Camp Staff Booklet 2022

WELCOME BOOKLET SUMMER 2022 Thank you

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF - BE YOU!

for choosing Hermann Sons Life Camp as your summer home. I know you had options and I do appreciate your decision. Choosing to work at a summer camp is easily one of the most selfless acts you can make. The decision to put the wants, needs and desires of the campers and the Camp ahead of yours for seven weeks is a big one.

A life-altering decision!

Please understand that working at a camp is not simply a job. It can become a way of life. It encompasses your entire self for the summer. You will be eating, drinking and sleeping summer camp. You will make friends at Hermann Sons Life Camp who will remain your friends and become part of your family for the rest of your life.

You will talk about Camp, the activities, the kids and the friends you make this summer, so much so that your family and friends from home will believe you joined a cult (you didn’t)!

Living and working at Camp is like living in an incredible bubble. We are all far removed from the outside world where the evening activity or what’s for dinner are the most important things on your mind!

Working at Camp is not easy. In fact, it may be the most difficult job you will ever have! It will test you in ways you cannot possibly imagine.

• • • •

You will be physically and mentally exhausted most of the summer.

You will be expected to have a positive attitude and smile the entire summer.

You will have campers test the last nerve available at the end of a long stressful day and you must handle the situation with poise and a positive demeanor.

You will be expected to work hard every day.

Please review this packet. Absorb the information. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. I can be reached at ianb@hermannsonslife.org.

Thank you again for choosing to work at Hermann Sons Life Camp.

Ian “Gunner” Brassett Ian “Gunner” Brassett Executive Camp Director Hermann Sons Life Camp (830) 995.3223 – Office (909) 362.9058 – Cell/Mobile ianb@hermannsonslife.org © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2022

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HERMANN SONS LIFE HISTORY Hermann Sons Life Camp is owned and operated by Hermann Sons Life, a not-for-profit fraternal benefit society. One becomes a member of Hermann Sons Life by purchasing a life insurance certificate.

Hermann Sons Life is the largest fraternal benefit society domiciled in only one state and the oldest in the nation. Membership totals more than 65,00 men, women and children who belong to 127 local lodges in Texas cities and towns. In addition to the financial security that is available through the various Hermann Sons Life insurance certificates, members share fellowship.

The Order of the Sons of Hermann was founded in Texas in 1861 as part of the national organization that began in New York in 1840. This organization adopted the motto, “Friendship, Love and Loyalty.”

In 1890, the Texas lodges joined together to form the Grand Lodge of the Order of the Sons of Hermann in the State of Texas and in 1921 voted to withdraw from the national group and become its own entity.

Fraternal benefits that had begun with the construction of the Altenheim (Retirement Home) in 1916 continued under the direction of Grand President Carl Biebers (1946-58). The membershipsupported Retirement Home is for older members who enjoy this “Castle on the Hill” and the companionship of Hermann Sons Life peers.

Carl Biebers, known as the “Father of the Youth Movement,” not only helped institute the issuance of junior insurance certificates in 1942, he fostered the formation of junior chapters, dance classes and, in 1954, presided over the construction and dedication of a modern summer camp facility.

Hermann Sons Youth Camp (Riverside) was established in 1954 with the promise to provide wholesome, fun summer activities for junior members. In 1991 the Hilltop site was built one mile from Riverside.

In 2017, the company was rebranded as Hermann Sons Life and the summer camp was renamed Hermann Sons Life Camp. This summer around 2,000 eager campers (ages 9-14) will be attending one of six one-week sessions. Camp also offers a Mini-Camp session for our 8- and 9-year-old junior members and a half-week Grief Support Session which is conducted in coordination with the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas.

Boys will attend Hilltop and girls will attend Riverside. Campers live in air-conditioned dormitories with bunk beds.

There are benefits, in addition to the Camp, that Hermann Sons Life offers to its members. The individual lodges across the state offer Camp and college scholarships, social programs and fellowship for their members such as tuition-free dance classes for children ages 3 through 17 that are offered in more than 25 communities and taught by professional instructors.

HERMANN SONS LIFE IS A FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETY FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY. The HERMANN SONS LIFE CAMP Mission is to provide a quality, safe and caring summer camp program that develops healthy friendships and enriches the lives of both campers and staff by fostering self-esteem and independence through exposure to new experiences, group living and play.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2022

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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 below 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.

