Welcome to Camp Noah!

Thank you for your commitment to Camp Noah and to leading your team to serve children in communities impacted by disaster.

This guide is designed to help you prepare yourself and your team for serving with Camp Noah. The process of recruiting your team, ensuring they are trained, and facilitating the curriculum can be intense. You will put in long hours and work hard—but the work you do will be transformational in the lives of the campers you serve as well as the team you lead.

Whether you have led Camp Noah teams multiple times or this is your first journey with Camp Noah, we hope you find the information contained in this Manual to be helpful. We also hope that you will take the time to regularly e-mail, text, call, or write the Camp Noah—LSSMN staff person assigned to your team. Camp Noah is constantly changing, and your questions and ideas only make this program better. Please don’t hesitate to ask! You will find that while we are serious about making sure each camper, volunteer, parent, and community member who finds themselves at a Camp Noah is welcome, safe, and served, we are really not very serious—we are in the FUN business and we are glad to have you join us in that FUN. Let’s laugh together, cry together, and enjoy this special work of serving children in communities impacted by disaster.

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Table of Contents

Welcome to Camp Noah! 1Table of Contents 2Getting Started 3

Team Leader Planning Checklist 4What is Camp Noah? 5SUPPORT—Camp Noah at Lutheran Social Service of MN (CN—LSSMN) 6Team Leader Training Information & Coaching Calls 9

Online Training 9

Coaching Calls 9Developing Your Team (Recruitment) 12

Volunteer Registration and Fee Payment 14

How to Register as a Camp Noah Volunteer 15

Training and Certification 17

How to Get Started with the Camp Noah E-Learning Center (aka online training) 18

Assigning Team Roles 19Fundraising 21

Asking for Donations 21

Our Team Budget & Fundraising Goal 24Leading Your Team (Before, During, and After Camp) 25

Team Meetings/Trainings (Before Camp Begins) 26

During Camp: Team Leader Reports 27

Post Camp: Debriefing and Going Home 28The Site Coordinator & Local Camp Staff 29

Conversations with Site Coordinator: 30

Non-Certified/Local Camp Staff 32

The Mental Health Professional 33Working with Campers 34

Healing Room 35

Campers with Special Needs 35The Camp Noah Week/Event 36

Curriculum Overview Guide 36

Camp Schedule 36

Pre-Camp (Campers Check-in and Breakfast Time) 36

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Final Large Group Gathering: Closing on Day 5/Session 10 37

Faith Affirmation Leaders Guide 38Camp Supplies 39

Supplies to Bring 39

Supplies provided by the Site Coordinator/Site 39

T-shirts and All-Camp Photo 40

Returning Materials 40

Evaluations 40Travel & Logistics 41

Accommodations 41

Section 2: Team Leader PacketPosition DescriptionCopy of Agreement

Section 3: Forms (RETURN TO CAMP NOAH)Reference Check ReportBefore Camp: Team Training Meeting ReportsRole AssignmentTeam Leader ReportOuch ReportsIncident Reports

Section 4: PR MaterialsVolunteer LetterBulletin Insert or FlierCamp Noah FAQWhat People Are SayingValue of Camp Noah/What Campers ReceiveHandling Media InterviewsFleece Blankets and Kids Kits InstructionsDonation ½ pager

Section 5: Team Meetings MaterialsMeeting AgendasTrue Colors Personality TestWho Am IMy Story BoardDiversegoriesSafe Place Picture

Section 6: Curriculum Overview GuideList of books read at Camp NoahSchedule Templates

Section 7: Other ResourcesResource LinksMaster Supply List

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Getting Started

The process of preparing you to be a Team Leader is determined by your needs as a Leader and your self-direction. Here are some steps you should take to make sure you are prepared for the job of Team Leader:

1. Read through this guide. Mark places where you have questions or things are not clear. Ask those questions as soon as you can.

2. Research how disaster affects children. We’ve provided several links to high-quality resources at the back of this guide to help you get started.

3. Familiarize yourself with the Camp Noah themes and curriculum pieces you have received.

4. Consider talking with a Team Leader from a previous year. Ask, “What did you learn?”

5. Set up a time to talk through your planning and camp event with your Program Manager.

6. Start working through the checklists and forms provided.

7. Use the blank spaces in this guide to take notes. Write down contact numbers, plans, and ideas. Keep the binder with you during camp.

