and casts it into the

sea. He then turns to the younger man and responds, "TO THAT ONE - I MADE A DIFFERENCE."

"TO THAT ONE - I MADE A DIFFERENCE."

“To make a difference in someone’s life you don’t have to be brilliant, rich, “To make a difference in someone’s life you don’t have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful or perfect. You just have to care and be there!” beautiful or perfect. You just have to care and be there!”

MANDY HALE MANDY HALE

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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HIGH EXPECTATIONS

By Ian Brassett

Everything we do at Hermann Sons Life Camp is built around the premise of “What is in the best interest of the campers?”

We hire the best staff. We operate our elective activities in the safest possible manner. We will be ruthless in the standards we set for our staff and ourselves... But we want to have fun!

Our counselors have a lot to live up to when it comes to giving the campers the best possible summer camp experience. Our campers will come to expect more than just a regular camp experience. Hermann Sons Life Camp is home away from home.

What are these high expectations? Who will be judging us? As a counselor, you are evaluated throughout the summer. You are evaluated by four different groups of people:

Campers Parents Camp Directors Activity Supervisors.

The campers will evaluate the summer camp program every week. During our dinner staff meeting on Friday evening, our campers will experience a counselor-free meal. During this meal they will complete a survey.

They will be scoring their experience at Hermann Sons Life Camp. They will be asked their opinion on the activities, the food, the evening activities, their counselors and their overall camp experience. (AD.31) My promise to the campers is that only three people read these surveys! Myself and the directors of both the Riverside and Hilltop camps.

This is nothing to be afraid of! Be yourself. Do your job and you have nothing to fear from these surveys.

These surveys in the past have really helped the programs I have directed improve significantly. And helped ensure that the counselors are placed in and with the right age group.

The parents of our campers will also get their say. One week after the campers have left Hermann Sons Life Camp, we will send each parent a Survey Monkey questionnaire. This questionnaire mirrors the questionnaire the campers receive. In the past, when conducting these surveys, the results typically mirror closely the results from the campers. Campers tell their parents everything. (AD.31) The Camp Directors and Senior Counselors will be evaluating your performance and work within the cabin.

Do you put the campers’ needs ahead of your own? Are you practicing “Active Supervision?” Are you a good co-counselor? The form can be found in the Administrative Policies section of the manual.

As an ACA accredited camp it is imperative that we constantly supervise the activity sites to insure that the standard of instruction and safety is the highest possible in the camping industry. Are we following the activity rules and regulations? Are we starting the activities on time? Are the campers having fun? This evaluation can also be found in the Administrative Policies section of the manual.

Our expectations for our staff are in line with the expectations of the campers and their parents. We will work with each of our staff members to get their performance level to where it needs to be.

I do not expect perfection. I do, however, expect perfect intentions.

If you are working hard, putting the campers’ needs first and following the rules and regulations... you will succeed. You will grow as an individual. You will learn more about yourself and your capabilities than you have ever known before. You will be great!!! © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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A PROFESSIONAL CAMP COUNSELOR ALWAYS . . .

• Respects the campers. They are the most important people in Camp.

º Don’t ever think that it is beneath your dignity to apologize to the camper.

• Practices “Active Supervision.”

• Allows for transitions. º Allow 3-5 minute warning - do countdowns. º Problem with tardiness? Always late? Set the alarm clock forward 5 minutes. º Allow or build in extra time.

• Displays a positive attitude.

• Is a positive role model. º Role model the behavior expected. * Use “please” and “thank you.” * Be punctual, dress appropriately for activities and evening events, etc. º Follow established DORM rules. º If it’s“do as I say,” it also has to be “do as I do.”

• Learns and uses the campers' names. º Do not nickname the campers. One trick to remembering a camper’s name is to repeat it back to them once they have introduced themselves.

• LISTENS! º Get down to the camper’s level and listen not only to the words, but to the feelings of the camper. “Squat with tots, lean with teens.” º Reinforce by repeating what you have heard and your understanding. º Ask the camper to repeat back to you what you said and asked for, or just instructed. Take care to do this in a way that does not humiliate them in front of other children. º Ask open-ended questions.

This helps the camper to solve their problem, or arrive at the “right” conclusion.

• Is consistent in the application of rules. º Treat all campers the same. º Do not correct a co-counselor in front of the campers. Address the issue in private.

• Uses mistakes as opportunities to learn.

Don’t make the camper feel that his mistakes are sins. º Focus on the behavior not the essence of the camper. Never make the camper feel small or inconsequential. º Sarcastic humor won’t endear you to the campers and won't get them to do what you want. º Don’t correct the camper in front of other campers, if possible. © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

• Keeps instructions simple. º Use the same phrases and order of events for clean-up and similar kinds of activities. º Realize that experience is 10 times more effective than words. Be as “concrete” as possible.

• Gives immediate, positive feedback. º Be specific with praise. º Don’t let your praise lose its quality and value. º Build your camper’s self-esteem. º Catch the camper doing something right! º Genuine praise, a “pat on the back” or a “high five” is a great boost to a camper in building self- confidence. º Be free, but genuine with your praise.

• Allows “down time” for campers to decompress. º Prompt them to do so. º Don’t expect campers to do this on their own.

• Uses touch when talking or instructing campers. º Hand on shoulder, upper arm, upper back, even holding a younger child’s hand.

• Anticipates. º Observe which times are most stressful for your campers (e.g., cabin clean-up, rest hour, evening, getting ready for bed). º Build strategies to deal with or get extra help during those times.

• Encourages campers to participate. º Participation itself is a great reward. º Recognition of success that follows will be an even greater reward. º Everyone can be successful at something; you can put that “something” within reach of every camper.

• Knows exactly where each of his/her campers are and who they are with.

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AN UN-PROFESSIONAL CAMP COUNSELOR . . .

• Congregates and socializes with other staff. º Planning for nights-off and days-off takes precedent over actively supervising the campers and the campers’ best interests. º Feels that the campers are an intrusion on their summer!

• Discusses personal problems or experiences in front of campers. º Gossips with campers regarding other staff and personal relationships. º “Discretion” and”private” are two words not in their vocabulary.

• Encourages campers to “do as I say” while breaking the rules.

• Hangs out with their favorite campers.

• Takes great pleasure in labeling the bad kids, and does not care who knows about it.

• Constantly complains. º Sets their world right by explaining in great detail about how bad things are. º Explains to people who cannot make change how they would run the Camp differently. º Does not use the chain of command. º Never asks for help!

• Does not learn their campers’ names and does not show any sign of interest in knowing the campers as individuals.

• Believes in the “Lord of the Flies” mentality. º In 1954, William Holding wrote this classic book. I highly recommend you read this book. º “Lord of the Flies” mentality means a counselor allows campers to govern themselves rather than an adult practicing “active supervision.”

• Brings their own food to the Camp Dining Hall “because the food here sucks.”

• Upon the camper’s arrival, explains that they can do what they want as long as they don’t get caught and don’t disturb them while they are sleeping.

• Uses threats, poor language, their size and sarcasm as management tools.

• Succumbs to “regressive pull.” º This is when a staff person's group pulls his maturity level backwards. This happens especially with older kids because staff are more tempted to push the limits to impress their group and gain their acceptance.

This is especially true if the counselor and group are close in age.

• Repositions safety equipment or staff to make things easier, without thinking about the consequences.

• Disregards and/or disrespects their supervisor.

• Does not ask questions or ask for help.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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TOP 21 THINGS CAMPERS SAY THEIR FAVORITE COUNSELORS DO AT CAMP

This list is based on the feedback of campers from multiple camps through the American Camp Association.

1. Spend time with them even when they don't have to.

2. Sit and talk with them, taking an interest in what they say (listen!).

3. Discipline with respect (take them aside when possible, avoid teasing, avoid humiliating them).

4. Sing, laugh or talk with them on the way from place to place.

5. Think up fun or crazy things to do with them.

6. Are actively involved in camper activities .(Cheer! Play! Encourage!)

7. Are enthusiastic - they focus on the positive.

8. Role model the expected behavior. Show them. Help them. Assist younger campers with their towels and clothes. Drink water at the dining table. Wake up on time.

9. Participate in clean up.

10. Read to them at night.

11. Make sure children go to bed having been listened to/validated.

12. Stay in the bunk until the last problem is solved.

13. Will wait 10 minutes when a friend (peer) needs the time to help a camper.

14. Get up out of bed to get the kids up in the morning.

15. Make sure kids all have food before they start to eat.

16. Give kids choices (within reasonable limits).

17. Often place themselves in the middle of a group of campers. Use inventive or creative ways to help each camper be part of the group.

18. Tell them when they are going on a day off and when they will be back again.

19. Address them by their first names.

20. Praise the group. Be specific in your praise.

21. SMILE A LOT. 

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CABIN COUNSELOR "In loco parentis"

“In loco parentis” is Latin meaning "in the place of a parent." This is the legal doctrine under which an individual assumes parental rights, duties and obligations without going through the formalities of legal adoption.

Being a cabin counselor is a huge job, but there is a reason you were chosen as capable of mastering this task. The following is a list of responsibilities as the Cabin Counselor. This list will help you guide the children towards an exciting, memorable and safe adventure at Hermann Sons Life Camp!

• When the campers first enter the cabin have a “Cabin Members Meeting.” CREATE the cabin rules together and allow campers time to ask questions about anything they don’t understand. (See Cabin Rules)

disrespect between campers.

• Give a tour to show them where all the bathrooms, showers and shelving for personal possessions are.

Also, ask if anyone needs to use the facilities before sitting as a group to cover the rules and learn every camper’s name.

• Resolve disagreements before they become a serious issue. Discuss the problem with the kids and see if they can come up with reasonable solutions to any dispute.

• Explain the schedule. Be aware of what activities your campers have chosen to ensure that they are prepared. For example: make sure they have sunscreen, lip balm, carry a full water bottle, wear appropriate footwear, have a bathing suit if needed, etc. LEAD BY EXAMPLE. • At meal line-ups, be early so you can participate in the songs. Remember to have fun, too. If the kids see that you are participating and having fun they are likely to do the same. Ask them open questions about their morning or afternoon activities! LEAD BY EXAMPLE. • Sit with your dorm at all meals. Enjoy conversation and get to know each member of your group. Also make sure they stay seated, are reasonably quiet, maintain respect for other tables, listen when group announcements are made and clean up.

• Always be present both mentally and physically with your cabin during free time - “active supervision.”

• To prevent the kids from becoming homesick, keep them active. Do not let them just sit around during free time. Play games, tell jokes or riddles, braid hair... Active supervision should prevent any potential harassment between campers. Should this occur contact Administration immediately.

Hermann Sons Life Camp does not tolerate © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

• Prevent discipline problems by being clear and fair with the entire group. Be as clear as possible when filling out an Incident Report Form.

• Remind the kids to brush their teeth and they must SHOWER EVERYDAY! EVERY child must follow this guideline. Please talk with Administration if a child refuses to shower. Note: Campers are not allowed to shower in the cabin together, not even in bathing suits.

• Turn lights out on time or early.

• Wake up no later than 7:45 a.m. Please do not be late for breakfast.

• Encourage the kids to conserve water by taking shorter showers and by not letting the water run while they are brushing their teeth.

• Turn all lights off (except the outside light at night) when you leave the cabin.

• Ensure windows and doors are shut when not in use.

• Keep the thermostat at 74 degrees.

• Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you are frustrated or just need a quick five-minute reliever. Notify the Administration Team of any inappropriate (camper or staff ) behavior or when you need any help with a homesick child or any illness that may occur.

• Never leave a cabin group alone.

• Have FUN!

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GUIDELINES FOR CAMPER INTERACTION (ST.29.1)

• It is the duty of each counselor to provide the best instruction and leadership through knowledge, understanding and applied ability.

• The camper’s and camp’s best interests are kept in mind.

• Do not discuss personal problems or experiences in front of any campers. Do not discuss other staff and personal relationships in front of campers.

• Remember, your example is what the campers will follow. Always be a role model.

• Encourage campers to participate; participation itself is a great reward. Recognition of success that follows will be an even greater reward. Everyone can be successful at something; you can put that “something” within reach of every camper.

• Counselors should ALWAYS follow the bathing suit rule. A staff member should never touch a camper in any area of their body that is or could be covered by a bathing suit.

• Genuine praise, a “pat on the back” or a “high five” is a great boost to a camper in building self-confidence.

Be free, but genuine with your praise.

• Children are praised less frequently when they do things right (as opposed to criticism when they do it wrong). Recognize positive moments.

• Catch the campers doing something right every day.

• People judge our program by what they see. A well-organized activity can have a very positive impact.

• Remember, we are constantly in the public view, both on- and off-property.

• Never discuss a camper with anyone other than involved staff members or administrative staff. Discuss problems discreetly and privately. Be careful when referring to campers in public places; never use their last names.

• Be professional at all times with regard to your job.

• If anything out of the ordinary occurs, discuss it with the director so as to avoid misunderstandings and exaggerations. Always fill out an Incident Report Form.

• Be constantly aware of each camper as an individual and know his/her interests. Do not let him/her get lost in the group, but make them feel a part of it. Refer any serious problems to the director.

• Public relations are an important part of our job. Go out of your way to be courteous to everyone with whom you come in contact. Greet your campers’ parents and when possible keep them informed about their camper's stay.

• Upon the camper’s arrival, it is important to try to be more than a camper’s “friend” as this will come naturally from mutual respect. Be fair with the campers. Be honest and lead them with enthusiasm. © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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TIPS FOR CABIN COUNSELORS/INSTRUCTORS (ST.29.1)

Regardless of how hard you try to make your campers cooperate and work together, you may find yourself frustrated if the only ways you use to get your kids to do the things you want them to is to NAG. There are many POSITIVE TACTICS you can utilize. Keep in mind that no single technique works every time.

• Establish a rapport with the camper. This involves seeing things from the camper’s perspective. For instance, teens will often magnify the smallest thing, and may be devastated by actions that you will shrug off.

• Recognize when you are wrong and when a camper is correct.

• Keep your instructions simple and consistent.

Campers need to know what is expected of them.

• If you have a slow cabin of kids, build in extra time (prompt these children to start earlier) to be on time.

• Ask open-ended questions. This will often help the camper to solve his own problem or arrive at the “right” conclusion.

• Keep the MORE DIFFICULT child closer to you (at meals, in line-up). Close physical proximity helps make your routine consistent.

• Build your camper’s self-esteem. Catch the camper doing something right!

• Use the same phrases and order of events for clean-up and similar kinds of activities.

• Be specific with praise. Don’t let your praise lose its quality and value.

• Give immediate feedback. Make your feedback positive.

• Lead by example. If it’s “do as I say,” it must also be “do as I do.”

• Use touch when talking to or instructing a camper.

A flat hand on: º shoulder º upper arm or º upper back

• Never make the camper feel small or inconsequential. Sarcastic humor won’t endear you to the campers and won't get them to do what you want.

• Don’t correct the camper in front of other camper, if possible.

• Use countdowns: Give 5-10 minute warnings for lights-out, leaving the cabin, end of meal, etc.

• Ask the camper to repeat back to you what you said or asked for or just instructed. Take care to do this in a way that does not humiliate them in front of other children.

• Focus on the behavior, not the essence of the camper.

• Be consistent.

In summary when living in a dorm: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Always explain the rules.

Always apply the rules.

Be consistent in your treatment of all children.

Model the rules.

Smile and most importantly…

Ask for help. If you need a break, if you’re dealing with a child’s difficult behavior… YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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ARRIVAL DAYS ARRIVAL (AD 4.1) DAYS (AD 4.1)

NEW PROCEDURES in 2021.

At Hermann Sons wewe have NINENINE SEPARATE arrival At SonsLife LifeCamp Camp have SEPARATE days. That means NINEon separate days we days have we campers Arrival Days.

That on means NINE separate have who havethat beenhave looking forward to Camp for possibly campers been looking forward to campTWO for possibly TWOwill YEARS! They They will be They willThey be YEARS! They be excited. willexcited. be enthusiastic. enthusiastic.

They may be a little scared.

They may be a is may be a little scared. They may be a little nervous. Our job little nervous. job is to match their enthusiasm and to match their Our enthusiasm and excitement.

High energy and excitement. energy and day enthusiasm is this critical on enthusiasm isHigh critical on arrival - especially summer. arrival day. Especially this summer.

STAFF ARRIVAL

STAFF ARRIVAL Staff are expected to arrive in Camp at 11:30 a.m. A staff

Staff are expected to arrive in camp at 11:30 a.m. A staff meeting will be held in the respective Dining Halls at 11:45 meeting will be held in the respective dining halls at 11:45 a.m. Snacks will be provided. Please be punctual. At this a.m. Snacks will be provided. Please be punctual. At this time, we will also take all staff temperatures. time we will also take all staff temperatures.

CHECK-IN SCREENING AND ASSESSMENT

CHECK-IN SCREENING AND ASSESSMENT

To reduce the number of families on-site at any given time, we have advised parents that there will be a To reduce the number of families on-site at any given time, we have advised parents that there will STAGGERED ARRIVAL TIME FOR EACH DORM (individual household). It is extremely important that the be a STAGGERED ARRIVAL FORyear.

EACH DORM (individual household).

It is extremely important parents understand that this is not TIME a typical This will not be a typical arrival day. that the parents understand that this is not a typical year. Not a typical arrival day.

CampersCampers will not be to enter Camp before their scheduled arrival time.arrival Families with multiple willpermitted not be permitted to enter camp before their scheduled time.

Families with campersmultiple in attendance at the same Camp will be asked to plan their arrival at the later scheduled time.

We campers in attendance at the same camp, should plan their arrival at the later scheduled will be staggering thebe arrival of campers by dorm from thebyoldest thethe youngest dorms. time. We will staggering the arrival of campers dormto from oldest to the youngest dorms.

Strict carpooling policies will be enforced. onlywith carpool withcamper another(non-family camper (nonStrict carpooling policies will be enforced.

Campers Campers may onlymay carpool another member) if they aredorm. in their campwill dorm.

No exceptions. exceptions. All All campers campers will turned away not member)family if they are in their Camp There be no not be practicing this policy practicing this policy. will be turned away.

We recommend that parents with an immunosuppressed person or individuals at higher risk of We will recommend that parents withCovid-19 an immunosuppressed person individualsincluding at higherconsulting risk of with complications related to the virus, should take extra or precautions complications related to the COVID-19 virus, take extra precautions including consulting with their their healthcare provider before dropping their child off in camp in these extraordinary healthcare provider before dropping their child off in Camp in these extraordinary circumstances. circumstances.

PARENTS BE NOT ASKED TOTHEIR LEAVEVEHICLE THEIR VEHICLE DROP-OFF. be of a PARENTS WILL BEWILL ASKED TONOT LEAVE DURINGDURING DROP-OFF. Check-InCheck-In will be awill series series of stops our senior staff. bedorms. assigned their stops conducted by theconducted senior andby medical staff.and Themedical counselors willOur be counselors assigned towill their Weto know this is a difficult thing to ask exceptions bebut made. dorms. We know thisour is aparents, difficult but thing to ask ourcannot parents, exceptions cannot be made.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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a staff member in PPE to welcome the family a distance 6 feet TheThe firstfirst stopstop will will be abe staff member in PPE to welcome the family fromfrom a distance of sixoffeet through the car through the car window.

That staff member will check that all the paperwork including the window. That staff member will check that all the paperwork including the Health History Form is on file and history form is on file thatstaff themember arrival iswill on greet schedule.

The senior thathealth the arrival is on schedule.

Theand senior the campers andstaff takemember their temperature. who will greet the campers and take their temperature.

The temperature will be taken using in the car (all The temperature will be taken using a touchless thermometer. If there are two or more children a touchless thermometer. theregroup) are two or morestaff children in the car (all must of whom must be in the sameIfdorm a second member in PPE willof bewhom available tobe carry out this in the same second procedure on thedorm othergroup) side ofa the car. staff member in PPE will be available to carry out this procedure on the other side of the car.

The temperature of each participant must not be higher than 100.4°F. Upon exclusion from the program, Temperature of each participant must not be higher than 100.4°F. Upon exclusion from the based on high temperature or the answers to the health questions, re-entry is only possible following a program, based on high temperature or the answers to the health questions, reentry is only negative COVID-19 test or when the participant has met the CDC criteria to discontinue home isolation. possible following a negative COVID-19 test or when the participant has met the CDC criteria to discontinue home isolation.

Having verified the information, the car will drive forward to a second station.

Having verified the information, the car will drive forward to a second station.

A second staff member in PPE will then approach the car and speak through an open window directly to the A second staff member in PPE will then approach the car and speak with an open window camper. directly to the camper.

They willwill askask thethe following screening questions: They following screening questions: • How are you feeling?

• How are you feeling?

• Have come contact anyone has been shown or symptoms of COVID-19 • you Have youinto come into with contact withwho anyone who sick hasorbeen sicksigns or shown signs or in the past 14 days? symtoms of Covid-19 in the past 14 days?

• Have you recently experienced any loss of loss tasteofand smell?

• Have you recently experienced any taste and smell?

• Have you had a fever of 100.4 or above in the past 14 days?

• Have you had a fever of 100.4 or above in the past 14 days?

• Have you recently experienced coughing?

• Have you recently experienced coughing?

• Have you recently experienced shortness of breath or difficulty breathing?

Have or you recentlysore experienced of within breath the or difficulty breathing?

• Any•nausea vomiting, throat orshortness headaches past 14 days? nausea vomiting, sore throat or headaches within the past 14 days?

• Can•youAny handle theorfun?

• Can you handle the fun?

When all participants have have been been screened and cleared, the car will the direction When all participants screened and cleared, the be carpointed will beinpointed in theof the medication drop-off.

If there are no medications to drop off or the parents have no concerns about the direction of the medication drop-off. If there are no medications to drop off or have no child’s health,about this stop is skipped. concerns the child’s health, this stop is skipped.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021 © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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MEDICATION FORM AND WAIVER FORMS We will be sending each family a Medication Form. We ask that this form is completed and printed before their arrival in Camp, and brought with them to allow for a swift drop-off. All medication must be in the original container with doctor’s authorization. We cannot and will not administer medication not consistent with the directions of a doctor’s orders or provided in anything other than the original packaging.

At the medication table, the parents will discuss with the camp’s medical staff the Medication Form, and ask the nurse any questions they may have about their child’s stay.

CAMPER GOODBYES AND LUGGAGE DROP-OFF Once complete, parents will then go to the camper and luggage drop-off. At this spot, our (you) enthusiastic and smiling staff will help collect all luggage from the trunk and the camper. Parents are asked not leave the vehicle. They will say their goodbyes in the car.

Staff members will then escort the camper to the dorm while talking and engaging with them. “What’s their name?” “Where are they from?” ”Is this their first year?” “What activities are they interested in?”

Once at the dorm, they will walk them inside and introduce them to their counselors and allow the camp experience to begin. THEY MUST MAKE A HAND-OFF. It is not enough to get them to the dorm, nor just inside. Ensure a counselor is helping them. Ensure a counselor greets them. Introduce them!

