Riverbend Youth Centre

Leadership Role Descriptions

1. Supervisors

“Camp supervisors have the overall responsibility for the

program at camp.”

They need to have an overview of every different leader's responsibilities.
They need to be aware that the decisions they make, will have an impact on the leaders and on the campers and consequently on the direction of the camp and therefore they need to consider what that impact might be.
Many of these decisions they make during camp need to be taken in consultation with senior staff. (Supervisor, study leader, camp parents, managers).
Supervisors are responsible to the organizing committee and ultimately the Board for all that eventuates during the camp.
Supervisors need to acknowledge that all leaders come to camp for the sake of the campers, not for their own purposes and desires. This is something they need to communicate to their team for that week.

Early Duties:

After accepting the position, the supervisor should be involved with the camp organizing committee in all future decisions regarding the particular camp. This could include helping to obtain suitable personnel so that a balanced team of leaders is arranged.
Pray much and think over any special features for this particular camp. Consulting with camp parents and senior staff is advisable.
Read the roles of other members of the team getting to know what they do.
Familiarize yourself with the policies and procedures outlined in this guide.

As camp approaches:

Set out a daily basic program and check this with the camp managers to ensure it fits with all current camp polices and procedures. Do this as early as possible.
Let the managers know if you want the pool booked and if you want a bus booked for outings.
Plan for daily morning, afternoon and evening activities with alternatives for wet weather. This is crucial in the winter months.
Check with the study leader concerning: a theme, who will take evening devotions, how the morning study times will operate, if there are memory verses etc.
Plan for any special features - outings, films, activities, craft etc. and communicate with the camp managers to ensure that all required supplies will be at camp
Check with the organizing committee to ensure that there will be a suitable song leader, and suitable musicians and sports personnel amongst the leaders.
Liaise with kitchen personnel and camp managers regarding barbeques, picnics, etc so that required items are purchased.
Ensure a time is set aside in the program for each day at camp where all leaders, if possible, can attend prayer meetings. During this time all children still need to be adequately supervised
Organize, if possible, one get-together with ALL camp staff about a week before camp. Go over proposed basic program, noting comments and suggestions. Seek to obtain full co-operation so that all leaders have common aims, with all working in the same direction. If this is not possible arrange to have a program and a covering letter sent to all leaders OR contact them by phone to communicate your ideas and aims for the week.

Responsibilities in last days before camp:

Have copies of the daily program typed for display in strategic areas of camp.

Check with the organizing committee regarding follow up materials for children being counseled

Check with camp managers on the condition and supply of sports equipment and check that all required items are available.

Check with the site staff booking in campers, to see if there are medical or other issues you need to be aware of.

Arrange for a meeting at camp on the Sunday. This is usually done before and after lunch. At this meeting you need to do the following:

Introduce all leaders to each other, allowing key personnel to introduce themselves and talk about their role.
Briefly go over your expectations and aims for the week
Go through and discuss the different activities
Allow time for the managers to talk to all leaders regarding camp expectations
Allocate responsibilities during the week such as memory verses, song leading, etc Mention procedures for meal times and outline rosters. The only rosters needed are: setting tables, packing up tables after a meal and tidying the camp.
Allow time for the study leader to go through studies for the week.
Spend some time in prayer.

During camp:

Keep the office free of campers and leaders as much as possible. No camper should be in the office at all and should not be allowed on the PA.
Work in with the kitchen staff for meal times. Please stick to times as much as possible to give the kitchen staff a fair go.
Advise all leaders of the days activities in a leaders meeting
Ensure that campers are adequately supervised during these leader’s meetings
Pay attention to all camp property
Pay attention to camp tidiness
Know all camp policies regarding safety, emergencies, hygiene and medical issues.
Keep a daily display of lost property
Check all skits etc before being shown for suitability
Seek input from senior leaders regarding problem areas in the camp or the program.
Organise and oversee the Thursday night concert program
See that external doors are locked of an evening and lights are off before heading to bed.
Keep a list of children being counseled. Refer these to the organizing committee. (At the time of writing this handbook, Julie Armstrong is in charge of this area.)
Ensure that all visitors to the camp have a visitors sticker on them AND that they have signed the visitors book properly. If you are not happy with them being there you have the right to ask them to leave.
Keep a close eye on camp tidiness and lost property throughout the week at camp.

After camp:

Organise a meeting with the leaders to debrief
Prepare a report for the camp managers regarding any issues they need to follow up and prepare a report for the next Riverbend Board meeting. If you could attend that meeting it would be appreciated

The following policies need to be strictly adhered to.

