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Summary of Policies, Rules & Regulations
As fun as working at Gold Arrow Camp can be, there will be times when you will ask yourself why you took this job. While working at camp can be difficult and challenging, it is also one of the most rewarding experiences around. As a camp counselor, you have the opportunity to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of our campers.
Because of the awesome responsibility of being a camp counselor, Gold Arrow staff members are expected to serve as positive role models to our campers. This requires good judgment and decision making while you are on and off duty.
Before submitting an application, please carefully review the following information. Please do not submit an application unless you can and will comply with these rules and policies without exception. For safe and orderly operations of the camp, they will be strictly enforced.
Daily Schedule:
6:00 AM Optional early morning activities for campers: waterskiing, fishing, horseback riding
7:30 Breakfast
8:30 Cabin clean-up, camper showers, camp store open
9:00 Morning Assembly: announcements, songs, skits, awards
9:30–12:00 Morning Activities: one long or two short programs
12:15 PM Lunch
1:15–2:00 Rest Time
2:15–4:45 Afternoon Activities: one long or two short programs
5:00-6:00 Dinner
6:15–7:45 Free Choice Activity
8:00 Campfires: marshmallows and popcorn available
9:00 Lights out for Bears (ages 6-9)
9:30 Lights out for Tigers (ages 10-12)
10:00 Lights out for Lions (ages 13-14)
11:00 All counselors in their cabins (curfew)
Child Abuse: Corporal punishment or any form of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, or any endangerment of a camper is grounds for immediate dismissal and will be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.
Drugs and Alcohol: The use or possession of alcohol or illegal drugs of any kind is forbidden. Any illegal activity, including use or possession of illegal drugs or supplying drugs, alcohol or tobacco in any form to minors, will be reported to the proper law enforcement agency and will result in your employment being terminated without warning. In order to maintain an alcohol and drug free environment, we conduct random alcohol and drug testing of all staff members who are in a safety-sensitive position or who directly work with children. Drug testing will also occur after an accident, where an individual needs to be treated away from the camp, and where a camp director has reasonable suspicion of drug use. Smoking and possession of tobacco products are not permitted on the camp premises.
We maintain a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY regarding underage drinking or irresponsible off-duty behavior that potentially results in negative effects to our campers, staff or Gold Arrow Camp. Possesion and/or use of any alcoholic beverages in camp or during camp-sponsored activities (including camp-sponsored time off events) is PROHIBITED. The legal age for alcohol consumption in California is 21 years. This law will be enforced in and out of camp.
If you are looking for a summer job where you have the freedom to drink excessively during time off, Gold Arrow Camp is not the place for you.
Food: Campers are not to receive food by mail. Staff members are discouraged from receiving food by mail as it is not allowed in any living areas. Staff may bring/receive small quantities of non-perishable food, which can be stored in the staff lounge at your own risk. Food in living areas attracts bears and rodents, jeopardizing the safety of all camp residents. Campers are not allowed to bring food to camp when they return from any out-of-camp experience. Do not allow campers to request that food be sent to them in your care. In other words, parents should never send food to a camper in a package addressed to the counselor. Gum chewing is not permitted on the camp premises and is strictly enforced. In regard to the camp menu, we have a variety of options at most meals, however, we do not specifically cater to vegetarians. In other words, there will not be a vegetarian entrée option at every meal, but there will always be a salad bar, sandwich bar, or the like. There will be a vegetarian option at many meals (e.g. veggie burgers and hamburgers, meat and vegetarian lasagna.) A copy of the camp menu can be provided by request.
Grooming: All aspects of personal appearance are subject to the approval of the Directors in regard to its appropriateness for Gold Arrow Camp staff. The personal appearance of the staff is decidedly important both as a role model to campers and as a representative of Gold Arrow Camp. The following guidelines apply to all staff while working or physically on camp premises, this includes responsibilities out of camp (i.e. Escorting, Shaver, etc.):
• General/Daily Expectations: All staff members are to present a personal example in clean, neat dress and appearance as well as personal hygiene. (Examples: Showering and shaving regularly; brushing teeth daily; etc.)
