Kids Camp 2016 Staff Manual

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Staff Letter 3 Camp Introduction 4 Camp Policies 5 Staff Guide 6 - 13 Staff Relationships 14 How to Help a Child Receive Salvation

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How to Pray with a Child for the Holy Spirit

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Morning Recreation 17 Devotions 18 - 25 Camp Schedule 30 - 31 Map Back Cover

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Dear Staff Member, Thanks you so much for coming to serve at camp this year. We are very confident in knowing that you have come here to be a blessing, but we also know that at the end of the week, you will leave being blessed.

We would like to tell you that your camp experience will be 100% problem free and the greatest experience you have ever had just this side of Disneyland, but we know that will not be the case. You will not always be comfortable, you will not always be well rested, and your campers will not always do everything that you ask them to do. What we can do is make sure we’re doing all we can to help you have a great week at camp.

We want you to become familiar with this manual. This manual contains schedules and activities for the day to day operation of camp. Even if you are a camp veteran, please do not assume that because you have been to camp in the past that you are aware of all the procedures. We make changes each year to help improve the camp.

If this is your first time at camp, please don’t hesitate to talk to or ask questions of any of the general or executive staff. We are here for you.

Thank you, in advance, for all your hard work and dedication.

Praying for a great camp, Dean & Joy Guthrie

Dean, Tori, Joy, & D.J.

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CAMP INTRODUCTION Camp should provide a week-long environment that will involve the camper in fun, making new friends, learning to live together in harmony, and an atmosphere of continual spiritual growth.

What’s in it for the campers?

• Spiritual Teaching • Bible Teaching • Christian Fellowship • Wholesome recreation Campers should be encouraged in the following: • Personal acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord • Understanding and experiencing the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and its related ministries • A daily study of the Scriptures • A daily prayer time • Seeking and responding to the will of God • Living a consistent Christian life • Being active and faithful in their local church

BE P RE PARE D !

Be Prepared Spiritually!

We hope you have come to camp prayed up, ready to add your influences spiritually in every situation, and praying for a genuine burden for kids and their problems. Pray that the Lord will give you the needed wisdom and understanding to help campers in their needs.

Be Prepared Mentally!

Prepare yourself as much as possible to deal specifically with the age group you will be working with. Knowing the characteristics of varying age groups is necessary to keep in mind when counseling.

Be Prepared Physically!

Camping is vigorous and tiring physically. By being more thoroughly acquainted with your specific job, you will find more time to relax at camp. Coming to camp physically fit is a necessity!

The highest Christian conduct is expected at ALL TIMES. The campers will look to you for an example to follow. Campers do not want someone to be like them; they want someone to be like.

Getting acquainted with the daily camp schedule will help you when you are asked by campers time and time again, “What time do we…?”

Helping in camp is a ministry—and ministry means sacrifice in order to carry it out.

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POLICIES & PROCEDURES The following are guidelines for the entire camp for the protective benefits of each person: Dorm Rooms/Facilities • No swapping or changing of rooms.

• Pranks, pillow fights, or wrestling in dorms is prohibited.

• Girls and boys are NOT allowed in the dorm area of the opposite sex.

• All rooms are to be left clean before activities each day and when leaving on your final day of camp.

• Inspection of rooms will be daily.

• Food or drinks will not be allowed in the Worship Center or in the cabins. (Water is allowed.)

• No outside food, drinks, or ice chests are to be brought to camp. (This does not apply to special dietary needs.)

Behavior • • • • • •

You are expected to observe habits of personal courtesy and Christian conduct in order to protect and insure a wholesome atmosphere of an Assemblies of God Camp.

Campers are to stay with coaches at all times.

Alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs are strictly prohibited.

The daily schedule must be followed and attendance at all activities is required for both campers and staff.

Stay in lighted areas of the camp at ALL TIMES. Fire Arms, knives, or any other weapons, are not allowed in the camp.

Dress Code • • • • • •

Fingertip-length shorts may be worn during camp.

ALL clothing must cover chest, shoulders, backs, sides, and midriff at ALL times.

No tight clothing will be allowed (such as spandex, bike shorts, any type of shirt or dress).

Apparel may NOT display or promote tobacco, alcohol, controlled substances, or inappropriate language.

Bring shoes/clothes that may be worn in the water or mud.

Everyone is to wear shoes at ALL TIMES.

Off Limits!

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The recreation property to the south is OFF LIMITS, except for announced activities.

NO camper is allowed on staff vehicles, except in the case of an emergency.

Please observe the OFF LIMITS signs.

Cabins are off limits without an adult present.

No one is to leave the camp without permission from the Camp Director or Assistant Director.

No guests are allowed at camp, except credentialed ministers with the Assemblies of God.

Personal Belongings • Respect the property rights of others. Do not borrow anything without permission.

• The camp is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items.

• Shaving cream is for shaving only. Water balloons and water guns are NOT allowed in the cabins or worship center.

• Campers are not allowed to bring electronic devices of any kind to camp. This includes cell phones, computers, tablets, CD players, iPods, etc.

• Staff who bring electronic devices to camp, do so at their own risk.

• If warranted, the camp leadership reserves the right to search for and hold or dispose of personal belongings.

Administration of Medication & Lice Check • All Staff Members and Campers must provide a completed Medical Form no less than 2 weeks before the first day of camp, to allow time for processing. If a Medical Information Form is not provided, the Staff Member/ Camper will be sent home; transportation is the responsibility of the church.

• All medications must be administered by the First Aid Staff. No exceptions.

• Medication that is not listed on the Medical Form, expired, or sent in baggies or weekly dose containers will not be given.

