Policies
AND procedures

DROP OFF

Drop off of campers for both camps takes place at Redeemer Bible Church (3017 Montrose Road, Niagara Falls) at the appointed times (see above).

For Overnight Campers: Please ensure to arrive approximately 20-30 minutes prior to departure time with all luggage to allow for camper registration, packing of luggage on the bus and passing off any medication to the Camp Nurse. Please remember to provide a photocopy of your child’s health card and emergency contact information.

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PICK UP

Pick up of campers takes place at Redeemer Bible Church (3017 Montrose Road, Niagara Falls). Please ensure that you sign out your child with the registration team when picking them up.

For Overnight Campers: The arrival of the bus back at the church after camp varies depending on departure from camp as well as traffic conditions.

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OUTSIDE VISITATION & COMMUNICATION POLICY

Enjoy your time while your child is at camp!  Please do not drop in, as these visits prove to be disruptive for your child and to others at camp.  Do not call or expect phone calls from your children. In case of emergencies at home, please inform the church office to communicate to us, by calling 905-356-6888, Tuesday-Friday during regular business hours. If outside of business hours, you can contact the Camp Director at 905-687-0512. In case of emergencies at camp, parents will be notified immediately should the event arise that your child needs to go to the nearby hospital.

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RATIOS

At a minimum, we maintain a 1:3 Staff to Camper ratio onsite for the duration of camp, which greatly exceeds the provincial standard of 1:15.

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BEHAVIOUR INTERVENTION

We employ a 3 STRIKE SYSTEM for dealing with disruptive or disrespectful behaviour. In case of an incident, the following will be implemented:

• Camper will receive 2 warnings, or 1 warning and 1 small punishment (i.e. sit out of event for 5mins, etc.)

• On third strike, disciplinary actions (see next section) will be take

 

ZERO TOLERANCE OFFENCES:

Require immediate disciplinary actions: i.e. Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual) or Acts that put self or others in danger

 

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

• Removal from conflict

• Removal from event/activity (i.e game)

• Revoking of certain privileges

• Call home to parent/guardian

• Removal from camp (sent home)

• Being sent home is a last resort as we want all campers to enjoy their experience.

• In the event that this does occur, the parent/guardian will be responsible to promptly retrieve their child as soon as possible.

 

CAMP NURSE

During the week of camp, we employ a Nurse to stay onsite for the entire duration of camp. It is required that this person be a Registered Nurse, actively employed in their field and have a current and clear Vulnerable Sector Check.

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INJURIES & ILNESSES

In case of injury or illness, the child will be brought to the Camp Nurse to be assessed and treated. Parents/guardians will be contacted at the collaborative discretion of the Camp Directors and the Camp Nurse. If deemed necessary, the child will immediately be brought to the nearest hospital and the parents/guardians will be contacted as soon as possible to be informed of the incident and the details of the location of the hospital. If a child needs to return home due to illness, the parent/guardian will be responsible to promptly retrieve their child as soon as possible. In the meantime, the child will be placed in quarantine until picked up.

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MEDICATIONS

All prescription medications are to be sent in their original prescription containers with the associated camper. All prescriptions will be in the possession of the Camp Nurse throughout the duration of camp. The Camp Nurse will provide the prescribed medication at the applicable times as directed by the physician.

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NUT AWARENESS

We as a staff are very aware of the potential dangers of nut allergies. As a result, we intentionally create our menus and all food-related activities at camp to completely exclude all nut products, however, we cannot guarantee a nut free environment since we are renting out the camp space from a third party.

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VOLUNTEER SCREENING PROCESS

All volunteers wishing to serve at Camp Makhaseh are required to submit a Vulnerable Sector Check through the Niagara Regional Police every 5 years. For each year in between, volunteers are required to submit a declaration stating that they have not committed any crimes in the previous year.

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OVERNIGHT CAMP SWIMMING SUPERVISION & SAFETY

While campers are swimming, there will be appropriate supervision provided at all times.

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A swim test is required for all campers at our Jr. Camp, as well as for those in Sr. Camp for which a test has been requested by the parent/guardian. Our swim test is conducted by our trained and certified lifeguard.

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“When thunder roars, (we) go indoors” … the staff of Camp Makhaseh abide by the Environment Canada’s 30:30 lightning rule and catch phrase. Summer campers and staff will take appropriate shelter when the count between thunder and lightning is 30 seconds or fewer AND remain sheltered for 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.

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REFUND POLICY

On written withdrawal, refunds will be provided minus a $50 administrative fee prior to the start date of the registered camp session.  Fees are non-refundable once the camp session has started.

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INFORMATION DISSEMINATION

Information collected from parents or guardians upon registration is disseminated within the organization on a need to know basis to equip staff to better serve our campers.  Records are maintained indefinitely at the offices of Redeemer Bible Church. Photos and videos may be taken or recorded for highlight videos and/or advertising purposes.  Any requests to limit photography or video will be honored.

 

OVERNIGHT CAMP PACKING RECOMMENDATIONS

It is recommended that your child bring the following:

• Sleeping Bag

• Pillow

• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant)

• Towels (Swim, Bath, Face)

• Bathing Suit

• Insect Repellant

• Sunscreen

• Flashlight

• Pajamas or sleepwear

• Undergarments

• Shorts and a pair of jean or pants

• T- Shirts (a few)

• Hoodie or a long sleeve shirt

• Jacket or rain-wear (if needed)

• Socks (extra recommended)

• Running shoes for sports and hiking

• Flip flops or sandals for the Beach

• Sun hat

• Notebook & Pen

• Bible (if you have one, if not, we can provide you with one for free!)

 

ITEMS FROM HOME

Please put your child’s name on all belongings.  We cannot guarantee the safekeeping of extra items and are not responsible for the loss or damage of items.  Campers are not permitted to bring candy, pop, video games, cell phones, books, money, tablets, music devices, pocket knives, trading cards, weapons of any kind, and toys.  Parents/guardians who are unsure about an item should ask a staff member upon arrival or contact the Camp Makhaseh leadership prior to camp.

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HEAD LICE

Please check your child for head lice prior to leaving for camp. Any child found to be with head lice while at camp will have their parent/guardian contacted immediately to have them picked up from camp.