• Clothing- We expect all staff members to set the example dress code for campers through their choice of clothing. Therefore, we ask that all staff members adhere to the same dress code policy we have for our campers. The following standards apply: (1) no clothing with logos containing references to violence, sex, drugs, or tobacco, (2) No bare midriffs or low cut shirts exposing cleavage, (3) Nothing excessively tight, short, or baggy, and (4) No clothing which does not cover the person's underwear. Pants and shorts may not be rolled down and must cover a staff person's bottom completely at all times (including while seated). Staff members should always be wearing closed-toe shoes, except while on a waterfront dock, on a boat, or at Shaver Outpost. These clothing guidelines also apply to Counselor Dress Up night.
• Body Piercings - All body piercing(s) must be removed while on camp premises, excluding ear piercing(s) for female staff members.
• Tattoos - Any tattoo must be covered by either clothing or a bandage at all times while on camp premises.
• Hair - Hair should be neatly groomed and the length of the hair shall not be excessive or present a ragged, unkempt or extreme appearance. Male staff should be clean-shaven unless previously approved by the Camp Directors; no mustaches, beards, goatees, or sideburns past the bottom of the ears.
Online Social Networking: In general, Gold Arrow Camp views social networking sites (ex. MySpace), personal websites, and weblogs positively and respects the right of employees to use them as a form of self-expression. If an employee chooses to identify himself or herself as an employee of Gold Arrow Camp on such internet sites, what you post or say on these sites may be viewed as a reflection on camp. As a part of the hiring process, Gold Arrow Camp will be checking social networking and weblog sites of prospective and returning staff that can be viewed by the public (has no privacy settings on it) and review its content. Any content that conflicts with Gold Arrow Camp policy or could be viewed as inappropriate for working with children may result in the termination of candidacy or employment.
Orientation: All Staff members are required to attend a staff orientation at Gold Arrow Camp, which will be held the week prior to camper arrival (June 15- June 21, 2008). Staff members will become familiar with the daily operations of camp as well as their expected responsibilities and camp policies and procedures. All staff members must be in compliance with all camp policies upon arrival for orientation.
Personal Behavior and Habits: Staff, while employed by the camp, shall adjust their personal habits and actions to accommodate the customs, policies, and ideals of Gold Arrow Camp. Examples of poor "Personal Behavior and Habits" include, but are not limited to: using bad language and talking about inappropriate subjects with or around campers. Setting a poor example for campers, parents, other staff members, or the community will not be tolerated. Verbal warnings given to an employee will be documented and filed in the staff member's personnel file. Serious infractions will result in immediate disciplinary action, up to termination, by the Directors.
Representing Gold Arrow Camp: While in the employment of Gold Arrow Camp, you are representing Camp while on and off duty. Many members of the community are parents of campers or do business with Gold Arrow. Behavior during time off resulting in embarrassment to Gold Arrow Camp in the local community is prohibited. Behavior on time off resulting in negative repercussions when back on duty in camp (i.e. fights, gossip, inappropriate discussions in front of campers, appearing tired and/or not ready to be on duty) will result in disciplinary action, up to dismissal.
Room & Board & Laundry: Room, board, and laundry are part of your compensation as a Gold Arrow Camp staff member.
Time off: Every staff member will have scheduled time off from job duties each week. In addition, all staff members will have a 24-hour period off each week. Staff members are required to sign out at the Camp Office prior to departing camp premises and sign back in upon return from time off. Failure to return on time will result in disciplinary action up to termination.
Use of Camp Equipment: Staff members are not permitted to use camp equipment except when participating in an activity as a cabin leader or demonstrating an activity as a teacher. In order to keep the focus of our camp program on the kids, as well as to ensure equipment is always available and in working order, staff are not permitted to use camp equipment during their time off.
Vehicles: Staff members may bring personal vehicles to camp where free parking is provided. Personal vehicles may at no time enter camp boundaries without consent from the Director. Unauthorized transportation of a camper is prohibited and will result in dismissal. Camp is not responsible for damage, theft, etc. to vehicles parked in the parking lot.
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