• All Staff Members and Campers are required to undergo a lice check two weeks prior to camp and, again, on the morning of camp. The check will be administered by your church’s Camp Coordinator or their representative. All persons must be nit-free in order to attend camp. Any person found to have lice at camp will be sent home; transportation is the responsibility of the church.

Lost and Found • Please label all items with first and last name. We will do our best to return items to their owner. We will hold all luggage and lost & found items for one week. All items not claimed within one week will be donated to charity.

Media Disclosure • All campers agree that any media captured (photos, video, audio) is the property of the Oklahoma District Council of the Assemblies of God and can be used for future promotion.

Rules of acceptance and participation in the program are the same for everyone with regard to race, gender, or national origin.

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CAMP STAFF GUIDE •

Many of the following guidelines may or may not apply to your position that you are serving. It is still a good idea to be familiar with all guidelines and duties of the camp positions.

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Always meet your campers with a smile. Let your first impression be a pleasant one. Campers have come for a good time, and we want them to have exactly that.

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Names are like doorknobs—they open the door to let you in. Learn the campers’ names and call them by their names. Avoid “Hey you, Slim, Red, etc.” Start off the first day by calling them by their proper names.

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Go over the Camp Policies (p. 5) and Camp Schedule (inside back cover) with your campers. As soon as a room has been filled and campers are moved in, go to the room with the campers and explain to them that they are responsible for their room, and property damage will be paid by those who have done the damage.

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Don’t pry! Win the right to be heard. Be a good listener. Be available at all times. Be careful not to try and solve the campers’ problems. Instead, guide them to the Word of God where the Holy Spirit can speak to them and they can find the principles for making right choices. Your campers cannot take you home to help solve their problems, but they CAN take Christ.

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Not all problems have a spiritual origin, but the camper will not find a permanent solution to his or her problem until they are in the proper relation with Jesus Christ. Lead them to the point where the Holy Spirit can effect an inner change in their life. A wise coach will try to find out why a camper acts the way he or she does (particularly a “problem camper”). Rather than automatically disciplining or treating a manifested behavior, seek its cause.

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Be shockproof! Campers may try to shock you with real or fanciful stories to see if you condemn them as people. Disagree with what they have done, but don’t reject them. Accept them as individual people; reject their sin.

Be honest! (Kids spot a phony quicker than anyone else.) Be available and approachable at all times.

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By faith, commit your campers to the Lord. Trust Him to work in their hearts, to give insight, motivation, and change. You might make the camper conform, but only the Holy Spirit brings about the needed inner change. So, trust Him to work through you.

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Always be ready to assist campers to a greater spiritual experience.

Remember, you set an example in all that you do and say at camp this week.

Ask yourself, “Will kids want to commit their lives to the Christ they see in me?” The coach should carry a burden for each camper in his or her group and should sincerely pray that each will be saved, filled with the Spirit, and wholly committed to Christ before leaving camp. For some campers, YOU may be the greatest spiritual influence in their lives.

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CAMP STAFF GUIDE •

Above all, LOVE. There is no greater human force to break down resistance, bridge all gaps, and effect an eternal change in young lives. Of all the qualities needed to be a good coach, we can sum it up by saying, “BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE!”

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Coaches must obey the rules which apply to the campers. From now on, constant vigilance will be necessary. Not just to watch for campers who will break camp rules; but more important to watch for opportunities to help meet a need in their lives. Observation and discussion will be necessary for you to be able to fill out the Results Form correctly at the end of the week, so we can celebrate the campers that made life changing decisions.

STAY WITH YOUR CAMPERS! Kids Camp is different from Youth Camp. At Kids Camp, the campers require constant supervision. Coaches must stay with their campers during recreation activities, meals, services, concessions time, and in the cabins. Campers are not allowed in the cabins without their coach present.

COACH’S ROOMS - Coach’s sleeping quarters and restrooms are off limits

to campers. Even if your own child is in your room, they must stay in the area designated for campers. Campers are not allowed to use the coach’s restroom or sleep in the coach’s room.

COACH TOGETHER - There will be two coaches in each room. The coaches

may come from different churches – or the same church. Regardless of which church the coaches come from, both coaches are expected to work together and coach together. This means that all tasks should be shared between the two coaches. Please do your best to include ALL campers in your conversation and activities, and not just campers from your own church. All campers in your room have been entrusted to your care – not just for safety supervision, but for spiritual supervision. Please look after the physical and spiritual welfare of each camper in your care.

FREE AGENTS - Sometimes at camp, there are campers who have no adult

representative staying with them for the week of camp. We call these campers Free Agents. This situation can prove to be a little scary for some campers. The Deans will let you know if a Free Agent is staying in your room. Please take extra care during and at the end of camp to see that their needs are met.

WATER! WATER! WATER! At camp, we have a saying: “Jesus is your best

friend – but WATER is your second best friend!” Please ensure that you and your campers are drinking water. Watch for signs of dehydration. Even if you and your campers are wet, you still need to drink water – lots and lots of water!

DRESS CODE - The dress code for Kids Camp is “Clean & Covered”. Please

see that your campers shower daily. Fingertip-length shorts may be worn during WILD ABOUT GOD | 7

CAMP STAFF GUIDE camp. All clothing must cover chest, shoulders, backs, sides, and midriff at ALL times. Tight clothing or apparel promoting tobacco, alcohol, controlled substances, or inappropriate language will not be allowed. Shoes must be worn at all times. Contact the office if you discover that the clothing supply & demand for a camper is in need of assistance. We do have a limited supply of clothing in the First Aid Station.