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 on the beach, thousands and thousands of starfish that must have washed ashore due to the storm. As far as the eye can see, lay starfish, drying out and surely destined to die in the warming of the morning sun. And so ever so carefully, the old man stoops down and, one by one, 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, simply shakes his head in disbelief.

After a brief period, the younger man approaches the old man and says to him, "Old man, what are you doing? Don't you see that there are literally thousands of starfish washed up on this shore? What you are doing can never make a difference."

The old man, saddened by what he hears, stares straight into the eyes of the younger man. And, then, ever so carefully, he 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."

This story gets to the true heart of being a counselor. While it may be overwhelming at times, you truly make a difference to the campers by being there for them. – Ian Brassett

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2022

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CAMP IS A FAMILY TRADITION It will not be unusual for you to greet a camper, their parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles on arrival day… and they all attended Hermann Sons Life Camp! It is a strength of our summer camp.

From this fraternal benefit and deep family roots, grows another strength at Hermann Sons Life Camp which is our Counselor-inTraining program. Our CIT program develops 15- and 16-year old campers and grows them into our Junior Staff members, who become counselors and then our Senior Staff.

Hermann Sons Life Camp is a family. While many of our team are former campers who have grown through the CIT and Junior Staff program, like most Texans (especially those in the Hill Country), we love meeting new staff members. New staff members help us evolve and grow as a camp. New staff members bring new exciting ideas and energy.

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY AND OUR CAMPERS Our campers come predominantly from Texas and the Hill Country. Our campers exhibit what I (Ian Brassett) believe is the very best of camper behavior and manners that I have witnessed in more than 30 years of camping!

Our campers, as I mentioned before, look forward to spending their week with us all year long. They love the activities, making new friends, reconnecting with their friends from the previous summer and, most of all, meeting their counselors. This year more than ever, our campers will be very excited to be here!

Our campers are raised to be respectful and considerate. It’s quite refreshing!

• You will hear lots of “please” and “thank yous”.

• You will hear a lot of “Yes Sir”or “Yes Ma’am”.

•

You’ll witness most campers carrying their own luggage by choice!

MEET HERMANN! Much like Hermann on the left hanging out at Riverside Camp, Camp holds many beloved traditions. Many of them you will learn as we go along.

Here’s a few things worth mentioning.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2022

It’s not about doing the same thing… its about doing the right thing. It’s about doing what’s in the best interest of the camper even if it means our job becomes harder.

2022 Hermann Sons Life Camp Welcome Booklet 10_22_21.docx

RIVERSIDE AND HILLTOP CAMPS Our Camps are single gender camps, know traditionally in camping circles as a brother–sister camp. The Riverside Camp is home of the original Camp (1954) and currently home to our girls’ camp. Hilltop was built much later and is home to the boys’ camp. Geographically, between the two camps is Hermann Sons Life’s Retirement Home that houses approimately 30 Hermann Son Life members.

The two camps coordinate and help each other out with staffing activities (challenge, lifeguarding, transportation, CIT programming, etc.) along with Staff Development, which will be held on the Riverside campus in 2022. Two of the more popular evening activities are also when the two camps gather together.

The first gathering is on Tuesday when the boys travel to Riverside and we have a GAME NIGHT. The Game Night allows the boys and girls to socialize and mingle in a non-structured, friendly, no pressure environment.

This activity will also be hosted by the CITs in 2022.

The second gathering is the DANCE…

WE DANCE The campers and staff love to dance. Our weekly dance is held at Hilltop on Thursday night and brings together the Riverside (girls) and Hilltop (boys) camps. There will be time for our new staff to learn the line dances during the Staff Development Week.

Don’t panic! Over the course of the summer you will really get to know and love them! Many of the dances you can do even with two left feet.

During the dance, our campers and staff have a blast! I highly recommend you check out our YouTube Channel and subscribe.

A tutorial was put togther with the help of many of our returning and former staff members on some of the more popular line dances. Learn them in the comfort and privacy of your home before you trip the light fantastic at Camp! The link for the line dances is: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRhtPPY88bAaXmk1OjI2KCg On Hilltop Camp, one way we teach our campers the dances is by playing the songs during our meal times. Often counselors will get up and dance and the campers will join in. Still, many of our campers believe that the best part of the dance are the cookies. 😊 % $ # "

WE SING On Riverside especially, singing camp songs throughout the day is a fantastic part of the tradition that is Hermann Sons Life Camp.