8. Talk about Camp Noah with others in your community and look for people to partner with.

9. Set deadlines for yourself that give you plenty of time to accomplish your tasks so you are not overwhelmed in the last few weeks before camp.

10.Take a deep breath! You can do this!

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Team Leader Planning Checklist

Item Date Completed

Notes:

Read through the entire manualSend in forms from the Team Leader PacketSchedule first Coaching CallRecruit Team membersGet Team members registered onlineComplete Reference checks on team members and submit report to Camp Noah Program Manager.Get Team started on online training.Schedule and conduct Team Meetings 1 & 2Submit report on team meetings to Camp Noah. Assign roles to team membersMake sure team members complete online training. Conversation with Site CoordinatorMake Travel ArrangementsBefore/After Camp PlanBirthday Party PlanPrepare for Debriefing team during campComplete Team Leader ReportEnsure team members complete evaluations

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What is Camp Noah?Camp Noah is a program for elementary-age children whose communities have been impacted by disaster.

Our Mission:Camp Noah brings hope and healing to communities that have been impacted by

disaster.

Our Vision:Our vision is to serve disaster-impacted children and families by building resiliency,

restoring hope and changing lives.

How we work:Camp Noah provides a safe, caring and fun environment where children build resiliency skills within the familiarity of their own communities, using a proven curriculum designed

to help children process their disaster and/or trauma experience through creative activities and play.

Camp Noah celebrates every child as special.  In this safe and supportive setting, children are encouraged to face their fears, grieve their losses, identify and share their

unique gifts and talents, and plan for an amazing future.

How can I learn more about Camp Noah? The Camp Noah 101 book provides a helpful overview of Camp Noah’s history, curriculum, themes, structure, Camp Staff roles, Guiding Principles and Policies and Procedures.

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SUPPORT—Camp Noah at Lutheran Social Service of MN (CN—LSSMN)Camp Noah is owned and operated by Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS), which is the largest statewide social service nonprofit in Minnesota. Nearly 2,300 employees and over 8,700 volunteers serve more than 100,000 individuals and families annually. LSS traces its roots to 1865, when a small congregation took in orphaned children who needed care and protection. The service of caring for at-risk children continues to shape the organization’s priorities, and Camp Noah is part of this commitment.

LSS provides care that reflects compassion, integrity, and respect for all individuals and cultures regardless of race, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion.

LSS’ service outcome goals are organized around children, youth and families; people with disabilities; and older adults. The services of LSS are designed to help people make significant, long-term changes in their lives. Camp Noah is a program of LSS’ Disaster Services.

The Camp Noah program staff is small and covers a wide territory. As a Team Leader you will be assigned to a CN—LSSMN Program Manager who will work with you to make your Camp Noah successful.

The Program Manager’s Job: Develops the camp site Coaches and supports the Site Coordinator and the Team Leader Identifies, certifies, and assigns Team Leader (and team) to serve Provides resources and materials for planning, including online registration,

curriculum, training and PR Ships supplies for camp Works to secure funding for camp

The Program Manager (PM) will provide you with the coaching, support and training you need to carry out your responsibilities and fulfill the commitment you have made. Please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail her regularly. Each Program Manager works with multiple Team Leaders and Site Coordinators, so it is helpful if you reach out to her with questions, concerns, or comments.

There are many resources available from CN—LSSMN. If you are in need of something, please don’t hesitate to ask!

The diagram (next page) illustrates the relationships between all of the people involved in making Camp Noah happen. Hopefully this helps you understand how everyone is connected, and also how all of these people and relationships are essential for a successful camp.

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Team Leader Training Information & Coaching CallsOnline TrainingAs a Team Leader you will be given access to and expected to complete the same online training provided to your team. Your Program Manager will give you details about this online training coursework and be your resource as you complete the training.

We suggest that you begin the training as soon as it is available to you. Your team members will be directed to ask you questions about how the system works and what they need to do.

At a minimum, plan to spend 6 hours completing the online training over the next several weeks/months. You also will have the option of completing all of the role specific training (recreation leader, small group leader, etc.) if you wish, but these are not required.

Again, further information about the online training will be provided to you when it is available.

Coaching CallsYou will also have a minimum of two coaching calls with your Camp Noah Program Manager. These calls are intended to help you begin this process, but should not the only times you communicate with your PM. Schedule the first call as soon as possible; the second should happen about one month later.

On the next pages you will find Coaching Call Agendas and space for notes.