Coaches are responsible for checking campers each time they leave the room to see that they are appropriately dressed.

If you see a camper from another room in violation of the Dress Code, please do not approach them. Simply bring it to the attention of one of the Deans, Assistant Director, or Director, and they will handle the problem.

Please encourage and display modesty with your campers. Do not allow anyone to walk around the cabin without clothes on.

Medication - All medication must be checked in at registration upon arrival at

camp. This rule is for campers and coaches. Staff members who are not staying in a room with campers may keep their medication in their room.

Coaches will be notified if one of their campers is scheduled to take medication. It is the coach’s responsibility to take the camper by the First Aid Station to receive their medication. DO NOT administer MEDICATION or FIRST-AID to CAMPERS. All medication or first-aid given to a camper must be administered and documented in the First Aid Station.

Staff members who are staying in a room with campers must check-in their medications, but they do NOT have to wait in the medication line to get their medication. Simply ask the First Aid Receptionist for your bag of medication, and they will give it to you. Your medication administration will not be documented.

You will serve yourself. If privacy is needed to administer your medication, the office restroom is available to you. When you are finished with your medication, please return the bag to the First Aid Receptionist for safe keeping.

EMERGENCIES - Emergencies come in all shapes and sizes during camp. We don’t expect you to handle them on your own. Let us help you!

Emergency Walkie Talkies - Emergency Walkie Talkies are located in each cabin above the sink in the commons area. Please use these for EMERGENCIES ONLY. Be sure to turn them on before attempting to use them. Also, please turn them off after using. Directions are included on the side of the box that holds the walkie talkie. Be sure to identify your cabin and room when calling for assistance.

If an emergency happens outside of the cabins, any Kids Camp Intern (orange lanyard) or Executive Staff Member will have a walkie talkie to assist you. Just make your situation know to them.

Bunk Bed Emergency - If someone falls from a bunk bed, please do not move them. Have someone stay with the injured person to keep them calm and still, while another person goes to get the Emergency Walkie Talkie. When notified, our First Aid Staff will come to you.

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CAMP STAFF GUIDE First Aid Needs - If someone is injured or is in need of First Aid, find someone with a walkie-talkie to call for assistance. We will send someone to transport the person to the First Aid Station or have the First Aid Staff come to you.

“Night Time” Emergencies - Sometimes campers don’t make it to the toilet when nauseated or in deep, deep sleep. If you discover that someone has thrown up or wet the bed, please call on the Emergency Walkie Talkie. We will bring replacement bedding and assist with clean-up.

Emergencies Back Home - If you are notified of an emergency happening back home, please let us pray with you. We have Camp Pastors at camp whose main job is to minister to the adults serving at Kids Camp and campers with special circumstances. Be sure to alert someone in the office, and we will connect you with someone to talk with and to pray with you.

CELL PHONES - We realize that you have given your time to come and

minister to the campers at Kids Camp and that life is moving forward back at home with your family, job, business, etc. We want you to be able to stay connected to things back home. However, we respectfully ask that you do not use your cell phones in front of campers.

Campers are not allowed to have cell phones at camp. We want them to unplug and get away from it all so they can focus on getting closer to the Lord. If cell phones are brought by a camper, they may be checked in to the office for safe keeping.

DO NOT ALLOW CAMPERS TO USE THEIR CELL PHONE – OR YOUR CELL PHONE - TO CALL OR TEXT. If a camper needs to make a call home, please make arrangements through the Camp Director or Assistant Director.

HOMESICKNESS/CALLING HOME - In many cases, calling home only

increases homesickness. But in other cases, just hearing an assuring voice from home is just enough to help a camper make it through the week. Use caution in determining which track to follow. If you as a coach feel that a phone call home would help, please bring the camper to the Camp Office. We have a protocol that we would like you to follow, so we can avoid unnecessary problems. Camp leadership needs to be made aware of extreme homesick cases. If you are dealing with a case of homesickness that is too much for you to handle, please notify the office. We have learned some key points over the years in dealing with homesickness. The bottom line: We want to do everything possible to help a camper stay at camp. Let’s work together to make the best experience for the campers.

NO FOOD OR DRINKS ALLOWED IN THE CABINS - Water is allowed, but please do not bring food or drinks into the cabins. Let’s work together to keep our camp facility clean! Next week’s campers don’t want to sleep on a bed stained with chili cheese nachos from the concession stand! Also, by keeping food and drinks out of the cabins, bugs and critters won’t be tempted to come in for a visit!

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CAMP STAFF GUIDE CAREFUL CONVERSATION - Do your best to guide conversation within

your group. Be careful not to negatively discuss pastors, churches, church members, camp staff, camp food, camp activities, etc. Also, be aware that your attitude can set the tone for the entire room of campers. If you are in a negative mood, that mood will transfer to your campers, and that may result in added problems. But – if you are in a positive mood, that mood will transfer to your campers, and that will result in a positive atmosphere. Remember - the campers will look to you for an example to follow.

PRANKS, PILLOW FIGHTS, & WRESTLING - Pranks, pillow fights, and

wrestling in the rooms are strictly prohibited. Be sure that no pranks are taking place in the cabins or on the property. There are too many “harmless” jokes that can turn into lawsuits, if we are not careful with what we allow to happen.

ROOM INSPECTION - All rooms will be inspected daily. All rooms must

be left clean before leaving each morning. A checklist of tasks that need to be completed is posted in each room. Many campers have never been challenged with cleaning before. Allow your guidance in this area to be a mentor moment!

