The Salvation Army Camps Mt Crags and Gilmore

Camp Mt. Crags and Camp Gilmore

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If you would like your child to spend a week at camp and experience a time of his/her life, please call the number below for information.

CAMP HOTLINE: 1-213-553-3203

Parents...please read the information below regarding our goals of camp and some rules and procedures regarding your children. Do not hesitate to contact camp for more information.

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Creek is fun

The Mission Statement of the Salvation Army USA
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

The Purpose of Camps Mt Crags/Gilmore/WildernessThe overall purpose of camp is to serve the total personality and health needs of the campers; spiritual, educational, social and recreational--through a creative, healthful experience in cooperative, group living in an outdoor setting. Because of its spiritual emphasis, The Salvation Army camping program should be creatively different. The spiritual aspect will be expressed as an integral part of all activity; in fact, a part of the total environment and atmosphere, rather than a separate purpose with but a few specific program items to give it form. The Spiritual emphasis should set the tone of the entire camp.

The Objective of Camps Mt Crags/Gilmore/WildernessThe object of Mt. Crags/Camp Gilmore is to serve the needs of campers; physical, social, and spiritual. For physical need, our aim is to help campers develop good health habits in cleanliness, proper rest, balanced diet, exercise and care of the body. To meet social needs, the camp provides an opportunity for each camper to contribute to and receive from a group living experience. The aim is to help campers make their own right decisions, stimulate creativity, and foster independence. The Salvation Army is a Christian organization. This makes it possible for its camping program to integrate concern for the spiritual dimension of life. We believe in God, His Word and what it teaches, and a pattern of living exemplified by JESUS CHRIST. These purposes are achieved through carefully selected staff, well-planned programs, and the highest standards of health and safety.

Goals of Camp:

1. To promote an awareness of God, His love and through the love of JESUS CHRIST, to aid toward spiritual growth and knowledge of basic human values.

2. To give children, youth, and adults a fun-filled, healthful, safe, educational, and inspirational experience in the out-of-doors.

3. To help develop an understanding, appreciation, and sense of stewardship for the out-of-doors, for the natural environment, and for all living creatures.

4. To assist individuals in an understanding of themselves and others. To develop a compassion and love for each other through relationship with staff and camper alike.

5. To provide a loving and supportive environment where one can learn to cope and solve their problems.

6. To facilitate creative self-expression through thought, worship, song, work, play, physical activity and the development of new skills.

7. To allow each person to participate in planning programs and establishing limits and responsibility for the safety and welfare of all.

8. To assist in developing an appreciation of the wonder and joy of the miracles of everyday living.

Dear Parents,

There are many things that you may ask yourself as you prepare your child for camp. What should we pack, can I visit my child, can I send packages, what if my child is homesick? We have prepared this guide to help answer some of these important questions. While this guide cannot be comprehensive enough to answer every question, we have picked topics that we think you want to know the most about. You have our commitment that the physical and emotional welfare of our campers is our first priority. The practices outlined in this guide have been created with this commitment in mind.If you have questions that are not answered in our materials please contact the camp office prior to summer camp. Additional information can be found on our website at www.campmtcrags.com.

The Camp Staff

We have a 1:8 staff to camper ratio. Counselors live in the cabin with the campers. Each cabin has a college-age counselor carefully chosen for their maturity, judgment, experience and desire to work with children. Staff must submit to an interview process, reference checks and a criminal-background check before being hired. All staff members are required to attend a one-week staff training session prior to the arrival of campers. All supervisors attend an additional training program. Counselors and staff agree to work according to set policies.

Camp Goals and Philosophy

We strive as a goal to make camp a fun, active, life-learning experience for all of our campers. The camp mission is achieved by providing challenging, fun activities such as swimming, hiking, sports, arts and crafts, archery, camping and much more.As with all recreation programs, there is an element of risk at camp, both physical and emotional. This is what makes camping a successful tool for the overall development of the child. We encourage parents to remind campers that the counselors and staff are available to help guide them through the camp experience and that at anytime they need assistance they should seek out a staff member.