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Coaching Call Agenda #1Getting to Know Each Other

Talk through the Team Leader Manual

What things do you want to talk about and/or what questions do you have?

Team Recruitment

Planning for Team Training

Defining Next Steps

Follow-up needed

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Coaching Call Agenda #2Check-in with Planning Checklist

What things do you want to talk about and/or what questions do you have?

Travel and Logistics

Fundraising Goals and plans, including additional money for camp:

What do you need from CN—LSSMN?

Defining Next Steps

Follow-up needed

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Developing Your Team (Recruitment)Steps to Developing a Camp Noah Team

1. Figure out team composition (see more information below). 2. Recruit, Recruit, Recruit! 3. Interview and/or decide who will be part of the team4. Give team members link to register with Camp Noah and pay volunteer fees.5. Team Members are background checked by Camp Noah.6. Team Leader checks references for team members. 7. Team Members are trained via online system and team meetings.8. Assign team roles.9. Once online training is complete, team members are CERTIFIED and ready

to serve with Camp Noah! Collect all certificates from each team member.

Team Composition 15-25 Team Members: Team members need to be at least 16 years old.

Because of the emotional maturity needed at Camp Noah, we ask that you bring no more than five team members under the age of 18.

Intergenerational Variety of experiences & lots of gifts and talents for all the roles Hardworking and flexible Open to learning Ready to sweat, have fun and be silly Willing to participate in all camp activities Able to adapt to new environments and cultures Humble & compassionate Interested in learning new things Willing to give generously to a community impacted by disaster Other helpful skills for camp staff include: recreation, music, drama, arts and

crafts, mental health proficiencies, leadership, classroom management, and experience with children.

Camper to Staff Ratio3:1 is preferred4:1 is acceptable

Often teams feel that they can facilitate Camp Noah for campers without a full team. In everyday settings such as school, church, and childcare centers, campers experience child to adult ratios of 5:1 or even 25:1. Camp Noah is not an everyday/normal setting! Children who come to Camp Noah are often coming into a NEW place, meeting new people, learning new expectations and rules, and processing emotions and challenging life events. All this newness means they need extra attention from staff.

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At Camp Noah, we want every child to have the opportunity for one-on-one attention, meaningful conversations, and positive connections with adults. The 3:1 (or 4:1) ratio provides these things for campers and helps to ensure that one of the primary goals of Camp Noah—CAMPERS ARE SAFE—is met. The camper recruitment goal is 50 campers at each camp.

RecruitmentAs you recruit your team, consider the following:

START EARLY! Make a list of characteristics of the ideal team member. Who do you want to

work with? Where can you find these people? How can you best engage each one?

ASK! ASK! ASK! Give a deadline for an answer—a “no” is better than no answer. Consider hosting a lunch or gathering to share information and get people

interested. Ask team members to recruit their friends, family, or co-workers. Where can you share the information in print/writing? (i.e. use the sample

letter or bulletin inserts) Where/How can you share the information via social media? (i.e. make a

Facebook page) Where can you share the information verbally? (i.e. announcements at church

or meetings)

My Recruitment Plan:

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Getting to Know/Interviewing Team MembersOnce someone has said they are interested in being part of your team, please conduct a mini-interview with them. The final decision (unless they have a background check issue or don’t complete their training) on whether or not the person will be on your team is made by you. You can say no if you feel someone is not a good fit. You’ll want to make sure that the team you are leading is a group of amazing people who can work together!

Here are some great questions that may help you get to know your team members:

1. What are your gifts and talents?2. Describe what brings you joy.3. Do you have experience working with children?4. What life experiences lead you to want to volunteer?5. Describe a volunteer role or leadership role you have had in the past. What

did you like about it? What was challenging?6. What role would you be interested in playing at Camp Noah?7. What kind of people do you enjoy working with? What kind of people do you

find challenging?8. How does someone let you know that they appreciate you? What kinds of

rewards motivate you?9. Can you afford the $225 fee? If not, how can we help you raise that money?10. In order to serve with Camp Noah, you will have to commit to following the

Camp Noah Non-Negotiables. Will you be able to do this? (The non-negotiable agreement is listed on page 16.)

Volunteer Registration and Fee PaymentOnce you have decided someone will be on your team, give him/her the link to register online as a Camp Noah volunteer. In order to complete their registration, each volunteer will need to make a non-refundable deposit of $125 or pay the entire $225. If you are assisting them with this payment, CONTACT your Program Manager ahead of time so she can make sure the volunteer is able to register without being charged.