We would prefer that supervisors not organise activities such as discos which send a contradictory message to children by utilizing secular music that is not honouring to God in its content. Similarly, supervisors do need to exercise discretion in the type of videos chosen to show children. Some parents may object to their children watching videos thy have not authorized them to watch.

Supervisors need to ensure that music chosen by song leaders for the children to sing is acceptable and appropriate. Some of the current worship type songs may not be suitable for children who have no commitment to God.

Supervisors need to ensure that cabin leaders and study leaders are not pressuring children to make a commitment. We want all children to become disciples of God, but repentance must be genuine and not forced.

Supervisors also need to ensure that spiritual activities come under the doctrinal statement as outlined in this book. Some beliefs and practices, such as speaking in tongues can be confusing and irrelevant to children who are largely un-churched. We want to bring them to salvation so it is best to stick to the basics as outlined in the doctrinal statement.

Safety rules

1 only on each trampoline at a time and no shoes - unless it is wet
NO campers to go out in another leader’s car without the knowledge of the supervisor and the managers
ALL visitors must have signed in, stating who they are, why they are there, when they arrived and when they will leave. They also need to have a sticker on them stating that they are a visitor.
No campers in any of the sheds unless with a leader or the site staff
No campers in any of the two houses on camp, unless with a leader or the site staff
No campers on the flying fox, in the bush or near the water unless they have a leader supervising them
No wrestling or boxing tournaments, no pillow fights and no taking mattresses out of the dorms.
No throwing skits allowed in the concert - especially anything that may hurt when thrown.
Keep the doors at the end of the dorms locked as evening comes
Try and get campers to bed early on the final night to avoid sicknesses and over tiredness

Medical

A list must be kept of all panadol administered
A record of any accident requiring a doctor or ambulance must be kept
Use gloves when treating injuries
In summer ensure that sunscreen is used when outside
Take a first aid kit when going off camp or when conducing activities outside where accidents could occur

Hygiene

Campers and leaders do not clean out toilets. Leave this for the site staff
Campers to wear shoes in the dining room
Encourage campers to wash their hands before each meal
Encourage leaders to see that campers have regular showers or washes

2. Cabin Leaders

Cabin Leaders have a very important role to play at camp, because of the closeness that each leader has to his or her small group for five days. No other camp leader has this special closeness than that of the individual room leader.
Cabin leaders have a special opportunity to share together with those in their room, teach the truth of God’s Word and demonstrate the new creatures Christ has made and is still making in them.
Leaders come to camp for the sake of the campers, not for their own purposes and desires.

REQUIREMENTS OF CABIN LEADERS:

Love for Christ, love for campers, love for others.
Availability rather than ability - God will give the needed Grace if He calls you to this task.
To be prepared to come to camp not just to give, but to learn:
to share one’s faith with others
to work together with other campers and leaders
to develop God given gifts
What God has “ for ” you from His word.
to be able to grow spiritually through experiences during camp.
Group leading is constant hard work, requiring faithfulness to the task, yet it provides rewards from above without compare.
Group leading needs commitment so it leaves no room for establishing acquaintances with the opposite sex which will, without doubt, get one’s mind totally off the task ahead.
If you feel the Lord’s calling to this work, plan your holidays to suit camp dates after checking with the organizing committee for which camps they can best use you.

BEFORE CAMP:

Read the roles of other members of the team getting to know what they do
Familiarise yourself with the policies and procedures outlined in this guide.
Cabin leaders do have a large impact on campers attending camps. If you have taken an interest in young people in your locality, Sunday School, Youth groups, etc, then many will come because you will be there. However, each camper still needs to be personally encouraged to come and to bring their friends.
Take a special interest in the camp you will be attending. By checking with the supervisor you will be aware of any special features and needs of camp which will then make you better prepared for the week ahead.
Spend as much time as possible going over study notes and reading relevant scriptures.
Tell the supervisor what age range of campers you feel best equipped to handle.
Have clearly in your mind facts of your own testimony which you will probably be able to share at some time during camp.
Come to camp well rested before hand. Plan to be at camp at around 10:00 am Sunday morning prior to camp.
Be continually before the Lord in prayer for all matters involving coming camps.

SUNDAY MORNING:

Arrive at the time requested by the supervisor - it is essential that you arrive in enough time to meet the team and get organized before children arrive. Be prepared and willing to assist in any areas of last minute preparations.
After room allocations, write out names of campers in your room noting locations where each lives.
Check with supervisor/camp parents for any special known disabilities of campers.