COUNSELING STAFF During the scheduled arrival times the dorm counselors (4-5), the dorm’s senior counselor and a number of CITs will be assigned to that dorm. THE CAMPER WILL NEVER BE ALONE. These staff are to actively engage with the campers; help them unpack, orientate the campers to the dorm, review their activity schedule and, most importantly, introduce them to their new friends in the dorm.

HEAD-FEET All beds have an assigned allocation of where the pillow is to be placed on the bed. Please make sure that this is followed.

CAMPER ACTIVITIES Upon arrival in the dorm, the camper will go to their assigned bed. At each bed will be a copy of their activities for the week. If a camper is unhappy with their elective choices – do not dismiss this! Our goal in running an elective program is to give the campers their top six activity choices. It is not always possible.

Reassure the camper and on the Camp tour, make sure you go to the Program Director (located… TBD) and ensure the camper speaks to them. It may be a simple fix and can be changed immediately! It may take the Program Director a little while to make the necessary change. This topic will be covered in greater detail during Staff Development and in the CORE ACTIVITY MANUAL.

MUSIC An arrival day playlist will be playing during the arrival day process. Please do not change or turn the music off! Music will convey a spirit of fun. Some songs will be aimed at the parents. Most will be aimed at the campers. © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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CANTEEN There will be no Canteen scheduled on arrival day.

FIRE DRILL (ST.23.1) On arrival day, we will be scheduling a fire drill. As a dorm you will be asked to line up in a straight line with ONE COUNSELOR at the head and ONE COUNSELOR at the rear of the dorm. The ASSISTANT CAMP DIRECTOR or CAMP DIRECTOR will ask the Counselor at the head of each dorm how many campers and staff they have in line. BE ACCURATE. • Answer “We have X# campers and X# staff.”

• X# campers have not arrived and # staff member is off-off. List their names.

• Any campers scheduled to attend Camp that no-show at the flagpole will be called at this time by the Camp Director (or their designee). (AD.23.2) • At this fire drill we will announce the location for all campers and staff to meet for emergencies. (AD 19.1)

SAFETY ORIENTATION (AD.19.1) Once we have an accurate count of the campers and staff, the Camp Director (or the Assistant Director) will welcome the campers and review the safety orientation for the campers. The safety orientation must cover: • Campers must always be supervised. (FA 13.1) • Campers must stay within the fenced area (on camp grounds).

• Campers are welcome to enjoy the activity sites during the scheduled activity periods and only when a qualified instructor is actively supervising them. (FA 13.1) • We strongly encourage all campers and staff when indoors or when social distancing is not possible to wear a face covering.

• No food or drink (except water) should be taken in the cabins.

• Camp is a safe zone: Treat others as you wish to be treated.

• The counselors and staff are here for you!

• For your safety, do not leave your cabin after curfew.

• Please use sunscreen. Wear a hat! Drink lots of water!

• All medications must be turned into the Clinic. This includes Advil, Tylenol and vitamins. You may carry your rescue inhaler and epi-pen.

• Not feeling great? Go to the Clinic after breakfast, lunch and dinner. Clinic is open 24/7.

• Always carry a water bottle with you.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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SUNDAY DORM MEETING - Set expectations Once campers have become somewhat familiar with you as their counselor, with the other guys or gals in the cabin, it’s time to sit down and establish a few simple “rules.”

Having some cabin or group guidelines is a way to establish expectations about behavior and norms around what is acceptable and what is not. Setting the right tone in Camp starts with the cabin rules.

• How do you and your co-counselor intend to operate within the cabin?

• What will this process tell the campers about the week to come?

Campers do not like meetings. Be prepared. Talk to your co-counselors about how you will implement the Camp rules. The rules you and the campers agree to must be enforced consistently between both counselors in the cabin.

• What is your flashlight policy?

• What is your wake-up policy?

• Can campers talk after lights out?

• Can campers play cards at night with flashlights?

• Are campers allowed to leave the cabin individually in the morning or after rest period or do you leave as a cabin.

HOLDING THE MEETING

• In 2021, due to our COVID procedures, when taking the tour of the Camp, hold this meeting in the Dining Hall or outside (Rattlesnake, Pavilion, HHAAC, etc.) Make it so everyone can be seen.

• Review the emergency exit/safety plan located inside the dorm on the bulletin board. * (AD. 19.1) (ST. 23) • Have all counselors present (when possible). Do not sit next to each other. Sit opposite each other.

This way you can see all of the campers.

• Make sure all the campers are present.

• Introduce the discussion. These are guidelines to insure they have a fantastic stay!

• Have paper with you.

• Take the process seriously. Do not allow goofy rules or joke rules into the process. Write them down, but do not allow them to get “on the board.”

• Indicate one person talks at a time. Everyone listens with respect.

• May want to have an object that can act as a talking stick.

• Write down all of their suggestions while in a brainstorming format.

• What do they think would be good rules?

INTRODUCING THE MEETING Hermann Sons Life Camp takes the approach that in order for campers to feel safe they must know and understand the parameters of their stay. A smaller, shy camper may not feel comfortable their entire stay if they are not sure what rules and regulations are applied to their fellow campers in the cabin.

“Since we are going to be living together or spending time together for the next several days, we need some agreements about how we want to be treated and how we treat others.” Rules and regulations are in place to ensure the campers have a safe, fantastic week.

At the end of the initial process, indicate they have done a great job. Now is the important step. When writing up the cabin rules and regulations for posting, keep this in mind: © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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CABIN RULE BASICS (ST.25.1) Cabin rules must be: • Observable º Please keep your hands and feet to yourself.

• Enforceable º We cannot force everyone to be friends, but we can enforce behavioral expectations.

• Logical º Why is it a rule? What is the logic to the rule?

IN ADDITION

• Keep the rules to six or less.

• Categorize similar rules.

• Cabin rules should be stated in the positive, as opposed to the negative.

• Input from campers º The campers need to own the rules.

• Positive action º Instead of no name-calling use “Call others by their real name.” º Replace"No" or "Don’t. "

• Cabin rules must be simple, clear and posted.

• Have the campers and staff initial the board.

CONSEQUENCES There is no point in having rules if we do not enforce them. It is important that as counselors and upper staff that we understand that consequences are: • Fair • Consistent • Diminish unwanted behavior • Progress in severity • Discussed with the campers • Doled out respectfully • Age appropriate The application of the rules and regulations of Hermann Sons Life Camp must be considered.

Over-reacting and emotional responses to situations are not conducive to a fair and consistent approach to the campers. It is not PC to say it, but some campers are more likable than others. That is a fact that no one can dispute and the likability factor can play into every decision we make… potentially.

A well-liked camper may be given the benefit of the doubt for the exact behavior that you report another camper to the Senior Counselor for. This is neither fair nor consistent. Campers notice this. This is not acceptable.

This is where being professional and deliberate with your interactions with the campers is essential. All the campers in the dorm will notice if you apply the rules evenly. All the campers will respect you more for doing so.

Returning staff members are more likely to have a tougher time being fair and consistent with the © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

application of the rules and regulations due to the relationships that they built up in previous years with some of the campers.

Hermann Sons Life Camp will judge the actions and appropriate consequences on a case-by-case basis.

We always consider the many factors when deciding what consequence is appropriate and applicable.

Group management techniques will be discussed during Staff Development. Under no circumstances do we use physical punishments (push-ups, sit-ups, etc.) nor do we remove the camper from activities and prevent them from having snack or meals.

Consequences are best when they are appropriate. If someone is cutting in line, ask them to move to the back of the line. If a camper consistently pushes in, discuss with the Senior Counselor. If someone drops litter deliberately, have them pick up trash around Camp. if someone is heard swearing, ask them to watch their language. If they swear or use language unacceptable at Camp consistently – a phone call home is appropriate.

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'

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© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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IDENTIFYING CAMPER BEHAVIOR - HOMESICKNESS (SD. 21.1D)

It’s normal… and expected! Every camper and, most staff members if they are being truly honest, get homesick from time to time during the summer. It is NOT unnatural for a child to feel isolated and alone. It’s normal to MISS the comfort and security of their home, their dog, their parents.

Experiencing homesickness is actually one of the true benefits of a summer camp stay. This is not a bad thing. As a counselor, you should not treat campers as ”lepers.” A homesick child should be viewed as a challenge to be embraced. We can all be great counselors to kids who are having a great time with no obvious signs of issues. What stands great counselors apart is their ability to work with campers who are not easy - campers who require a little more attention; campers who need the care and compassion of a well-trained counselor.

Many times a camper will arrive at Camp pre-disposed to having a difficult transition to Camp. Parents will unknowingly set their child up to fail at Camp.

• “The home will be empty without you.”

• “I don’t know what I’ll do without you!”

While well intentioned and heartfelt, it will insure the child will have guilty feelings if they start having a good time while their parent will be crying at home because they miss them so much! Think about a time you have been homesick?

Campers coming from good homes with loving parents are surely going to miss that environment when • they are placed in a cabin with strangers…

• their routines are drastically altered…

• everyone else speaks a strange language…

• their counselor has a strange accent and is telling them to hurry up and get out of the shower...

• but especially if there is a camper or campers making their life miserable.

Some of the different reasons that a child might be homesick?

• first time away from home • previous poor experience at a camp • worried about parents or family back home • recent death in the family • divorced parent situation and missing time with a parent while at Camp • a friend or sibling is at Camp with them and homesick • a camper who genuinely does not want to be at Camp.

A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN DISCUSSING HOMESICKNESS 1. It is not unusual… It’s normal.

2. There is no cure-all. Just like the reasons for homesickness, there is no one solution that solves all… or is there?

3. FRIENDS. The most important part of helping a camper through their homesickness is for them to make friends. If a camper is having fun with their friends in the dorm, they are with a counselor who cares about them, and their primal needs are being met (Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs) then they are less likely to show overt signs of homesickness and more likely to join in and participate.

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4. As a counselor, your primary job concerning homesickness is to create a safe, caring environment.

Provide the campers an environment free of bullying and peer pressure by actively supervising the campers.

• Listening to the interactions within the cabin group.

• Leading the campers in group activities.

• Knowing your campers… are they in Camp alone?

• Creating an environment where friendships develop easily.

5. It is counter-productive to pull a homesick camper out of the cabin group for extended periods of time.

They need to develop friendships and bonds with the campers in their cabin. THAT IS THE PRIMARY GOAL. At the first sign of homesickness it is important for the counselor to show caring and concern to the camper. That does not mean rush them away to the Senior Counselor and feel you have done a great job. You have not.

6. ACTIVE SUPERVISION HELPS PREVENT BULLYING… AND HELPS AGAINST SEVERE HOMESICKNESS What evening activities are we doing this week? What can the camper look forward to? Do they know about activities they will be doing this week? It is important to give campers something to look forward to in Camp. Be excited about your ninth dance of the summer. It may be the camper’s first dance. Are they nervous about the dance? Are they worried about an evening activity? Are they scared and do not want to be singled out in a group?

Are they getting mail from home? Homesickness can spring up from getting too much mail or not enough.

Are buddies in the cabin getting packages daily and they get one email in three days? Again, this is asking questions and being observant in the Dining Hall.

Ask the camper questions to get to the bottom of the issue. Is it homesickness? The signs and symptoms of homesickness look a lot like the signs and symptoms of bullying.

Some questions to ask: • What were they excited about when coming to Camp?

• What activities did they want to do?

• Are they getting the activities they want?

• Did they come with a friend?

• Do they have any concerns or issues that they would like to share?

• Do they have any friends in the cabin?

• Do they like the campers in the cabin?

• Is anyone annoying them?

• Is anyone bothering them?

• Can you think of any other great questions to ask?

What do we do as a Camp?

• We prepare the parents to the best of our ability before Camp and instruct them on how to prepare their child for Camp.

• We create an active daily program that reduces down time during the day that campers have to think about home. Understand that rest period is bad for homesickness.

• Meal programs can be created to take a “hotspot” for homesickness and create a fun environment.

Dorms sit together to allow more time for campers to bond with their cabin mates and to interact in a normal environment under the watchful eye of the counselors and dorm CITs who can guide and monitor the campers. Chat with the ones who do not seem to be gelling with the group. Is everyone eating properly? This is another factor in homesickness. Are the camper’s basic needs being met? © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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• Music, Who has Hermann?, Graces, Chants all help diminish a down time in Camp.

• We provide counselors support if they have a camper experiencing homesickness. Senior Counselors are there for the staff member and, if necessary, the camper.

• We keep the parents informed. They are a valuable resource on their child. Why would they be homesick?

What activities were they looking forward to participating in at Camp? Do they have friends from home at Camp? (Are they friends at Camp? Are they spreading gossip about the child?)

Every homesick child is a case requiring individual attention and sincere care. Homesickness should be treated quickly. Campers should not be crying for hours with no steps being made to try to appease the child’s concerns.

BE ALERT Use your eyes and ears for any signs of homesickness. Possible signs are campers who are: • Withdrawing from group activities, cabin time or meal conversations.

• Difficulty getting their full attention because they are upset or wandering off.

• Crying, complaining or the camper is telling you or other campers that they are homesick, missing family or just not feeling well.

IF YOU KNOW A CAMPER IS HOMESICK • Do not allow anyone to ridicule the homesick camper.

• Listen to the camper’s concerns.

• Empathize with the child’s concerns; we have all been there at some point and time.

• Let them know they are not alone and that it is normal to miss home.

• Encourage activities to help them make/find a buddy.

• Try and engage the camper in activities to get their mind off of home.

• Check in with the camper often to let them know you are there for them.

• Talk with a Senior Counselor and find out more information about where the camper is coming from.

In extreme cases the parents may be called to find out more insights about the child.

IF THE CAMPER IS STRUGGLING WITH HOMESICKNESS Don’t take it personally when a child in your cabin gets homesick. NEVER try to solve the problem alone.

Seek out help if you seem to be getting nowhere. If the child’s homesickness is affecting the group continuously in a detrimental way, you must seek assistance from a Senior Counselor.

Only under rare circumstances would the child speak to his/her parents on the phone. This is decided by the Camp Director. More often than not, when a homesick child speaks to a parent, the situation becomes more difficult to handle. An Assistant Director or Camp Director will always prepare the parent when a child will be calling home and collaborate on how best handle the situation.

STRATEGIES FOR HELPING HOMESICK CAMPERS The first step you should take is simply talking to the camper. It is important to remember that you should never put yourself in a situation where you are 1:1 with a camper. Remind them that it is okay to feel homesick and that everyone feels a little homesick at some point in their life. “It’s good that you miss home, it means it must be a cool place to live." Ask the camper some questions… See above. These are great conversation starters. Get them talking about something they know - football, baseball, horses, drama, school. Try to find the root of the homesickness (i.e. maybe they are being bullied or aren’t getting any mail).

Sometimes it’s just a simple solution to the problem. The more you know!

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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When talking to a camper, start a game. Cards, rafter ball, etc. Once you get going, maybe invite a couple of other campers in the dorm to join in. Sometimes homesick campers just need a little extra attention and that does the trick. Campers with friends struggle much less with homesickness. Who do they walk to their activities with? Are they alone going from activity to activity? Are they afraid of getting lost? Perhaps in the younger dorms – pair up campers with similar activity cards. Make an activity of working out who is in what activities – and what period.

It is important to use all the counselors in your assigned cabin as resources because another staff member may better relate to the specific camper. If nothing above works start trying other methods such as those listed below. The following methods/topics that can be used in any order and some may be successful with campers while other times they may not work.

METHOD 1: EXCITEMENT TALK Talk to the camper about all of the excitement that is still to come at Camp. Talk about their activities. Talk about the Blue and Red Games. Talk about Freaky Funday, the water carnival, the water balloon fight, talk about Game Night, talk about the Dance (on Riverside and especially if they have siblings on the other Camp), talk about Capture the Flag, etc.

“You can’t go home because there is too much fun coming up! We have the dance tomorrow and that is so fun! Plus there are cookies! Thursday is (the talent show or free sport) and that is always a blast too! Friday Funday, and that’s the best day ever! Then Saturday is here and you get to go home!”

METHOD 2: TIME FLIES WHEN YOU’RE HAVING FUN Ask the campers what their least favorite subject is at school. Say, “When you’re in Math class, doesn’t it go by really slowly?” Then ask the camper what their favorite subject is and say, “So, when you are having fun in Reading, doesn’t it go by fast?” Remind them that if they try to have fun this week at Camp it will go by much faster than if they are sad and not trying.

METHOD 3: TALK IT OUT Sometimes campers just need you to talk to them. You can ask them questions about home and what they like to do for fun. Sometimes just getting their mind off of crying and being homesick will completely turn around their day.

METHOD 4: CALENDAR COUNTDOWN First, ask the camper when they are feeling the most homesick. If a camper says during meal times, you could create a countdown calendar for them that would include all of the remaining meals for the session.

This is a good visual reminder for the camper of exactly how much time is left and it also allows them the opportunity to cross off the things they have already completed. The little goals of checking off each meal make it seem like the week is more do-able to a homesick camper.

METHOD 5: DESCRIBE THE ROOM Have the camper close their eyes and imagine their room. Have them describe everything about their room to you (the walls, their furniture, what’s hanging on the wall, etc.). Then describe your room to them in the same way. This will make them feel comforted just by talking about home. Remind them that when they feel sad, they can always close their eyes and think about home and it can comfort them even when they are not there.

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IDENTIFYING CAMPER BEHAVIOR – BULLYING IDENIFYING CAMPER BEHAVIOR – BULLYING (ST.301.1B) (ST.301.1B)

• Counselors Practicing ACTIVE SUPERVISION are essential in preventing bullying.

Counselors practicing ACTIVESUPERVISION SUPERVISION are essential in preventing bullying.

• Counselors Practicing ACTIVE are essential in preventing homesickness.

• Counselors Practicing ACTIVE SUPERVISION are essential in providing an excellent camp experience.

Counselors practicing ACTIVE SUPERVISION are essential in preventing homesickness.

• • • Counselors practicing ACTIVE SUPERVISION are essential in providing an excellent camp experience.

Our job as counselors is to identify, stop and prevent bullying. “Boys will be boys”, is no longer an acceptable attitude to counselors have in camping. ¾ of kids involved in school shootings havewill been statesan now have Our job as is to identify, stop and prevent bullying.

“Boys be bullied. boys” is49/50 no longer acceptable bullying prevention laws compared to 15 years ago when less than a handful had laws on the books.

On the attitude to have in camping. Seventh-five percent of kids involved in school shootings have been bullied. punishment side, five states don’t have any sanctions for bullying in their anti-bullying laws, while 12 states 49/50 states now have bullying prevention laws compared to 15 years ago when less than a handful had include a criminal sanction for bullies, ranging from school suspension to jail time, according to an analysis of state laws on laws the books.

OnCyberbullying the punishment side, five states don’t have any sanctions inbullying. their bullying from the Research Center.

Montana is the only state with no for lawbullying to address anti-bullying laws, while 12ofstates criminal sanction for bullies, ranging from school suspension to • The average length time ainclude bullying aepisode lasts is 28 seconds. jail time, according an analysis state bullying lawsiffrom the Cyberbullying • The averageto length of time aofbullying episode lasts a bystander intervenes is Research 7 seconds.Center. Montana is

the only state with no law to address bullying.

• The average length of time a bullying episode lasts is 28 seconds.

WHAT IS BULLYING? • The average length of time a bullying episode lasts if a bystander intervenes is seven seconds.

Bullying is the abuse of the difference of power.

WHAT IS BULLYING? IN CAMP is the abuse of the difference of power.

Bullying

Bullying is being mean or leaving people out on purpose.

IN CAMP Bullying isisanbeing ongoing and repeated behavior.

Bullying mean or leaving people out on purpose.

Bullying is an ongoing and repeated behavior.

A camper making a rude remark is not necessarily a bully.

A camper making a rude remark is not necessarily a bully.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF BULLYING? WHAT SIGNS OF BULLYING? • ARE Loss ofTHE appetite • of Notappetite joining in activities or games • Loss • Crying • Not joining in activities or games • Not sleeping • Crying • Keeping themselves to themselves in the cabin.

• Not sleeping • Keeping themselves to themselves in the cabin THERE ARE 3 GROUPS OF PEOPLE INVOLVED IN BULLYING. •

Do these signs/symptom s look like anything else?

Homesickness?

The Bully.

THERE ARE THREE GROUPS OF PEOPLE INVOLVED IN BULLYING. • The Victim.

• The • Bully The Bystander.

• The Victim VICTIMS There are two types of victim.

• The Bystander

1. PASSIVE OR SUBMISSIVE Physically weaker.

VICTIMS

• •

They are afraid of being hurt, have poor physical condition There are two types of victim. and don’t do well in sports.

• Cautious, sensitive, quiet, shy & withdrawn

• • •

Anxious, sensitive, cry or become easily upset Poor self-esteem Have difficulty standing up for themselves.

1. PASSIVE OR SUBMISSIVE 2.

PROVOCATIVE VICTIMS

Have • Physically weaker. poor social skills and appear to instigate • Do not develop strong friendships bullying (ADD/ADHD) • Hyperactive,and restless • They are afraid of being hurt, have poor physical condition don’t do well in sports.

• Clumsy, immature and exhibit irritating habits • Pick on smaller kids Cautious, quiet, • Hot• tempered and sensitive, attempt to fight back shy whenand withdrawn • Kids that get bullied can also be bullies. victimized • Anxious, sensitive, cry or become easily upset • Poor self-esteem • Have difficulty standing up for themselves •

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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2. PROVOCATIVE VICTIMS • Have poor social skills and appear to instigate bullying (ADD/ADHD) • Clumsy, immature and exhibit irritating habits • Hot tempered and attempt to fight back when victimized • Do not develop strong friendships • Hyperactive, restless • Pick on smaller kids • Kids that get bullied can also be bullies

MOST CAMPERS ARE IN A THIRD CATEGORY BYSTANDERS Typically, bystanders do nothing about bullying because they…

• Do not know what to do, what to say, who to tell • Are afraid to get involved • May consider the bully a friend • Thinks the target “asks for it” • Thinks the target should “stand up for themselves” MOSTthey CAMPERS ARE IN THE THIRD CATEGORY • Most are pleased are not the victim • BYSTANDERS See adults ignore it… so why can’t they!

3.

Typically, bystanders do nothing about bullying because they…

It isnotimportant in the Camp setting that we, as staff, do allow bullying to occur.

• Do know what to do, what to say, who to • not Thinks the target should “stand up for • If you hear someone calling a camper a name… STOP IT! tell. themselves” • Are to get Most are pleased they are not the victim.

• afraid If you useinvolved bad language and allow the kids to use• bad language…

• May consider the bully a friend • See adults ignore it… so why can’t they!

This will be intimidating to some campers.

• Thinks the target “asks for it” • If you hear a camper make an off-the-cuff comment… ADDRESS IT! It is important in the camp setting that we, as staff do not allow bullying to occur.

• •

If you hear someone callingOF a camper a name… STOP IT! DIFFERENT TYPES BULLYING

you use bad language and allow the kids to use bad language… This will be If• Physical intimidating to some campers.