Volunteers must register online. If they do not have access or cannot do this, YOU should help them through the process by finding a place where they can use the internet or filling out the registration forms on their behalf.

Additional information about how to register including questions asked of volunteers is in the text box on page 15. Please feel free to photocopy this information and give it to confirmed volunteers, or you can request the information via e-mail from your Program Manager. Please ONLY give the link to those volunteers you want on your team! The $125 deposit is non-refundable and volunteers must register with a team and provide their Team Leader’s name.

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How to Register as a Camp Noah VolunteerUse the Link provided by your Team Leader

Select: New UserFill in the boxes with your information. (Information with stars is required.)

Section 1: You will be asked for contact info, the name of your team leader, your t-shirt size, and voluntary identification information on the first page. You will also be asked to provide your Social Security Number for the background check. Please note that this is required; this information is secure and will be deleted from the database as soon as the check is run. You will also be asked for an emergency contact and two references (non-family members).

Section 2: In the second section, you will be asked if you agree with the Non-Negotiable statements of Camp Noah. You must agree with these statements in order to proceed and to volunteer with Camp Noah.

Section 3: Payment information. You will be asked to pay $225 or a deposit of $125 (total due June 1, 2015). During the checkout process you will be asked for credit card or banking information. This information is not seen by Camp Noah—LSSMN but is collected and processed via a secure third-party site.

If you have questions or need assistance with this process, please contact your Team Leader.

Team Leader Name: __________________________________

Preferred method of Contact: ___________________________

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Non-Negotiable Agreement I am compelled by the mission of Camp Noah to serve children in communities

impacted by disaster and agree to use my gifts and talents to bring hope and healing.

I commit to completing the training required to serve as a team member/Certified Camp Staff as well as attend any meetings set by my Team Leader.

I commit to ensuring the Camp Noah is fun, meaningful, special and safe for all campers and staff.

I will treat all participants with dignity, respect and love. (LSS Non-Discrimination Statement: Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota serves all people regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability or age.)

I pledge to abide by the Guiding Principles of Camp Noah to the best of my ability during my time in community as a Camp Noah Team Member. (See Guiding Principles in Camp Noah 101 book)

I comprehend and will respect and follow the Policies and Procedures of Camp Noah. (See Policies and Procedures in Camp Noah 101book)

I understand that failure to comply with any of these non-negotiable statements may result loss of and I will not be able to serve as camp staff. This decision will be made by my Team Leader and the National Program Manager for Camp Noah—LSSMN.

Background ChecksCamp Noah—LSSMN will run background checks on all potential team members. Unless there is an issue, which your Program Manager will let you know, you can assume your registered team members have passed their background checks.

Often we are asked if a background check is necessary and why we collect this information. As an industry standard, ALL volunteers working with children should be and will be checked. We want to ensure the highest level of safety. In order to complete a background check, we do need a Social Security Number, so this information is required to complete the registration process. Please let volunteers know that the online company follows the strictest policies for security of information and that their Social Security Number will be confidential and only used to complete a background check.

Reference ChecksAs the Team Leader, we ask that you check at least ONE of the two references provided by each team member. You will be required to fill out the reference report (included in the forms section). At times you will already know the volunteer very well,

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and may even be listed as his/her reference. In this instance, list yourself and your answers to the questions on the reference report.

Volunteers will be asked for the names of two references and their e-mail addresses. Hopefully you will be able to use e-mail to collect references, but if you do not receive an e-mail response, you will need to make a phone call. The purpose of reference checks is to verify that this person is who they say they are and that they are trustworthy with children. You may have more open-ended questions you want to ask, but at a minimum please ask the following 3 questions:

How long and in what capacity have you known ___________________?

How would you say he/she relates to children?

In your opinion, are there any reasons why placing children/elderly/persons with disabilities in the care of the candidate would expose them to undue risk or harm?

If you have any concerns about the answers you receive, please discuss these with your Program Manager as soon as possible.

Training and CertificationOnce volunteers have been registered, they will be given access to the Camp Noah online training system.

The training is hosted on Relias and volunteers will be assigned account log-ins. Your login and theirs will be: firstnamelastname.teamleaderinitials (example: Mary Johnson who is serving on Pam Richardson’s team would have the user name MaryJohnson.PR) and the password is campnoah2014. There will be some turnaround time between registering online as a volunteer and the username and password being active on the system. We will let you know when you can tell team members they can begin.