DURING CAMP:

Be available near the office when campers from your room arrive. Introduce yourself to campers and their parents. Assist campers and parents to your room. Help them to get settled in, particularly for a first time camper.
As soon as campers are booked in, they are part of the leader’s room for the week at camp. Give yourself totally over to them. A kind word or a helping hand can have a real impact on them. Do everything you can to make their stay at camp a happy one.
There is to be no pairing with members of the opposite sex during your week at camp. Any pairs who are already well acquainted need to totally cool their relationship for the week. Remember - you are at camp to serve the Lord and campers, not your own desires and passions.
Be enthusiastic with your room. ‘Campers look to you as their leader.’
Do not be over-anxious for souls. Remember, it’s the Spirit’s work to convict and convert. Pray for them all, sowing the seed faithfully. Perhaps the seed will spring forth into new life at a later time.
If you have a younger room of campers be prepared to “mother” them whenever needed. First time campers are perhaps away from home for the first time, and so need special consideration and assistance.
Be especially caring for any camper with physical disabilities, where possible protecting them from abuse from other campers.
Don’t allow name calling. It does not generate harmony within your room and is unfair. Be very careful that this is not something you initiate.
Be especially aware of any loners, many of them who are candidates for home sickness. Keep them involved where possible and emphasize the positive side of camp life.
Set a good example of tidiness within the room as well as personal hygiene with showers being readily available. Seek assistance from camp mum or dad in regard to any sickness or injuries to campers.
As much as you are physically able, ensure you participate in all games and activities.
During free time, be involved with campers as much as possible, guarding against continually congregating with other leaders.
It is important that leaders and campers are dressed in suitable clothes prior to going down passages to toilets and showers. This is also particularly important at evening when attending the medical room or kitchen.
It is each leader's responsibility to clean and tidy their room after camp. There is a sheet available explaining what needs to be done. Check with supervisors.
All leaders need to be available for a camp debrief and to farewell campers on the final morning.

HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS

1. Control and discipline:

All correction must be done from a heart of love, always remembering that all leaders were young once and many of us were far from being “perfect angels.”

It is the group leader’s responsibility to keep control of their room of campers, particularly within the room, at meal times, and in chapel. Allowing them too much latitude will affect other campers and leaders, and eventually the whole camp. Camp parents and supervisors are always available if help is required.

Children, like adults, don’t always respond to chastening in the same way. Some respond to gentle persuasion, while others need a firmer stance to be taken. Their behavioral problems stem from many and varied reasons, many of which are not their own making. Some are from broken homes or a background of non-caring parents while some may be just plain “spoiled.” Others may just be looking for attention.

With all discipline, no physical force should be used.

Meal times:

These can be real times of sharing various things with your group. By sitting half way along your table, a leader can share and control camper needs so much more efficiently.

Keep campers at tables, emergencies excepted, during meal time. Ensure that the table is packed up before campers leave and that all food scraps are in the bin and plates etc are taken up to be washed.

Beware of possible breakages and leave table completely clean and dry.

Morning discussion time in rooms (15-20 min.): (When set)

Get all of your room involved in discussion as quickly and smoothly as possible to enable the whole camp to settle down. Getting all campers on lower bunks in a small group will greatly assist controlling and involving your group.

Commence with a brief prayer seeking God’s guidance and his Spirit’s ministering to the needs of each heart. Work through planned material, emphasizing points bought out by the study leader. Be honest in answering questions, and if unsure of the answers, tell the camper you will try to find out from the study leader, etc. and let them know later.

Be simple enough for all to understand. Do not go into trivial areas or discussion into pros and cons of other denominations. Teach what the Scriptures say.

If you have any difficulties, feel free to ask for assistance from the study leader, camp parents etc.

Close off in Prayer.

Evening quiet times: (When set)

Keep all campers in room during quiet time so as not to disturb other rooms. Reading of scriptures can either be done by the group leader alone, all campers or only those who wish to read. Discuss passage noting relevant points and invite questions. Close off in prayer by either praying yourself or allowing others to pray reverently.