• Verbal • If you hear a camper make an off-the-cuff comment… ADDRESS IT! • Cyber DIFFERENT TYPES OF BULLYING • Relational

• • • •

Physical Verbal DYNAMICS OF BULLYING Cyber • 80 percent of children have developed the social Relational skill to function well in their own age-related space

DYNAMICS OF BULLYING without significant adult intervention. They can

CLIQUES are a form of Relational Bullying.

• Bottom 20 percent - Bullying is especially

• 80 percent children have developed the social skill” etc. to They • Bottom 20% - Bullying Their is especially problematic.

Theirare an open dealofwith conflict, “stay cool, ” “let it go, problematic. emotional reactions emotional reactions are an open invitation to aggression function well in their own age-related space without learn these situations are usually temporary. invitation to aggression from the kid(s) who want significant adult intervention. They can deal with conflict, from the kid(s) who want power and control over them.

• “Social Dominance” power over them.

Thearound bully sees an “stay cool”, “let it go” etc. They learn these situations are The bully sees anand easycontrol target to impress those Top 20 percent need to dominate and lead. Top of usually• temporary. him. easy target to impress those around him.

• Male Bullies – tend to use more physical violence.

• “Social Dominance” the totem pole.

• Male bullies – tend to use more physical violence.

• Females – physical violence is increasing at an • Top 20% need to dominate and lead.

Top of the totem • Middle 60 percent - These and the top 20 percent • Female bullies – physical violencealarming is increasing at pole rate however it is more likely to be more within social can manage much of the bullying and aggression

an alarming rate however it is more likely to be circles, harder to identify.

• Middle 60% - These and the top 20% can manage much they experience on they theirexperience own. more within social circles, harder to identify. of the bullying and aggression on their own.

BULLYING AT CAMP

Camp is the perfect place to address bullying but also for it to develop. © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

Why can bullying be more prevalent at camp?

• Bullying peaks during middle school years

Back to Table of Contents • Returning campers may like to stamp their authority

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BULLYING AT CAMP Camp is the perfect place to address bullying but also for it to develop.

Why can bullying be more prevalent at Camp: • Bullying peaks during middle school years between the ages of 10 and 14. These are the majority of ages for kids attending Camp.

• Campers are seeking immediate acceptance and popularity so they might latch on to a leader’s example or even try and become the dominant person immediately.

• Returning campers may like to stamp their authority early.

• Camp can develop competitiveness amongst campers, which can increase division and hierarchy.

Why Camp can be the perfect place to address bullying: • Camp creates environments where kids can succeed. By enhancing confidence, competence and esteem, campers have the potential to leave Camp with more positive feelings about themselves.

• A NEW START – Camp creates opportunities for positive social interaction away from stigmas and stereotypes they may have at home. Campers have an opportunity to create a new identity, showing their BEST selves to others.

• Camp is a place that is designed for positive nurturance and development.

• Counselors are unique role models that campers may not have seen before. Different from parents, teachers, family, etc. Counselors have a possible influence, much greater than previous mentors.

• By living with those they are bullying, bullies have a chance to see the residual effect with the help of a counselor that they may not get after leaving every day to go home after school.

SO, WE’VE IDENTIFIED BULLYING. HOW DO WE ADDRESS IT? 1. STOP THE BEHAVIOR • Interrupt the comment or stop the physical harassment 26 • Do not pull the camper aside for confidentiality.

• Make sure all campers hear you addressing the action.

This is a little controversial. But demonstrating that bullying has no place in Camp will send a message to etc. Counselors have a possible influence, much greater they may not get after leaving every day to go home after the entire dorm. school. than previous mentors.

2. IDENTIFY THE • By living withBEHAVIOR those they are bullying, bullies have a chance seefocus the residual effect with the not helpthe of a camper. counselor that • Turntothe on the behavior, SO, WE’VE IDENTIFIED BULLYING. HOW DO WE ADDRESS IT? º That was name-calling. º That was pushing 1. STOP THE BEHAVIOR º That’s rumor spreading • Interrupt the comment or stop the physical harassment 3.

REMIND THE CAMPERS OF OUR EXPECTATIONS (Cabin Rules) • Do not pull the camper aside for confidentiality.

• Make campers you addressing the action.

• Wesure doallnot treathear people that way • This Weiswant a greatthat summer a little everyone controversial.to Buthave demonstrating bullying camp has no place in camp will send a message to the entire dorm. experience SEE CABIN RULES THE BEHAVIOR 2. • IDENTIFY We treat everyone with respect. the focus on the behavior, not the camper. and • Turn • How others feel is important. o That was name-calling.

CONSEQUENCES! 4. REMINDoCAMPERS OF BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS That was pushing o That’s rumor name spreading.

• Call people by their 3.

REMIND THE CAMPERS OF to OUR (Cabin rules) • Treat others as you wish beEXPECTATIONS treated not treat people that way • • We Bedoaware of others’ feelings • We want everyone to have a great summer camp experience • We treat everyone with respect.

• How others feel is important. ©4.

Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021OF BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS Back to Table of Contents REMIND CAMPERS • Call people by their name • Treat others as you wish to be treated

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RECAP • KEEP THE FOCUS ON THE BULLY AND THEIR BEHAVIOR. • Follow the FOUR steps listed above.

• 20-30 seconds MAX • Check back with the victim later!

• We must be consistent as a staff in addressing this behavior.

• Starts with the rules. Rules must be: Observable, Enforceable, Logical, Specific, Positive and have input from the campers.

• PROFESSIONAL APPROACH • Be assertive, but also mindful of how we communicate.

• Calm demeanor • Body language • Eye contact • Neutral tone of voice • Choice of words So, this is all well and good if we see the behavior. We do not always see the behavior. We do not always see the events. So, when we identify the behavior use the following phrases when going through the four steps: • “Campers are complaining that...”

• “It has been brought to my attention that…”

• “A counselor has indicated that…”

Possible responses from the Aggressor: • Denies all wrongdoing • Trivializes the event • Counter attacks • Claims victim status and/or accuses the other camper of starting the episode • Tries to cast the bullied student as the bully • Counts on the support of the bystanders What does a bystander do to prevent further bullying?

• Don’t join in • Tell the bullies to stop • Separate the bully from the camper being bullied • Report to a trusted adult Reporting to an adult is the hardest one for campers aged 9 through 14 to do. Campers have a tough time coming to terms with the feeling that they are tattling. It is not snitching if you are trying to get someone out of trouble.

• Reporting a camper for reading a comic book in school is tattling.

• Reporting an incident that you saw a camper get hit is HELPING.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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SAFETY ISSUES - EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL • Keep boundaries - This means that while it is great to share your own experience (like if you were once homesick or afraid to try something, etc.), news about your private sexual or romantic life is not appropriate to share with your campers (even though they may be curious about it and ask you). The other side of this is respecting distance that campers may need. What campers share with us about themselves is privileged. When we don’t respect that, we lose their trust.

• Set limits - As you may have heard children don’t have good “brakes.” What that means is they often do not know when to stop. Setting limits means helping a child take “no” for an answer! (Remember: When children feel out of control, they do not feel safe - and someone may get hurt.)

• Allow children to “save face” - What children fear more than anything else is being humiliated - being made to feel small. If you characteristically deal with children in such a way that you leave them feeling this way, they will resent you and stop listening to you.

• Acknowledging growth, change or adaptation - Children need to hear us notice they are growing up!

“You know Billy, you’ve really come a long way! You haven’t been afraid at all this week!!” “Sally, three days ago you wouldn’t have been able to say that!”

STAFF AND GOSSIP While I do not want to know what you do on your time off, it is important to understand that, as a Camp counselor your actions and behavior have a bearing on your ability to perform your job. You are all adults.

If you are involved in a consenting relationship that is your business. There are boundaries that you need to understand and be aware of.

• Campers should NEVER know anything about your personal relationships.

• As a staff member, you do not discuss your fellow staff members’ personal business with the campers or other staff members.

Campers will ask. You NEVER give them any information that pertains to your night off. You never give them any details about your private life.

• Where are you going?

• Who are you going with?

• Do you have a girlfriend?

• Do you have a boyfriend?

• Are you gay?

• Are you a virgin?

• How many times have you had sex?

• Why is your tongue pierced?

Why will they ask you these questions? They are curious. Our job is to provide campers a safe, caring environment. They do not keep secrets. They will tell their parents. They will tell their friends. They will spread the gossip.

There are no secrets in Camp. Be respectful to your fellow staff members. The Staff Lounge is provided to all staff for your usage. Respect each other’s values and privacy. Do not make the Lounge or The Spot uncomfortable for others to use. You are not doing anyone any favors by spreading gossip.

Keep a professional distance from the campers. Remember at all times you are an employee of Hermann Sons Life Camp. © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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WHAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE WHEN WORKING WITH CHILDREN

by Bob Ditter •

•

•

•

Countdown - Children lose track of time easily. Giving them a five-minute warning before the end of a period helps them make the transition easier.

Allow the children to be “experts” - Many children come to Camp with a lot of knowledge about hobbies, sports - even about Camp, having come back several years in a row. Allowing children to show off what they know - acknowledging their expertise - helps them to feel a sense of mastery and is a great way to establish mutual respect. Tip: Have returning campers show new campers around.

Listen - Most children are so used to adults not listening to them that they will be impressed when you do! Feeling unheard (or misunderstood, which is just another form of feeling unheard) is one of the worst feelings there is.

Share your “self” - Sharing your own experiences in appropriate ways helps children see their own experiences as more normal. Besides, children seldom have the opportunity to engage with adults in meaningful ways. Camp is a place where this can happen!

ACTIVE SUPERVISION (ST.25.1D) (ST.28.1)

So, throughout this manual I’m using the phrase Active Supervision. What do we mean by the phrase ACTIVE SUPERVISION? As you have been told, the purpose of the counselor is to be there for the camper. Create an environment that is conducive to campers feeling safe. Actively supervising the campers is a 24/7 responsibility. It is easy to do at the activity site. As a smart, knowledgeable adult, you understand that if you are not active when belaying campers… there is a high level of danger. What is less evident is the importance of “active supervision” during cabin time. Cabin time is an incredible opportunity for you to “hang out” with your campers. Get to know them. Ask questions. Be interested in them and their experience at HERMANN SONS LIFE CAMP. If you are not scheduled “time-off” then you are working.

This is not the time to be sleeping on your bed, reading a book, wearing your iPod or zoning out – you are to be actively supervising the campers in your care. Unstructured cabin time, statistically in camping, is the most dangerous time on Camp. It is the camper’s Rest Period, not yours.

• Counselors practicing ACTIVE SUPERVISION are essential in preventing bullying.

• Counselors practicing ACTIVE SUPERVISION are essential in preventing homesickness.

• Counselors practicing ACTIVE SUPERVISION are essential in providing campers an excellent summer camp experience.

This is where the true value and greatest impact on the life of a child happens.

RULE OF TWO (ST.28.1) (ST.36.1)

No staff member nor CIT should ever be alone with a camper where others cannot see. It is always important to remember that if you are taking a camper to the dorm to use the restroom – you stay outside while the camper enters the dorm to use the restroom.

Walking a camper to the Clinic or the dorm is acceptable during the day because there is no expectation of privacy. Sitting on a camper’s bed is acceptable (if invited) during relaxation time where there are many campers and staff in the immediate vicinity. © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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AGE CHARACTERISTICS AT CAMP (ST.25.1B)

PRACTICAL CAMP APPLICATIONS (8-10) POSITIVES

• Very caring. Wants to think they are older and more independent but still like stories and hugs.

• Asleep well before 10 p.m.

• Can be motivated with proper guidance.

• Will help with chores.

• Great sense of humor. Always make you laugh.

• Always willing to try new things.

• Look up to their counselor. You don’t need to earn their respect but can lose it very quickly.

NEGATIVES • Infrequent temper tantrums.

• Bed wetting still a problem.

• Cabin clean-up. It’s all on the counselor to cover the camper’s tracks!

• Counselor will have to redo a lot of their camper's efforts.

• Struggle to follow direction.

• Wander a lot. Still require 24/7 supervision.

• Difficult time with the basics... showers, brushing teeth/hair, dressing, etc.

• Need constant reminding. You must make sure the campers are taking showers. They will try to fake you out!

PRACTICAL CAMP APPLICATIONS (11-13)

NEUTRAL • Wants independence but still wants affection.

• Detects unfair and fair treatment easily.

• Need a great deal of support.

POSITIVES • Good sense of humor.

• Normally respects authority.

• All talk, no action (i.e. cabin raids).

• Feelings of hatred aimed at adults are short lived.

• Few temper tantrums.

• Talk about a variety of subjects in a funny way.

• Strong sense of friendship.

• Strong sense of trust.

• Generally easy to solve cabin problems.

• Respond well to offer of simple rewards. © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

NEGATIVES • All want attention at the same time.

• Tend to be more homesick.

• Get emotionally upset easily.

• Hard to tell if they desire or do not desire adult affection.

• Tend to hang on to and depend on others more.

• Hard to get them to do chores or shower.

• Not a lot of independence can be given.

• Feed off each other’s emotions.

• Continual horseplay.

PRACTICAL CAMP APPLICATIONS (CIT’s 14-16) NEUTRAL • Looking for acceptance of peers.

• Able to be their friend.

• Varying background and cultures become a challenge.

• All campers look to the seniors, they want to be like them.

POSITIVES • More mature - you will be able to have excellent communication on a mature level.

• Not high counselor maintenance in personal living skills. i.e. showers, teeth.

• Counselors can influence them, i.e. ideas, motivation, ability, emulation, ease.

• Easier to relate to - age difference not that great.

• More responsible. (See below) • More independence.

NEGATIVES • Very cliquey • May smoke/drink (and ask you to provide) • Up late, very late.

• Attitude: "I pay to come here, you can't tell me."

• Foul language.

• More irresponsible. Requires constant supervision, though not as hands-on as in the youngest divisions.

• One camper can influence the whole cabin.

• They know the Camp - may have been coming for many years and they will test you. Important to draw an authoritative role, so that they do not push all over you.

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WORKING WITH ADD/ADHD CHILDREN Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) seem to be coming to Camp in greater numbers than ever. They have probably always been there, just without the label. One reason we may be seeing ADHD children in greater numbers is that the medical professions have gotten better at identifying it. Another reason may be that the stigma about ADHD seems to be decreasing in intensity for many parents.

Success in working with these children at Camp depends on a number of factors: • First, you must have some understanding of the syndrome itself and what it is and what it is not.

• Second, you must be able to obtain accurate information from parents before the child comes to Camp.

• Third, you must have some tools for working with that child - practical strategies that are easily executed by your staff.

• Finally, you should also have some cursory knowledge of the medication issues involved in treating ADHD so that you can speak intelligently with parents, staff, children and the prescribing physician.

ADHD – WHAT IS IT? Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a combination of symptoms that include inattention, distractibility, impulsiveness and other difficulties associated with attention. Behaviors associated with ADHD include fidgeting, being easily distracted, difficulty in following directions or instructions, daydreaming, interrupting others, losing or misplacing things and having difficulty finishing tasks or assignments. Organizationally, children with ADHD are a mess! There’s a lot of confusion and misunderstanding about this syndrome. Some of the difficulty comes from the nature of “attention” itself.

Attention and the ability to maintain one’s attention is greatly influenced by a number of factors, including mood, motivation, environmental circumstances, level of fatigue and so on. Even individuals with brain damage have better or poorer performance with motivation changes. However, children who have a legitimate attention deficit do have tremendous difficulty keeping up with other children.

HYPERACTIVITY IN CHILDREN Many children can, from time to time, behave in a highly active manner. “Hyperactivity” can be caused by many factors - excitement about being at Camp or at a favorite © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

Camp activity; anxiety about being away from home or in the company of people who are not quite friends yet; or nervousness about performing in a new arena.

There are also “clinical” reasons for a child’s overactive behavior. These include (a) having ADHD. This is organic-based in the brain; (b) having had a trauma (death of a parent or divorce), from which a child has not yet recovered; or (c) being stimulated by highly charged material or information that is producing a lot of anxiety.

It is important for you as a counselor to know whether a camper has a true attention deficit disorder, since children with ADHD often exhibit behavior that is not willful, such as not listening, “messing up” on rules that were just stated or going ahead without permission of the staff. Campers with ADHD need a different kind of partnership with you, since most children with ADHD have trouble paying attention, keeping track of the rules, knowing what is expected of them and so on.

Another reason to know who does and who does not have an organically based hyperactivity problem is that some children who look “hyper” may be sending us a “coded message” that is actually a cry for help.

In some cases the help is for better self-control, while in other cases it may be a sign that a child is struggling with an emotional injury they cannot cope with on their own. If you think you have a child who is sending a message like that, tell your Senior Counselor or the nurse. The good news is that most of the same approaches and strategies that work with campers who have ADD/ADHD can be used successfully with all campers who are highly active.

For example, most youth with ADHD need more frequent and more immediate feedback from counselors than other children. They need to know when they are doing well and when they are about to go astray or do something not so well. All campers can benefit from that kind of feedback!

Children with ADD/ADHD also respond better when the feedback is positive, the instructions are simplified, commands and rules are stated positively, and a counselor makes better eye contact with them or uses light, appropriate, reassuring touch, like a hand on the shoulder. All of these tactics also work well with other campers too!

The single greatest difference between campers who

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have ADD, and those who do not is that children who can control their behavior if they try, need to get help being accountable for their actions. In other words, you must begin to focus on helping a child take control of him or herself. One of the ways to do this is to stress clearly and simply what your expectations as a counselor are, then to be equally clear about consequences.

For children who do not have an organically-based problem, and even for children who can gain better control with some effort on their part, such things as earning privileges, losing a privilege or taking a time out are effective strategies. Remember that your goal as a counselor is to help children master new behavior. If this means being firm, and you can be firm without humiliating a child, then even if they are angry with you, you can help them do some good growing up!

Once you are clear that being firm is not being mean, you can take a look at some other strategies that help with children who are highly active. Many of these are outlined here. For example, in the bunk or with the group, have the rules stated clearly and post them so campers can see them.

•

•

•

•

•

Keep the rules simple. Have campers repeat them back to you so you can confirm that they understand what is expected. Put your commands and rules in positive terms.

Break tasks down into smaller steps so they are easier to follow. “Prompt” campers with what you want from them. That means giving them a hint or suggestion before they do something.

With very active campers, using rewards works, but you will find that you will have to change the reward frequently, since highly active children get “bored” quickly with whatever you use as the “prize”. Try rewards like a special time with you, special time in a favorite activity or getting to help out with something fun - like helping to light the campfire that night or blowing the whistle at a game, etc. Good supervision in anything you do with an active child is essential!

Many highly active children need a “cooling off” time after a strenuous activity. If they don’t get such a moment, they can become irritable and end up in a fight. When coming to the end of an activity period, give the group a several minute “warning” that the activity is about to come to a close. This helps everyone get used to the idea that they will have to stop and put things away.

Keep highly active children nearer to you. The closer they are, the easier you can see when they are about to “go off” and the easier it is to monitor

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

them. That means sitting next to or near them at meals and in some group activities.

ADHD/COUNSELORS AND CAMP This behavior is not willful and can be variable (in other words, children with ADHD can concentrate or pay attention sometimes and not others). The counselor should focus on problem areas - such as cabin clean-up, transition times, free play and review the ABCs of behavior: A - Antecedent (what’s going on just before unwanted behavior occurs); B - Behavior (what the child did, how the child reacted); C - Consequence (response of peers, primary counselor, etc.)

CHILDREN WITH ADHD TEND TO: • Feel negative about themselves.

• Need to be “right” (to them, being wrong = “I’m bad”) and they get into arguments around being right.

• Become very “bossy” with other children or with adults.

• React poorly to surprises and unscheduled changes.

• Be strongly drawn to emotionally charged materials or events such as: swearing, sexualized ways of talking or behaving, gossiping personal information about others, graffiti, petty vandalism, defacing property.

• Show signs of high anxiety, such as...tics, rocking, fidgeting, talking to oneself, restlessness, tapping.

• Lose the “big picture” or overview (and their perspective) easily.

• Are overwhelmed with too many details. Get stuck on individual items.

• Need high doses of positive reinforcement/feedback.

• Become satiated on rewards or reinforcers quickly (and respond best when reinforces are changed frequently).

• Have good information but poor execution. Test scores show a 20 point discrepancy between verbal and performance scores for ADD/ADHD kids.

• Need and respond well to frequent prompts, countdowns, reminders, cue cards, notes, etc.

• Is an organizational nightmare and needs much help with schedule card in the elective program.

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WANT TO BE A GREAT COUNSELOR? This will help… (and not just with campers who have ADD/ADHD)

• USE Transitions. o Allow 3-5 minute warning - do countdowns. o Allow or build in extra time (prompt these children to start earlier).

• Keep the ADHD child closer to you. o Close physical proximity helps make your routine consistent.

• Use the same phrases and order of events for clean-up and similar kinds of activities.

• Give immediate, positive feedback.

• Use multiple reinforcers. o E.g., free time, special role in a game, going first, using something special in Camp, getting first choice in activities, tokens or points which can be “traded” for different items.

• Allow “down time” for campers to decompress. o Prompt them to do so. Don’t expect they will on their own.

• Use touch when talking to them or instructing them. o Hand on shoulder o upper arm o upper back o even holding a younger child’s hand

LITTLE EYES UPON YOU Unknown author

There are little eyes upon you, And they are watching night and day; There are little ears that quickly Take in every word you say.

There are little hands all eager To do everything you do; and a little boy who's dreaming of the day he'll be like you.

You're the little fellow's idol; You're the wisest of the wise; In his little mind, about you No suspicions ever rise.

He believes in you devotedlly, Holds that all you say and do, He will say and do in your way When he's grown up like you.

There's a wide-eyed little fellow Who believes you're always right; And his ears are always open, And he watches day and night.

You are setting an example Every day in all you do; For the little boy who's waiting To grow up to be just like you.

• Ask them to repeat back to you what you said or asked for or just instructed. o Take care to do this in a way that does not humiliate them in front of other children.

• Seat children close to you in cafeteria/dining hall who may need some extra attention.

• Observe which times are most stressful for the child o E.g., cabin clean-up, rest hour, evening, getting ready for bed and get extra help during those times. © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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IDENTIFYING AND UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS OF CHILD MALTREATMENT (ST.25.1F)

An educational session for Hermann Sons Life Camp Staff C506-0007 The following nine pages contain the approved text of the Hermann Sons Life Camp's MANDATED session on Child Maltreatment.

At Camp, we will all take the course and must sit and pass an examination.

Do not panic. Read through once before arriving in Camp and you’ll do fine.

Developed by Buddy Preuss (2005) Jennifer Cernosek (2011) Updated and Revised by Katie Klohn (2016) Ian Brassett (2020)

WARNING The materials contain some subjects which may/should be disturbing to readers.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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IDENTIFYING AND UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS OF CHILD MALTREATMENT NATIONAL STATISTICS The national rounded number of children in the United States who received a Child Protective Services investigation response increased 8.4% from 2014 (3,261,000) to 2018 (3,534,000).