You will have Camp Noah 101 guides for your team members. They will need to have this guide as they are going through the online training.

The online training consists of 3 sections:Tier 1: Camp Noah 101

Tier 2: Core Competencies

Tier 3: Role Specific Training

You will receive access to your team members’ training files and updates on their progress. All volunteers must complete the online training before they can serve at camp.

Everyone who completes the online training will be certified to serve at Camp Noah for the current season. They will receive certificates for each training tier they complete. Please collect all certificates from team members before Camp begins; the certificates should be with you in a binder during Camp Noah.

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Additional information about how to begin the online training, including questions asked of volunteers, is provided in the text box below. Please feel free to photocopy this information and give it to registered volunteers.

How to Get Started with the Camp Noah E-Learning Center (aka online training)Once you’ve registered with Camp Noah’s online registration system, you can begin the online training process. There will be some turnaround time between registering online as a volunteer and your username and password being active on the system. Please allow a minimum of 2 business days.

Once you are enrolled by the administrator, the system will set deadlines for you. Typically you will have 30 days to complete Tier 1, another 30 for Tier 2, and an additional 15 days for Tier 3. However, you must complete ALL the required trainings BEFORE the first day of the camp where you are serving. Please don’t leave this training for the last minute; your team leader will be receiving progress reports as you go along, and you will receive e-mails reminding you of due dates.

Go to: http://campnoah.training.reliaslearning.com

Log-in: User name: firstnamelastname.teamleaderinitials (example: Mary Johnson who is serving on Pam Richardson’s team would have the user name MaryJohnson.PR)Password: campnoah2014

The first time you log into the site, please go to the “My Account” setting at the top right. Change your password and add your e-mail address to your account. Never share your password with anyone else. Camp Noah--LSSMN is under contract with Relias Learning and there should only be ONE user per username and password. Also, the system tracks your progress and only you will receive certification at the end of the process.

One you have logged in, you should see the List of Curricula that has been assigned to you. If not, click on the “My Learning” tab. As you are getting familiar with the system, note that the “My Resources” tab contains some introductory materials.

You must take the courses in order:Tier One—Module One, then Module TwoTier Two—Modules 1-5; Module 6 is OptionalTier Three—Role Specific trainings

At the end of each module, you will be asked to take a final examination. You are required to get score at least 80% in order to complete the module. You can retake the exams as many times as you need to and you can go back and review the video materials as often as you’d like.

You will also need to complete the module evaluation before the module is marked complete. The system will let you know when a certificate is available to print; please print these certificates. Certificates will be available after completion of Tier 1 and Tier 2 and after completion of each separate role training in Tier 3.

Most of the training is in video format, and you will be informed approximately how much time it will take to complete a module when you begin. Please allow yourself enough time to complete an entire module. The total time spent in training should be between 3-6 hours. We recognize This is a wide range, but much depends on your investment, the time it takes you to complete the exams and evaluations, and the number of optional modules you complete.

If you have questions or need help with this process, please contact your Team Leader. You will have the option of e-mailing the course instructor as well; please feel free to ask questions via email.

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Assigning Team RolesAfter you have recruited your team, you will assign roles to each person. It may be helpful to think through the roles as you are recruiting to ensure you have someone for each role. It is best when assigning roles to consider the natural gifts and talents of each team member as well as the skills they have developed through life and work experience.

Several of the roles should not be combined with another role, i.e. Noah cannot also be the Large Group Leader or the Music/Drama Leader, Craft and Recreation Leaders must not be the same person, and the Craft Leader should not also be a Small Group Leader. As Team Leader, it is your responsibility to make sure that everyone knows what their role is and receives the appropriate curriculum book.

Once you have assigned team roles, please send your list to your Program Manager; a form is included in section 3. Team members should also go online and complete the training specific to their roles.

This list identifies many different roles that Certified Camp Staff play during Camp Noah. Keep in mind that one person may have multiple roles during camp.

Large Group Leader*Music/Drama LeaderNoahSkit Actor (4)Puppeteer (3)Small Group Leader* (usually 6)Small Group Helpers (1-3 per group)Rec LeaderRec Helper (3-5)Craft LeaderCraft Helpers (2-3)Clean-upPhotographer/Videographer

*Must be at least 18.

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Organizing Team Members’ InformationName and Contact

info of Potential Team Member

Asked/invited

?

Interview?

Confirmed? Shared

registration link?