Health/Welfare & Security

Camper welfare and risk management comes before everything else. Camp Mt Crags and Gilmore are accredited by the American Camp Association. All of our activities operate under strict policies and procedures. Counselors and supervisors are trained in emergency and security procedures. All visitors must check-in at the camp office. We keep a registered nurse and an assistant health care manager on staff. Health care personnel live on site and are available 24 hours. The camp maintains a well-equipped infirmary with restrooms and separate living quarters. Campers must have a health history, physical examination, and consent to treat form on file with the nurse. If there is an illness (other than a minor symptom) or an emergency, parents will be notified by the camp nurse or full-time directors. The health care staff works closely with a local physician who has a clinic within 15 minutes drive.

Homesickness

Homesickness is a normal, common experience for children, especially for those away from home for the first time. Homesickness usually subsides when campers become more comfortable with their surroundings. On average, most kids at camp will overcome any anxiety or homesickness on their own within 24-36 hours. There are many ways we work to minimize homesickness. First, campers are kept very busy. The program is highly structured and full of activity from sun up until sun down. Campers are encouraged to find a buddy when going to activities. We keep a 1:8 staff to camper ratio. This allows campers to have quality time with their counselors. Counselors provide homesick campers tender loving care, along with a supportive atmosphere.Our belief is that camp is a great place for kids to learn how to deal with homesickness. Our experience shows that having a child call home makes the situation worse. Because many kids will experience homesickness at camp, we only notify parents if it becomes unmanageable. One way to try to prevent homesickness is for parents to remind kids how much fun they will have at camp and how many new friends they will make.

Behavior

We strive to make camp a positive atmosphere for children. Each cabin discussed among themselves the established rules for the entire week. These rules are very similar to what kids might encounter at home and school (example: no bullying others, no fighting/hazing, listen to counselors, respect other people and their property, no foul language or swearing, look out for one another etc. etc.) The counselors meet one on one with campers that act against these rules. In some cases the situation might require the involvement of the counselor's supervisor or Camp Director.We work hard not to send a camper home early for inappropriate behavior. However, some cases require us to send a camper home if their behavior is unmanageable, if they begin to endanger the other campers, or if the camper requires an undue amount of attention from one or more staff members. While we keep parents informed of behavior issues, some situations may require immediate dismissal without prior communication with the parents. Parents are required to arrange for the pick-up of their child if they are sent home for behavior.

Mail, Phone, and Contacting my Child

Camp is designed as a place for children to learn independence. For this reason and due to the structure of the program and the number of youth in attendance, telephones are not available to campers. Exceptions may be made for special circumstances or emergencies. Do not give your child a calling card or promise them that they can call home. Campers cannot have cellular phones or pagers. Cell phones will be collected and returned to the campers when they leave camp.Campers are encouraged to write letters home. We will provide campers with letter writing materials if they wish to send a letter home. You may also want to send self-addressed, stamped envelopes with your child to promote letter writing. Campers enjoy receiving mail. Please write your camper. Keep in mind that the tone of the letter makes a difference. Keep letters light-hearted and friendly. Anxious letters from parents make it hard for kids to overcome homesickness. It is okay to send packages. While snacks are allowed, we ask that you do not send beverages. You may fax letters to your camper at (818) 222-6396. Please put your child's full name on the fax. Campers do not have access to the fax machine.

Visiting Camp

For security and homesick prevention, we do not have visiting days during camper sessions. If you want to meet the counselors and see camp during the summer we recommend that parents come to camp on the final day of each session. If you pick-up your child early from a session please check-in at the main office upon your arrival. You will need to present a photo ID.If you want to tour our facility prior to the beginning of summer camp you may contact the Camp Director at the main office (818) 222-6327.

Bedwetting

Bedwetting does occur from time to time. Staff members are trained to deal with bedwetting. First, measures are taken not to embarrass the camper. The sleeping bag and/or sheets/blankets will be cleaned and returned to the bed as quickly as possible. Preventative measures such as frequent bathroom breaks and limiting heavy fluid intake after supper work well. All campers have a bathroom break before bedtime.