Pamela Nentwich created some videos of our more popular songs that are sung at Camp. If you are a CIT-2, Junior Staff, returner or coming in brand new to Camp, I highly recommend you go to our YouTube channel and learn a few.

Here’s the link to the YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRhtPPY88bAaXmk1OjI2KCg

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2022

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BEADS For every year of attendance, both campers and staff receive a new colored bead. The beads will tell your Hermann Sons Life Camp story. Camper beads are plastic. Staff beads are wooden. We’ll tell you more during Staff Development.

CAMP NAMES

We’re here for the campers! Always put their needs and interests ahead of your own.

All of our staff members (including Junior Staff) will have Camp names. During Staff Development, you will hear many awesome stories on how current staff members got their names. This includes names like Padre, Kenobi, Monk, Nimbus, etc. " % Before the campers arrive in Camp, all counselors $ # and Junior Staff will receive a camp name. This helps keep the mystique of the counselor and assists you in keeping a social media distance from the campers. Camp names can be earned, bestowed or chosen by the individual. They must all be approved by the Camp Director and once you receive a Camp name, it will live on forever with your campers. The names cannot change during the summer.

BIRTHDAYS Birthdays are special at Hermann Sons Life Camp. We will be making a big deal about camper (and staff) birthdays.

Before breakfast • Senior counselors will decorate the camper’s table.

• The birthday is announced on the morning radio show.

At breakfast • The entire Camp will sing a rousing rendition of the birthday song.

• We will present the camper with a birthday cookie (and ice cream).

• We will take a photo of the birthday camper and their cabin.

• The Assistant Director will email / text the photo to the camper’s parents. This is a difficult day for parents.

If a camper has a birthday on arrival day, we will celebrate the birthday at dinner.

CAMPER OF THE DAY Every day we will be announcing the “Camper(s) of the Day” for each dorm. We are looking for the most deserving, most helpful, friendliest camper who embodies all aspects of Camp. This camper will be acknowledged at one of the meals (TBD). All campers need to know why the individual camper received the award.

CAMPER OF THE WEEK Each week we will be announcing a “Camper(s) of the Week” for each dorm. We are looking for the most deserving, the friendliest campers, the most helpful, kindest, etc. This camper will be acknowledged at the Saturday Showcase and awarded a special orange bead.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2022

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COUNSELOR FREE-DINNER / SURVEYS We truly care about what our campers think about their experience at Camp. We will survey them twice each week. As the director of the program I report weekly to the Vice President of Member Benefits the campers’ survey results. They matter. I read every comment. We evaluate the surveys closely for trends. Campers are the most important group of individuals at Camp.

Counselors typically should get a 4.75/5.00 average rating throughout the summer. That is our expectation. Do not prompt or beg the kids for 5’s. If you do your job, care about the campers’ safety, their enjoyment and practice active supervision, the scores will reflect that. If you are here for yourself, go through the motions and do not care – the scores will reflect that too.

What is your disposition in front of the campers? Are you being positive? Are you complaining? Are you smiling?

How you say something is often more important than what you say! What is your tone?

CAMP STORE Each cabin will be scheduled Camp Store time once a week. You will attend the Camp Store as a cabin group.

Please watch your campers, actively supervise and assist the Camp Store In-Charge if asked. This is not free time!

DAILY SCHEDULE Okay, so there is not actually such a thing as a typical day in Camp. It does not exist. There are, however, some parts of the day that repeat themselves. The next few pages will cover these parts and your responsibilities as a cabin counselor.

DAILY PROGRAM All staff members are assigned to work six periods each day. The activities you will be scheduled will be determined by the campers’ activity and elective choices and your own skills and certifications. Be enthusiastic, punctual and prepared. The Daily Program will be divided into two parts.

The SPECIALTY Program is the traditional Hermann Sons Life Camp program. The Camp will schedule each camper three activities which will be consistent throughout the week (Monday through Thursday). The camper selects their six favorite activities before Camp begins. Before the camper arrives in Camp, our goal will be to give the campers the top three activities they choose. Again, this is the traditional way campers have selected their activities. Some activities will only be available in the SPECIALTY Program. Examples of these activities will be the Challenge Course, Rocketry and Kayaking.