References Checked

Role Assigned

Notes

This worksheet is provided to help you organize. You do not need to return it to Camp Noah, so feel free to use as needed.

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FundraisingThe Team Leader may be asked to assist team members in fundraising for their training/certification fee of $225 (payable to Camp Noah—LSSMN), as well as any costs associated with team travel and evening meals.

The Team Leader is also encouraged to raise money or solicit donations for the disaster impacted community they are serving. Team Leaders are encouraged to get their team involved in the process of raising $3,000-$6,000 for the camp (in addition to the individual Team Member Certification Fees). Teams are also encouraged to provide tied fleece blankets and/or Kids Kits for campers. Please consider how you might utilize the resources of your community and networks to support the needs of the community you are going to serve.

The Value of Camp NoahCamp Noah is often provided free of charge to campers, but Camp Noah is not a free program. The cost of a Camp Noah event is $20,000, or approximately $400 per child (assuming a typical camp of 50 children).

Each camper will receive: Over $150 worth of supplies

o Backpack and Preparedness Kit o Small Group/Classroom Supplieso Kids Kito T-shirto Craft supplieso Fleece Blanketo Birthday gift

Meals and Snacks 30+ hours of resiliency building programing

Asking for DonationsThe cost of Camp Noah is shared by many partners and Camp Noah—LSSMN is committed to making each camp affordable for communities impacted by disaster. Volunteer Teams, community partners, foundations, grants, and donations make Camp Noah possible in each community. Do some research in your area to find out who might be interested in supporting your team. Get your team involved too!

In this process, we strongly encourage you to ask for donations toward travel expenses, Kids Kits, fleece blankets, and finances. Tips for asking for donations:

1. Tell a story.2. Be specific. “Would you be willing to provide 1 blanket?”3. Make it easy. Offer to pick up donation, provide envelopes.4. What’s in it for the donor? Advertise them as a sponsor of your team.

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5. Follow up with thank you note.

Other Fundraising Opportunities1. Car washes, bake sales, auctions, etc.2. Work—i.e. shovel snow or clean houses for donations3. Send support letters to family and friends4. Visit local businesses and ask for support 5. Use Facebook or GoFundMe.com

Please track all donations. Checks made out to Camp Noah or Lutheran Social Service of MN and in-kind donations are eligible for charitable contribution receipts from Lutheran Social Service of MN.

If you are having challenges raising the financial resources for your team, please let the Camp Noah—LSSMN staff know. We can help you think through possible local and regional partners to help support your Camp Noah.

Public Relations As the Team Leader, you are representing and promoting Camp Noah to your own community. While at Camp, you may be approached by media for stories and interviews. Make sure to coordinate all media contact during Camp with the Site Coordinator. The Program Manager assigned to the Camp is also a resource.

There are also several “standard” Camp Noah PR documents included in Tab 7 of this Manual:

• Finding the Right Facility for Camp Noah • Frequently Asked Questions• What People are Saying about Camp Noah • The Value of Camp Noah/What Every Child Receives• Camp Noah Themes and Noah’s Wise Words • Camp Noah trifold brochure • Panel Card• Handling Media Interviews

Feel free to photocopy distribute these items as is helpful in promoting Camp Noah. If you would like an electronic version or additional copies of any document, please contact your Program Manager.

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Our Team Fundraising PlanGoal: ______________ (see budget on next page for help with goal amount)

How Personal Due Date

Amount Collected

Who I/we will ask:

How I will get my team involved:

Ideas I/we will pursue:

This worksheet is provided to help you organize. You do not need to return it to Camp Noah, so feel free to use as needed.

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Our Team Budget & Fundraising Goal

Potential Certification Fees Amount NeededTeam Members who need assistance with Cert. Fees (Scholarship)

Total Scholarship:Potential Travel Costs Amount NeededGas (miles to destination)Vehicle RentalHotelFood while travelingOther

Minus amount team members will pay

Total:In Community Costs Amount NeededEvening MealsEntertainmentMinus amount team members will pay

Total:Scholarship + Travel +In Community Grand Total:

Donations for Community/Campers

Amount Needed

Blankets (4 yds fleece x cost/yd x number of blankets)Kids Kits ($10/kit)Other Donation Goal

Total: Team Fundraising Goal:

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This worksheet is provided to help you organize. You do not need to return it to Camp Noah, so feel free to use as needed.