(Child Maltreatment 2018, letter summary) This is 9.2 children per 1,000 or to put it in pure numbers, 678,000 VICTIMS. (Child Maltreatment 2018, Summary, Exhibit S-1 and Exhibit S-2) The younger the children, the more vulnerable they are to maltreatment.

(Child Maltreatment 2018 Exhibit 3-D) • 26.7%* of victims are under the age of 1.

• 46.3%* of victims are aged 4-8.

• 44%* of victims are aged 9-14. * Percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding.

In 2018 38.1 of every 1,000 Texas children received an investigation or alternative response from Child Protective Services.

(Child Maltreatment 2018, p. 26, Table 3-1) The number of children in Texas that received an investigation from 2014-2018 increased 11.4%.

(Child Maltreatment 2018, p. 25, Table 3-1)

WHO ABUSES AND NEGLECTS CHILDREN? (Child Maltreatment 2018 Summary) • 83.3% of perpetrators are between the ages of 18 and 44.

• 53.8% of perpetrators are female. 45.3% are male.

• 91.7% of perpetrators are a parent of their victim. o 39.4% by the mother acting alone o 21.5% by the father acting alone

WHAT IS CHILD MALTREATMENT? Child maltreatment includes all types of abuse and neglect of a child under the age of 18 by a parent, caregiver or another person in a custodial role.

(2014 Child Maltreatment Fact Sheet)

WHAT TYPES OF ADULTS ACT IN CUSTODIAL ROLES? Teachers, Coaches, Ministers, Babysitters, etc. (someone who is acting as a caregiver). This includes Camp staff.

The term "maltreatment” can be clearer than the term "abuse" because abuse can sound less inclusive.

Maltreatment encompasses abuse.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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TYPES OF MALTREATMENT Have staff identify the four types of child maltreatment. Define each, then list examples on chart.

Let staff make suggestions and complete list with information below.

The four major types of child maltreatment are: • Physical abuse • Neglect

• Emotional abuse • Sexual abuse

In 2018 data shows 84.5% of victims suffer a single type of maltreatment.

(Child Maltreatment 2018, Summary) • 60.8% are neglected only. (47,592* in Texas in 2018) • 10.7% are physically abused. (4,239* in Texas in 2018) • 7.0% are sexually abused only. (5,339* in Texas in 2018) • 15.5% are victims of two or more maltreatment types. (5,541* in Texas in 2018) (Child Maltreatment 2018*, p.40 Table 3-8) PHYSICAL ABUSE Physical abuse is any non-accidental physical injury to a child. Even if the parent or caretaker who inflicts the injury might not have intended to hurt the child, the injury is not considered an accident if the caretaker's actions were intentional. This injury may be the result of any assault on a child' s body, like: • paddling, punching, slapping or hitting • pushing, shaking or kicking • pinching, choking or grabbing with force • inflicting pain with anything hot, sharp or otherwise causing pain or discomfort • severe physical punishment inappropriate to the child 's age Corporal (physical) punishment is distinguished from physical abuse in that physical punishment is the use of physical force with the intent of inflicting bodily pain, but not injury, for the purpose of correction or control. Physical abuse is an injury that results from physical aggression.

Corporal punishment is against Hermann Sons Life Camp's rules.

EMOTIONAL ABUSE Emotional abuse is any attitude, behavior or failure to act on the part of the caregiver that interferes with a child's mental health or social development. Other names for emotional abuse are verbal abuse, mental abuse and psychological maltreatment or abuse.

Emotional abuse can range from a simple verbal insult to an extreme form of punishment. The following are examples of emotional abuse: • ignoring, withdrawal of attention, rejection • using derogatory terms to describe the child, • lack of praise or positive reinforcement name-calling • yelling or screaming • shaming or humiliating • threatening or frightening • habitual scapegoating or blaming • negative comparisons to others • extreme forms of punishment or terrorizing • belittling; telling a child he or she is " no good" • lack of physical affection on part of the parent or " worthless" © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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Emotional abuse is almost always present when another form of abuse is found. Emotional abuse can come from adults or from other children, such as bullies at school or camp.

NEGLECT Neglect is a failure to provide for the child's basic needs.

The types of neglect are physical, educational and emotional.

Physical neglect is not providing for a child's physical needs, including • inadequate provision of food, housing or clothing appropriate for weather • lack of supervision • expulsion from the home or refusal to allow a runaway to return home • abandonment • denial or delay of medical care • inadequate hygiene provisions Educational neglect is the failure to enroll a child of mandatory school age in school or to provide necessary special education. This includes allowing excessive truancies from school.

Emotional (psychological) neglect is a lack of emotional support and love, such as • not attending to the child's needs, including need for affection • failure to provide necessary psychological care • domestic violence in the child's presence, such as spousal abuse • drug or alcohol abuse in the presence of the child, or allowing the child to participate in drug or alcohol use When authorities examine emotional neglect, they take into consideration cultural values and family income, which may affect the level of care.

Some overlap exists between definitions of emotional abuse and emotional neglect; regardless, they are both child abuse.

Neglect is the leading type of child maltreatment in Texas (Child Maltreatment 2018, Table 3-8).

SEXUAL ABUSE Sexual abuse of a child is any sexual act between an adult and a child. This includes: • fondling, touching or kissing • touching a child's genitals or making the child touch the adult's genitals • penetration, intercourse, incest, rape, oral sex or sodomy • exposing the child to adult sexuality in other forms (showing sex organs to a child, forced observation of sexual acts, showing pornographic material (like magazines) or enticing them to observe such materials, telling "dirty" stories) • other privacy violations (forcing the child to undress, spying on a child in the bathroom or bedroom) • sexual exploitation • child prostitution • using children in the production of pornography

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The above acts are considered child abuse when they are committed by a relative or caretaker, such as a parent, babysitter, daycare provider, teacher or youth camp staff member, whether inside the home or apart from the home. (If a stranger, neighbor, friend or anyone outside the caretaker role commits the act, it is called sexual assault.) The legal age of consent for two people to have sexual relations in Texas is 17.

Having sex with a person under the legal age of consent is against the law. Even if the two parties agree to the sexual relationship, it is still against the law.

Sexual abuse is especially complicated because of the power differential between the adult and the child, because of the negotiations that must occur between the adult and the child, and because the child has no way to assimilate the experience into a mature understanding of intimacy. Regardless of the child's behavior or reactions, it is the responsibility of the adult not to engage in sexual acts with children. Sexual abuse is never the child's fault.

RECOGNIZING CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT The first step in helping abused or neglected children is learning to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect. The presence of a single physical or behavioral sign does not prove child abuse is occurring; however, when these signs appear repeatedly or in combination you should take a closer look at the situation and consider the possibility of child abuse.

Help staff to understand children will come to camp who have been abused. Discuss signs and symptoms of the child, the parent and interaction between the child and the parent.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS IN THE CHILD

SOME SIGNS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE • Unexplained burns, cuts, bruises, bite marks or welts in the shape of an object • Anti-social or passive behavior • Fear of adults SOME SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE • Apathy • Depression • Hostility

• Self-destructive or suicidal behavior • Depression or poor self-image • Overly compliant, passive or withdrawn • Problems in school, sudden changes • Lack of concentration • Eating disorders

SOME SIGNS OF NEGLECT • Unsuitable clothing for weather • Lack of hygiene, not bathed, dirty clothes

• Extreme hunger • Apparent lack of supervision

SOME SIGNS OF SEXUAL ABUSE • Inappropriate interest or knowledge of sexual acts • Seductiveness • Avoidance of things related to sexuality or rejection of own genitals or bodies • Nightmares and bed wetting • Drastic changes in appetite

• Over compliance or excessive aggression • Fear of a particular person or family member • Withdrawal, secretiveness or depression • Suicidal behavior • Eating disorders • Self-injury

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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS IN THE PARENT • Shows little concern for the child • Denies the existence of or blames the child for problems in school or at home • Asks teachers or other caretakers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves

• Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless or burdensome • Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve • Looks primarily to the child for care, attention and satisfaction of emotional needs

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS IN THE PARENT AND CHILD • Rarely touch or look at each other • Consider their relationship entirely negative

• State that they do not like each other

THE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS OF CHILD ABUSE Why would someone deliberately hurt a child? What kind of person abuses a child? Not all abuse is deliberate or intended. Several factors in a person's life may combine to move them toward abusing a child: • general stress • the stress of having children in the family, when one didn't have children before • dealing with a child who has a disability or difficult behaviors • the stress of caring for someone besides oneself

• a personal history of being abused (childhood trauma) • alcohol or drug use • marital conflict • unemployment

No one has been able to predict which of these factors will cause someone to abuse a child. A significant factor is that abuse tends to be intergenerational - those who were abused as children are more likely to repeat the act when they become parents or caretakers.

In addition, many forms of abuse arise from ignorance, isolation or benign neglect. Sometimes a cultural tradition leads to abuse, for example: • children are property • parents (especially males) have the right to control their children in any way they wish • children need to be toughened up to face the hardships of life

THE RESULTS OF CHILD ABUSE Child abuse can have the following dire consequences: • The child may become someone who lies, resents, • The child will have low self-esteem and is likely to fears and retaliates rather than loves, trusts and engage in self-destructive behaviors. listens.

• The child's psychological development and social • The child may become reclusive and alienated. behavior will be impaired.

• The child may have difficulty establishing intimate • The child may develop high levels of anxiety, relationships as an adult. depression, substance abuse and medical illness.

• The child will be more likely to abuse as an adult.

The results of being abused as a child vary according to the severity of the abuse and the surrounding environment of the child.

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CHARACTERISTICS AND BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS OF ADULTS WHO MOLEST CHILDREN When people imagine a child molester, they picture some ugly old man in a trench coat coaxing children to come to him in exchange for some candy. They don't picture Uncle Joe or Aunt Sue, the neighbor next door, the friendly parishioner, another family member or a camp counselor.

Child molesters come from all walks of life and all socio-economic groups. They can be male or female, rich or poor, employed or unemployed, religious or non-religious, or from any race.

Repeat abusers are especially good at "grooming" the people around them.

Let’s look again at who abuses and neglects children (Child Maltreatment 2018 Summary) • 83.3% of perpetrators are between the ages of 18 and 44.

• 53.8% of perpetrators are female. 45.3% are male.

• 91.7% of perpetrators are a parent of their victim. º 39.4% by the mother acting alone º 21.5% by the father acting alone Adults who molest children can generally be divided into two groups, according to their behaviors. A small percentage may suffer from lifelong exclusive attraction to children and have little or no emotional interest in adult partners. The majority is not exclusively attracted to children, have adult emotional relationships, and have not molested multiple child victims. It is a widespread misconception that child molestation consists mainly of children being seized off the street and being forcibly molested. Although these incidents do occur, the vast majority of child molesters are adults who seduce children through subtle intimidation and persuasion and are known to the child.

Persons who molest children may seek employment opportunities with programs involving children.

Persons who molest children: • Are aware, in most cases, of their preference for • May collect child erotica and child-adult children before they reach age 18. Most offenders pornography which may be used in the following are males, but some women also molest children. ways: • Are usually married. A small number never marry º To lower the inhibitions of the victims and maintain a lifelong sexual and emotional º To fantasize when no potential victim is available interest in children. º To relive past sexual activities • May relate better to children than adults and may º To justify their inappropriate sexual activities feel more comfortable with children and their º To blackmail victims to keep them from telling interests.

• May possess alcohol or drugs and furnish them • May have few close adult friends. to their victims to lower inhibitions.

• Usually prefer children in a specific age group.

• Talk to children in ways that equalize their • Usually prefer one gender over the other; however, relationship. some are bisexual in their preferences.

• May talk about children in the same manner as one • May seek employment or volunteer opportunities would talk about an adult lover or partner. with programs involving children.

• May seek out organizations and publications that • May feel emotionally attached to children to the support his sexual beliefs and practices. extent that emotional needs are met by engaging • May offer to baby-sit or take children on trips in in relationships with children. order to manipulate situations to sleep with or • Often photograph or collect photographs of near children or bathe or dress them. their victims, dressed, nude or involved in sexual • May be seen at places frequented by children. acts. © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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(Caution: Some people who have molested or plan to molest a child exhibit no observable behavior patterns.)

Sexual molesters can entice children under the guise of sex education, by using threats, and through the misuse of power.

More Characteristics of Perpetrators (from Child Maltreatment 2018): • Most children are maltreated by their parents rather than relatives or caregivers • Perpetrators are typically less than 44 years of age • Female perpetrators are greater than males in number Molestation is usually secretive and is sometimes accomplished through misuse of power, mental duress and threats, or under the guise of sex education. Through intimidation, the child is made to feel responsible for the molestation and for keeping the acts secret.

Help staff to understand molesters could be among us at camp. It is our job to help everyone follow the rules that have been established to protect the campers.

REPORTING ALLEGED ABUSE, NEGLECT OR EXPLOITATION AT TEXAS YOUTH CAMPS What is to be done if a person suspects child abuse?

If a person, including any member of camp staff, a camp counselor or camp director has cause to believe that a minor has been or may have been abused or neglected at a youth camp, then that person shall immediately make a report to one of the following agencies.

Who exactly is a "proper authority"?

• Any local or state law enforcement agency.

• The Department of Family Protective Services Abuse Hotline at 800-252-5400 or through the secure website at http://www.txabusehotline.org/ It is MANDATED that persons making a report to the agencies listed above must also notify: • Department of State Health Services Policy, Standards and Quality Assurance Unit by phone at 512-834-6788, by fax at 512-834-6707 or by email at PHSCPS@dshs.texas.gov ANY ABUSE THAT OCCURRED AT HOME OR OTHER LOCATION, NOT ON CAMP PREMISES, SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY PROTECTIVE SERVICES. CALL THE 24-HOUR, TOLL-FREE ABUSE HOTLINE AT 1-800-252-5400.

Are the camp administrators a "proper authority?"

No. Camp policy states that a staff member should report suspected child abuse to the Camp Director at which time the staff member and Camp Director together will contact the proper authority. Ultimately though, the State of Texas recognizes it as the responsibility of the individual.

What if a person is not sure that abuse is or may be occurring?

The child abuse reporting law requires you make a report if you have any reason to believe that abuse might have occurred. Therefore, you must make a report even if you have no way of confirming your suspicions.

You can talk with a member of the Director's Staff at camp or a trained professional at the Child Abuse Hotline at 800-252-5400 if you observe behavior in a child that gives you cause for concern but would like more information about whether the behavior is indicative of abuse or neglect. © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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What if a person's suspicions are wrong?

You are immune from civil or criminal liability for any report of child abuse as long as the report is made in good faith. A person who reports his or her own conduct, or who acts in bad faith or with malice in reporting alleged abuse, is not immune from civil or criminal liability. Any person who knowingly or intentionally makes a false report commits a Class A misdemeanor that is punishable by a fine up to $4,000 and/or imprisonment up to one year.

Is the report confidential?

A report of suspected child abuse or neglect is confidential and is not subject to public release under the Open Records Act. The identity of the person making the report as well as information contained in the report may be disclosed only for purposes consistent with the investigation of the alleged child abuse and in accordance with the requirements of the Family Code.

What happens if child abuse is suspected but not reported?

Failure to make a required child abuse report may be subject to criminal prosecution or civil liability. This is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,000 and or imprisonment for up to 180 days.

What do you do at Camp that helps with the problem of child maltreatment.

PREVENTION AT CAMP As we have mentioned before, adults may seek out employment at summer camps. We must constantly be vigilant for situations where the rules laid out for the safety of the campers are broken. It is, however, not just CAMPER-COUNSELOR issues that we, as a camp, must be concerned about.

As an overnight camp, where campers and staff live together, we must be constantly vigilant that camper-camper issues do not arise while the campers are in our care. Consensual and non-consensual sexual activity between campers, either same-gender or with members of the opposite gender, must be prevented. Providing a safe environment is our number one priority. How do we do this?

MANY of the rules, regulations and policies we have laid out in our Staff Agreement, Job Descriptions, Pre-Orientation Welcome Booklet, Guide to Camp Counseling, Activity Lesson Plans and the Staff Manual, are all designed to create a safe, structured and caring environment for our campers and staff.

Our policies and procedures discussed and covered during Staff Development from setting the tone with our campers on arrival day through dorm meetings and the establishment of rules, sessions on well-camp policies (dining, sunscreen, rest, hydration), bullying, homesickness, activity lesson plans, transportation policies, clinic rules and regulations, etc.) are important and all lead to Hermann Sons Life Camp preventing unwanted situations allowing our campers to thrive and grow in a safe environment. Three key elements to providing a safe environment are: 1. ACTIVE SUPERVISION 2. RULE OF TWO 3. CONSTANT VIGILANCE ACTIVE SUPERVISION The dorms provide an incredible opportunity for you to “hang-out” with your campers. Get to know them.

Ask questions. Be interested in them and their experience at camp. If you are not scheduled “Time-Off” then © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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you are working. This is not time to be sleeping, wearing your iPod or zoning out – you are to be actively supervising the campers in your care. Walk through the dorm. Listen to the campers' conversations. Observe body language and cliques.

Rest period, shower time, Clean for Ice Cream (unstructured cabin time), statistically in camping, is the most dangerous time on camp. Campers many years from now will remember the counselors with great affection who braided their hair, or simply sat next to them and talked with them. This is where the counselor’s true value and greatest impact on the life of a child happens.

• Active supervision prevents bullying.

• Active supervision prevents homesickness.

• Active supervision provides campers a safe environment.

RULE OF TWO Counselors (and staff ) should never be alone with a camper. This protects the child and you. Using the same rationale, it is important that two campers should never be left alone. When sending campers to the restroom or the clinic, always send three campers. And mix them up.

CONSTANT VIGILANCE / STAFF SUPPORT It is not enough to know the rules and regulations in place. We must remain vigilant to the application of the policies and procedures. It is rare that we will catch a predator “red handed”. It is much more likely that we will observe a staff member breaking the rules, being alone in a dorm, hanging out with the same campers, not taking their time-off in order to stay with the campers.

While Hermann Sons Life Camp hires senior counselors, activity specialists, program assistants, directors and assistant directors – it takes everyone to create a safe environment. We must all be watchful. Help staff members to make the right decisions. Lack of action could be interpreted as concurrence or acceptance. If you witness a staff member being abusive toward a child and do nothing, then you are condoning/ supporting their actions. Use the chain of command or go directly to the Executive Camp Director or Camp Director.

THE CAMPER-COUNSELOR RELATIONSHIP Many campers will report child abuse to counselors or other staff because of the respect and trust that is developed at camp.

If a child chooses you as a confidante, it is important that you listen. Elicit as much information without leading the child.

If you are the first person the child has told about sexual abuse, your testimony could become very important in possible future legal proceedings. The first person a child tells about sexual abuse is called an "outcry witness," and all information given to you by the child is admissible evidence.

Many children report abuse with the expectation the information will remain in confidence. Counselors or other staff may be worried about betraying the camper's trust when making a report. In such cases, explain to the camper that it is best for them if this is reported.

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CAMP CAN BE PART OF THE SOLUTION CAMP BUILDS SELF-ESTEEM Children who have low self-esteem cannot protect themselves.

CAMP TEACHES DECISION MAKING Children who can make decisions trust their own feelings and say no when something feels wrong.

CAMP IS A SUPPORT SYSTEM Children need positive adult role models and need to know where they can go for help.

CAMP LISTENS TO CHILDREN Believe what they are telling you and listen carefully.

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CORE ACTIVITY MANUAL

The daily proram at Hermann Sons Life Camp is designed to provide campers a FUN experience while teaching valuable safety regulations and building basic skill development.

Our intention is to teach the kiddos the fundamentals of the activity so they have a basis for enjoying the activity the rest of their lives.

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HERMANN SONS LIFE CAMP 2021 Camp Schedule 7:30 a.m.

7:50 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

9:15 a.m.

9:30-10:15 a.m.

10:20-11:05 a.m.

11:05-11:15 a.m.

11:15 a.m.-12 Noon 12:10-12:55 p.m.

12:55-1:35 p.m.

1:35-2:50 p.m.

2:50-3:35 p.m.

3:35-3:45 p.m.

3:50-4:35 p.m.

4:40-5:25 p.m.

5:30-6:15 p.m.

6:15-7 p.m.

7:15-8:45 p.m.

8:45-9 p.m.

9-10 p.m.

10 p.m.*

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

Wake-up Group A - Breakfast (4 dorms) Group B - Clean for Ice Cream Group B - Breakfast (4 dorms) Group A - Clean for Ice Cream Flagpole ACTIVITY ONE ACTIVITY TWO Punch Break ACTIVITY THREE Group A - Lunch Group B - Canteen or Relax in Cabin Group B - Lunch Group A - Canteen or Relax in Cabin Rest Period ACTIVITY FOUR Snack Break ACTIVITY FIVE ACTIVITY SIX Group A - Dinner Group B - Prepare for evening activity Group B - Dinner Group A - Prepare for evening activity FLAG POLE and EVENING ACTIVITY Snack Taps, Grateful Circles and Showers Curfew * May be 10:30 p.m.

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These pages contain information which applies to all of the activities that we offer here at Hermann Sons Life Camp.

During Pre-Camp Zoom Trainings, Skill Development Program Assistant will always do their best to Week and Staff Development Week, Camp accommodate the camper. management will work with our staff to prepare them for the arrival of our campers. Prior to working with the DO YOU HAVE NEW PROGRAM IDEAS? campers, all staff instructors must be qualified during LET US KNOW! orientation by the activity specialist as having the If you have any suggestions on what will make this skills and knowledge necessary to lead the activity in activity safer or more fun, let us know! Camper a safe, fun manner. Part of the knowledge necessary to satisfaction is key. From drills, fun games or even new lead the activity is contained in the following Program evening programs… We want to hear about it! Speak Information. with your Activity Specialist, Senior Counselors, Directors or the Executive Director.

ACTIVITY OPERATION – FREE-CHOICE PROGRAM Hermann Sons Life Camp’s activity program is a STAFF COMMUNICATION - TALK TO EACH OTHER! free-choice program. Before Camp, campers list the top Communication is essential in all aspects of Camp but 10 activities they would like to participate in while at especially in the activity program. When there is an Camp. issue between two staff members, direct communication between the two is expected, not with The Program Assistant for each Camp will then others. If you cannot solve the issue at hand between schedule the camper six different activities each day yourselves, take the issue to the Activity Specialist, first.

(Monday through Thursday) based on their activity Issues will be taken to the Camp Director, if needed. choices.

COUNSELOR ASSIGNMENTS – IT’S ABOUT THE KIDS! The camper receives their weekly activity schedule on Each counselor will be assigned to six different activity arrival day. periods each day (Monday through Thursday). It is important that all counselors are flexible and While not always possible, our goal is to give the cooperative when it comes to their assignments. If camper their top six activity choices. there is a serious issue with your assignment, it can be taken up with the Program Assistant or Camp Director.

SCHEDULE CHANGING – REMEMBER THE WHY! We want the camper’s week at Camp to be the best While we will try to schedule the staff member a varied week of their entire year. On arrival day (Sunday) the and diverse schedule, our goal is to always provide the camper will see their schedule for the week for the first camper the best possible daily activity program. time.

