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291 Days ’Til Camp Starts!

Professional Practices

 

As a Med-O-Lark staff member, you are a professional caregiver. Below are practices, in addition to those stated on the contract, to which you promise to adhere while a Med-O-Lark staff member. Many of these points will be reiterated and elaborated upon during staff training, and additional topics will be covered. Your performance at camp will be evaluated according to the points indicated on the contract and professional practices statement. Withholding the satisfactory performance fee or early dismissal may result if directors feel that you have violated or compromised any items stated within the staff contract or professional practices statement.

Responsibilities: Med-O-Lark staff members….

 

  1. Actively use the information presented and learned during staff orientation and through reading the staff handbook.
  2. Supports the camp philosophy and guidelines regardless of personal views.
  3. Recognizes and accepts differences (specifically differences in gender, ages, ethnic/racial backgrounds, religion, diet, family income, personalities, individual preferences, education, family history/background, returning/new to camp).
  4. Act as a positive role model
  5. Monitor and enforce the camper behavior guidelines set forth by the camp in the “Camper Contract” and keep directors informed of violations and the handling of the situation.
  6. Identify and meet camper individual needs for:
    1. safety
    2. health
    3. personal adjustment
  7. Identify and meet group needs for:
    1. Developing and maintaining a warm, supportive cabin atmosphere
    2. Supervising campers’ daily living responsibilities
  8. Instruct Classes:
    1. Develop lesson plans for a sequence of 8, 50 minute classes (5 periods a day). Lesson plans must be submitted to a director for approval
    2. Incorporate camp goals
    3. Order supplies and discuss area needs or creative ideas with directors
    4. Keep program areas spotless and organized. Maintain equipment in working condition.
    5. Inventory all equipment and supplies at the beginning and end of season.
  9. Leaving camp property (or going to the staff cabin) other than during off time or during camp trips is not permitted.
  10. Prescription and over-the-counter medications must be kept in the infirmary at all times. This is a state health department law.
  11. Med-O-Lark does not tolerate cabin raids in any form. Staff must prevent such events from occurring.
  12. Graffiti anywhere in camp is banned. Staff must report all new graffiti in cabins, program areas or anywhere on camp property to a director.


Expectations:

 

  1. Learn these skills: 1) general group leadership skills, 2) teaching skills, 3) listening skills, 4) how to develop positive behavior, 5) how to manage undesired behavior, 6) working as a part of a team with supervisors, 7) skills communicating respect to campers, co-workers, camper families and directors.
    1. Uses an attention-grabbing technique for gaining an audience’s attention that incorporates a normal tone and volume.
    2. Smiles at campers and notices and verbally recognizes positive actions.
    3. Is physically close to or in the middle of camper action when leading activities, participating in activities, or just hanging out with kids.
  2. Makes eye contact with campers individually and knows campers by name.
  3. All cabins are private space for their residents. Counselors are not permitted to enter other peoples’ cabins (except in emergencies and during ‘sweeper’ responsibilities) so that staff and campers have privacy to change clothes, relax, shower, etc….
  4. PDA refers to Public Display of Affection, which is not appropriate in the camp setting. This does not include casual displays of affection in non-exclusive friendships. Couples that might develop during camp (or pre-established) are not to make their relationships public knowledge to the campers.
  5. Attendance and punctuality at all camp events (staff training workshops, evening activities, classes, etc…) are mandatory for on-duty staff. The director must approve exceptions. All ill staff must remain in the infirmary under the nurses’ care until authorized to return to work. The nurse will inform directors of any illness-related absences from work duties.
  6. Med-O-Lark seeks staff members whose dress and appearance are in good taste and appropriate to the camp environment. Med-O-Lark is a community that celebrates differences, however, the appearance of excessive piercing and tattoos should be minimized and/or concealed if necessary.
  7. Campers are forbidden from changing their appearance while at camp, and staff members, acting as role models, must refrain from such behaviors as well.
  8. Foul language and inappropriate use of language that insults or belittles a camper or staff member is absolutely prohibited. At Med-O-Lark, “shut up” is considered a profanity.
  9. Make personal calls in the staff cabin during off time at your own expense
  10. Conduct is professional in and out of camp during off time.
  11. Have friends and visitors visit during your off time and check in at the office. Please notify the directors in advance of all visitors, as camp is a private community. Overnight accommodations are not possible.


Personal and Camp Equipment:

 

  1. Use of camp equipment or program areas is permitted and encouraged during off time but must be approved of and supervised by the head of that area. Some high-risk areas will require the constant supervision of an authorized Med-O-Lark staff member in a structured environment (i.e. riding, water-skiing, ropes, boating, pottery).
  2. Personal Belongings: personal lockers are available in the staff cabin for the safe storage of valuables.
    1. Leave sound systems at home; they are prohibited from cabins. Use of earphones with a walkman or discman is fine during off time.
    2. Do not bring Pets, T.V.’s, firearms or other weapons.
    3. No bicycles may be ridden in the main area of camp. Staff bikes may be stored at the staff cabin.
    4. Sports or other equipment are for use during personal time. For insurance purposes, they cannot be loaned to campers or used in camp events.
    5. Cell phones, beepers, personal computers may not be kept in camper cabins. Please keep these items in the staff cabin.
  3. Maintenance and Environment:
    1. Report all maintenance problems (i.e. water leaks, power outages), needed facility repairs
  4. Teach campers by example to be supportive of the environment and animals within it.