New for 2022, the ELECTIVE Program is where the campers choose two electives each day. Maybe the campers want to hang out with a new friend or sibling. Perhaps they want to try an elective for the first time.

Perhaps they are having a bad day, and simply want to attend the elective where their favorite counselor is teaching. © Hermann Sons Life Camp 2022

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The electives will be typical camp offerings but designed to be stand-alone, single electives. An example of this would be Dance. As an activity, in Dance we teach our campers one dance that they work on every day. As a stand-alone elective we can offer campers a Hip-Hop Class or a Line Dance Class or a Ballet Class, etc. With an elective program we can offer our campers Manis and Pedis on Thursday before the dance. We can run a Magic the Gathering Class. We can offer classes that relate to the theme of the week.

Elective offerings can and will be tailored to the campers as well as the individual skills a counselor may bring to the table. Perhaps our campers will want to try rugby, netball or Gaelic football taught by one of our overseas staff members. Perhaps we have a counselor who knows martial arts or one who can juggle.

WHY ARE WE CHANGING THE DAILY PROGRAM IN 2022?

There are a number of reasons to change the Daily Program. The main reason is to increase the camper enjoyment of their Hermann Sons Life Camp experience. The daily program currently scores lower than all other aspects of the Camp’s program (in the camper surveys). How do we increase the campers’ enjoyment?

The program change is geared towards providing our campers with the best possible summer camp experience.

For the same reason, we’re adding kayaks to the river program, Fishing as a stand-alone activity and Golf to Riverside.

The new program will: • • • •

•

GIVE MORE ACTIVITY CHOICES TO THE CAMPERS. They will have the ability to select half of their daily activities on a daily basis. This immediate gratification will also allow the campers to participate in up to 11 daily activities throughout the week rather than the six activities scheduled in the past.

ALLOW CAMPERS TO TRAVEL WITH NEWLY-MADE FRIENDS. When selecting their activities every day, many more campers will travel in small groups/packs, usually from their own dorm. However, it is probable that campers may select to hang out with their cousins and siblings.

ALLOW CAMPERS TO BE AS ACTIVE OR CHILL AS THEY LIKE ON A DAILY BASIS. It may be a particularly warm week and campers want more pool or crafts time. We may have a camper who is not feeling especially up for an active schedule. This program allows them to change their schedule to suit their mood.

ALLOW CAMP TO BE MORE RESPONSIVE TO THE CAMPERS’ NEEDS. By tracking the numbers at the activities, we can add more Archery and Riflery classes throughout the week or respond positively to a camper’s request for an activity not scheduled on Monday by adding it on Tuesday and Wednesday. For example, we can add Manis and Pedis to Thursday’s schedule at Riverside to give the girls more time to prepare for the dance and more time to hang out with their little sisters.

ALLOW US AS A CAMP TO OFFER A WIDER VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES, including one off, unique activities.

• What skills do you have that campers would enjoy learning?

If you have any ideas to improve the activities or electives, please let me know at ianb@hermannsonslife.org.

Ideas and suggestions are always welcome.

•

The elective program will be a little looser than the structured activities program. We will not, as a Camp, have an exact accounting of where each camper is at any given time. That’s OK. We will know, however, by starting the elective program immediately after a flagpole that each camper is present (attendance taken by their dorm counselors). At the end of each elective program is a meal during which there will be a head count.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2022

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PARTICIPATION Let’s encourage campers to try new electives perhaps they’ve never done before. Children often do not like a particular activity because they have never tried the activity. We are here to teach each child and expose him/her to new activities. Watch out for campers who get “left out.” Our daily program is designed for our campers to PLAY and have FUN. That is our focus.

• • • • • •

Campers will mirror their counselor’s enthusiasm for an activity. Counselors are the key to a successful program. You must participate and you must encourage your campers to participate. This will help them get the most out of their stay in Camp.

Always start an activity or sport by doing a brief warm-up.

Create opportunities to ensure success by starting with small achievements and building up to more difficult skills. Campers will develop self-confidence as they achieve success.

Every activity should be FUN. Play the game! All campers should be involved.

Avoid sarcasm! Children often don’t understand it and are often hurt when it is used. Encourage slow learners and help them whenever possible. However, don’t hold back a group because of one individual.

Never let a group make fun of a child if he/she cannot master a skill. Competition is important for children to understand, however, it is not so important that it creates hard feelings between individuals and groups.