Some staff have been hired specifically and trained as This is what we send to the parents in an email: lifeguards, tennis instructors, rocketry staff, Challenge We will have your child’s weekly activity schedule posted Course staff, riflery or archery staff, etc. in the cabin. We have done everything possible to get your child the activities they want. Our goal is to make • If this is the case, you may spend most, if not all this week the best week of the year. Instruct your child of your activity day at that activity. to speak with their counselor if they have any concerns about the activities posted. While we will not always be During Staff Development, we will look to cross-train able to make changes to the activities scheduled on our staff. If you would like to be trained in a different arrival day, many times it is possible. We cannot change activity, please let us know. the schedule if we do not know there is an issue.

DAILY ACTIVITY FOCUS – FUN AND SAFE! The Program Assistant is the only person who can The daily program at Hermann Sons Life Camp is to make the change to the schedule. While it is not provide campers a FUN experience while teaching always possible to make the requested change, the valuable safety regulations and building basic skill development. © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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Our intention is to teach the kiddos the fundamentals of the activity so they have a basis for enjoying the activity the rest of their lives.

GOALS FOR ACTIVITY INSTRUCTORS (CR.1) (CR.2) • Make sure that your activity site provides a positive environment for kids to learn. Your activity site should be operated in a stress-free, supportive and encouraging manner. Participants are expected to cheer each other on.

• The values of respect, kindness, good sportsmanship, acceptance, appreciation and honor should be promoted.

• Greet each camper and say good-bye to every participant you come in contact with. Remember that people want to feel good about participating at the Camp and you play a major role in creating that feeling.

• Be courteous and friendly, show enthusiasm in the activity you instruct and in your job. It might spread to others near you.

• Be safety conscious; know, enforce, and live by the Camp’s safety rules.

• Put the needs of the campers ahead of your own; campers come first.

• Exhibit a sense of ownership with the operation of your activity and take pride in your job and workplace.

CLIPBOARD – DON’T FORGET TO RETURN IT! Before each activity, go to the Admin Building to collect the activity clipboard. At some of the activities, you will also pick up the activity’s first aid kit.

FIRST AID BACKPACKS (HW.18.1) First aid backpacks are kept in the Admin Building and are placed on the same hook as the clipboard.

The first aid backpack should be carried by the individual who is CPR/FA certified.

MED ALERTS (HW.10.1) On each activity roster (and dorm), we will indicate any pertinent medical information printed to the right of the camper’s name.

This portion of the roster is to always be placed under the activities cover sheet and folded over for camper privacy. It is important that the counselors review the med alerts for each class period. If you have a question about a specific med alert please ask the Director and/ or the Medical Staff.

BEING ON TIME TO ACTIVITIES Each activity is only allotted 45 minutes if it is a oneperiod class. It is essential that counselors are on time to their activities so we can utilize as much time as possible within the class period. Roll call and stretching should be done in a timely manner.

WALKIES, COMMUNICATION, CELL PHONES Certain activities are required to have a walkie present.

Riverside - Range, OLS, Climbing, Challenge, Nature and Pool.

Hilltop - Range, OLS, Climbing, Challenge, Nature and Pool.

The walkie is used to communicate with the office at the appropriate Camp in the case of an emergency. It is also an easy way to report a camper who is late to an activity if you are not close to the office. When returning walkies to the office make sure they are on the charger.

Activities that are required to have first aid backpacks are Range, OLS, Nature, Pool, Climbing, Challenge and the Activity Center.

Personal cell phones may be taken by the Activity Specialist to the Climbing Barn, Range, Nature and Outdoor Living Skills. The cell phone should be kept out of sight and should only be used to contact Camp in the event of an emergency. (AD.21.1)

Counselors are responsible for recording any first aid that is provided to campers. There is a form that is in the first aid box that you can use and turn into the Medical Staff upon completion.

** NEW FOR 2021** In OLS, the lead staff member may use their personal cell phone to take photos if they wish of the campers and their forts/shelters on Thursday.

It is also important that if you use the last of an item in a first aid kit that you restock it or let someone in the Clinic know so it can be replaced.

Parents would love to see these shelters.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

The photos will be given to the Executive Director who will post them on the Camp’s App.

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MAINTENANCE LOGBOOK As a Camp, we want the facility to be in the best possible condition. If there is a maintenance issue, please write it into the Maintenance Log located in the Camp offices.

It is important that counselors do not dismiss campers early to punch or snack break. Campers should not be dismissed until the announcement has been made over the PA system. Remember to take snack if your group will be off of Camp during snack break.

If there are immediate safety concerns related to the maintenance issue, please contact the Camp’s Senior Staff immediately.

Let’s be efficient. When handing out snacks due to COVID-19, there should be a snack station for each dorm.

Twice daily, the Maintenance Director will review the log book. They will then prioritize the maintenance concerns and resolve them in order.

INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS Prior to leading an activity, each staff member will be trained and their skills verified for each activity. For each specialized activity, this skill verification must be documented in writing and on file with the Executive Camp Director. (ST.33.1) • The instructor must have the skills specific to the activity as evidenced by certification or documentation of the staff member’s experience in participation.

• The instructor must have an understanding of the techniques/skills required to teach the activity.

• Each staff member will be evaluated in writing during orientation as having demonstrated the following: º Ability to instruct and operate the activity safely. º Ability to enforce established safety regulations. º Ability to work with children aged 9 through 14. º Ability to provide appropriate instruction to the participants in the activity. º Ability to identify and manage the hazards of the activity. What are the hazards directly related to this activity, the site, the environment, the equipment? º Ability to apply appropriate emergency procedures and rescue procedures related to the activity. º The ability to implement specific skills unique to the activity's instruction. These will be discussed in Activity Lesson Plans. º Objectives, safety procedures, skill progression, operating procedures and competencies required for each activity can be found on the activity’s specific Lesson Plan.

If the item you have listed has not been fixed within 24 hours, please contact your Director/Assistant Director.

They will follow up with the Maintenance Staff. The Executive Director is to be informed of all maintenance issues not resolved within 48 hours.

If it is something that you can take care of, please do so (i.e removing a fallen branch from the tennis court).

HAZARDS AT ACTIVITIES Please be aware of natural and man-made hazards at each activity area.

• Traffic, if traveling from Camp • Automatic gates • Traffic near Hilltop and Riverside ranges ACTIVITY ATTENDANCE – ROLL CALL On the clipboard, there will be the activity’s Attendance Roster. Make sure that attendance is taken at the beginning of every activity. This is a great time to get the CITs involved. If a camper does not answer roll call, have a counselor, CIT or camper run to the office (or tell the office over walkie) and have them paged.

PUNCH AND SNACK BREAKS – HYDRATION IS KEY! We have a punch break between 2nd and 3rd activity period. It is important that you encourage your campers to hydrate. It is also important that you provide campers with ample water breaks during the duration of activities, especially the ones involving physical exertion.

In between 4th and 5th activity period we have a snack break. A snack as well as water and punch is provided.

Once again it is important to encourage campers to get a snack and hydrate during this time. © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

SPECIALIZED ACTIVITIES AT CAMP Based on the 2019 Version of the ACA Accreditation Standards, the following activities are considered specialized activities at Hermann Sons Life Camp: Archery, Baseball, Challenge Course, Climbing, Outdoor Living Skills, Riflery, Rocketry, Softball, STEM Reactions

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and Tumbling.

SUPERVISON OF INSTRUCTORS The Directors and Activity Specialists are responsible for the training and qualification of the instructors during the staff and skill development weeks.

Training provided during Staff Development is followed by supervision, reinforcement, coaching, correction and instruction as needed. (ST.8.1) In the course of performing their daily job responsibilities, the supervisors are expected to make observations of his/her staff. Twice during the summer season these observations are to be documented in writing on the Activity Observation Form. (ST.34.1) The Activity Observation Form is designed to formally identify situations where: • An instructor is performing very well and deserves a commendation, • An instructor needs additional training or assistance to perform up to standards, • Other comments regarding the activity site.

The Activity Observation Form is to be completed twice during the summer. Reports are due before July 7 and before Aug. 1. The completed report is to be hand delivered to the Camp Director who will review the forms with the Executive Camp Director.

The information contained on this form is strictly confidential.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR CAMPERS No one is permitted to participate in any activity unless they have received basic instruction, a safety orientation and understand all of the activity's safety regulations, proper use of safety equipment, range commands, etc. (PD.5.1) Hermann Sons Life Camp has limited the participation in these activities. (AD.32.1) • Challenge is available to campers aged 10-14 • OLS is available to campers aged 10-14 There is no age restriction for participation in an activity covered by this manual except where indicated above.

recreational time will always be geared to the camper’s age, ability and maturity level.

GENERAL CAMP ACTIVITIES RATIO Staff to camper ratios are established by using the ACA Camp Guidelines and the Texas Administrative Code that governs Youth Camps and Health and Safety in Texas.

9-14 years old - 1 to 8 campers 15 or more years old - 1 to 10 campers It is Hermann Sons Life Camp's intention to provide a staff to camper ratio better than that required by State Law. Senior Counselors and Assistant Directors are also to be included in the overall staff to camper ratios and total staff required.

17 Adult Staff on Hilltop and 25 Adult Staff on Riverside (ST.35.1) Each Camp activity is evaluated by the Executive Camp Director and the Camp will be staffed accordingly.

See the specific Camp Lesson Plans. It is acceptable for a counselor teaching soccer for example to have a 1:12 ratio. (ST.23.2) (ST.23.3) Junior Staff having gone through two weeks of training (as CITs) and/or Staff Development training (one week), while not included in the overall staff to camper numbers, are to be counted in the operational and dorm staffing ratios.

There must be a minimum of two staff members (Junior Staff members count) in the dorms at all times campers are present. It is always preferred that there will be three staff in the dorms when campers are present. (ST.35.3) When campers are in the dorms, one counselor must be situated on either side of the dividing wall to provide active supervision.

CITs are never to be included as staff in the staff to camper ratio. They are campers!

CITs are peer leaders who may be utilized to escort campers to and from activities, to the public restrooms (staying outside) and to the clinic.

Regardless of possible eligibility restrictions, it is expected that the activity’s instruction and © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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Two staff members are preferred to be scheduled at all daily activities. There may be some activities that, when activities are scheduled in the same location that one counselor/instructor be assigned to each activity, i.e.

Rocketry and Ceramics on Hilltop are both scheduled in the HHAC Building. Gaga and Volleyball are next to each other, one counselor may be scheduled to each activity. (ST.35.2) Campers at Hermann Sons Life Camp are aged 9-14. All staff (including Junior Staff ) are a minimum of 17 years of age. (ST.35.4) CITs are aged 15 and 16. Junior Staff are not assigned direct supervision to the CIT campers, i.e., dorm assignments.

At all times, there will be a staff member on site certified in first aid and age-appropriate CPR/AED. (ST.7.1) (ST.7.2)

CAMP EQUIPMENT Counselors and Instructors are expected to monitor the program equipment checking it daily (prior to use) for safety, confirming that it is being maintained in good repair and stored in a manner to safeguard its effectiveness. (PD.2.1.a)(PD.2.2.b) Equipment found to be unsafe is to be so marked and taken out of service and reported immediately to the Camp Director. (PD.2.1.b) Counselors and instructors are expected to confirm that all program equipment is appropriate to the size and ability of the user. (PD.2.2.a) Senior Staff/Activity Specialists will conduct weekly safety checks (written) of all activity equipment. If there is an issue with any equipment, please report it to the Senior Counselor over the activity or a Director.

All Instructors are held responsible for the Camp equipment entrusted in their care. A lot of money is invested in Camp’s equipment and we depend upon our staff members for its care and safekeeping. The assumption and execution of this responsibility will have a definite bearing upon the staff member’s evaluation made during the course of the summer.

Program activity equipment is only to be made available to campers and staff when an activity © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

period is scheduled, an adult certified instructor properly staffs the activity and all safety rules are in effect.

(FA.13.1)

It is important to let the Executive Director know if the equipment is not acceptable or sub-standard.

TEACHING SKILLS Competency Demonstration: It is Camp policy that all participants using Camp equipment in the activity be monitored until competency is demonstrated. This may mean one-on-one supervision.

Due to the possible dangers involved in the misuse of equipment or vehicles, staff should monitor campers carefully while they are learning how to use these items (developing competency).

Staff members should provide coaching, practice and modeling while the campers are engaged in the learning process.

Note: Each skill level attained by the camper generally presents greater risks (i.e. accessing new equipment) and the camper must again be closely monitored at this stage until competency is demonstrated.

ACTIVITY PERIOD LENGTH – 45 MINUTES It is imperative that the instructor is present at the activity site when the activity is scheduled to begin.

Late arrival creates supervision and operational problems. Under no circumstances is an instructor authorized to release a camper from an activity site early unless specifically authorized by the Program Director or the Camp Director.

LOST AND FOUND PROCEDURES If possible, Instructors are expected to return items left at the activity site to their rightful owner. In the alternative, lost and found items are to be delivered to the lost and found boxes located on the Dining Hall porches.

Clothing is never to be thrown in the garbage. This is considered the destruction of property.

Property is never to be confiscated (finders keepers, losers weepers). This is considered theft and grounds for dismissal.

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ACTIVITY SITE - ORGANIZED AND SECURE • Each instructor is responsible for the organization and cleanliness of his/her activity site.

• Papers and debris are never to be left on the ground.

• Your garbage container is to be emptied daily.

Please contact our Maintenance Staff to empty these containers if they are full.

• Each instructor is expected to do daily safety checks to ensure that his/her activity site is kept free from hazards.

• Camp equipment is never to be left unattended at the activity sites.

• Equipment is always to be stored neatly and in a way designed to protect it from misuse.

• Certain activity sites are to be off limits to campers and staff when an activity period is not scheduled and properly staffed. These activities are published in the Camp's arrival bulletins and at the flagpole orientation assembly. (FA.13.1) • Other methods of controlling access to your activity site are discussed in the specific lesson plans for the activities. (FA.13.1) NON-PARTICIPATION BY A CAMPER What do you do when a camper doesn’t want to participate? Do you force them? Send them back to their dorm? Ignore them? Everybody has a bad day once in a while.

If you have tried everything you can to encourage the camper to participate and the camper still does not want to participate and it seems like one of those days, don’t worry.

Let the camper sit at your activity site and supervise them. Never let them leave your activity site and go back to their dorm. This would create a major safety concern. No camper is ever to be left unsupervised.

If this non-participation continues to be a problem, please consult the Senior Counselor or Activity Specialist.

ACTIVITY AWARDS At Hermann Sons Life Camp our mission is to provide a quality, safe and caring summer camp program that develops healthy friendships and enriches the lives of our campers by fostering self-esteem and independence through exposure to new experiences, group living and play. © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

We award activity ribbons based on the camper’s performance Monday through Thursday… the whole week. The awards are not named anything specifically.

The awards will not be for “Most Outstanding” or “Most Improved.” The Soccer ribbon goes to _________. The Crafts ribbon goes to _______. These ribbons will be awarded in the dorms. The number of ribbons per activity will be determined by the Camp Directors based on the number of classes and the campers’ behavior.

The awards will be based on the following criteria: ATTITUDE – 80% Sportsmanship Respect Enthusiasm Hard work/effort SKILL – 20% Skill level Improvement during the week.

At the end of each week, I envision that the Senior Counselors and Activity Specialist will meet and discuss the candidates for MOST ATHLETIC and MOST CREATIVE. This will be done much in the same way that Senior Counselors and Directors currently meet to confirm and discuss the BEST CAMPER of the week voted by the counselors.

A camper's skill level and ability to hit the bullseye it not what will determine the awards for the activity. This does not mean that the most skilled archer doesn't win a ribbon. They may encapsulate the very attitude that makes a Hermann Sons Life Camp ribbon winner.

TRAINING FOR ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES The potential for accidents or emergencies at Camp are endless, i.e., sports injury, vehicular-related injury, negligence, fights, life-threatening allergies, missing camper, fire, natural disasters, significant behavioral problems, etc.

During Staff Development, the Activity Specialist will be asked to identify safety concerns (hazards) related to the specific activity's operation and activity site.

MINOR INJURIES Minor injuries which can be handled by qualified staff instructors who have access to the first aid kit located at the activity site should be attended to by the staff

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member before having the camper report to the Clinic.

Note: The Clinic must be notified of all first aid treatment provided.

MAJOR INJURIES If a significant injury, accident or emergency occurs in the Camp, the following procedures apply: Apply first aid as deemed appropriate to your certification and get immediate emergency medical assistance.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY ON CAMP GROUNDS 1. INJURED PERSON CAN BE MOVED a) If more than one staff member is present at the accident/medical emergency, one staff member accompanies the injured person to the Clinic and the other staff member remains with the group. b) If only one staff member is available, it may be necessary for the whole group to accompany the injured person to the Clinic unless assistance is found or there is access to one of the Camp's two-way radios.

2. INJURED CAN’T BE MOVED In the event of a medical emergency or an accident on campgrounds, the following procedures are Camp policy: a) If more than one staff member is present at the accident/medical emergency, then one of the available staff members is to immediately report to the Clinic. In the alternative, get to the closest Camp two-way radio and notify the medical personnel on duty of the situation. b) If only one staff member is present at the accident and no other adult help is available, the staff member should send two of the most responsible campers to the Clinic or to the closest two-way radio location - whichever is faster.

If at all possible, it is recommended that a camper not be sent on such an emergency mission. If another staff member can be obtained in any way, then that staff member should be sent to the Clinic or to the closest Camp walkie with the request for medical attention. A member of the Medical Staff is on-duty 24 hours a day.

One staff member should always remain at the accident site to maintain calm, to assist the injured person, and supervise the remaining campers. © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

Once the Medical Staff is notified, a member of the Medical Staff or the original messenger (if directed by the Medical Staff ) is to radio and report the incident to the Camp Director or, in their absence, the Assistant Director.

The office staff member (or other Senior Staff person) will copy the emergency message and will stand by the telephone awaiting instructions from the Camp Director (or in his absence the Assistant Camp Director or the Health Supervisor) regarding ambulance or hospital notification.

Camp Medical Staff will report the status of the accident to the Camp Director (or in his absence the Assistant Camp Director) and, if hospital care is deemed necessary, a telephone call will be made by the Office Staff or Clinic Staff to the hospital. The Health Supervisor, in consultation with the Camp Director, will determine if the Camp emergency vehicle or 911 ambulance service should be utilized. The Office Staff or Medical Staff (or Medical Staff member) will call 911 if deemed advisable. (AD.21.1) If a Camp emergency vehicle is used, the Office Staff member (or Medical Staff member) is to obtain a qualified driver. Use the PA system or the Camp's twoway radio transmitter, as necessary.

As soon as possible, the Camp Director (or in their absence the Assistant Camp Director) should be notified of all the facts surrounding the accident by the Medical Staff member on duty. The Medical Staff member on duty should have the following information available: • name of camper; • age and dorm assigned; • the camper’s Medical Form (the camper’s Medical Form must be taken with the camper together with a Request for Treatment Form if a trip to the hospital is made); • a factual account of how the accident occurred; • list of eyewitnesses.

Depending upon the nature of the accident or the state of emergency, the Camp Director (or in his absence the Assistant Camp Director) will consult with the Camp Medical Staff to determine appropriate additional action.

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The Camp Director will determine if law enforcement or other state or federal officials should be contacted.

Activity Supervisor. If deemed serious, prepare an Incident Report Form.

Upon the establishment of facts and information which would be of value to the parent, the Camp Director or his designee (the Health Supervisor) will contact the parents of the individual. If hospital care is deemed necessary, parents of the individual should be contacted as soon as the camper leaves for the hospital. (AD.21.2)

ACCIDENT / INCIDENT REPORT FORMS So as to identify patterns of events or actions that may require corrective measures, we require that all staff members document all incidents or accidents that occur in their presence.

All inquiries from the media must be referred to Ian Brassett or, in his absence, Cecily Kelly. No other staff member is authorized to discuss the emergency with outside personnel. Personal information regarding the injured is considered confidential and is never to be released to the public/media. (AD.21.3) An Accident (or Incident) Report is to be completed by the Medical Staff with statements taken by witnesses as well as the victim. Said report should be filed with the Executive Camp Director within 24 hours for his review.

Appropriate Incident Reports are to be filed by those staff members if warranted.

See the Camp Emergency Procedures (Emergency Communication Plan) outlined in the Counselor Staff Manual.

ACCIDENT REPORTS (AD.14.1) If an accident occurs in your presence, it is your responsibility to complete an Accident Report. This report describes the accident, time of occurrence, location, parties involved, witnesses and other relevant information about the occurrence.

Incidents are events of safety or operational concerns that occur that may not result in injury. Examples may include fires, natural disasters, danger from intruders or trespassers, crises arising out of camper or staff behavior (e.g. fighting, serious emotional outbursts threatening others) or other situations posing serious threat to the safety of others. Incidents are also defined as situations where a potential serious injury from a “near miss” could have occurred but didn't or as emergencies which did not result in injuries requiring an accident report but which are potentially harmful to campers or staff, i.e., use of drugs or alcohol, lost campers or near drowning.

Additional incidents worthy of reporting also include: (a) a camper creating a disturbance that the staff member cannot handle, (b) the breaking/damaging of equipment, (c) theft, (d) facility area that is not in proper working order, etc.

Blank Accident / Incident Reports are stored in the Camp offices and the Clinics. Completed forms are delivered to the Camp Director's mailbox.

The Accident Report is a confidential report, so copies of the form (and the information contained therein) are never to be released to other staff members, campers or the public If questions arise, contact the Camp Director.

Blank forms are located in the Camp Office and Clinic.

INCIDENT REPORTS If something unusual or out of the ordinary happens while on-duty, which has relevance to safety or operational concerns, report the incident to your © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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WELL-CAMP POLICIES AND PROCEDURES (ST.21)

It is the primary responsibility of all staff members to care for the health and safety of all campers and staff.

The policies and procedures for operating a safe camp will be evaluated annually.

The policies and procedures detailed in the following pages will be adapted through the spring by using the ACA Camp guidelines and the Texas Administrative Code that governs Youth Camps and Health and Safety in Texas.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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Hermann Sons Life Camp’s primary concern is the health and safety of all campers and staff members who live and work on campgrounds. The Well-Camp Policies have been developed to create a culture of healthy living and to develop policies and procedures, which will foster good practices and habits amongst both staff and campers.

Illness and contagion will never be completely eradicated from schools and camps. Enforcing and implementing a culture where good healthy practices exist will help in reducing the spread of sickness, and is an essential part of running a top-rated summer camp program.

Camps and schools are traditional breeding grounds for the spread of germs. Hermann Sons Life Camp is the summer home for campers from all over Texas as well as a number of staff from across the world. In this COVID-19 environment, keeping a healthy camp environment will be even more critical. While we cannot guarantee that an outbreak of lice or pink eye (conjunctivitis) or COVID-19 will not occur, we will however, be implementing procedures to reduce the likelihood of spread.

