ACCREDITATION STANDARDS AND SAFETY AT CAMP

Camp Arnold is an accredited member of the American Camping Association. The ACA’s mission is to enrich the lives of children, youth and adults through the camp experience. They do this by establishing a set of safety standards to improve and value the safety of children in all camp programming. Camp Arnold is proud to uphold these high standards across every possible aspect of camp to ensure your children will have the best possible time while they are at Camp.
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EMERGENCY CONTACT PERSON

In the case of illness or injury it may become necessary for the child to leave camp early. Please be sure that the names and phone numbers for your emergency contacts are correct and in operation. In the event that we cannot reach the parent, this information becomes extremely important. If you will be out of town during your child’s visit, please provide the camp with the phone number of an adult that can help transport your child home if it becomes necessary.

COMPLETING THE MEDICAL FORM

Be sure to complete all areas of the health history.  It is important that the parental release is signed so your child may be treated by a physician or hospital in the case of emergency. No child will be allowed to stay on the campgrounds without the release being signed. Any special diet or activity restrictions should be identified on the form. Please complete the medical form in its entirety.  (Please note that biological gender is required on the medical form).

SICKNESS OR INJURY WHILE AT CAMP

If your camper gets sick or is injured while at Camp Arnold our staff will be sure to contact you for direction.  We don’t typically call home for every scrape or bump, but rest assured that our health team will be in contact with you for any significant cuts, scrapes or bruises; fevers, cold/flu symptoms, chronic tummy problems; and certainly any injuries or sickness that may require the camper to be transported.  We will check the list of OTC medications that you have allowed us to dispense and we will not provide any unapproved medications to your camper, without first calling and receiving your permission.  In the unlikely case of a serious accident or injury you will be notified as soon as possible – our first priority will be to stabilize and transport your camper.  We realize how important the care of your camper is to you and we want you to feel confident with our level of care and response.  Please feel free to call the Director for a chat if you have any questions (Jeff 253-847-2511).

EARLY DEPARTURE

All campers, whether being picked up early or at the end of the session, will only be released to the parent/guardian that is listed on the Camper Application.  If another person will be picking them up you must provide a written note, preferably at drop-off, stating who they may be released to.  We may call to confirm the note is legitimate.  Please plan to show photo identification when you come to camp (please inform any friends or family that may come pickup your child that they must be able to show valid proof of their identify – e.g., State or Federal ID.  Any adult picking a child up must also be on the paperwork that was submitted when you registered your camper – or shown on a note provided by that parent/guardian).

IF A CAMPER IS TAKING PRESCRIBED MEDICATION…

• Each medication must be brought to camp in the original prescription bottle/container. This includes all medications (e.g., asthma inhaler package/boxes, epi-pens, etc.).
• The physician’s instructions (dosages/times of administration) must be clearly marked on the prescription bottle/container. Dispensing pharmacy phone numbers must be legible on the prescription bottle. This should agree with the dosage written on the Medical Information Form.  Our Health Care Managers may only dispense medications using the dosages and times shown on the original prescription container.
• Medication administration times are breakfast/lunch/dinner/and bedtime. Please ensure your camper brings a sufficient amount of medications to last the entire camp period.
• Detailed medication information should be written legibly on the Medical Information Form. This includes medication name, dosage, and times when medication is to be administered.

CAMP ARNOLD VALUES

Spiritual Development – Camp Arnold stresses the primacy of spiritual values. This does not necessarily imply a formal religious pattern but rather accents the personal presence of Jesus Christ as a day-to-day living experience. Awakening to the reality that we are absolutely loved by a Creator God, fully and unconditionally, can be a life-changing perspective.  Camp Arnold will use chapel times, campfire devotions, cabin conversations, and creation care moments, to reflect the person and nature of Jesus as best we can.

Friendship – We will provide guided opportunities to develop social skills and friendships. Studies have revealed the depth and significance of friendships in people’s lives.  It is our desire that kids would make friends at camp using shared experiences, meaningful communication, fun and interactive games and activities, and daily opportunities to interact with new people.

Social – Emotional Growth – Campers will meet other campers from a variety of cultures, social circles, economic backgrounds, and belief systems.  Whether as a cabin group, or group of mixed individuals, they will be empowered to discuss activities that benefit the group as a whole. Using these group dynamics, we will strive to help campers become more self-aware, assist them in learning to self-lead, and move them toward better social awareness.

Self-Esteem – Camp provides a safe environment to try new experiences. When campers encounter new challenges and do well, they feel better about themselves. When they don’t do well, it provides opportunity, in a safe place, to build resilience and persistence.  With positive camp instructors cheering them on self-esteem grows no matter the result.

Skill Development – Studies have shown that time spent in nature can be restorative and healthy.  It can help unclutter the brain, bring a sense of calm, and decreases feelings of negativity.  This helps make Camp Arnold a great place for campers to develop new skills as they try and learn new things.  Whether they are painting, making a decorative frame, or playing a problem solving game with their cabin , campers will have opportunities to learn new things about themselves, the world around them, and their place in the world.

Fun – The wrap-around objective for almost everything we do is to keep it fun!  Play has been shown to improve children’s abilities to plan, organize, get along with others and regulate emotions.  If we can keep things fun and playful campers are more likely to be successful and enjoy each moment and activity.  Camp Arnold will be intentional to incorporate fun into everything

GOALS FOR CAMPERS

• Spiritual – camper learns at least one new truth about God and His relationship with us.
• Friendship – camper makes a new friend that they didn’t know before coming to camp.
• Social-Emotional Growth – camper has been observed to show empathy and has engaged positively in group activities.
• Self-Esteem – camper, through showing good, or improved, behavior and a “keep trying” attitude, has demonstrated a belief in themselves.
• Skill Development – camper has created or learned something new while at camp.
• Fun – lots of smiles are seen throughout the week.