Camp Good News® (CGN) Staff Policies

These guidelines help ensure a safe, Christ-honoring environment for every camper and staff member. Thank you for serving with excellence and joy.

CLOTHING: As the temperature can vary considerably at camp, please bring clothing suitable for both warm and cool weather. An extra pair of older shoes is recommended for water activities. There are no laundry facilities available, so plan accordingly and clearly mark your belongings.

Clothing should be decent and modest, not drawing attention to oneself (Philippians 2:3), but appropriate for an Ambassador of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Bathing suits are for water activities only. Those that are too revealing will require a T-shirt to be worn over them. Short shorts are not appropriate outside of the pool area.

FACILITIES: If you notice any facilities in need of repair, please notify camp leadership (Darren, John Mark, Josh, or the Dean) immediately.

HAZARDS: Fire safety is a priority. Matches, combustible lanterns, and other potential igniters are not permitted. Rattlesnakes have been sighted in the area—please remain alert and notify camp leadership when and where one has been sighted. A fire drill and safety orientation will be conducted within the first 24 hours of camp each week.

RESTROOMS / SHOWERS: Camper bathrooms and showers are not permitted for staff use unless the area has been closed off from campers (typically 9:00 PM–7:00 AM at overnight camps). Staff bathroom and shower locations will be communicated during the first staff meeting.

INJURY OR ILLNESS: Anyone who becomes injured or ill must be sent to the nurse immediately—regardless of hour—even for minor issues (scrapes, splinters, etc.). No medication may be kept in cabins accessible to children, and no camper may receive medication without nurse approval. All staff have secondary medical insurance coverage beyond their personal insurance.

PHONE CALLS / TECHNOLOGY: Staff may not make phone calls or send text messages to camper parents without prior permission from camp leadership. There is no landline at camp, though limited cell service may be available in certain areas. Personal phone calls should be kept to a minimum and out of sight of campers. Camp is a time to step away from technology and focus on ministry and relationships. Please help us keep campers’ exposure to unnecessary technology to a minimum.

PARKING: Please park where posted signs indicate or as directed upon arrival.

PRANKS: Pranks or tricks that victimize others are not allowed. “Whatever you do, do all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

PRAYER: CEF prayer partners will be praying for you during your service. Daily staff meetings will include time to share prayer requests for yourself and your campers.

SNACKS: Staff may enjoy afternoon and evening snacks(overnight camps) after campers have been served. Please do not enter the kitchen or take food without permission. If you need additional food, notify the head cook, directors, or the Dean.

SWIMMING: Outside of regularly scheduled pool times, no one may enter the pool area without prior permission from a camp director. A lifeguard must be on duty whenever any under-aged campers or staff are present in the pool area. Please help maintain safety and order at all times.

Basic pool rules: No pushing, no running, no diving, and no food or drink (except water) in the pool area.

LIGHTS OUT (overnight camps): Counselors must remain with campers from 9:15 PM–7:00 AM. All other staff should be in their rooms by 10:00 PM on the first night unless instructed otherwise. On following nights, counselors may spend quiet fellowship time with other staff as long as there is proper supervision for their group. Lights out is 11:00 PM for all staff, unless told otherwise by camp leadership. Bring a flashlight with extra batteries, it can be very dark after lights out.

YURTS / CABINS (Overnight Camps):

Bedding is not provided. Please bring a sleeping bag or sheets/blankets and a pillow for your own use.

Please note: Bunk beds are reserved for campers, not staff, unless space permits. Staff will typically be provided with a cot. You are welcome to bring an air mattress if you prefer.

MAIL (overnight camps):

Outgoing mail should be given to camp leadership. We will do our best to get it mailed in a timely manner.

Incoming mail will be delivered at one or more mealtimes each day; this is up to the dean’s discretion.

Due to delivery timing challenges, please bring any mail you want distributed at camp with you. Mark letters/packages with the day you’d like them delivered, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Mailing Address:
Whisper Canyon Christian Camp
C/O Camp Good News
52470 Smith Rd.
Bradley, CA 93426