Packing, Lost/Found, Laundry

We encourage campers to bring clothes that can get dirty. Soft-sided luggage works well. Parents are encouraged to mark their child's belongings with their name. During camp, lost items are gathered and throughout the week we take time to return items. Any items left behind at camp will be returned if identified.Campers are responsible for their own belongings. We will hold all items left at camp for one month. We do our best to locate and return lost items, however we will not reimburse families for lost clothing or other items brought to camp. The camp does not provide laundry service. (Bedwetting and similar cases being the exception)

Cabin Assignments/Friends

Campers are assigned to cabin groups by ages and gender. We assign cabins so that no one is made to feel left out. Going to camp with a friend is very common. If the friend is the same age or one age/grade apart they can be placed together in the same cabin. We cannot honor the request if campers are two or more years apart in age.

Food Service

Meals are a very important part of camp. Our food service manager takes great pride in serving well-balanced, nutritious, and filling meals. Campers will find plenty to choose from at each meal. Meals are served family style. Each cabin sits together, with their counselor. Meals last 45 minutes so campers have time to relax. During hot days, campers are encouraged to drink more fluids. Campers take part in cleaning their dining table at each meal.If your child has severe food restrictions it is encouraged that you talk with a program director before enrolling your child. We do not allow campers to bring food from home in place of our camp meals. Exceptions to this must be cleared through a full-time director. CELL PHONE & CALLING HOME POLICY Cell Phones: Camp believes a positive and fun week at camp does not need to include time for campers or staff spending time on their cell phones. We want to maintain the privacy of all staff and campers as well and we know cell phones commonly have cameras on them. We also are concerned with potential loss and damage to personal property if campers bring cell phones. Therefore, we have the following guidelines regarding cell phones at camp: Campers are not permitted to bring cell phones to camp. Camp Staff will hold them securely in the camp office if brought to camp. Camp Staff are not permitted to use their cell phones during work days in the presence of campers. Camp can not be responsible for damage, loss, of theft of cell phones brought to camp. Calling Home: Camp is designed as a place for children to learn independence. For this reason and with the structure of the program, telephones are not available to campers. Exceptions may be made for special circumstances or emergencies. Do not give your child a calling card or promise them that they can call home. Homesick camp: We are very aware of the common issue of some campers being “Homesick.” Our belief is that camp is a great place for kids to learn how to deal with homesickness. Our experience shows that having a child call home makes the situation worse. Because many kids will experience homesickness at camp, we only notify parents if it becomes unmanageable. One way to try to prevent homesickness is for parents to remind kids how much fun they will have at camp and how many new friends they will make. Because of the issue above, camp asks that parents do not call camp just to ask how their child is doing or try to talk to their child because they miss them. A week of camp will go very fast and camp will contact parents if any concerns or problems occur with their child. However, a parent can at any time come and pick up their child from camp if they wish to remove them for the remainder of the camp session. BULLYING PREVENTION- CAMP POLICY Camp needs to be aware of issues that might offer risks to our young people and we realize that bullying is an issue that can occur in school and at places where parents are not there. Bullying is when one or more people exclude, tease, taunt, gossip, hit, kick, or put down another person with the intent to hurt another. At Camp Gilmore, Mt Crags, and our Wilderness Camp, bullying is inexcusable and we have a firm policy against all types of bullying. Our camp philosophy is based on our mission statement which ensures that every camper is provided a positive and safe Christian camping experience that will quicken their spirit. Our leadership addresses all incidents of bullying and we take it seriously. We train our staff to promote communication with their campers so that campers feel comfortable to express to staff any issues that cause problems for them during the week. Every person has the right to expect to have the best possible experience at camp. We want to ensure you that this problem can be managed by a strong partnership between our camp and you, the parent. To form this partnership, we ask that you and your child read this bullying policy and sign below stating you agree to it. I, the parent or legal guardian have read and reviewed the policy regarding cell phones and bullying and I have shared this information with my child. We both understand and agree to abide by these policies and accept that any violations to these policies might be a cause for immediate dismissal from the camping program.

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