In our daily routines we must set the example and teach campers the importance of healthy living.

• Is everyone on Camp getting enough rest?

• Is everyone on Camp eating properly?

• Is everyone washing their hands and using the hand sanitizer?

• Is everyone on Camp drinking enough water?

• Is everyone on Camp dressed appropriately for the weather?

• Is everyone on Camp using sunscreen and lip balm?

• Is everyone on Camp following the safety rules at the activity sites?

These will all be addressed at length during Staff Development and again in this policy packet.

In 2021, Hermann Sons Life Camp will have a fully staffed Clinic on both Hilltop and Riverside camps. The Clinic Staff, however, cannot be solely responsible for the health, safety and welfare of our campers.

As a staff we must ensure that the FOCUS is on the health and safety of the children in our care.

• A child cannot be healthy if they do not drink plenty of water.

• A child cannot be healthy if they skip meals.

• A child cannot be healthy if they do not wear sunscreen and lip balm.

• A child cannot be healthy if they do not rest or get enough sleep.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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A HEALTHY CAMP BEGINS AND ENDS AT HOME The American Camp Association along with the Association of Camp Nursing prepared a document for parents to use to help keep the summer camps healthy and happy places to be. This is a summary of the document for our parents.

• If your child is showing signs of illness such as running a temperature, throwing up, has diarrhea, nasal drainage and/or coughing/sneezing, keep the child home and contact your Camp Director. This greatly reduces the spread of illness at Camp but also supports your child's recovery.

• Teach your child to sneeze/cough in his/her sleeve and to wash his/her hands often while at Camp, especially before eating and after using the restroom. If you really want to achieve impact, teach your child to accompany hand washing with another behavior: keeping their hands away from their face.

• If your child has mental, emotional or social health challenges, talk with a Camp representative before Camp starts. Proactively discussing Camp's ability to accommodate a child can help minimize - if not eliminate - potential problems.

•

Should your child need a particular nutrition plan because of allergies, intolerances or a diagnosis (e.g., diabetes), note these on the Health History Form but also contact the Camp to make sure (a) they have noted that need and (b) the Camp can address it. Discuss how your child will receive appropriate meals and snacks, then explain that to your camper. Should your child be uncomfortable with the plan, arrange for a Camp staff member to assist/monitor the process until the child is comfortable.

•

Make sure your child has and wears appropriate close-toed shoes for activities such as soccer and hiking, and that your child understands that Camp is a more rugged environment than the sub/urban setting.

Talk with your child about wearing appropriate shoes to avoid slips, trips and falls that, in turn, can result in injuries such as a sprained ankle.

• Fatigue plays a part in both injuries and illnesses - and Camp is a very busy place! If the child will be at a resident camp, explain that Camp is not like a sleepover: they need to sleep, not stay up all night!

• Remember to send sunscreen appropriate to the Camp’s geographic location and that your child has tried at home. Teach your child how to apply his/her sunscreen and how often to do so.

• Send a reusable water bottle. Instruct your child to use it and refill it frequently during their Camp stay.

Staying hydrated is important to a healthy Camp experience. This is omething your child can assess by noting the color of their urine ("pee"); go for light yellow.

•

Talk with your child about telling their counselor, the nurse or Camp Director about problems or things that are troublesome to them at Camp. These camp professionals can be quite helpful as children learn to handle being lonesome for home or cope with things such as losing something special. These helpers can't be helpful if they don't know about the problem - so talk to them.

• Should something come up during the camp experience or afterward - you see an unusual rash on your child or the child shares a disturbing story - contact the Camp's representative and let them know.

Camps want to partner effectively with parents; sharing information makes this possible. © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES We need to make sure that the campers and staff who are arriving into Camp are, to the best of all our abilities, free from the coronavirus. We need to get the commitment from all participants to follow and enforce new policies and procedures. This includes communicating the following prior to arrival to Camp.

Campers and staff who are immunosuppressed (as defined by their medical professional), or are at higher risk for complications related to the COVID-19 virus, or live in a home with an immunosuppressed person or individuals at higher risk of complications related to the COVID-19 virus, should take extra precautions including consulting with their healthcare provider before considering participation in Camp in these extraordinary circumstances.

Participation in a Camp program during this pandemic has too high a risk factor. If you have any concerns about this policy, please contact us to set up a time to talk with our Executive Camp Director at 830-995-3223.

We will also ask that all parents consider the following question when deciding to enroll their child: “Can my child reliably follow verbal directions from staff that enforce social distancing at Camp.”

Camp will be different, especially on arrival day and the first day of programming. There will be an adjustment period where I envision that homesickness will be evident in a much larger percentage than in previous summers.

PRE-ARRIVAL SCREENING “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure” In 2019, Hermann Sons Life Camp improved the intake process of campers into Camp. This summer there will be more changes to the process of intaking the campers and staff into Camp. And this begins at home.

One week prior to the camper’s arrival at Camp an email will be sent to all parents (and staff ). The email will, and I’m paraphrasing, request the parents to strictly monitor the health of their child (or themselves). It is important to prevent the spread of COVID-19 that campers and staff do not bring the virus into Camp, and without proper and adequate testing, we need to take a symptomatic approach.

SELF-QUARANTINE TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY While it may be impractical for some, we ask that all Camp participants restrict contact to members of their own household unless absolutely necessary for 14 days prior to their arrival at Camp. Please take appropriate preventive and social distancing measures: • Wear a mask • Stay six feet from others • Wash hands with soap and water and use sanitizing solutions.

• Limit non-essential travel.

• Limit exposure in stores and restaurants by using curbside and delivery services

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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WATCH FOR SYMPTOMS We will ask that parents and staff look out for possible symptoms of COVID-19. It is important that we communicate the importance of keeping campers home who show signs of exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19: • Cough • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • Fever • Chills • Muscle pain • Sore throat • New loss of taste or smell This list is not all possible symptoms. Other less common symptoms have been reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

In our email to the parents, we will also inform the parents of the dorm that their child will be in. This will allow us one week to ensure that the campers will be in the dorm with their friends. In our email, we will also confirm that we have the Health History Form for the camper. In our email we will also attach a copy of the Medication Form. This is where the parents will indicate what medications the camper will be taking while they are in Camp. This form will reduce the time spent online (and on Camp) at the Clinic.

CLINIC PROTOCOL The goal of this health care policy and plan is to ensure the health and safety of all campers (and staff ) so that they may participate in all activities to the maximum of their capabilities. This goal will be accomplished by providing: • Effective screening to identify problems within 24 hours of a camper or staff member’s arrival in Camp.

• Dispensing of prescribed medications for ongoing problems provided they arrive in their original packaging.

• First aid for minor injuries and illnesses.

• Referral to outside medical resources for all other injuries and illnesses.

• Education of staff to promote general well-being among both campers and staff.

Medical care by a licensed nurse or EMT will be provided. Anyone requiring evaluation and treatment beyond the scope of the Camp’s treatment procedures will be referred to an appropriate facility and/or their own physician. Hermann Sons Life Camp recognizes the HIPAA Law. Copies of this law are posted in easily accessed areas. Every precaution will be taken to keep medical information confidential. Information will be provided to cabin counselors who live with campers and activity instructors on an as-needed basis. This is done in simple code, to further protect the confidentiality of the camper.

All staff and campers will go through the health screening process. Qualified personnel under the direction of the licensed nurse will do the screening. All campers and staff are required to have a completed Health History Form on file.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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Our Medical Staff will receive the camper Health History Forms prior to campers’ arrival. This allows time for review. Incomplete forms or any concerns that arise after review can then be addressed prior to the campers’ arrival.

Review of staff forms will occur at the beginning of staff training or within the first 24 hours whenever a new staff member is hired.

It is important to note that all medications must be entrusted to the care of the Medical Staff and kept under lock and key in the Clinic. Under no circumstances can any medication (camper OR STAFF) be left in the cabin. This includes vitamins, contraception (the pill) and aspirin. (HW.13) PLEASE NOTE: The Medical Staff will not dispense prescribed medication to the adult staff (18+). Medication for adult staff will be available to the staff throughout the day.

Campers should not be in possession of medication at any time. The only exception to this rule is the carrying of injectable epinephrine (epi-pens) and rescue inhalers. Campers (and staff ) are allowed to carry these, after it has been assessed that they know how to use them without assistance. Medications should be collected during check-in. These will then be reviewed and distributed accordingly.

HEALTH CARE

We expect the cabin staff to be aware of the health condition of each camper assigned to their cabin. If ever a camper makes any type of complaint of not feeling well or indicating any situation involving a medical problem, bring the camper to the Clinic to be checked out by the nurses at sick call (after meals and after the night-time activity).

In case of injury or serious illness, radio the Clinic immediately. The only people authorized to diagnose a medical situation are the Camp’s Medical Staff. If any of the following symptoms appear, we expect the camper’s counselors to make sure the camper reports to the Clinic at the earliest available Sick Call.

• Does he or she complain about earaches, headaches, constipation, diarrhea, sore throat, being sluggish or tired?

• Are there any signs of skin rashes, abrasions, infections, sunburn?

• Has the child lost his/her appetite? Has he eaten too much junk food?

• Is the child irritable? Is he or she getting enough sleep?

• Does his or her face seem flushed?

• Are his or her eyes inflamed, increased redness and watering more than usual?

SICK CALL Sick Call is to be scheduled four times daily: After breakfast, after lunch and after dinner. We also have a Sick Call scheduled after the evening activity has ended (from 9-10 p.m.), however this Sick Call is primarily intended for campers who are required to take bedtime medications. Medications must always be taken BEFORE 10 P.M.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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It is important for the health of the Camp that we keep track of our campers' health.

• Are they getting run-down/tired?

• Are they eating correctly?

• Are they drinking water?

• Are they becoming irritable?

• Do they complain of headaches?

• Are they beginning to cough? Coughing through the night?

If so, please make sure they pop in and see the Medical Staff. Campers often will try to disguise illness because they do not want to “miss out” on any part of Camp. It is our job to look out for the campers and protect them from themselves.

MEDICATIONS Counselors are required to supervise their campers in the line outside the Clinic.

• All campers must be escorted.

• Emergencies should be brought to the attention of the nurse immediately regardless of the time of day.

SUNSCREEN AND LIP BALM Hermann Sons Life Camp is located in TEXAS!!!! It is typically very hot and very sunny!

It is important that campers and staff use sunscreen every day. At Hermann Sons Life Camp we will supply sunscreen to both campers and staff who do not have it. Sunscreen is available outside the Clinic and at the Dining Hall. As a staff member, please assist your campers with the application of sunscreen. Sunburn is a sign of neglect!

While most campers have lip balm, there will be lip balm or Vaseline available in the Clinic. Chapped lips are a sign of neglect!

HYDRATION Please explain the purpose of this policy to the campers. To prevent dehydration (and the inevitable sickness that follows), campers and staff must drink water - lots of water.

• Campers AND STAFF may have punch/tea after they have had a minimum of two glasses of water.

• Campers AND STAFF are required to carry a water bottle with them from breakfast through dinner.

• After each meal, the water bottle should be filled from the Igloos outside the Dining Halls and at the various activity sites.

WATER BOTTLES Please make sure your campers have their water bottles with them when they leave the cabin, Dining Hall and activity sites. LEAD BY EXAMPLE! Campers and staff must drink at least 4-5 bottles of water daily.

WATER BOTTLE REFILLS We will be investing in large 10-gallon water jugs from which campers may refill their water bottles. These water jugs will be set up around Camp and sanitized twice daily and at each refill. The water bottles do not touch the faucet.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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DAILY SCREENING AND ASSESSMENT FOR THE COVID-19 VIRUS

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all campers and staff will have their temperature taken in the morning at breakfast. This temperature will be logged daily. We will ask the campers general questions before entering the Dining Hall. Perhaps this will be conducted in the dorm or possibly a staging area on Riverside for Camp songs before entering the Dining Hall?

61 • Anyone recording a temp of higher than 100.4°F will have a temp retaken at the end of breakfast. If the high temp persists and is still higher than 100.4°F, the camper will be excluded from morning activities.

• Parents will be called to collect the camper. Upon exclusion from the program, re-entry is only possible Parents will be called totest collect camper.

Upon exclusion fromthe the CDC program, reentryto is discontinue only possible following following •a negative COVID-19 orthe the participant has met criteria homea negative COVID-19 test or the participant has met the CDC criteria to discontinue home isolation. isolation.

INPOSITIVE CAMP TEMPERATURE TO A POSITIVE TEMPERATURE IN 2021 RESPONSERESPONSE IN CAMP TO A IN 2021

RESPONSE CAMP TOquicker A POSITIVE TEMPERATURE This summer,IN we will be to respond to a temperature, persistent cough and other symptoms related This summerThis we will be quick to respond to ato temperature, cough and other symptoms related to summer, we will be quicker respond to apersistent temperature, persistent cough and other to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19. symptoms related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Camper Camper or or staff temp staff temp at above0F100.40F. ator100.4

NO NO MEDS

MEDS

Temp is Temp is retaken retaken after after breakfast breakfast. /45 minutes.

TEMP <100.4 Temp

<100.40

retest at next l

Temp= 0 = Temp F /+100.4

Senior staff clean Senior staff re: clean and and sanitize the dorm. sanitize the dorm. HK Housekeeping thorthoroughly disinfect all oughly disinfects all areas dorm visited in past areas dorm visited 24 hrs. in past 24 hours.

/+100.40F

Sr. Counselor Sr. Counselor packs camper. packs camper. stuff to porch of Moves belonings the clinic. to porch of clinic.

Parent called.

Camper/staff Parent Called. removed from Camper/ Staff Camp. removed from

Email parents of campers in dorm that Email parents of a campercampers had a in dorm temperature. that a camper had a

camp.

temp temp.

Sr. Counselor /

Sr. Counselor/ medical staff Medical Staff reassure and hang reassure and with camper until hang with pick-up camper until pickup.

Return to Return to activities.

Monitoractivities. and Monitor and retest.

Recheck Recheck entireentire dorm dorm at at subsequent 2 subsequent two meals. meals.

COVID-19 RESPONSE PLAN

DINING HALLCONTAGIOUS PROCEDURES DISEASES The following procedures will be implemented in the Dining Halls of both Riverside and Hilltop. The changIt is common knowledge that both schools and camps are well known breeding grounds for es made are to ensure we provide our campers (and staff ) with a safe dining experience. contagious tightto screening process it is important that as a camp we © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021 diseases. Along with a Back Table of Contents 63 concentrate onpolicies makingfor sure everyone healthy living habits Most of the procedures and ourthat kitchen staff practices should begood followed in any year.

Safesuch foodas: handling •

Do not share drinks.

•

Eat healthily.

CONTAGIOUS DISEASES

It is common knowledge that both schools and camps are breeding grounds for contagious diseases. Along with a tight screening process it is important that as a Camp we concentrate on making sure that everyone practices good healthy living habits such as:

• Do not share drinks.

• Do not share towels.

62 • Eat healthly.

• Drink lots of water.

• Be mindful of little coughs and sneezes.

• Sneeze into your sleeve.

• Wash your hands often andmindful correctly.

environment.

• Be of little coughs and • Keep a clean •cabin Keep a clean cabin environment. sneezes.

• Correct sanitation procedures.

• Correct sanitation procedures.

• Rest and sleep.

• •

Sneeze into your sleeve.

Wash your hands often and correctly.

•

Rest and sleep

HOW GERMS SPREAD

The main way that illnesses like colds SPREAD and flu are spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of HOW GERMS coughs and sneezes. This is called "droplet spread."

The main way that illnesses like colds and flu are spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This is called "droplet spread."

This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air and are This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Sometimes germs can also be spread when a person air and are deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Sometimes germs can also be touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches his or her own spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk eyes, mouth or noseand before washing their hands. We know that some viruses and bacteria can live two hours then touches his or her own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands. We know that or longer on surfaces likeviruses cafeteria andordesks. some and tables, bacteriadoorknobs can live 2 hours longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks.

HOW TO STOP THE SPREAD OF GERMS

HOW TO STOP THE In a nutshell: • Cover your mouth and nose.

SPREAD OF GERMS • Clean your hands often.

In a nutshell: • Remind the campers aboutyour healthy habits.

• Cover mouth and nose.

• Clean your hands often.

• COVER YOUR COUGHRemind the campers about healthy habits.

Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Cough or sneeze COVER into a tissue and then throw YOUR it away. COUGH Cover your WITH mouthYOUR and nose when Cover your cough or sneeze coughing or sneezing.

Cough or SLEEVE if you do not have a tissue. sneeze into a tissue and then Then, clean your hands throw it away. Cover your cough or and do so every time you sneeze WITH YOUR SLEEVE if you cough or sneeze. do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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HANDTECHNIQUES WASHING TECHNIQUES CORRECTCORRECT HAND WASHING

"Happy Birthday" song helps keep yourhands hands clean? exactly.

However, it is recommended that when you The "HappyThe Birthday" song helps keep your clean?Not Not exactly.

However, it is recommended that wash your hands -with soap and warm water -that you wash for 20 seconds.

That's about the same time it the when you wash your hands – with soap and warm water – that you wash for 20 seconds. That's about takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice! same time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice!

HAND SANITIZER

HAND SANITIZER

In 2020, Hermann Sons Life Camp purchased and installed hand sanitizers in all of our buildings. Hand In 2020,does Hermann Sons Life and installed Hand in hands all of our buildings.In Hand sanitizer not replace theCamp needpurchased for our campers and staff toSanitizers wash their frequently. conjunction Sanitizer does not replace the need for our campers and staff to wash their hands frequently.

In with regular hand washing, the use of hand sanitizer will help prevent the spread of germs and viruses conjunction with regular hand washing, the use of hand sanitizer will help prevent the spread of germs throughout Camp. and viruses throughout camp.

CAMPER AND STAFF SHOWERS

ItCAMPER is Camp policy that all campers AND STAFF must take AT LEAST ONE SHOWER EVERY DAY. AND STAFF SHOWERS It is camp policy that all campers AND STAFF must take AT LEAST ONE SHOWER EVERY DAY.

BRUSHING TEETH

All campers must brush their teeth in the morning and at night. This is not optional! © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

REST

After lunch, it is important that all campers rest. This is imperative. All campers must be on their bed resting. Some campers may wish to read. That is OK. During lunch, counselors will be instructed as to how long campers must be on their bed and quiet.

• Campers aged 11 and younger must be in bed by 10 p.m. at the latest.

• Campers aged 12-14 and older must be in bed by 10:30 p.m. at the latest. © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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IDENTIFYING THE COMMUNICABLE DISEASE IN CAMP The most important people in identifying a potential communicable disease in Camp are the dorm counselors. It is not soley the role of the Camp’s Medical Staff. Active Supervision by the dorm counselors will spot if a camper “is not themselves." Active Supervison by the dorm counselor will hear a lingering cough, see a camper’s eyes watering or more frequent trips to the restroom.

The dorm counselor in these situations is required to direct the camper to the Medical Staff for triage and diagnosis.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Hermann Sons Life Camp has given considerable attention to emergency procedures to follow in case of a natural disaster or on-site emergency. The Hermann Sons Life Camp staff will review and practice these procedures during Staff Development.

PERSONAL INJURY Staff should refer to Work Related Injury Protocol, which is available in the Clinic if they are injured while in performance of their assigned work duties.

Minor injuries such as small cuts and bruises to a camper or adult should be reported to Hermann Sons Life Camp staff to be recorded in the incident log. Most activity areas have a first aid kit. We have a well-stocked Clinic and a Medical Staff member to care for injuries and administer any needed medications.

Serious injuries such as cuts that require stitches or noticeable bumps will be taken care of immediately by the closest Hermann Sons Life Camp staff member and the Medical Staff will be radioed out to the scene to advise if the injured person should be taken to the hospital. (See radio codes in the emergency manual.)

The Medical Staff will decide if 911 needs to be called depending on the type of injury. If the nurse is not immediately available and you need to call 911, it is important that you report: type of injury, condition of the victim, age of the victim and specific location of the injured person within Hermann Sons Life Camp.

Administrative staff will make further arrangements as necessary.

The Medical Staff should be notified immediately in the event of an allergic reaction. If the allergic reaction is severe, 911 will be called immediately.

Life-threatening injuries such as unconsciousness require an immediate call to 911. Be prepared to report: type of injury, condition of the victim, age of the victim and specific location of the injured within Hermann Sons Life Camp. Administrative Staff will make further arrangements as necessary.

Unless you have a medical degree, you are not permitted to diagnose campers and question the medical course of action prescribed by the Medical Staff. If you disagree with a diagnosis, please talk to the Camp Director or Nurse in private… away from the campers!

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EMERGENCY HOSPITAL TRANSPORTATION Hermann Sons Life Camp has a vehicle on site designated as our “Emergency Camp Vehicle." Before the camp season, Hermann Sons Life Camp informed the local EMS providers of our location and the number of staff/campers we have on-site. The local EMS provider is less than three miles from Hermann Sons Life Camp before the town of Comfort. Ambulance will typically come from Kerrville.

Ensure that the camper has seen the Medical Staff for immediate medical treatment. Should the Medical Staff feel that hospital attention is required, the Camp Director is notified of the situation and will arrange transportation of the camper.

A member of our Medical Staff may be asked to drive a car to the hospital. A copy of the camper’s Health History Form will be provided to the appropriate Medical Staff to bring to the hospital The Medical Staff will decide if 911 needs to be called depending on the type of injury. If a Medical Staff is not immediately available and you need to call 911, it is important that you report: type of injury, condition of the victim, age of the victim and specific location of the injured person within Hermann Sons Life Camp.

Administrative staff will make further arrangements as necessary.

CLEANING AND DISINFECTING THE CAMP Cleanliness of the Camp is everyone’s responsibility. As mentioned previously, the counselors are responsible for cleaning and disinfecting the dorms. We have a Housekeeping Staff that will be cleaning and sanitizing the common areas in Camp and the Kitchen Staff will be responsible for ensuring the Dining Hall is both clean and sanitary.

KEEPING THE FACILITY CLEAN Everyone needs to play a part in keeping the Camp clean and sanitary. It is not easy. Hermann Sons Life Camp is a dusty facility! To help assist us in preventing the spread of germs, Hermann Sons Life Camp is very lucky to have a wonderful Housekeeping Staff whose job it is to support us in keeping the facility clean.

The Housekeeping Staff have the following responsibilities: • Check daily for TP/paper towels, etc.

• Clean all public bathrooms daily.

• Sanitize all doorknobs and handles.

DAILY CLEANING RESPONSIBILITIES Hermann Sons Life Camp prides itself on operating an exciting summer camp program. In order to run many of these activities, we need to use safety equipment at many or most of the activity sites. Our job as instructors and first-line caregivers is to make sure the equipment is in good working order. Hermann Sons Life Camp requires its instructors to: • Check the equipment on a daily basis for safety, that it has been maintained in good repair and stored in a manner to safeguard its effectiveness.

• When putting the equipment on the camper (or staff ), ensure it is appropriate to the size and ability of the user.

• Prior to each use, check the equipment for safety.