KIDS CAMP SPIRIT AWARD - The Kids Camp Spirit Award is awarded at

the end of camp to one boy room and one girl room who show outstanding camp spirit. Kids Camp Staff will be watching throughout the week, and they will make note of cabins displaying excellent camp spirit. Some examples of camp spirit are: • Making a door banner for your room (Supplies are available at camp during Open Recreation) • Decorating your room • Chanting, singing, etc. while going from one activity to another • Picking up trash as a group – when not asked • Leaving notes or testimonials for the Deans to collect during room inspections • Random acts of kindness Also, a Front Row Pass will be awarded daily to one boy room and one girl room for outstanding daily camp spirit.

SUPER ROOM - Super Room is awarded at the end of camp to the one boy room and one girl room with the highest total points. Points are earned by the following: • • •

Cleaning your room daily Bible Reading Morning Recreation Games

Bible Reading Points must be noted each day on the form provided in each room.

They must be turned in to the Dean on Thursday night to count toward Super Room.

Demerits will be given for tardiness to any scheduled event, activity, or service.

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CAMP STAFF GUIDE CAMPER OF THE ROOM - Camper of the Room is awarded to one camper from each room that has shown Christ-like characteristics throughout camp.

Campers will vote on the last night of camp.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS - Please respect the personal property of others.

Do not borrow anything without permission. Kids Camp is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items. Campers are not allowed to bring electronic devices of any kind to camp. This includes cell phones, computers, tablets, CD players, iPods, etc. Staff who bring electronic devices to camp, do so at their own risk.

If warranted, the camp leadership reserves the right to search for and hold or dispose of personal belongings.

LOST & FOUND - Lost & Found is located in the Camp Office. If items are

labeled, we will do our best to return them to their owner. We will hold all lost & found and left over luggage for one week. All items not claimed within one week will be donated to charity.

EVENING SERVICE - Please take campers to the restroom before the service

begins. Campers will not be allowed to go to the restroom during service, unless accompanied by their coach. During evening services, coaches are required to sit with their campers. To allow for closer access to the front, each room will be assigned a color that will alternate each night. Your room’s color will be listed on your room door. Support Staff may sit with the campers from their church, but they will be required to quietly exit quietly when the altar call starts. This will allow the Support Staff to prepare for the next event.

OFF LIMITS! • • • • •

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The recreation property to the south by the lake waterfront is OFF LIMITS, except for announced activities.

If a camper has a history of sleep walking, falling out of bed, or other sleep challenges, do not allow the camper to sleep on a top bunk.

Jumping from bunk to bunk, standing on beds, or jumping off the beds is strictly prohibited. It is the responsibility of the coach to monitor this behavior.

No one is to leave the camp without permission from the Camp Director or Assistant Director.

Please do not perform Water Baptisms while at camp. This is a very important time in a child’s life that should be shared with their parents. Encourage campers to go home and discuss this important step with their parents and pastor. We don’t want parents to miss this significant event!

Visitors are not allowed at camp, except credentialed Assemblies of God ministers. Even though credentialed Assemblies of God ministers are allowed at camp, they still must check-in with Security at the front gate.

ORANGE CARDS - Coaches who have campers with allergies, medical issues, or other special needs will be given an Orange Card identifying the issues of the camper. If we are made aware of any issue with a camper that a coach would need to know, we will make you aware.

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CAMP STAFF GUIDE SPECIAL FOOD NEEDS - If you, or a camper in your room, have food

allergies and have brought your own food to prepare for meals, please see the KP Director. They will show you where to store and prepare your food. They will also put you in contact with the head cook. She may be able to assist you or your camper with your food preparation or provide an alternative food item.

CONCESSIONS TIME - During recreation times and after evening service,

the Concession Stand will be open. We will have items available for $0.50 and up.

The proceeds from concessions go toward running our camp. They help keep the price of our camp affordable. Therefore, no outside food or drinks are allowed at camp. (This does not apply to special needs food.)

BANK BANDS/BUDDY BANK - Campers are encouraged to deposit

their spending money into the Buddy Bank and exchange it for bank bands to purchase items from the concession stand. A coach must be present for a camper to withdraw more than $5 at a time. A special band will be given to purchase a T-shirt. At the end of the week, all money that is not spent will be returned.

Please note: The Buddy Bank will close 10 minutes before the end of recreation time, so please plan to make withdrawals before this time.

K.I.D.Z. RADIO - During evening concessions time, KIDZ Radio will be up and running with our very own live DJ! We want to assure you that all music played is from an approved playlist. The list contains Christian songs, Christian parody songs, and just plain “fun songs”. We encourage coaches to participate in camp dances with their campers! You will make memories for sure!

SEVERE WEATHER - Please become familiar with the Severe Weather

Instructions posted in each room. We will do our best to quickly notify each cabin of schedule changes or delays. With a camp our size, rainy day plans do take some time to get into place. Thank you for your patience!

MAIL DELIVERY - Camp mail will be delivered to your room daily. Big Box of

the Day will be announced and delivered at the end of Chapel each day. If you have mail that you would like to be delivered, you may bring it the receptionist desk in Cabin 5. Make sure that each envelope is labeled with the camper’s name, church and delivery day.

KITCHEN PATROL (KP) - Each room will be assigned one meal that they

must help the kitchen staff with serving and cleaning. On the meal you are assigned KP, you will be allowed to eat early during the KP meal time. Check the schedule in your packet for your KP assignment day. Please report to the KP Director at your scheduled time.

RECREATION - All campers must stay with their group during recreation times.