3. Study Leaders

The study leader has the overall responsibility for the spiritual objectives of the week at camp.
He/She will need all camp leaders: cabin leaders, supervisors, camp parents, aunties, uncles and other floaters, kitchen staff, working together under the Holy Spirit's direction to see these objectives achieved.
Please remember that all leaders come to camp for the sake of the campers, not for their own purposes and desires. Encourage those you are leading to put this into practice

Duties before camp:

To liaise with the supervisor regarding a potential theme and prepare appropriate studies for the morning sessions in chapel.
Check with the supervisor which evening devotions (if any) will be taken by you and prepare accordingly. (This usually means at least a session on the Thursday concert evening.)
To prepare daily study outline material and have a copy available for distribution to all group leaders at least one week before camp. Each daily study outline should have relevant questions or discussion points for use within rooms after morning studies.
To decide on a daily memory verse to be taught to campers.
To prepare evening or morning quiet time readings, if the supervisor requires it.
Read the roles of other members of the team getting to know what they do
Familiarise yourself with the policies and procedures outlined in this guide.

Duties at camp:

To daily instruct group leaders with aid of the prepared study notes exactly what is going to be taught and sharing exactly what you wish them to stress.
Deliver morning studies and evening devotions.
To hold daily post-mortems on the study with cabin leaders, to sort out any difficulties and to determine what campers have understood from the study.
To regularly get alongside each cabin leader to have them share how the day to day situations within their room are progressing.
To be available to cabin leaders to help in discussion times if required.
To be responsible for all counseling of campers. To cross check those counseled by others and to prepare detailed sheet for future follow-up.
To be involved where possible and appropriate in discipline issues with the supervisor and camp parents.
To liaise with pastoral care workers regarding follow up and counseling with leaders - again this is if and when appropriate.
To be responsible for the general spiritual direction of camp and to ensure that all things are done in order and in a God-honouring fashion

4. Camp Parents

The camp parents role is basically the same as in their home: that of a ‘Mum’ and a ‘Dad”; to be kind and caring and yet responsible with the supervisor for any required discipline. This position means being available in any crisis 24 hours a day. It involves having a listening ear to any personal problem of any camper or leader and also a listening ear to their joys and interests. It is also vital that camp parents liaise with parents who bring in and collect campers.

Please remember that leaders come to camp for the sake of the campers, not for their own purposes and desires.

Duties before camp:

To discuss with the supervisor the general camp program.
To confer with the supervisor and decide which duties you will have responsibility for.
To check with the site staff regarding campers medical and other issues
Read the roles of other members of the team getting to know what they do
Familiarise yourself with the policies and procedures outlined in this guide.

Usual Duties at camp: (NOTE: This list can vary from camp to camp).

At the camp meeting on Sunday afternoon, give all leaders an overview of your planned role at this particular camp.
At the beginning of camp, Camp mum needs to be in the booking office area to be aware of any special problems parents may wish to discuss in relation to their child. Camp mum will collect all medicines, noting names and dosage.
When the opportunity arises, Camp dad will show parents around camp and for those who have traveled considerable distances, offer them a cup of tea.
Camp Mum assumes the role of camp nurse, caring for sickness and injuries. (The only exception would be if a qualified nurse was a leader at camp) Camper’s parents should be advised as soon as possible if treatment has required doctors assistance.
Pay special attention to the possibility of homesickness before it comes serious. Focus the child’s mind on the positive aspects of camp life, and only after continual major problems should it even be considered that the child go home.
Assist cabin leaders each night to settle campers to sleep.
Take over the supervisors role, should he/she be out of action at any time.
When cabin leaders are in prayer times, discussions etc, be available to supervise campers.
Handle any serious disciplinary problems in conjunction with the supervisor and senior staff.
Be on hand for each meal to oversee table setting.
Take a special interest in general tidiness, both inside and out of camp, e.g. papers, furniture, clothes, and sports gear.
Try to draw as close as possible to campers. Where possible, sit with a different group each meal time. Take an interest in all activities involving campers and leaders.
Assist with any special problems within rooms in conjunction with the room leader, e.g. bed wetting, home sickness, discussion and quiet times etc.
Organise for campers clothes when necessary to be washed and dried.
Take a special interest in the parents of campers on Thursday night at the concert. Help them feel very welcome.
Liaise with the supervisor regarding their expectations for room tidiness. Inspect campers’ rooms and allot marks for tidiness daily, usually during morning study sessions. A prize may be given for the winning boys’ and winning girls’ room at the end of the week. Supervisors may ask you to tell the campers about each day’s inspection marks with brief comments.
Be prepared to assist with any counseling if and when required.
Pay special attention to camp loners. A game of something in the games room can go a long way to overcoming that “left out” feeling.
Work in with camp aunties, uncles and grandparents to ensure that all campers needs are being met

5. Helpers - aunties, uncles, grandparents

Camp aunties, uncles and grandparents need to be able
to relate to young people in a loving and caring way
They are responsible to the supervisor

Prior to camp:

Read the roles of other members of the team getting to know what they do
Familiarise yourself with the policies and procedures outlined in this guide.