• Weekly safety checks are performed by the Activity Specialists.

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Daily job lists are critical for the health and safety of the campers. Cutting corners or skipping a day here or there may well lead to a spread of disease or safety issues not being noticed. Some of the “daily jobs” that lead to a healthy camp are: AT THE ACTIVITY SITES • Ropes Course and Zip Line helmets and gloves are sprayed with hospital grade disinfectant.

• Camp Store surfaces are sanitized with Lysol.

• All water Igloos are to be collected at the end of each day, cleaned and sanitized.

• All eye protection at Riflery is to be cleaned with Clorox wipes.

• Pool is to be cleaned daily.

IN THE CABIN • Counselors are required to clean and disinfect the sinks and toilets during Clean for Ice Cream.

• Counselors are required to clean and sanitize the showers after evening showers.

EMERGENCY CLEANING PROCEDURES If there is an outbreak of a contagious nature, the following procedures must be carried out immediately: • Sanitize area where outbreak occurred using a hospital grade disinfecting spray on all beds, walls and doors.

• All areas will be disinfected with a chemical fogger.

• Sanitize all bathroom fixtures, showers and toilets, mopping all floors using bleach diluted with water (2 parts bleach to 10 parts water).

• Sanitize all areas where there is public access, i.e. doorknobs, handrails, phones, computer keyboards, public restrooms on site using a hospital grade disinfecting spray.

• Wipe down all doors and push pull plates, as well as any hand sanitizer/soap dispensers, sinks/faucet handles, etc. using a hospital grade disinfectant spray.

• Wash in hot water any items involved in the incident such as, but not limited to clothing, bedding, towels and washrags. The use of bleach will be included in the washing process whenever possible.

• Carpets involved in the incident will be cleaned and disinfected, as needed.

• Where vomit, excrement or blood is involved all biohazard training procedures will be strictly adhered to including the use of, but not limited to personal protection equipment such as gloves, goggles, masks, aprons and company-supplied professional clean up kits.

• When deemed advisable by the company nurse nuisance masks will be distributed as needed and directed by the nurse.

Chemicals used: • Hospital grade disinfectant spray • Clorox wipes • Bleach (diluted 2 parts bleach to 10 parts water) where safe and applicable such as hard flooring.

EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN - MEDICAL STAFF While most of our staff will not be exposed to blood and bodily fluids, all staff will be trained and instructed in the use of the Biohazard Kits. The proper protocols must be followed in detail.

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Biohazard Kits are available in the Clinic: • Oops Throw-Up Kit • Rubber gloves • Masks • Mini broom/dustpan • Pail • Spray bottle: 1 part bleach to 10 parts water This information is provided to Camp employees in partial compliance with OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard. It is the intent of the Camp to educate people about issues related to exposure to body fluids, to use management techniques and equipment to minimize exposure risks for employees, and to monitor individuals' use of these techniques.

The Camp program recognizes universal precautions as an effective control measure. This handout describes the application and monitoring of potential sources of risk in the Camp program, the steps taken by Camp to protect employees, and the actions taken by Camp if blood or body fluid exposure occurs.

The Camp’s Medical Staff can reasonably expect to come in contact with blood and other body fluids. The potential for exposure to transmitted diseases is greatest for these staff members.

Members of the Camp Health Care Team are to be orientated to the potential for exposure by Camp's Health Care Administrator.

A record of who received the education and its content is kept for three years by the administrator.

The orientation includes: • Identification of risk areas: contact with bloodborne pathogens (e.g., hepatitis, HIV), contact with airborne pathogens (e.g., common cold, TB), contact with surface-borne pathogens (e.g., staph infections).

• Education about the nature of the risk: method of transmission, virulence of pathogens, resistance factors related to potential host, symptoms and information sources which provide clues to potential risk areas.

• Work practices designed to minimize exposure: º Availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) – gloves, CPR mask, antimicrobial soap, (eye, nose and mouth) shield, body fluid spill clean up kits. º Double bagging via red bag and disposal procedure for hazardous waste. º Screening individuals who come to the program. º Requiring participants to provide health information. º Use of universal precautions by staff. º Education for people working in risk areas: health-care team members, lifeguards, housekeeping, kitchen staff. º Hepatitis B vaccination for nurses: Camp pays for vaccinations done by the local provider during the nurse's contracted time. Camp encourages non-vaccinated nurses to get vaccinated. º CPR/First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogen training is given to all staff. º Sharps container provided which has biohazard label affixed. º Resource personnel to answer questions: camp health-care administrator, camp supervising physician, and State Department of Health epidemiologist. © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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• Behavior expected from employees to minimize risk: º Use of PPE º Gloves are used when in contact with body fluids or providing skin treatment (e.g., applying medication to poison ivy, washing a rash). º CPR mask is used to provide CPR/artificial respiration. º Minimum 15-second hand washing with antimicrobial soap after: removing gloves, contact with potential risk, unprotected contact with any body fluid. º Minimum 60-second hand washing with antimicrobial soap after blood splash. º Use of body fluid spill clean up kit. º Vaccination to protect from hepatitis B. º Sharps disposed of properly: no recapping of needles, all sharps (lancets, needles) placed in sharps container immediately after use, full sharps container given to Administrator for disposal through local hospital. º Participation in education about disease control. º Immediate report of suspected exposure (e.g., needle stick) to supervisor and administrator. º Performing job tasks in a manner which minimizes/eliminates exposure potential.

Evaluation of compliance with the Camp exposure control plan as part of the Camp personnel management system.

EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN - CAMP COUNSELING STAFF While the potential for exposure to bloodborne pathogens is minimal for general counseling staff, it does exist. The Camp Health Care Plan vests authority in general staff to respond to emergencies at the level of their training while initiating the Camp Emergency Response System. Since Camp emergency response occurs within minutes, the potential for exposure is limited and most likely confined to initiating CPR/artificial respiration and slowing severe bleeding.

In keeping with accepted practices, the Camp Health Care Administrator educates Camp staff during Staff Development about appropriate response practices: • Staff are instructed to use a CPR mask for CPR and artificial respiration; masks are kept at the waterfront and clinic.

• Staff are instructed to use gloves when potential for contact with blood or blood tinged fluids exist.

Gloves are in all first-aid kits. Staff members who want to carry a pair on their person may obtain them from the Clinic.

• Staff are instructed to respond in emergency situations to the level of their training per State Good Samaritan regulations.

• Staff are instructed to initiate the Camp Emergency Response System immediately.

• Staff participate in a discussion of "emergency" to establish defining attributes of their response.

• Staff are educated to approach care of minor injuries from a coaching perspective and specifically directed to refer injured people to the Camp Health Care Team if self care is inappropriate or impossible.

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POST EXPOSURE PLAN FOR CAMP Camp employees who have a blood exposure incident are eligible for follow up treatment. Follow up is initiated by the employee who must immediately (within 15 minutes) notify the Camp Nurse when a blood exposure incident occurs. The following plan is initiated. Records of the incident are maintained for the duration of employment plus thirty (30) years by the Camp Director and according to OSHA requirements (i.e., separate from personnel records). Camp Administration debriefs each incident in an effort to identify ways to improve the Camp's exposure risk.

TIME LINE

EMPLOYEE'S ACTIONS

CAMP NURSE'S ACTIONS

CAMP DIRECTOR'S ACTIONS

Within 24 hours

Exposure incident occurs.

Report incident to Camp Nurse within 15 minutes of happening.

Begin prophylactic treatment.

Complete Worker's Comp Form and Incident Report with Camp Director.

Notify Camp Director.

Begin 15 second scrub of area with bacteriostatic soap, followed by application of disinfectant.

Contact supervising doctor and refer client for assessment.

Begin psychosocial support process.

Determine source of contamination; initiate request to have source screened for infectious disease.

Notify insurance.

Create Incident Report file with supporting documentation.

Contact mental health professional for employee.

Complete Worker's Comp and Incident Report forms with employee.

Within next 48 hours

Continue medical follow-up per doctor's orders.

Begin counseling support.

Monitor client adjustment to Follow testing of source situation; answer questions, as individual as warranted. needed. Provide needed care. Consult with medical health professional to arrange post-camp therapy, per need.

Beyond first three days

Continue post-exposure prophylaxis, as directed by doctor.

Participate in review of incident

Participate in review of incident.

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Maintain contant with employee to follow incident.

Lead review of incident.

Review incident, adapt Camp practices, as needed to manage risk, and to minimize chance for repeat of situation.

Maintain records for duration. of employement, plus 30 years.

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FRIDAY AFTERNOON OR SATURDAY MORNING WORK CREWS In 2021, every Friday afternoon, Saturday morning and to some extent possibly Sunday morning, Hermann Sons Life Camp staff will make a concerted effort to help ensure that the Camp is maintained and prepared for the campers. Some counselors may be assigned work duties on a Friday afternoon or Saturday morning to do additional cleaning as needed to help our Senior Counselors and Activity Specialists to create an environment that is clean, healthy and running safely.

• Inspection and maintenance of all equipment used in our program areas. Written records of these inspections must be given to the Camp Director.

• All tumbling mats are to be wiped down with hospital-grade disinfectant.

• All lost and found water bottles are to be taken to the Kitchen to be washed in the commercial dishwasher. These bottles are to be placed in a clean plastic container and taken to the Clinic for distribution.

• Hermann Sons Life Camp rifles as well as the inside of the gun safe are to be cleaned and sanitized.

Clorox disinfecting wipes are to be used to sanitize the guns and they must then be cleaned using Remington and Hoppes solvent and cotton balls and finished with Hoppes oil.

• Equipment at the Challenge and Climbing activity is to be cleaned and sanitized following the procedures, and using the products, approved by the Ropes Course Director.

• All surfaces in the offices and staff lounges are to be wiped down with Clorox wipes and sprayed with Lysol.

• The refrigerator is to be sanitized and all expired foods items are to be put in the trash • Check all cabins using the cabin checklist. This checklist includes testing each fire alarm, checking lights, water, lost and found, radios, fans, sanitizer and more.

• Organize the Arts and Crafts shed and prepare supplies for the following week.

• Pick up trash.

• Prepare and organize the bulletin boards.

• Decorate the Dining Halls for the theme of the week.

• Collect all Lost and Found.

• How does the flagging along the road look?

• Prepare water bottles for arrival day. Place on the campers' beds.

• Prepare the arrival checklists for the front gate and the pool (swim tests).

• Help with traffic control.

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FOOD SERVICE The following procedures will be implemented to the Dining Halls of both Riverside and Hilltop.

The changes made are to ensure we provide our campers (and staff ) with a safe dining experience.

Most of the procedures and policies for our Kitchen Staff should be followed in any year. Safe food handling to prevent cross-contamination, proper hygiene for all staff, acceptable cooking practices and correct cleaning and sanitation are must-dos for any kitchen.

KEY CHANGES TO THE KITCHEN • Use of PPEs in the kitchen. Masks and gloves at all times.

• Documentation of temperature checks and screening at the beginning of each shift.

• Social distancing will be difficult at both Camp Kitchens, especially at Riverside.

• Increased staff due to the increased workload, specifically the increase in cleaning and sanitizing.

• Strict adherence to the rule of no outside Kitchen Staff allowed in the kitchens.

• Documentation of staff training on policies and procedures.

• Use of counselors on a daily basis to ensure food service is punctual and sanitary.

• Signage will be posted to encourage social distancing, hand washing, Dining Room procedures in all dorms and in the Dining Halls.

• Slight menu changes to accommodate the need for easier service.

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© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

72 © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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DINING HALL PROCEDURES • Campers and counselors wash their hands in their dorms before being called to the Dining Hall. One dorm is to be called for each socially distanced serving line, two at a time. Special note to Hilltop Dining Hall when three dorms are in a seating.

• Each Camp will be required to serve six (6) seatings on a daily basis to meet the demands of the guidelines.

• Campers and counselors will enter the Dining Hall through an assigned door. º The door will be held open by a staff member who will remind the campers to sanitize their hands upon entrance into the Dining Hall.

• Campers and counselors will then line-up (socially distanced) to be served their food.

• Once there is only one or two campers left to be served in the dorm, we will call the next dorm online to repeat the process.

• Once the campers have their food, the campers will then report to their assigned tables.

• It is recommended that campers wear masks in the Dining Hall when not at their assigned tables. Staff are required to wear masks in the Dining Hall, except when they are eating.

• Campers and staff may not mingle with campers and staff from different dorms.

• Campers and staff may not wander in the Dining Hall.

• The restrooms in the Dining Hall on Hilltop are to be closed, except for emergencies for campers and counselors to prevent contact spread of the coronavirus.

SERVING

• The main food will be served cafeteria-style. * We will over-serve the campers to eliminate seconds.

• All silverware, cups and napkins will be placed on the tables prior to the campers' arrival. * • We will be unable to accommodate special diets and private food in the kitchen.

• The only item the campers will touch is their own plate when leaving the serving area.

• To prevent campers from touching the serving line, it is important to post clearly what is being served.

• Pre-prepared salads, PB and J’s, individual milk and juices, yogurts, fruit and fruit cups will be served to the campers and staff. * • Individual serving packets of sugar, ketchup, mustard, relish, mayonnaise, Italian dressing, ranch dressing and BBQ sauce will be used to replace the bulk dispensers.

• Each dorm will be individually served desserts on a separate trolley. º The dessert will be individually served / portioned. º A counselor from the dorm will distribute to the campers and staff in their dorm using a mask and gloves.

DRINKS • Iced water and iced tea will be provided to each dorm in pitchers (two per dorm).

• No personal water bottles in the Dining Hall.

• A Counselor from the dorm will pour each camper a drink of their choice.

• The Counselor will be required to wear a mask and gloves.

• No refills using the same cup. *

SEATING • Each dorm will be assigned a set of tables.

• Each grouping of tables will be a minimum of six feet from another set of tables.

• We will reduce the seating to a maximum of three per side of the table to enable some social distancing within the dorm group. © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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WHY WE SIT BY CABIN As a counselor, this is an important time period in the day.

• You are required to ensure campers are eating properly at each meal. It is simple neglect to allow campers to not eat something and drink a suggested two glasses of water during meals.

• It is the perfect time to check in with your campers… how was their morning? Did they enjoy their electives? What electives did they do? How are the campers interacting? Are they making friends? Is the cabin becoming cliquish? Is a camper becoming dominant? Is a camper quiet and not joining in the activities?

By paying attention, you will be able to see the natural interactions between campers and be pro-active in working with your campers to ensure they have the best week of the year! This is called Active Supervision.

CLEANING THE TABLE • Each dorm will have a cleaning cart wheeled out to their tables during the meal.

• This cart will contain: º a bucket for waste (and a scraper), º a bucket with hot soapy water and a couple of sponges, º a bucket with sanitizer solution and scrapers, º a bus tub.

• Once the dorm has finished their meal, the campers will scrape excess food into the bucket and wipe down their part of the table using the hot soapy water.

• One counselor will then collect the plates, silverware and cups and place them in the bus tub.

• Once the table is clean, the campers and most of the counselors will return to their dorm.

• One counselor remains behind to sanitize the table and benches. Sweeps when necessary.

AFTER EACH SECOND MEAL SEATING

• The Dining Hall tables and chairs are to be completely cleaned and sanitized.

• The floor of the Dining Hall is to be swept.

• The floor of the Dining Hall is to be mopped using HOT, soapy water.

• The serving lines are to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized using a chemical fogger.

• All cups, plates and utensils are to be cleaned, sanitized and air-dried per State Regulations.

SERVING RESPONSIBILITIES All staff members (CIT’s, Junior Counselors, Counselors, Senior Counselors and Directors) will be scheduled to line serve at both Riverside and Hilltop Camps.

• This requires you to get to the Dining Hall before the campers at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Please wash your hands after you put on your hairnet and before you put on your gloves.

• Do not scratch your nose or put your hands near your mouth or your hair after you have put on your gloves.

• Do not eat or drink while working on the line. This is a State Law. • Do not slop the food onto the plates.

• Raise your hand and alert the Dining Hall In-Charge if you are running low of the item you are serving.

• Do not enter the line before the food has been placed in the warmers. © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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• Do not leave until released by the Dining Hall In-Charge.

• Bring to the Dining Hall In-charge’s attention any camper who has no food on their plate.

• SMILE. Your attitude sets the tone for the meal.

PROFESSIONALISM Please remember that you have an important role in Camp. Our campers look up to you. If you complain, however mildly about the food, this attitude will transfer to the campers. A simple comment can lead to negative comments regarding the food, variety and quality.

After a while, you may get a little tired of the “same old food”. It is important to be positive in all aspects of Camp. Making an average of 1,000 meals per day in a Dining Hall that is equipped for much less, the Kitchen Staff do an amazing job. The meals are typically served on a partial two-week rotation. Any concerns or suggestions you may have about the food can be shared, in private, with the Camp Director and always out of earshot of the campers.

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ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES

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STAFF AGREEMENT Each staff member will receive an Employment Agreement detailing the terms of his/her employment, job title and description, employment dates, salary and other benefits.

When the Voluntary Disclosure Statement is signed and returned, it represents your intention to join our Camp Team and complete the term of employment stated in the Employment Agreement. It also is your commitment to be a responsible staff member, always striving to maintain the high standards required of staff members as addressed in this Manual and Pre-Camp Staff Development.

Camp does not offer an employment contract. Camp employment is “at will” and can be terminated by Camp at any time, with or without cause, for any lawful reason. No information in the Staff Manual or any accompanying documents should be misinterpreted as creating some type of binding employment. These documents are merely general guidelines regarding policies, procedures, benefits and an anticipated employment schedule. (AD.29.1E) Staff Members will be required to be flexible with their employment responsibilities.

This may include (but is not an inclusive list) switching their activities as needed, based upon the number of enrollments. All Staff Members may be required to supervise a cabin group, participate in all activities with enthusiasm, assist with the set-­up and break-­down of all events, keep all Camp areas clean, neat and organized and lead assigned Camp programs as directed by the Camp Director with a continuous positive attitude.

It is extremely important to realize that we’re operating a summer program for children and that certain behavior, dress and attitudes acceptable in a college/adult setting would not be appropriate with a group of 9-14-year-olds present. It is important that Hermann Sons Life Camp staff members are role models to our campers. If for any reason during the Camp season the services of the Staff Member proves unsatisfactory or said Staff Member maintains an unacceptable appearance or the Staff Member engages in activities unbecoming a Camp Staff Member, it is hereby mutually agreed that the Camp Director’s discretion concerning termination is final and termination of this agreement is effective by notice to employee. Any abusive or other inappropriate behavior such as sexual, child, mental, physical or any other form of abuse or harassment will result in immediate termination and legal action. You are required to make a written report of any such action you observe to the Camp Director or the Executive Director. In the event of dismissal prior to the anticipated end of employment, the salary will be prorated to the date of dismissal and reflect any appropriate deductions. (AD.29.1E) Hermann Sons Life Camp provides equal opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or veteran status. (AD.29.1A)

PAY SCHEDULE – See Payroll Calendar Employees will receive a paycheck most Saturdays. This check is compensation for satisfactory performance and the net amount will equal the sum stated in the Employment Agreement minus taxes or other deductions. Compensation will generally be on a week-delay system. On-site employees also will receive lodging, meals and use of facilities during the term of employment.

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Much time, effort and money is invested in hiring and training staff. These costs are justified only upon the completion of the Staff Member’s summer agreement. Attendance for special training or certification courses is strictly as a volunteer.

SICK AND PERSONAL LEAVE (AD 29.1c) Requests for personal time off will be handled on an individual basis. Requests should be submitted to the Camp Director. Any time not spent performing regular or reassigned duties will be deducted from your weekly compensation.

ILLNESS, INJURY AND INSURANCE All paid employees are covered under Camp’s Worker’s Compensation Policy for accidents that occur in the performance of their duties. Please report all accidents to your supervising director immediately. Any accident which occurs during free time or during any activity outside one’s regular duties or any illness considered an ordinary disease of life is the responsibility of the employee and is not covered by Camp insurance.

HEALTH HISTORY It is required that all employees update their health history on the form provided by Camp within six months of their start date. Camp does not require a physical exam.

EMPLOYMENT HOURS AND TIME OFF (AD.30) Staff members are required to be on Camp and performing assigned duties at all times except during scheduled off time.

• Off-site staff members are employed for a 32- to 40-hour work week. When the day’s work is completed, off-site staff must leave the facility.

• On-Site staff members are employed for a 16-hour day, six-day work week. On-site staff members are provided with housing, meals and access to facilities. Some on-site staff members may work a modified shift.

On-site staff members may not leave Camp at any time between 11 a.m. on Sunday and 1 p.m. on Saturday without permission from their immediate supervising director. If you plan to be on Camp during the weekend, please inform the Senior Staff member in charge so provisions can be made for your safety.

Counselors and other on-site staff members will receive one evening off each week from 6:15 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. when they may leave Camp. Staff members must sign out and check back in with the Camp Director or Assistant Camp Director.

All 17-year-old staff members must have a permission slip (for minor on-site staff members) on file.

All staff members will receive additional breaks during rest periods or after lights out that must be spent on Camp. Persons reporting to Camp late from time-off or missing curfew will be subject to disciplinary action.

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TIME-OFF CALENDAR (AD.30)

2021 STAFF TIME OFF SCHEDULE One SUNDAY

Two

Three

Four

Five

ALL STAFF ARE ON DUTY BEGINNING AT 12 P.M.

MONDAY

OFF-OFF

Rest Period

Lights Out

Rest Period

Lights Out

TUESDAY

Lights Out

OFF-OFF

Rest Period

Lights Out

Rest Period

WEDNESDAY

Rest Period

Lights Out

OFF-OFF

Rest Period

Lights Out

THURSDAY

Lights Out

Rest Period

Lights Out

OFF-OFF

Rest Period

FRIDAY

Rest Period

Lights Out

Rest Period

Lights Out

OFF-OFF*

SATURDAY

ALL STAFF RELEASED NO LATER THAN 1 P.M.

Counselors are divided into a possible five duty groups. Any requests must be made before Friday of the preceding week.

Once the schedule has been established, only the Camp Director can change the schedule.

OFF-OFF 5:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Sat.-Sun. 23 hours Rest Period 1 hour, 15 minutes Lights Out 2 hours Friday OFF-OFF 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Staff preferences are taken into account when the schedules are prepared, however the needs of the campers (and Camp) are paramount when scheduling time-off. For example, we do not need lifeguards on-camp to operate the Dance and Game Night. We will need lifeguards to operate Brown Bag activities and so on.

In 2021, we added WiFi to the Hilltop Dining Hall. We will also be converting the Private Dining Hall on Hilltop for use as a staff lounge for both Riverside and Hilltop staff during the Lights Out and Off-Off evening times as well as weekends. This lounge will be considered a quiet lounge where staff can utilize the WiFi for online classes and study. It is also conveniently located near the staff laundry room.

LEAVING CAMP GROUNDS During the following two time-off periods, counselors are permitted to leave Camp grounds after signing out at the Camp Office.

• Each group has one night-off each week. (Called an Off-Off ). º Time-off begins after your campers have entered the Dining Hall for dinner. º Counselors must sign-in by 12:30 a.m.