During Open Recreation in the afternoons, groups may split up to do different activities – as long as campers are with an adult at all times. In a camp of our size, the Recreation Director cannot possibly carry out the recreation without help and cooperation of the coaches and/or support team. If you are assigned a certain game, the Recreation Director will give you the rules of the game, forms, 12 | KIDS CAMP 2016

CAMP STAFF GUIDE etc. to adequately aid in supervising the activity. Sporting equipment is costly, and without proper supervision, young people get carried away in their enthusiasm and needless breakage occurs.

FEET OFF THE FLOOR - During “Feet Off the Floor” time, campers are

required to be in their room. Devotions, Bible reading, naps, discussions, etc. may take place.

FACILITY GUIDELINES - We are very thankful and excited to have a new

camp facility. We ask for your help in maintaining it. Please help us to keep the facility in great condition by following these listed guidelines: • Do not move any furniture without the permission of the Camp Directors.

• Do not use tape, tacks or pushpins, mounting squares, etc. on the walls to decorate your room. Poster Putty is acceptable, but it must be removed at the end of camp.

• Please make sure your room is ready for daily inspections by cleaning according to the checklist.

• Please inform the camp office if any item is in need of maintenance.

• Do not bring food or drinks into the cabins. (Water IS allowed.)

REPORT ABUSE - Oklahoma is a mandatory reporting state for abuse of any kind. Every person in Oklahoma who has reason to believe that a child under 18 has been abused or neglected or is in danger of being abused or neglected is required by law to promptly make a report.

Failure to report child abuse is a misdemeanor offense. A person who reports suspected abuse in “good faith” is immune from criminal or civil liability.

If you suspect abuse or neglect, call your local Department of Human Services or the Oklahoma Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-522-3511 If the child is in imminent danger, contact 911 or local law enforcement.

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STAFF RELATIONSHIPS TO THE CAMP DIRECTOR AND EXECUTIVE STAFF - You have

a responsibility to the Director and Executive Staff. They help coordinate the entire camp. The ultimate responsibility for camp rests with them. They expect you to know your job and do it. They will expect you to pitch in where extra help is needed. Don’t wait to be told to do something; volunteer. Bring concerns and questions to the right authority.

TO FELLOW STAFF MEMBERS - You also have responsibility to your fellow staff members. Assume your share of the load—even the unpleasant tasks. A word of appreciation or encouragement will brighten someone’s day. Respond promptly to any request of the executive staff. Avoid cliques. This is not a time for romance. Instead of gossiping about others, pray for each other.

TO CAMPERS - You have a responsibility to all campers. You will be their

friend, guide, and authority. You are responsible for their health and safety – both physically and spiritually. Help them to develop a sense of belonging.

Each camper has something to contribute to the group. Seek to discover this and encourage its development. Each camper is different. Become personally acquainted with each one. Set goals for each camper. Write their names in the back of the manual and seek to identify spiritual needs, social adjustment needs, etc. Toward the end of camp, evaluate each camper’s progress. Encourage the campers to set goals for themselves. Encourage the campers to participate in the camp activities. Some will be shy and will need this encouragement. Don’t make fun or ridicule. Guide them into areas they can successfully participate. Always remember camp is for the campers!

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HOW TO HELP A CHILD RECEIVE SALVATION By: Martin Perryman Statistics tell us that 85% of all people who are now Christians were saved between the ages of four and fourteen, so we know the children we deal with in Kids Camp are at a prime age to receive the Lord. They are also at a critical age due to the fact that they are highly impressionable; and that the age where the children drift into drugs, etc., is getting lower and lower. Because of these things, it is important that you, as a coach, know something about leading a child to the Lord. Here are some guidelines that will help: Don’t use a lot of symbols. Children do not always understand terms like “let Jesus into your heart,” “be born again,” or talk about an “all seeing eye”. They can understand, though, about being a member of a family---invite them to become a member of God’s family.

Ask Questions that help a child express his feelings and depth of understanding.

Some examples are: What do you like best about Jesus? or How do you feel about the fact that Jesus loves you?

Deal with Individuals - not groups.

Take Time To Help A Child At The Time He Inquires About Salvation. Don’t put a child off if it is at all possible. Don’t say, “Wait until morning.” God is dealing with them then and later they may not be interested.

Let Them Make Their Own Decision. If, after counseling, the child doesn’t want to pray for salvation, don’t push them. They may not totally understand, or hindrances you are not aware of might be present. Pushing may drive them away from salvation instead of having the effect you want.

Formula for Salvation: • Show a child their need of salvation by showing the Bible says they have sinned. (“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23) •

Show them that God has provided a way to forgive their sins. (“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23 and “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16)

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Lead them in prayer. If it is apparent they know how to pray on their own, simply pray with them until they are satisfied that they are saved.

If they are hesitant about praying, encourage them to repeat a prayer that you pray. It might go . . . Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and that you sent Jesus to forgive my sins. I ask you to forgive my sins, and to help me live for you. I accept Jesus as my Savior. Thank You, God, for forgiving me. In Jesus’ name - Amen.

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HOW TO PRAY WITH A CHILD FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM By: Martin Perryman Salvation brings us into a right relationship with God – but the baptism in the Holy Spirit give us the power we need to live and work for God. Praying for children to receive the Holy Spirit is something that you will probably do as a coach in Kids Camp. The following suggestions may make your task easier.

1. Find out the name of the child you are praying with. This may sound unimportant, but it helps you make your dealings with that child more personal and meaningful.

2. Be sure the child is saved and that there is nothing that they need to ask God’s forgiveness for. It is unlikely that they will receive the Holy Spirit if these things are not tended to.