If you find yourself chatting to a fellow counselor at an activity site, YOU’RE DOING IT WRONG!

You must join in with the campers. Get involved. PLAY!

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2022

If you find yourself sitting down at an activity site. YOU’RE DOING IT WRONG!

REMEMBER: Our job is to provide the best summer camp experience possible.

You must help the campers. Get involved. Lead through example.

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CLEAN FOR ICE CREAM Hermann Sons Life Camp’s maintenance staff will refill the sanitizer and restock the paper products on a daily basis. One of the chores on a daily basis for our counselors is to clean, disinfect and mop the bathrooms.

We do not expect you to pick up after the campers and other staff. Campers and counselors are required to do their part to keep the cabin clean. This is where Clean For Ice Cream comes in.

There should be no items strewn across the bathroom. A few examples of the chores that campers and staff should expect to perform daily are sweeping, making their bed, taking out the trash, etc.

ICE CREAM SANDWICHES WILL BE GIVEN TO THE CLEANEST CABINS AT LUNCH ON FRIDAY! Some TIPS on cabin clean-up…

• Don’t yell and scream at the campers. It does no good. Talk calmly to the campers.

• Lead by example. Make your bed, then you can work with the campers on their areas.

• Help campers that may require assistance. If you

• • •

are in a cabin of younger campers the responsibility is on you to do most of the work.

Use a job chart.

Leave for activities as a cabin group.

Sunscreen? Water bottles? Dressed appropriately for their activities?

FLAGPOLE Like many (if not most) camps in the United States, we gather around the flagpole in the morning and afternoon to raise and lower the American flag. At Hermann Sons Life we also raise and lower the Texas state flag.

We repeat the Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge every morning. While you are not required to say the pledge, we do expect all campers and staff to be respectful during the flag raising and lowering by standing quietly facing the flag and taking off your hats!

The Pledge of Allegiance I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas State flag Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2022

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REST PERIOD We are all responsible and accountable for our words and actions.

Texas is hot! Rest Period is important to enable the campers (and staff) to recharge their batteries. Two staff members must always be awake with the campers at Rest Period.

Always.

ACTIVE SUPERVISION Relaxation and Rest Period 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 Camp. If you are not scheduled “Time-Off” then you are working. This is not time to be sleeping, wearing your iPod, hanging out with your co-counselors or simply zoning out – you are to be actively supervising the campers in your care.

Relaxation and Rest Period (unstructured cabin time), statistically in camping, is the most dangerous time on camp. It is the camper’s rest period, not yours. 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.

During each session, a senior counselor/director may ask to speak with your campers alone (a little bonus free time). We are constantly evaluating our program and this time spent with your campers provides valuable feedback on our electives, scheduling and, of course, our counselors. These discussions usually directly affect counselor evaluations and counselor-of-the-session nominations.

Five minutes before the electives are scheduled to begin again, have your campers ready to leave the cabin.

How are you interacting with the campers? Is every contact a positive experience?

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2022

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RULE OF TWO No staff member should ever be alone with a camper where others cannot see. This does not mean you cannot be at an activity (i.e. Gaga) alone with 15 campers. It means if you need to chat with a camper, you take them on the porch (where there is no expectation of privacy) rather than to the counselor room. It means you can enter the dorm with a bunch of campers but should never be 1:1 with a camper in a dorm.

BLUE AND RED GAMES All campers and staff are assigned to a “team”. Think Hogwarts. Campers and staff will either be in the Blue or Red teams at Camp.

Throughout the week, the campers will compete in friendly and fun contests and games to earn points for their team. These points can be earned in the dorm, during daily activities and in the nightly activities. Much more information will be given out in the spring.

FANCY FRIDAYS Friday is the last full day at Camp. Counselors want to help the campers “blow their socks off”and finish the week with a bang!

Fridays are special at Hermann Sons Life Camp. On Thursday night we extend curfew to allow our campers to spend more time at the Dance. To give the campers a chance to rest up, we will be having a late day on Fridays where we wake up an hour later.

We’ll have a PJ Breakfast and then have two morning activity periods where campers can possibly earn points for their team (Blue or Red) or they can simply hang out with their new lifelong friends at Gaga, the pool or lawn games (Bocce Ball, Bucket Ball, Giant Checkers, Giant Connect-4, Corn Hole, Horse Shoes, Giant Jenga, Ladder-Toss and more!).