• On the weekend, counselors are typically released before noon on Saturday and expected to return at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday morning.

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STAFF SWIMMING (PA.10.1) Camp Policy dictates that certified lifeguards must be present at all times the pools are in use. The lifeguards must be positioned in locations where they can provide effective surveillance, and in close enough proximity to participants to readily respond and execute rescue in case of an incident or emergency. The lifeguard to swimmer ratio must be 1:25 with a minimum of one lifeguard and one adult out of the water and present at all times.

PERFORMANCE COACHING AND APPRAISALS (AD.29.1D)(ST.27.1) Senior Staff will use performance coaching as a communication tool to evaluate performance and takes place constantly. Performance coaching will: • Strengthen the supervisor/staff relationship • Recognize and reward a staff member’s strengths • Re-emphasize work standards and requirements • Recognize and reward satisfactory performance • Recognize and correct deficiencies A written reprimand may be given for serious infractions or minor infractions that are not corrected after verbal reminders.

Staff members will receive an appraisal by the Camp Director or his or her immediate supervisor near the end of their final session during the exit interview.

EXIT INTERVIEWS Evaluation is not a one-way street. Hermann Sons Life Camp is determined to improve the quality of the campers' and staff members' summer camp experience. All staff will receive an exit interview with their Camp Director.

One week prior to their departure, staff members will receive a Staff Questionnaire. We ask that the staff member help us improve the quality of the camp experience by providing honest and constructive feedback on the Camp, our policies and procedures, their supervisors and, where possible, provide suggestions on how the Camp can improve. Your feedback will be welcomed and valued.

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STAFF EVALUATION FORM STAFF MEMBER’S NAME: _______________________________ Session _________ This form is to be completed for each counselor/instructor by the Senior Counselors and other supervising staff members.

All items are weighted differently. This form is kept as a permanent record and placed in the staff member’s file.

• •

There must be ONE evaluation completed before the end of the 2nd week.

THERE MUST BE A FINAL EVALUATION TURNED IN BY THE END OF CAMP.

Task

Exceeds Expectations

Meets Expectations

Needs Improvement

Comments

Enforce established rules for the cabin: Curfews, camper cleanliness, water bottles, dining hall, campers dressed appropriately, confronts misbehavior, etc.

Practices ACTIVE SUPERVISION: Learns campers names, engages and plays with campers in activities, avoids favoritism, shows knowledge of campers in the cabin, etc CAMPER – AGE SKILLS Balances role of friend and leader, mediates disputes amongst campers, ability to relate to campers, ability to build camper enthusiasm, etc.

General Approach to Camp Is warm & friendly, shows initiative, takes the lead when necessary, ability to work with other staff members, wears costumes (when appropriate), pitches in to help other staff, etc.

Camp Management: Punctuality, Cooperation with supervisors, Loyalty to camp management, care of camp property, personal appearance, compliance with camp rules, etc.

Comments (If any, from camper’s)______________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________

COMMENTS _____________________________________________________________________________ STAFF MEMBER’S COMMENTS _____________________________________________________________________________ ________________________ Staff Member’s Signature…

_____________ Date

______________________

… Evaluated By (Print Name)

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ACTIVITY OBSERVATION FORM

It is expected that all staff members are observed at a specialized activity site at least Once during the first two weeks of camp.

A second activity observation form should be done by week 5.. All forms are to be given to the Camp Director at the end of each day.

Staff Member

Elective:

Activity Observed

P1

P2

P3

P4

P5

P6

Supervisor Exceeds Expectations

Task

Meets Expectations

Needs Improvement

Not Applicable

Enforce established safety regulations, Provide appropriate instruction to participants, Identify and manage environmental and other hazards related to the activity.

Apply appropriate emergency procedures related to the activity and the participants?

Did the staff member provide the campers with a safety orientation before the activity began?

Is the staff member actively supervising the campers?

Are the campers engaged in the activity?

Are the campers having fun at the activity site?

How do you rate the staff member’s performance?

Comments:_______________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Has the form been reviewed with the staff member?

YES

NO

Any Staff receiving a NEEDS IMPROVEMENT must have the issue discussed and the form initialed in the comments section.

Staff Member’s Signature

Date

Supervisor

This form has been developed with the kind assistance from

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STAFF AND CAMPER CONTACT AND RELATIONS Physical abuse (including but not limited to striking, spanking, slapping, shaking, unreasonable force) and sexual abuse (including but not limited to sexual contact, inappropriate touching, exposing yourself to children or viewing children for sexual gratification or language or comments of an extreme sexual nature) will not be tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal. Emotional abuse (including but not limited to demeaning actions, inappropriate comments, language or vocal tone, physically strenuous or inappropriate discipline or any behavior which is disrespectful or humiliating to the child) can lower a child’s self-esteem, is not acceptable behavior for staff members and will result in disciplinary action that may include dismissal.

It is not only the staff member’s duty to avoid abusive actions but also not to tolerate such behavior from other staff members, campers or guests.

Texas law requires that all citizens report any suspected abuse or neglect of a child to the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services or a law enforcement agency. Therefore, Camp staff should immediately report any suspected abuse or neglect to the Camp Director or Executive Camp Director for action.

Avoid situations of isolation with campers and the potential for unwarranted accusations.

No staff member should ever be alone with a camper where others cannot see. Remember .the Rule of Two. Relationships between campers and staff should be conducted with respect to the nature of our business and the high standards of Camp. Socialization or other contact with campers outside of Camp (other than postcards) is not allowed. Do not share your phone number with campers. The only type of relationship that is permitted between a staff member and a camper (or past camper under the age of 18) is a Camp leadership relationship.

INTERNET POLICY

Socializing with campers on the Internet is not permitted. Doing so could result in disciplinary action.

This means do not share your personal email address or screen name with campers or past campers. Do not permit campers or past campers to have access to your pages or photos on any social networking site. This includes individuals in the Counselor-in-Training Program.

No staff member or past staff member may use the Camp’s name or logos to create any Internet site. In addition, do not use any reference to Camp or pictures taken at Camp in a way that may negatively impact the high standards of Camp or which may appear with or be linked to other language or pictures that do not reflect the high standards of Camp. Never post photos of campers on the Internet.

Please remember the Internet is public space. Your behavior online is, ultimately, not private. Let this guide you to make good decisions for Camp and our campers.

ALCOHOL AND ILLEGAL DRUGS (AD.16.1A) All staff members are expected to abide by state and national laws governing the possession and use of alcohol and illegal drugs throughout the term of their employment. Any violation of these rules could result in disciplinary action that may include termination of employment. Illegal behavior during the rest of the year can also impact future employment. © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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Alcohol and illegal drugs may not be brought on Camp property. Any violation of this rule will result in immediate termination of employment.

Staff members who are 21 years of age or older may only consume alcohol in moderation during their offoff’s. Because of their Camp responsibilities, it is imperative that staff members remain sober in performance of their duties.

Staff members may be required to pass drug tests as a condition of employment.

In the event a camper is found to be in possession of alcohol or illegal drugs, under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs or to have used alcohol or illegal drugs on Camp, notify the Camp Director or Assistant Camp Director immediately so the appropriate action can be taken.

TOBACCO Camp is a tobacco-free environment. Tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vapes, are not to be brought to Camp.

SOCIALLY SENSITIVE ISSUES (ST.31.1) Staff members will not discuss socially sensitive issues (which may include drugs, body piercing and art, sexuality, religion, politics or the personal lives of staff ) in areas where campers may overhear it or in staff groups where such discussion might prove inflammatory. Do not permit discussion among campers that is inappropriate or may become disruptive to Camp. If a camper has a question of a socially sensitive nature, listen and then seek help from a Senior Staff member.

CAMP RELATIONSHIPS Camp discourages any relationship between staff that distracts and interferes with duties and responsibilities. All personal relationships should be conducted with respect to the nature of our business and the high standards of Camp. Sexual contact between staff members while on Camp property, even during time off away from campers, is considered inappropriate conduct and will result in disciplinary action that may include dismissal. Campers should never be aware of any romantic relationships among staff members.

CONDUCT UNBECOMING A STAFF MEMBER (AD.29.1E) Insubordination, gross misconduct, fighting, neglect or absence from assigned responsibilities, inappropriate language or actions, damage or unauthorized use of Camp facilities or property, theft, bullying and violation of the law or Camp rules will result in disciplinary action that may include termination.

In addition, a staff member’s actions toward other staff members should always be professional.

As a Hermann Sons Life Camp staff member, you represent Camp before, during and after the season. How you behave is a reflection on both you and Camp, especially when you are at Camp, wearing Camp gear outside of Camp, gathered with Camp friends or talking about Camp online.

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SEXUAL HARASSMENT (AD.29.1 F) Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual behaviors, slurs, jokes and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. It becomes unlawful when: • Submission to such conduct is explicitly or implicitly a condition of an individual’s employment; or • Submission to or rejection of such conduct affects the employee’s job; or • Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s job performance, off-time relaxation or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment.

Hermann Sons Life Camp makes every effort to keep the workplace free from the threat of sexual harassment. If you feel you have been sexually harassed or have been subjected to an environment of an unwelcome sexual nature, report it immediately to the Executive Camp Director, Camp Director or any staff member who can assist you in making the report. All reports will be investigated promptly.

STANDARDS OF DRESS Staff appearance effects camper perceptions, parent impressions and Camp’s image.

• A staff member’s appearance should be neat and properly groomed at all times and may not change significantly during a session.

• Camp shirts may not be altered in any way. Please select an appropriately sized shirt.

• Hair must be neat and clean and worn in a style conducive to Camp’s image. Men’s facial hair must be kept neat and trimmed.

• Clothing worn by staff must be tasteful and reflect the positive image of Camp. Clothing which contains logos or inferences about alcohol, drugs or messages of a violent or sexual nature is not allowed.

• Swimsuits may only be worn at water activities. Swimsuits may be stylish but not extreme.

• All staff must wear shoes outdoors.

• Other than earrings, no jewelry requiring body piercing will be visible at any time on Camp property.

Decisions concerning the number and style of ear piercings and adornment shall be at the discretion of the Camp Director.

• Tattoos deemed inappropriate or distracting will be kept covered at all times.

Your supervising director may require additional job-specific policies. All decisions concerning appropriate standards of dress are at the discretion of the Executive Camp Director.

MEDICATIONS AND CLINIC VISITS All on-site staff medication, including prescription and over the counter drugs, must be turned in to the Health Manager and stored in the Clinic. Staff may administer their own medication, but only with permission from the Health Manager and only at prescribed times. Staff under the age of 18 must have their medication administered by the Health Manager. A sign-in log is kept in the Clinic for staff visits. Report all injuries and illnesses to your supervising director. Camp will not be held responsible for any injuries that are not reported appropriately. All medication brought to Camp by off-site staff must be in its original container and stored away from campers.

VISITATION AND GUESTS In 2021, NO NON-STAFF members are permitted on Camp grounds. If you are being dropped off or picked up for the weekend, please have your ride wait in their car. Thank you for your understanding. No terminated or former staff members may visit Camp without advance permission from the Executive Camp Director.

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Staff from one site may visit staff on the other site on weekends but must be off site by 12 a.m. Staff may not visit the other site during the week while Camp is in session. Staff may pick up other staff members for Off-Off but must meet in the Office. Staff should never travel the back road between sites without permission from the Camp Director.

STAFF’S CHILDREN ON CAMP Children of off-site staff are not allowed at Camp.

Children of on-site staff – • Ages 0-6 - Not allowed at Camp.

Children of Director’s staff may be permitted to stay with additional supervision.

• 7 year-olds - Participate in Camp program.

Do not live in dorms and have defined schedule; register with Executive Camp Director; two weeks maximum (one each half ).

• 8-14 year-olds - Participate in Camp program.

Live in dorms and have defined schedule; if eligible for attendance must register for first week through Home Office and additional weeks with Executive Camp Director.

• 15 & older - Camp volunteer work with special permission from Executive Director and if at Camp for more than two weeks.

Please notify the Executive Director of any children visiting Camp.

VEHICULAR TRAFFIC ON CAMP (AD.16.1c) Rules governing vehicular traffic on Camp are developed for the safety of the campers and others on Camp.

These guidelines for traffic control must be followed.

• Vehicle speeds on Camp should never exceed 10 mph.

• A staff member must possess a valid driver’s license and current auto liability insurance to drive on Camp property.

• Staff will be given a designated parking area for their vehicles. These vehicles may be used only during time off.

• Staff should not use the service road between sites unless for Camp business. The speed limit for this road is 15 mph. Staff may not use their vehicles to drive to The Spot.

• Campers may not be transported by staff (even in their personal vehicles) without permission from the Camp Director.

• No one shall be transported in the back of a pickup on any public road (except for maintenance workers on our private roads).

• Camp owned vehicles, including the tractor, should not be driven without permission from the Camp Director.

• Be careful pulling out of the Riverside maintenance gate. Limited visibility makes it very dangerous.

• Delivery trucks, parents and visitors are not exempt from the rules governing vehicle speed. Letters are sent to the different companies explaining our rules. Notify the office of violators.

• Do not attempt to cross any bridge or other area where water is over the road. Use alternate high-water routes when necessary.

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PERSONAL POSSESSIONS (AD.16.1B) (AD.16.1D) Cell phones may be used only during scheduled off time and only in designated areas. Small personal handheld music systems are permitted but must be used according to Camp policy. Televisions, portable DVD players and computers* are not permitted. Music, clothing, video, reading or other materials that are sexually explicit, profane or deemed inappropriate for the Camp environment will not be permitted at Camp.

Personal vehicles must be parked in assigned areas. The vehicle and its contents are subject to all rules and policies of Camp. Pets are not permitted at Camp. Camp assumes no responsibility for personal property lost, stolen or destroyed. * Computers may be used in the staff lounges only. * Smart watches may be worn by staff unless they become a distraction for the staff member. Staff members utilizing their smart phone during work hours will be asked to remove it.

SPOT RULES A site for staff from each camp to gather together is located between Riverside and Hilltop. Only on-site staff may use The Spot. Off-site staff, CITs and visitors are not allowed. The following Spot rules must be followed at all times.

• Spot usage times are Monday through Thursday • After lunch – back on Camp by 2:30 p.m.

• 10 p.m. – back on Camp by 12:15 a.m.

• Sign out on the clipboard/white board on your site • Stay in the designated area, stay out of the barn • Walk only – do not drive to The Spot • Please stay quiet – The Spot is very close to the Retirement Home • Fires only with permission from the Executive Director and only in designated areas • Keep the area neat and clean

QUIET LOUNGE A number of staff members will be taking online classes this summer. To accommodate these staff members we have added WiFi to the Hilltop Dining Hall. The Private Dining Room has been converted into a quiet staff lounge available to Riverside and Hilltop staff. Gaming and streaming movies is prohibited.

Riverside staff are able to use the staff laundry and Private Dining Quiet Lounge on their Off-Offs and on the weekend. Curfew rules apply. Cars may return to Riverside past the Home and into the staff parking lot (5 mph). Cars are not permitted to drive through Camp while campers are active. Cars are not permitted to park at The Spot.

LOUNGE RULES A lounge is provided on each Camp for off time use of on-site staff. The lounge has a refrigerator, microwave, TV and a DVD player. Please keep the lounge neat and clean at all times. No R-rated movies are permitted before 10 p.m. and then only for staff 17 or older. CITs do not have lounge privileges unless with their CIT counselors.

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CURFEW All on-site staff must be in their own dorm and in their own bed no later than 12:30 a.m. unless otherwise indicated by the Camp Director. Off-site staff must leave Camp immediately after their shift

PRANKS Pranks are not permitted at Hermann Sons Life Camp. It is important to realize we are role models for the campers and Junior Staff members. When we discuss table manners, take what you want, eat what you take, instruct campers not to play with food, it is then hypocritical for us as a staff to punch sandwiches. While there has been a general rule regarding pranks between staff members being permitted, that is no longer the case. Staff members are not permitted to play practical jokes on other staff members while working. This includes sandwich punching.

PHONE All Camp phones are for Camp business only. Personal cell phones must be kept out of the sight of campers and may only be used during scheduled off time and only in designated calling areas. Music should not be played at activities from a cell phone.

GIFTS No employee will accept money or expensive gifts from campers or their parents. If you receive a gift,notify the Camp Director. No employee shall sell or trade with campers.

SNACKS Staff should not eat or drink snacks in front of campers that are not available to campers through the Camp program. Save them for your time off.

WEAPONS AND EXPLOSIVES (AD.16.1) The possession of guns, knives or other weapons on Camp property is prohibited. OLS and craft knives may be permitted at the discretion of the Camp Director. Explosives are prohibited. Use of fireworks is permitted only under consent of the Camp Director. Model rocket engines should be used only under strict activity guidelines and supervision of the Craft Specialist.

RESTRICTED AREAS The following areas are off limits at night or during non-program times: • Administrative Offices • Canteen • Private residences or quarters (except by invitation) • Kitchen • Any place outside the immediate Camp area, excluding The Spot (for example, the other site, the river, barn, OLS site, road to other site, etc.)

VENDOR PROCEDURES FOR DELIVERIES AND SUPPLIES Food vendors will be instructed to deliver all food service supplies to the back deck of the kitchens.

• Our Kitchen Staff will bring the food into the Dining Hall while ensuring that they are socially distanced from the delivery staff.

• Kitchen Staff must use mask and gloves while accepting the deliveries.

• The Kitchen Staff must remove and discard these gloves and masks, wash their hands and replace with a new mask and gloves before resuming food preparation work.

• The delivery staff will not be permitted to enter the kitchens. © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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ACCIDENT PROCEDURES When an accident occurs, immediately seek the assistance of Camp medical personnel. The staff member should administer care to their certified skill level until the medical personnel arrive.

First aid kits are located in the following areas: • All Camp vehicles • OLS backpack • Adventures in Nature backpack • Range • Pool • Climbing Barn • Houston Home Association Activities Center craft closet Camp medical staff is responsible for treatment of the injury or referring the camper to a doctor.

INCIDENT AND ACCIDENT REPORTS (AD.14.1) Incident and Accident reports are to be completed by all staff members who witness the event.

• ACCIDENT – An accident is a record of injury that a person sustains at Camp.

• INCIDENT – A situation, trend or occurrence that warrants the attention of the Camp Director that does not involve an injury.

What Incidents/Accidents are we talking about that require documentation?

• Behavioral problems: All fighting, serious emotional outbursts, threatening behavior/others.

• Adjustment problems: Lost or runaway campers.

• Significant rule violations: Any use of drugs, alcohol, cigarettes (includes e-cigarettes).

• Safety threats: Strangers on-site.

• Close calls: All significant events such as drownings, baseball whizzing by a head of a non-participant, near drownings (rescue by lifeguard).

These forms are legal documents. Be neat. Be thorough.

Incident and Accident reports are to be completed immediately following the event.

39 • If the event occurs at morning activities, no later than lunch.

• If the event occurs during the afternoon activities, no later than dinner.

• If the event occurs during the evening events, no later than curfew.

All Incident and Accident Reports are to be given to the Executive Director in a timely manner. The Executive Director, along with the Camp Director will evaluate the accident and incident reports.

If an injury occurs, the medical staff are required to document the treatment and complete the appropriate insurance forms for either the campers or counselors (if Worker’s Compensation).

Senior Staff will document all Incident and Accident reports into the log.

At the end of the summer, the Executive Director, along with the Vice President of Member Benefits and Camp Directors will evaluate the Accident and Incident reports to determine if a change in policies and procedures is necessary. $25 gift card for the first two staff members to text Ian Brasset their name and the phrase "I read the manual."

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MAY 2021 – AUGUST 2021 PAYROLL CALENDAR SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WED

23 MAY Pre-Camp A

24

30 Skill Devel. Week & Pre-Camp B

31

6 Staff Development

7

8

9

13

14 Turn in payroll for Staff Development

15

16

20

27

Week #1

Week #2

Week #3

4

11

18

Week #4

Week #5

25

Turn in Pre-Camp B Payroll Skill Devel. Week

Week #7

8 Post-Camp

FRIDAY

25

26

27

28

1 JUNE

2

3

4

SATURDAY 29 Turn in PreCamp A Payroll 5

Overseas Staff Begin Work

Paid for PreCamp A

Year-Round Staff Payroll

10

11

12 Paid for PreCamp B & Skill Devel. Week

17

18

19 Paid for Staff Development

21 Turn in Payroll for #1 28 Turn in Payroll for week #2 5 Grief Session Turn in Payroll for #3 12 Turn in Payroll for #GW & MC 19 Turn in Payroll for #4

22

23

29

30

6

7

8 Mini-Camp Begins

9

13

14

15

16

17

20

21

22

23

24 Paid for Week #4

26

27

28

29

30

31

Week #6

1 AUGUST

Turn in Payroll for PC Overseas Staff Arrive

THURSDAY

Turn in Payroll #5 Year-Round Staff Payroll

24

Mini-Camp Begins

Year-Round Staff Payroll 1 JULY

25

26 Paid for Week #1

2

3

Year-Round Staff Payroll

Paid for Week #2

10 Paid for Week #3

Paid for Week GW & MC

Paid for Week #5

2 Turn in Payroll for Week #6

3

4

5

6

7 Paid for Week #6

9

10

11

12

13

14

Turn in Payroll for #7 Year-Round Staff Payroll

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

Checks Mailed for Week #7

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PAYROLL POLICIES 2021 • Employees are paid weekly, on a week delay system. For example, if an employee works July 5-11, that employee will not get paid until July 18.

• After working July 5-11, that employee’s hours are submitted on the following Monday and they are processed to be given out on the Friday or Saturday depending on the employee’s work shift (evening kitchen workers and clinic assistants are able to get their paychecks on Friday since they do not work Saturday).

• Hourly employees are not paid for their time eating meals. Meal times are calculated in the following ways: Breakfast = 15 minutes, Lunch = 30 minutes, Supper = 30 minutes.

These are required breaks.

• When on-site staff misses work, their pay for time not worked is calculated in ¼-day increments.

• OVERSEAS STAFF will get paid as soon as their Social Security card comes through. This is typically 4-6 weeks after their employment begins.

• OVERSEAS STAFF will get paid via a visa payroll processing card.

• A W-4 for the current summer must be submitted at least seven days before a payroll is run (the Monday before paychecks are issued) in order to receive a check.

• If an employee needs a check to be reissued because it is lost, a $25 fee is charged to the employee and a 30-day waiting period is observed. Once the check is reissued after the waiting period, the employee must first give $25 cash or check (made out to Hermann Sons Life) to receive the new check. The $25 is charged to cover the $25 charge we incur for issuing a “stop payment” on the original check.

• All employees should make sure that the address on their checks is correct. In many cases, the last paycheck of the summer is mailed. Additionally, if employment is terminated before the end of his/her employment agreement, that person’s check is mailed.

• All W-2s are also sent to the address on the check. It is the employee’s responsibility to ensure current contact information is given to Camp Administration.

I acknowledge that I have read and understand the policies for how I will receive my paychecks.

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© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2021

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