3. How Should the Child Pray?

A. They should ask, specifically, for the infilling of the Holy Ghost. (“And I say

unto you, ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Luke 11:9)

B. Pray out loud. The evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit is speaking in an unknown tongue. This cannot happen if the child doesn’t pray out loud.

C. Praise the Lord. . . not just with general words of praise (hallelujah, glory, etc.), but for specific things God has done for them (salvation, blessings etc.)

4. How Should You Pray?

A. Ask God to fill the child. The instructions of Luke 11:9 apply to you just as

much as to the child.

B Praise God for and with the child.

C. Pray in tongues. This can help them feel less self-conscious when the Holy

Spirit begins to try to speak.

D. Encourage the child to speak out as the Holy Spirit comes. Tell the child that the Spirit gives words, but they have to speak them.

E. Get other Spirit-filled youngsters to pray around the child.

5. Things You Should Not Do:

A. Attempt to teach the child to speak in tongues by saying, “Repeat after me. . .”

B. Shake the child’s chin or vibrate their throat to make them speak in tongues.

REMEMBER: the Spirit gives the utterance; you are only there to encourage prayer and praise!

6. When The Child Is Filled.

A. Encourage them to continue praying in tongues – not just then, but later in camp, at home, or any time you pray.

B. Tell them that as they use this gift God has given them, it will grow stronger.

7. Tell Those Who Don’t Receive The Baptism In The Holy Spirit:

A. God loves you and still wants to fill you, so keep seeking this gift of God.

B. See if they understand whom the Holy Spirit is, and what His purpose is for

their lives.

C. Encourage them to read Acts 2 before the next service.

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MORNING RECREATION JUNGLE-TAC-TOE – Standard Tic-Tac-Toe rules apply. Teams will line up at

the end of the court. On “GO”, they will race down one at a time to the tic-tactoe board located at the end of the court. Players will drop their marker onto the spaces of the board and run back to tag their teammate. The team that wins the most rounds is the winner.

PUT THE MONKEY IN THE TREE – Teams spread out over the court.

Teams must advance the monkey down the court and put it in the tree. Players may not run while holding the monkey. They must stop running when the monkey is passed to them. They must either pass to a teammate or put the monkey in the tree. Opposing teams may try to intercept the monkey and go towards their goal to score. The team with the most points at the end of the game is the winner.

BIG GAME SAFARI HUNT – Teams start out on opposite ends of the field.

The object of the game is for each side to capture the wild animal of the other team and make it back to their camp without getting tagged. Once you cross the center line, you can be tagged and sent to the other team’s camp – which is located behind the other team. If a player is in “jail”, they can only be set free by another teammate that makes it to the jail without getting tagged. The team that captures the most wild animals is the winner.

FLICKIN’ CHICKENS – Players take turns throwing the disc and then flicking

their chickens at the disc. Where the chicken lands is where the player must throw their chicken from. This continues until the chicken hits the target. Beware!

These chickens bounce and roll, so you never know how many flicks it will take.

The number of flicks it takes to land on the target is your score for that round. The team with the lowest score at the end of the game is the winner.

BIBLE SAFARI – Each coach and camper will receive the Bible Safari

questions to study on the first day of camp. Each room will play Day One & Day Two of Bible Safari. The rules of the game will be explained on the day that your team embarks on their Bible journey.

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AN ELEPHANT NEVER FORGETS Talk About It: What’s the largest animal walking the face of the Earth today? If you know your animals, you know it’s the elephant. Elephant are the biggest creatures living on land today. They are powerful animals with great strength. They are unique creatures who use their trunks for everything from feeding and cleaning, to clearing obstacles out of their path.

Elephants are social creatures who live and travel in groups. They work together to care for their young, to find food, and to stay on guard from predators. They are very smart animals. As a matter of fact, elephants have a reputation for good memory. As the old saying goes, an elephant never forgets. In many ways, having a memory like an elephant would be a blessing. You’d never forget to study for a test. Then again, you’d probably never need to study because you’d never forget anything you heard or read in class. But who here today doesn’t have some things they’d rather forget? Who doesn’t have embarrassing moments they want to erase? Who hasn’t made poor decisions or had selfish moments they wish they could leave in the past?

We’re not blessed with a perfect memory, and we’re not able to control what we do and do not remember, either. But today, we’re going to discover that God has a very unique ability when it comes to memory.

Read About It: John 8:1-11 The woman brought before Jesus was a sinful person, a person who had made many mistakes in her life. But when Jesus was asked to condemn her sins, he wrote in the dirt. Some people say that he wrote the sins of the men and women in the crowd, the things her accusers had done. If that’s true, we can certainly understand why they dropped their stones and walked away. But what happened next? Jesus forgave the woman. Not only did he forgive, he forgot. Scripture tells us that as far as the east is from the west, that is how far he removes our sins from memory. If you travel north, you will eventually reach the North Pole and start going south, but if you travel east, you will never ever end up going west. When God forgives he forgets. He forgets forever.

Discuss It: It would be nice if we would never ever sin or make a foolish choice again. As long as we live here on Earth, we are vulnerable. We will continue to make mistakes.

Thank God that those mistakes do not have to be held against us. If we believe in Jesus, he will erase them.

Being forgiven by God means we can forgive ourselves. We can let go of our mistakes, knowing that God has forgiven us, and we can commit ourselves to doing better. We do not need to beat ourselves over the back to punish ourselves for what we did. Jesus has already taken our punishment upon himself. Being 18 | KIDS CAMP 2016

MONDAY NIGHT forgiven also means that God does not see us as sinners. He sees us as his children, bought with the blood of Jesus. He sees potential in our lives to do great things. God wants to use us to share the gospel with others. He wants to use us to teach other people that he can forgive and forget their sins. God wants his people to be people he can use to bring forgiveness to the whole world.