After lunch and rest period, in the afternoon, we’ll play some water games and “Minute-To-Win-It” style hames with a big water balloon fight to wrap up an awesome afternoon.

We do not expect to see campers standing outside the dorm waiting for everyone to show up before entering..

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2022

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EVENING ACTIVITIES The highlight of the day for many campers is the evening activity. Counselors are expected to be actively involved in the evening activity and will be given an assignment by the Program Assistants.

Evening activities change each week. As previously mentioned there will be two activities that are the cornerstones of the week - Game Night and the Dance.

Hosting for these two activities is shared by the camps.

Enthusiasm is key. Participation is important. Counselors are expected to dress-up if there is a theme and participate in competitions during the nightly activities. Campers love seeing their counselors participating and having fun. It allows them the freedom to join in. If their counselor is dressing up to the theme of the dance, they are much more likely to dress up.

Like all activities on Camp – the dorm counselors are critical to the success of the summer. It does not matter who the director is. If the counselors are having fun and invest their energy and care for the campers – the kids will leave Camp having the best time. The dorm counselors are the most important piece of the summer camp puzzle.

2022 WEEKLY SCHEDULE

WEEKLY DANCE THEMES

Week #1

6/12/22 - 6/18/22

Hawaiian

Week #2

6/19/22 - 6/25/22

Halloween

Week #3

6/26/22 - 7/2/22

Disney and Marvel

Week #4

7/3/22 - 7/9/22

Red, White and Blue

Week #5

7/10/22 - 7/16/22

Neon

Week #6

7/17/22 - 7/23/22

Christmas in July

Grief Support Session

7/25/22 - 7/28/22

Disney and Marvel

Mini-Camp

7/28/2022 - 7/30/22

Hawaiian

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2022

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TIME SCHEDULE

RIVERSIDE SCHEDULE

7:30 a.m.

Wake-Up

7:50 a.m.

Group A Eat (4 dorms)

8:30 a.m.

8:40 a.m.

Group B - Clean for Ice Cream FLAGPOLE

Group B Eat (4 dorms)

Group A - Clean for Ice Cream

9:30 - 10:15 a.m.

ACTIVITY ONE

10:20 - 11:05 a.m.

ACTIVITY TWO

11:05 - 11:15 a.m.

Punch Break

11:15 a.m. – 12 p.m.

ACTIVITY THREE

12:10 - 12:55 p.m.

Lunch - Group A

Group B - Canteen or Relaxation in Dorm

12:55 - 1:35 p.m.

Lunch - Group B

Group A - Canteen or Relaxation in Dorm

1:35 - 2:50 p.m.

Rest Period

2:50 - 3:50 p.m.

ELECTIVE ONE

3:50 - 4 p.m.

Snack Break

4 - 5 p.m.

ELECTIVE TWO

5:15 - 6 p.m.

Dinner - Group A

Group B - Prepare for EA

6 - 6:45 p.m.

Dinner - Group B

Group A - Prepare for EA

7 - 8:45 p.m.

FLAGPOLE FOLLOWED BY EVENING ACTIVITY

8:45 - 9 p.m.

Snack

9 - 10 p.m.

Friendship Circles and Showers

10 p.m.

Curfew

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2022

2022 Hermann Sons Life Camp Welcome Booklet 10_22_21.docx

TIME SCHEDULE

HILLTOP SCHEDULE

7:45 a.m.

Wake-Up

8 a.m.

Breakfast

9 a.m.

Clean for Ice Cream

9:15 a.m.

Flagpole

9:30 - 10:40 a.m.

ELECTIVE ONE

10:40 - 10:55 a.m.

PUNCH BREAK

10:55 a.m. 12:05 p.m.

ELECTIVE TWO

12:10 - 1 p.m.

Lunch

1 - 1:35 p.m.

Relaxation in Dorm

1:35 - 2:50 p.m.

Rest Period

2:50 - 3:35 p.m.

ACTIVITY ONE

3:35 - 3:45 p.m.

Snack Break

3:50 - 4:35 p.m.

ACTIVITY TWO

4:40 - 5:25 p.m.

ACTIVITY THREE

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Dinner - Group B

6:30 - 8:45 p.m.

FLAGPOLE FOLLOWED BY EVENING ACTIVITY

8:45 - 9 p.m

Snack

9 - 10 p.m.