Please remember that leaders come to camp for the sake of the campers, not for their own purposes and desires.

Usual Duties at camp:

To provide a family atmosphere through role modeling.
To support the supervisors in all areas of their role - e.g supervision of activities, night and morning cabin supervision, discipline etc.
To be available to campers at any time through the week, looking for opportunities to share and build friendships with them.
To get involved in all activities where possible
To be available to support and encourage cabin leaders through the week
Extra help at meal times for cabin leaders or kitchen staff
Liaise with supervisors regarding any matters brought to your attention during camp
To be present at the Sunday briefing before campers arrive
Ø To be available during booking in to show parents around and offer them a hot or cold drink
Pay special attention to the possibility of homesickness. Try and focus the child’s mind on positive things
Also pay special attention to loners. Engage them in an activity, introduce them to others etc
To support Mum and Dad in the settling down of campers each night
To make the most of camper’s free time by getting to know campers and leaders.

6. Kitchen staff

It is important to realize the influence that the kitchen staff have on the overall atmosphere of the camp. A cheery smile, a helping hand and any other way you can show a genuine interest in campers is noticed and really appreciated.

Make the kitchen a homely and friendly place, without it becoming a congested centre for campers and other leaders. Beware of it ever becoming a place of gossip regarding any person or topic from around the district.

Duties before camp:

It is important to get together a team well before camp and plan a menu. Pay attention to the age range of campers and plan meals suitable for campers needs rather than that of leaders. Recipe books are available.
Organise a man to help you in the kitchen for the week. His duties are listed below. If it is not possible to organize one, talk to the organizing committee.
Discuss menu food requirements with camp site managers so that all food can be ordered - vegetables, meat, milk, bread, groceries, barbeque requirements etc.
Delegate responsibilities within the team for doing breakfast, suppers, cooking puddings, washing-up, keeping the drink containers filled, washing and drying tea towels etc.
Read the roles of other members of the team getting to know what they do.
Familiarise yourself with the policies and procedures outlined in this guide.

Duties other than preparing meals:

Make those who come in to help on a daily basis very welcome. Be sure there are jobs for them to do so that they feel that their day at camp has been useful.
On the last day of camp, discuss left over food and groceries with camp managers.
Leave the camp kitchen completely cleaned and tidied, including vegetable peeler, stoves and pantry.
Leave tea towels clean and dry or make arrangements to do so.

Kitchen man duties:

Daily peeling of vegetables as required
Assist with heavier lifting duties in kitchen.
Assist with any kitchen duties when able, e.g. washing up etc
Assist the site staff with the dishwasher at meal times

7. Pastoral care

It is important to realize the influence that the pastoral carers have on the overall atmosphere of the camp. A cheery smile, a listening ear, friendliness, being available to talk to or listen and any other way you can show a genuine interest in the ‘camp team’ is noticed and really appreciated.

Your role is basically one of encouragement to all, especially with a focus on the leaders - that they will be built up in their faith in God.

This position means being alert to where people are at and where they’re coming from. It involves having a continual listening ear to the personal problems and the joys of ‘the team’. We all know when someone is genuinely interested in us and when they really care about how faithful we are with God.

During the week you will find ways that this role can be developed further. Please let others know what you discover.

Prior to camp:

Read the roles of other members of the team getting to know what they do
Familiarise yourself with the policies and procedures outlined in this guide.
Familiarise yourself with the names of the team members and where they are from
Start praying for them as early as you can - of course there are always last minute changes
Discuss with the supervisor about your role and how you can best allot time to ‘pastoral sessions’ and the most suitable quiet location.
Confer with the pastoral support person for the camp. They will pop in when they can, to see how you are going and help you whenever they can.
Prepare a simple brief Bible study/reading for the mutual encouragement of all - to be introduced on the Sunday afternoon before camp begins. Prepare the same for each of the leader's meetings. The final one will be at the Friday debriefing. Use a short daily bible reading for evening/morning from the book of Proverbs or similar examples, so that leaders can have this daily personal devotion time. This need not be related to the camp study material.

During camp:

Attempt to start short sessions with camp leaders as soon as possible. Fit in as many leader/pastoral session as you ‘feel right’ during the week.
On the Sunday afternoon, give an introductory chat about maintaining high spiritual, moral and personal standards - i.e jokes, comments, songs, actions etc.
Endeavor to encourage leaders during the week
Gauge room language and seek to bring it up the previously mentioned standards.

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