We are all imperfect. We all mess up. But just because we mess up doesn’t mean we have to give up. Ask Jesus to come into your heart. Ask him to forgive your sins. Jesus will forgive and forget, and he will give you a new life so you can share his forgiveness with others.

As far as the east is from the west, so far will God remove your sins. If Jesus is calling you to believe him, don’t put it off. Accept him today, and he will forgive you sins!

Pray About It: Dear God, Thank you for sending Jesus to die for us. Thank you for promising to forgive us of our sins and wipe our slate clean, if we put our faith in you. In Jesus name, AMEN!

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PRIDE COMES BEFORE A FALL Talk About It: Our safari begins with one of the wildest animals of all, the king of beasts. Lions have been a fascination throughout time. We love lions because they are fierce, dangerous, and beautiful. Lions, especially male lions, are unmistakable with their flowing manes that crown their heads. But an interesting fact about lions is that the male, as fierce as he looks, does not often do the hunting. It is the lionesses who stalk and kill most of the prey for their families.

Does anyone know what a family group of lions is called? It’s called a pride. A pride usually includes one alpha male who’s in charge, several lionesses, and their cubs. For a lion, pride means family. The pride gives the lion its best chance to survive and thrive in the wild. Humans have pride too, but for us, pride is a very different thing. Pride can give us confidence in ourselves. Pride can make us feel good. But pride can also be dangerous. When we let pride take over, it can cause us to lose sight of God and things that are important.

Read About It: Judges 16:4-22 Samson was chosen by God to lead Israel. He was given unbelievable strength to use as a weapon against Israel’s enemy, the Philistines. For many years, the Israelites lived without fear of the Philistines. They had Samson to defend them, and Samson defended them with a vengeance. The trouble was, Samson became too proud. He believed in his own strength more than he believed in God, who gave him his strength. Samson was told from a young age that God had commanded him to never cut his hair. Samson let Delilah do the one thing that was forbidden, and that’s why the mighty Samson fell.

Discuss It: Pride causes people to fall every day. An athlete’s pride causes him to get lazy, and suddenly he goes from a star to a has-been. A politician’s pride leads him to bend the rules. Next thing you know, he’s out of office. A business man might let pride lead him to break the law and he goes to jail.

Pride can hurt us as kids as well. Pride can keep you from studying for a test and so you fail it. Pride can keep you from practicing and in turn keep you from excelling in your favorite sports and other activities. Pride can make us lose sight of what God has done for us. Pride can cause us to fall.

If we don’t want to fall victim to our pride, we need to begin by remembering who made us. God gave us our gifts, just as he gave Samson his strength. Every good thing that we have comes not from our own goodness, but from God. We came into this world with nothing, and we will leave with nothing. Anything we enjoy in the meantime comes from God. Second, we need to thank God for all he’s given us. We need to give him the glory for our successes and triumphs. Do not take credit for the things God has done

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TUESDAY NIGHT for you. Be thankful, and let others know that it was God who gave the blessings.

Pride keeps lions safe. It keeps them alive. But pride can be dangerous if you let it rule your life. Remember who made you. Remember where your blessings come from, and give all the glory to God. Be humble; don’t let pride make you stumble.

Pray About It: Dear God, Forgive us for our pride and thinking we can make it on our own. Teach us to be humble and always submit to you. In Jesus name, AMEN!

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MONKEY BUSINESS Talk About It: Is there any animal more entertaining in the zoo than the monkeys? Of all the animals you might see in a zoo, monkeys are the most like us, which means we relate to them more. We see a more human side to them, and we enjoy watching how playful they can be. Monkeys are curious, energetic, and a little reckless at times. They play with toys. They play with each other. They swing through their play areas, and yes, they occasionally throw a little poo- something that is gross and funny at the same time. Monkeys are fun at the zoo, but in parts of the world where monkeys run wild, they can be a real pest. In certain parts of India, monkeys let themselves into people’s houses uninvited all the time. Imagine coming home and finding a couple monkeys have not only gotten into your bedroom, but trashed the place. Better hope Mom sees those monkeys before they run, or you could be in big trouble! Sometimes it’s fun to play like a monkey ourselves - to get a little crazy and silly. But there are certain things that we should not monkey with.

For example, you wouldn’t want to monkey around with electricity, knives, or other dangerous items. Thinking a little more broadly, you also should never monkey around with something like the truth.

God taught us in the Ten Commandments that he values the truth. The words “You shall not lie” make it very clear that God has a zero tolerance policy for bending the truth. Two members of the early church learned just how serious God was about being honest and telling the truth.

Read About It: Acts 5:1-11 Ananias and Sapphira did something positive. They sold a field and they gave some money to the church. The problem wasn’t that they kept some of the money for themselves, but that they lied about it. They lied to the apostles, and in doing so, they lied to God. Ananias died as a result of his lie. His wife repeated the lie, and she died as well. It’s a good thing that the punishment for lies isn’t instant death. If it was, none of us would ever make it out of diapers! The story of Ananias and Sapphira serves as a reminder that God’s laws about lies still stand. God wants us to be honest, and if we choose to monkey with the truth, we will face the consequences.

Discuss It: Ananias told a lie to make himself look better. He wanted people to think he was more generous than he actually was. Many people lie for the same reason Ananias did - to make themselves look smarter, greater, or cooler than they are.

Other times, we tell lies because we want to avoid trouble. We lie about things we’ve done, on purpose or accident, for fear of being punished if the truth comes out. Whatever the reason you may have for lying, it’s not good enough. God doesn’t want us to lie. He wants us to be different from a world that lies to get ahead and get out of trouble. By telling the truth, we show that we are different.