Friendship Circles and Showers

10 p.m.

Curfew

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2022

2022 Hermann Sons Life Camp Welcome Booklet 10_22_21.docx

TAPS Each night, at the end of the evening activity, each Camp gathers and perform Taps. It’s an awesome way of calming the campers down before heading back to the dorms for the friendship circles, showers and bed. Many of you will have heard Taps before on the trumpet. These are the words. At the end of Taps, the Lord’s Prayer is said. Much like the Pledge of Allegiance, you do not need to sing Taps or say the Lord’s Prayer, however, please be respectful for those of us who do.

Day is done, Thanks and praise, Gone the sun, For our days.

From the lakes, 'Neath the sun, From the hills, 'Neath the stars, From the sky.

'Neath the sky, All is well, As we go, Safely rest, This we know, God is nigh God is nigh

GRATEFUL (FRIENDSHIP) CIRCLES / LIGHTS-OUT After Taps we head back to the dorms. Before entering the dorm, we gather in a circle (or small circles) and say one thing we are grateful for from the day. Using a calm voice, set the standard we expect of respect for everyone in the circle. Before breaking the circle lay out the expectations for the shower time and lights out.

We all have curfews. This can be the hardest part of the day for a counselor. You will be tired and your patience has worn thin. The lights-out times and curfews are in place to help everyone get through a long summer. You’ll thank us in the long run! Some tips on getting your campers to bed at a reasonable time…

• • •

Be consistent with your co-counselors. No one benefits from a different set of rules being enforced by each counselor.

Establish rules the first night and follow them.

Do not sit on your bed with your headphones on, writing a letter and yelling for quiet and think you are doing your job! You’re not. Walk around the cabin

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2022

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when you are trying to settle the campers down. Use their names. Acknowledge when the campers are quiet with a quiet “thank you and good night.”

Never leave the cabin unsupervised.

Do any of your campers need to take evening meds?

2022 Hermann Sons Life Camp Welcome Booklet 10_22_21.docx

TIME-OFF CALENDAR 2022 STAFF TIME-OFF SCHEDULE One SUNDAY

Two

Three

Four

FIVE

ALL STAFF ARE ON-DUTY BEGINNING AT 11 A.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 Sat - Sun

5:30 P.M. – 12 A.M. Min. 22 hours

Rest-Period

1 hour 15 minutes

Staff preferences are taken into account when the schedules are Lights-Out 2 hours prepared, however the needs of the campers (and Camp) are paramount FRIDAY OFF-OFF 7 P.M. - 12:30 A.M. when scheduling time-off. For example, we do not need lifeguards oncamp to operate the Dance and Game Night. We will need lifeguards to operate brown-bag activities and so on. If you wish to work in the same dorm as your friend, you will not be able to have the same time off schedule.

WiFi is available to all staff in both the Hilltop staff lounge and Private Dining. It is not possible to get WiFi to the lounge on Riverside.

Private Dining on Hilltop is to be used as a staff lounge for both Riverside and Hilltop staff during the LightsOff, 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. When the Camp upgraded the Riverside septic system in 2020, we were required to lose the staff laundry facility on Riverside. The laundry facility on Hilltop is available for use by the Riverside and Hilltop counselors.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2022

2022 Hermann Sons Life Camp Welcome Booklet 10_22_21.docx

THE HILL COUNTRY Hermann Sons Life Camp is located in the beautiful Hill Country which provides our overseas staff an opportunity to explore an incredibly unique part of the United States. A few ideas are listed below.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2022

2022 Hermann Sons Life Camp Welcome Booklet 10_22_21.docx

SUGGESTED CLOTHING LIST • At least 6 each of shirts, shorts, • • • • • • •

socks and underwear Swimsuit Light jacket Hat or cap Pajamas 2 sets of single sheets, pillow with case Blanket or sleeping bag 2 towels and wash cloths

• Swim towel • Laundry bag (washing machines • • • •

and detergent are provided by Camp) Toiletry items (soap, shampoo, toothbrush and paste, etc.)

Sunscreen and lip balm Something to wear to the Camp dance. See themes listed elsewhere.

