Camp Good News® (CGN) Staff Policies
CLOTHING: As the temperature can vary considerably at camp, bring clothing for both warm and cool weather. An extra pair of old shoes would be good to bring for water activities. There are no laundry facilities available. It is wise to mark your belongings. Clothing should be decent and modest, not drawing attention to self (Philippians 2:3), but that which is appropriate for an Ambassador of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Those who bring bathing suits that are too revealing will also need to wear T-shirts at the pool. Short shorts are not appropriate outside of the pool area.
FACILITIES: If you notice any of the facilities needing repairs, please notify Darren, Josh, or the Dean. Camper showers are NOT permitted for staff use—staff will be directed as to which showers are to be used during the first staff meeting at camp. Bring a sleeping bag, or sheet and blankets, and pillow for your own use. Areas under construction should not be entered.
HAZARDS: Beyond the sin of man, the greatest danger at camp is probably fire, so no matches, combustible lanterns or other potential igniters should be used at camp. Rattlesnakes have also been sighted in the vicinity so hike cautiously. Please make sure to stay within camp boundaries. A fire drill and hazards orientation will be conducted within the first 24 hours of each week of camp.
INJURY OR ILLNESS: Please send anyone who becomes injured or ill, at any hour, to the nurse—even for minor scrapes, splinters, etc. No medication of any kind should be kept in cabins accessible to children. No camper can be given any medication without first consulting the nurse. All staff has secondary medical insurance coverage that goes into effect beyond any of your own.
LIGHTS OUT (overnight camps): All counselors need to stay with their campers from 9:15 PM until 7:00 AM; all other staff should be in their rooms by 10 PM on the first night unless told otherwise. Nights following the first, counselors will have an opportunity to hang out quietly as long as other staff can oversee their group. Lights out for all staff is 11 PM unless told otherwise. It is a good idea to bring a flashlight with extra batteries.
MAIL (overnight camps): If you have outgoing mail, please give it to Darren, Josh, or the Dean. We will do our best to get it mailed. Camp mail will be delivered at one or more mealtimes each day, timing is up to the Dean. The address for you to receive mail out at camp is Whisper Canyon Christian Camp C/O Camp Good News 52470 Smith Rd., Bradley CA 93426. Due to the difficulty in timing mail delivery, it is highly recommended that you bring any mail with you to camp that you want anyone else at camp to receive. You can mark letters and/or packages with the day of the week you want it to be given out and we will do our best to accommodate.
PARKING: When you arrive at camp, please park where the signs indicate, or as directed.
PHONE CALLS: Please keep to a minimum. There is only one line available for camp business and emergencies. See Darren, Josh, or the Dean when urgent calls need to be made. There is NO landline out at camp, but cell service is available for some carriers in certain areas. Camp is a time to break free of our normal routines and step away from some of the technology that is so prevalent in our everyday lives. It is our hope that kids at camp will have limited exposure to unnecessary technology.
PRANKS: Victimizing others with tricks are not allowed - do all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
PRAYER: CEF prayer partners will be praying for you throughout your time of service. Daily staff meetings will be a time to share any prayer needs you may have along with your campers’ prayer needs.
SNACKS: All staff workers may help themselves to the afternoon and evening snack items after the children have received theirs (overnight camps). No one may help themselves to food items, or enter the kitchen for other reasons, without first obtaining permission. If you are not getting enough food at mealtimes, please notify the head cook, camp directors, or the Dean.
SWIMMING: Nobody is allowed in the pool area without prior permission from Darren, Josh, or the Dean. If permission is granted, a lifeguard must be in the pool area to supervise all under-aged staff. Please help those on duty maintain order and be courteous to the children who are also swimming. A few basic rules you should know, follow, and help enforce: No pushing; no food or drink (besides water) in the pool area; and no running.