New Life Christian Church

New Life Youth Camp Behavioral Policy

Behavioral Expectations and Disciplinary Procedure

At New Life Youth Camp, we strive to create a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all campers. To maintain this environment, we have established the following behavioral policy:

Three-Strike System

1. First Strike: Verbal warning and discussion with camp counselor. Brought to the attention of Leaders.
2. Second Strike: The camper will have a meeting with the camp director. Parents/guardians will be notified of the incident and warned that a third strike will result in dismissal from camp.
3. Third Strike: Dismissal from camp. Parents/guardians will be contacted immediately and required to pick up their child within 24 hours.

Immediate Dismissal Offenses

Certain behaviors may warrant immediate dismissal from camp without going through the three-strike process. These offenses will be brought to the attention of Parents/guardians and possible dismissal will be discussed. These include but are not limited to:

• Physical violence or fighting
• Bullying, harassment, or threatening behavior
• Possession of weapons, alcohol, drugs, or other prohibited items
• Leaving designated camp areas without permission
• Sexual misconduct
• Theft or intentional damage to camp property or others' belongings
• Any behavior that poses a significant safety risk to the camper or others

At New Life Youth Camp we strive to resolve complications before they escalate, if a situation can be resolved before strikes are given or Immediate Dismissal is needed, camp staff and Directors will work with each student to keep peace. Dismissal will always be a last option.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

By enrolling your child in New Life Youth Camp, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. You have reviewed and discussed this behavioral policy with your child.
2. You will be available to be contacted throughout the duration of camp.
3. In the event of dismissal, you agree to arrange transportation to pick up your child from camp within 24 hours of notification.
4. You understand that no refunds will be provided for dismissal due to behavioral issues.

Appeal Process

If you believe your child has been unfairly dismissed, you may submit a written appeal to the camp director within 48 hours of dismissal. The appeal should include relevant details and any mitigating circumstances. The camp director's decision on the appeal is final.

By signing the camp registration form, both parents/guardians and campers acknowledge understanding of and agreement to abide by this policy.

New Life Youth Camp Participation Requirements Policy

Essential Eligibility Criteria

New Life Youth Camp is committed to providing a positive camp experience within the capabilities of our facilities and staff. To ensure the safety and meaningful participation of all campers, we have established the following essential eligibility requirements for all participants:

Self-Care and Independent Functioning

All campers must be able to:

1. Independently manage personal hygiene and toileting needs with minimal assistance.
2. Dress themselves and maintain basic personal care.
3. Eat meals with minimal assistance in a group dining environment.
4. Sleep in a cabin or group setting with minimal supervision during nighttime hours.

Social and Behavioral Functioning

All campers must be able to:

1. Function effectively in a group environment with a counselor-to-camper ratio of 1:8.
2. Follow verbal instructions and adhere to safety rules with minimal individual redirection.
3. Participate in scheduled activities for the duration of each activity period.
4. Communicate needs to staff members in a manner that can be understood.
5. Manage emotions and behaviors in a way that does not require constant one-on-one attention or pose a safety risk to themselves or others.

Physical Activity Requirements

All campers must be able to:

1. Participate in the full range of camp activities with reasonable accommodations.
2. Navigate the camp's terrain with minimal assistance.
3. Endure outdoor activities in varying weather conditions.

Assessment of Eligibility

New Life Youth Camp will assess each applicant's ability to meet these essential eligibility requirements based on the information provided during registration. The camp reserves the right to:

1. Request additional information from parents/guardians regarding a child's ability to meet these requirements.
2. Conduct a pre-camp interview with the prospective camper and parents/guardians.
3. Make individualized assessments regarding reasonable accommodations that can be provided without fundamentally altering the nature of the program.

Reasonable Accommodations

New Life Youth Camp will make reasonable accommodations for campers with disabilities when such accommodations:

1. Do not fundamentally alter the nature of the program.
2. Do not create an undue burden on camp resources or staff.
3. Do not compromise the safety of the camper or others.

Parents/guardians must disclose any accommodations needed at the time of registration to allow the camp to assess whether such accommodations can be reasonably provided.

Non-Discrimination Statement

New Life Youth Camp does not discriminate on the basis of disability and evaluates all applicants based on their ability to meet the essential eligibility requirements of our program with or without reasonable accommodations.

By signing the camp registration form, parents/guardians certify that they have accurately represented their child's ability to meet the essential eligibility requirements and understand that campers who are unable to meet these requirements may be denied admission or sent home from camp without refund if their participation presents a safety concern or requires accommodations beyond the scope of our program.

New Life Youth Camp Device Usage Policy

No-Device Environment

New Life Youth Camp is committed to providing campers with an immersive media free experience free from digital distractions. To facilitate meaningful connections with God and fellow campers, we maintain a strict no-device policy for all campers.

General Policy

1. No Electronic Devices Permitted: Campers are not permitted to possess or use electronic devices during their time at camp.
2. Transportation Considerations: If campers require devices for GPS navigation to reach camp, these devices must be turned in for the duration of camp.
3. Camp Communication: Parents will be provided with emergency contact information for the camp and can reach their child through camp staff if necessary. In case of emergency or misconduct, parents will be reached by staff. Campers will have the right to request to speak to parents at any time with respect to camp schedule.

Exception Process

In rare circumstances where a camper may need limited device access due to specific needs:

1. Parental Request: Parents/guardians must contact the Camp Directors directly prior to camp to request an exception.
   • Shelly Hanson - (765) 624-9652
   • Levi Simmons - (765) 729-5866
2. Request Requirements: The request must include:
   • Specific reason for device access
   • Proposed times/situations when access would be needed
   • Any supporting information relevant to the request
3. Director Review: All exception requests will be reviewed by Camp Directors on a case-by-case basis.
4. Staff Supervision: If an exception is granted:
   • The camper's group leader will secure and maintain possession of the device
   • The device will only be made available during predetermined and approved times
   • Usage will be supervised by camp staff
   • The device must be returned to the group leader immediately after approved use

Enforcement Procedures

If a camper is found in possession of an unauthorized device:

1. First Violation:
   • The device will be confiscated immediately
   • The device will be stored securely by camp staff
   • The device will be returned to the camper at the beginning of the next day with instructions to store it properly (in vehicle/luggage or with group leader)
2. Second Violation:
   • The device will be confiscated for the remainder of camp
   • The violation may count as a strike under the camp's Behavioral Policy
   • Additional disciplinary action may be taken at the discretion of camp staff
   • Parents/guardians will be notified

Integration with Behavioral Policy

Repeated violations of the device policy may contribute to the three-strike system outlined in the camp's Behavioral Policy. Particularly disruptive device usage (such as using devices to engage in bullying, take unauthorized photos of others, or access inappropriate content) may result in immediate dismissal from camp.

Liability Statement

New Life Youth Camp is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices brought to camp in violation of this policy. Campers who bring devices in accordance with approved exceptions do so at their own risk, and camp staff will make reasonable but not extraordinary efforts to safeguard these devices.

By signing the camp registration form, parents/guardians acknowledge understanding of and agreement to abide by this policy.