Tennis shoes

• • • • • • • •

Shower shoes Sturdy sandals Sunglasses Black or navy blue athletic shorts for Sat/Sun. (Nikes are OK) Camping Chair Watch Flashlight (Torch) Jeans (For OLS activity)

Please note: Camp provides all sporting equipment. Every staff member will receive a Hermann Sons Life Camp water bottle upon arrival. Camp assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to personal items

CAMP APP In the spring, we will be asking that our staff download our Camp App. This app will be utilized for emergency communications, posting photos, scheduling and so much more. MORE LATER.

WHAT’S NEXT? • •

• • •

Health Form: Please mail to P.O. Box 629, Comfort, TX 78013. (EMAILED FEBRUARY) Have you added Ian Brassett and Hermann Sons Life Camp to your contact list on your phone? 909-362-9058 (cell) 830-995-3223 (Camp) Have you subscribed to our Camp App? Have you added ianb@hermannsonslife to your e-mail list?

Are you subscribed to our YouTube account?

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2022

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Can you Make the Volunteer Work Day? April 23, 2022.

Join in our Zoom meetings prior to Camp.

Do you have three reference forms completed? This is for all new staff.

W-4s (EMAILED FEBRUARY) I-9’s will be done at Camp Have you read the Welcome Booklet?

Have you read the Staff Manual? (Published in April)

2022 Hermann Sons Life Camp Welcome Booklet 10_22_21.docx

THE HERMANN SONS LIFE CAMP STAFF CREED CUSTOMER FIRST We provide the highest level of service to all customers. o o o o

We provide accurate, unbiased and courteous responses to all guests Customers eat first We are a trash-free environment Phone answered before the second ring with a happy tone of voice

PROFESSIONALISM Hermann Sons Life Camp expects a professional approach at all times. The criteria for professionalism include: o o o o o o o

Emotional maturity Recognition of the seriousness of the position Ability to defer personal matters in favor of the customers Positive interpersonal communication Ability to assume authority when necessary Tolerance for stress and the ability to handle emergencies Ability to provide for an individual’s need in a

o o o o o

group setting Professional in appearance Professional in attendance Represent yourself professionally when wearing Camp clothing Respect supplies and equipment Leave a clean work area at the end of the day/ project

PERSONAL GROWTH We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.

POSITIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT o o

o o o

We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, dignity, fairness and good faith.

We advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees.

There is no acceptable alternative to honesty.

No harassment or discrimination.

Drug and smoke-free work environment.

o

Clean Communication: All individuals work to one goal – be successful. Issues and situations may arise that cause negative feelings between individuals and companies. These should be discussed openly and freely between department heads. Gossip and negativity have never solved a problem.

PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY We will all be held accountable for our actions and choice. %HAVE FUN AND SMILE " $ # " % $ #

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2022

2022 Hermann Sons Life Camp Welcome Booklet 10_22_21.docx

GRIEF SUPPORT SESSION Hermann Sons Life partners with the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas to put on a summer camp for children who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

This is a very emotional experience for both our campers and staff.

These campers may open up to you.

Emily from the CBCST will be providing staff training both during our Staff Development Week and immediately before the Camp.

While this Camp is emotionally difficult, you will find the rewards far exceed the effort and experience.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2022

2022 Hermann Sons Life Camp Welcome Booklet 10_22_21.docx

AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION Accreditation is an educational process of self-examination and peer review.

American Camp Association accreditation is just one more example of our Camp’s continuing desire to provide our children and staff with a safe and memorable camping experience. Although there are many state and federal laws and regulations that address basic safety concerns, ACA standards go a step further in addressing specific areas of the Camp program. ACA camps have met or exceeded nearly 300 standards evaluating Camp’s site and food service, transportation, health and wellness, operational management, human resources, program design and activities, aquatics and other professional practices.

As part of the accreditation process, at least once every five years teams of two or more trained camp professionals, known as visitors, observe Camp’s operation while in session and compare its practices with the standards of the industry. There are many benefits to being an ACA accredited camp. The accreditation process sets a format for continuing the high standards of Camp even though leadership may change. Through arrangements with private carriers, property, casualty and liability insurance is available at a discount for accredited camps. Parents often look for the ACA logo when choosing a summer camp for their children. Hermann Sons Life is one of the few fraternal benefit societies to operate a residential youth camp as a benefit to its members and their communities. The commitment to quality programming is evident through its long-time accreditation through the American Camp Association.

See you soon!

© Hermann Sons Life Camp 2022

2022 Hermann Sons Life Camp Welcome Booklet 10_22_21.docx