We show that we are people who can be trusted. People will know we can always 22 | KIDS CAMP 2016

WEDNESDAY NIGHT be believed, and they will never doubt our word if we refuse to monkey with the truth. Telling the truth can get you in trouble, especially if you’re confessing to something unpleasant. How many of you have been caught in a lie like that?

When you do something wrong and lie about it, you get in much bigger trouble than if you’d just told the truth in the first place. God doesn’t mind when we act like monkeys. He loves when kids are kids and we get a little silly. But whether you are young or old, it’s never okay to monkey around with the truth. Be honest – even when it costs you – so that God and men will know you as a person who can be trusted.

Pray About It: Lord, Forgive us for the times we stretch the truth. Teach us to always be honest.

In Jesus’ name, AMEN!

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IF GOD IS FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US? Talk About It: If I asked you what the most dangerous land animal in the world was, what would you say? The usual suspects, when it comes to deadly animals, are obvious.

Tigers are powerful killers. So are lions, cheetahs, jaguars, and all the big cats. You might have also guessed bears, wolves, and even the nasty honey badger. But you would be wrong!

The most deadly animal to humans in the entire world isn’t even a carnivore. It’s the hippopotamus. Surprised? The hippo has a nasty reputation for aggression.

Hippos are very territorial, and if you stray too close to a hippo’s turf, you will be in for a world of trouble. Hippos combine their nasty disposition with a large, powerful body. They can capsize boats and do all sorts of bodily harm to those who get too close. Hippos are always looking for a fight, and woe to the person who ends up in the wrong place when they do!

People are a lot like hippos. We tend to let our emotions get the best of us at times. We react to people who hurt us with anger, and we say and do things we do not mean. This is not how God wants us to live or to fight our battles. He has a better way - a way that one of the Old Testament heroes Gideon knew first hand.

Read About It: Judges 7:1-22 Gideon is one of many heroes God called to save Israel. Usually, the hero goes out, raises an army, and runs headlong into battle. But not Gideon! God had a different plan in mind. He first had Gideon do the craziest thing any general has ever done. He sent men home! Gideon ended up with only 300 men under his command.

But you know something? Having such a small force made it easier for Gideon to trust God and follow his directions. Smashing jars, blasting trumpets, waving torches and screaming doesn’t sound like intelligent battle strategy. But with only 300 men on his side against an army of thousands, Gideon was in no position to argue. Gideon was faithful and followed God’s lead. That is why Gideon was able to defeat Midian.

Discuss It: If God is by our side, no one can defeat us. The challenge is to not run off without God to fight our battles. When someone attacks your faith, bullies you, or pushes you down, the last thing you want to do in that moment is be patient. You want to lash out, to strike back, and get even.

Gideon’s story shows us there is a better way. That way requires us to take a step back and let God take the lead. We need to remember that God is not only our

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THURSDAY NIGHT maker, but powerful enough to defeat any foe. God even conquered death when his son Jesus went to the cross and died for our sins.

God’s ways are not like our ways.. God told Gideon to send all but 300 men home. God may ask you to do something crazy - like turning the other cheek or answering hatred with love. Whatever he says, do it. Obey him, and God will use that crazy act to give you victory.

Don’t be reckless and rush into battle alone. Check your anger. Check your emotions. Listen to God’s direction and follow him. If God is with you, no enemy can defeat you. Be sure when you face that enemy, you are not standing alone.

Pray About It: Dear God, Thank you for being by our side when trouble comes our way. Thank you for giving us victory! In Jesus’ name, AMEN!

WILD ABOUT GOD | 25

NOTES

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NOTES

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NOTES

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NOTES

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SCHEDULE FIRST DAY OF CAMP 1:00pm

Registration (Dining Center)

4:00pm

Camper Orientation (Worship Center) Staff Orientation (Dining Center)

5:00pm

Getting Settled in Rooms

5:45pm

KP Dinner (Dining Center)

6:00pm

Dinner (Dining Center)

7:30pm

Doors Open for Evening Service (Worship Center)

7:45pm

Evening Service (Worship Center)

After Service

Concession Time

30 Minutes After Concession Closes

Lights Out

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SCHEDULE FULL DAY OF CAMP 7:00am

Wake Up

8:00am

KP Breakfast (Dining Center)

8:15am

Breakfast (Dining Center)

9:15-10:30am

Chapel for Campers (Worship Center)

9:25-10:25am

All Staff Devotion (Dining Center)

10:45-12:25pm

Recreation

12:30pm

KP Lunch (Dining Center)

12:45pm

Lunch (Dining Center)

After Lunch-2:30pm

Feet Off the Floor (in Room)

2:30-4:30pm

Open Recreation

4:30pm

Clean-up/Get Ready for Service

5:30pm

KP Dinner (Dinning Center)

5:45pm

Dinner (Dinning Center)

7:00pm

Doors Open for Evening Service (Worship Center)

7:15pm

Evening Service (Worship Center)

After Service

Concession Time

30 Minutes After Concession Closes

Lights Out

LAST DAY OF CAMP 7:00am

Wake Up/Prepare Cabin for Inspection

8:15am

KP Breakfast (Dining Center)

8:30am

Breakfast (Dining Center)

9:30-10:45am

Chapel for Campers (Worship Center)

9:40-10:40am

Staff Check-Out (Dining Center)

10:45am

Camp Celebration & Awards (Worship Center)

11:30am

Camp Is Dismissed WILD ABOUT GOD | 31

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