Unpacking Otyokwah, Part 2

2/19/2018

Is Camp SafE?

Will he be safe in all 5 ways (physical, emotional, social, mental, spiritual)?

Our counseling staff receive training to meet the needs of our campers. The primary purpose of the counselor is to build relationships with campers and foster their spiritual growth. Counselors emphasize the importance of teamwork, safety and respect.

To accomplish these goals effectively, they are on duty and with their groups the entire time they are at camp outside of a short staff meeting each day when they are under the supervision of the program staff.
Our program staff receive special in‐depth training in order to facilitate activities for children. Our lifeguards are certified by the Red Cross and also have CPR/First Aid certification.

How will you deal with her being scared?

Fears are normal. It is important that we first understand her perspective - what is she scared of and why. Only then can we help her. We will be empathetic, speak truth into the situation, comfort her with positive messages and pray for her if she likes.

How will you make sure he eats well and sleeps well and goes to the bathroom well?

Our counselors monitor camper eating and encourage them to eat well. We want campers to be well-fueled for the activities ahead. Our kitchen offers a variety of foods including fruit and vegetables. If we have a picky eater, his counselor will work with the kitchen to make sure he has something to eat.
Sleep is important to a great camp experience. His counselor will make sure the cabin is going to bed at the designated time. Younger campers also have a rest period after lunch in their schedule.
Campers are encouraged to go to the bathroom during each transition period and at the beginning and end of the day. Younger campers will be directly asked if they have gone to the bathroom lately.

Will you respect her differences and her beliefs?

Campers come to Otyokwah with a variety of backgrounds and beliefs. We will respect her differences and beliefs as we present a Biblical perspective during her time with us.

Will you challenge him in a safe environment?

Every child is challenged differently. We operate from a “challenge by choice” perspective. All children are encouraged to participate through leaders and other campers, but we do not force a child to do something they are not comfortable with and we don’t make them feel bad for not participating.

Will you make sure she is not bullied and that she makes friends?

We will make sure she is not bullied. All counselors are trained in our behavior management and anti‐bullying policy. If a child causes a disturbance, that child is removed from the situation and there is a very caring conversation about a change in behavior. We partner with the camper to come up with a solution that works for everyone, grace is given and consequences are enforced, if necessary. If there is no change in the camper’s behavior, the camper’s parent/guardian will be called to discuss options.
We will make sure that she makes friends. Counselors monitor relationships amongst campers and build a culture of inclusion throughout the week. There are many opportunities to make friends throughout the day.

Are you accredited?

We are an active member of the Christian Camp and Conference Association (CCCA) and abide by all federal, state, and local laws for camps in Ohio. Per their normal requirements, we are inspected multiple times annually by the Richland County Public Health Department and have current permits to operate a camp and commercial kitchen.