Leading Your Team (Before, During, and After Camp)

Leadership Tips 1. Communication: Share as much information as you have and can share with

your team. Share information in multiple ways: meetings, e-mails, personal phone calls, etc.

2. Flexibility: Model flexibility as you lead the team. This will encourage your team members to be more flexible. Make a plan, have a back-up plan, and be open to changing and adapting to situations you encounter.

3. Confrontations and Conflicts: Remember there are usually three sides to every conflict: person 1, person 2, and the truth. Be a leader team members can come to when they are struggling. Listen to all team members’ stories and complaints. Encourage them to speak directly to the person(s) involved. Validate everyone’s feelings and help them find a solution that is respectful and brings dignity to all involved. Well-managed conflicts can lead to better decisions and increased morale.

4. Play by the Rules: Camp Noah—LSSMN has provided Guiding Principles and Policies and Procedures for your team and for everyone involved in camps. Please ensure your team follows these guidelines. If you have additional expectations as a team, set clear expectations ahead of time (i.e. sleeping arrangements by gender, what to do with free time, etc.).

5. No Lone Rangers: Make sure everyone has a role and everyone understands their role. Encourage collaboration and work to make sure no one feels alone as they carry out their responsibilities. Insist that everyone on your team treats one another with grace and respect.

6. Encouragement: You will have many opportunities to discover and reaffirm the gifts and talents of your team members throughout Camp. Make sure to celebrate these gifts and talents, and plan ways to make sure each team member knows they are an essential part of the team.

7. Service: Great leaders serve! Do the “yucky” jobs. Praise team members and accept criticism graciously on behalf of the team.

8. Be Prepared!9. Listen: Do more listening than talking.10.Love: Recognize that each team member is carrying their own burdens and will

make mistakes. Camp is challenging and everyone needs grace.

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Team Meetings/Trainings (Before Camp Begins)As a Team Leader, we ask that you have a minimum of two team meetings before camp begins. The purpose of these meetings is to build connections between team members, develop teamwork skills and provide training on several Camp Noah Curriculum components. We’ve provided sample agendas (in section 5) for you to use, but we encourage you to adapt these agendas to reflect your needs. However, we do ask that you complete at least one teambuilding exercise and the curriculum and preparing to lead Camp Noah sections at each team meeting.

Each meeting should be at least 90 minutes long; you may want to make your meetings longer. You may also want to provide a meal or snacks. Make your meetings fun and memorable.

After each meeting, we ask that you report back to your Program Manager. A form has been provided for you in this binder (section 3), or you may to e-mail your responses to your Program Manager.

My Meeting Plan

Meeting #1DateTimeLocationRefreshmentsNotes

Meeting #2DateTimeLocationRefreshmentsNotes

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During Camp: Daily Meetings During Camp (before the Camp Day/Session begins)Consider having a 15 minute meeting each day before camp begins. Make sure this happens BEFORE check-in starts and BEFORE campers arrive so that all team members can be involved.

A few things to talk about during these meetings include:1. Going over the Day/Session schedule2. Assigning “floaters” to roles for the day3. Share an encouraging word and/or short devotional thought4. Prayer5. Energizers/Pep talk

During Camp: Debriefing Meetings (After the camp day/session)Daily debriefings are very important for your team. These sessions are a chance for all camp staff to share how camp went and what needs to happen to be ready for the next day. Ask the Site Coordinator and Mental Health Professional to be present and to participate in this debriefing time.

Be intentional about how long you allow debrief to last and what questions you will ask; do not allow debriefing time to turn into a time of complaints. Be prepared to draw out answers from team members who are not sharing and to redirect the conversation if one team member dominates the conversation. Also, encourage team members to journal or reflect on their own.

Sample Questions:

1. Share 2 highs (good moments) and 1 low (not-so-good moment) from today. 2. What surprised you today?3. What signs of hope did you see today? /Where did you see God at work today?4. What did you learn about yourself today?5. What were you grateful for today?6. What should we do differently to make tomorrow better?7. What do we need to do to prepare for tomorrow?

During Camp: Team Leader ReportsAs a Team Leader, we ask that you fill out a Team Leader report each day at Camp Noah. We need to know WHO on your team served each day, what the weather was

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like, how many campers were there, and what challenges you and your team faced during the day/session. We also love to hear stories from camp! These reports help us improve the program and process and share the story of Camp Noah with funders and communities.

The Team Leader Report is included in this binder in Section 3. Feel free to fill it out by hand during camp OR write notes during camp and e-mail them to your Program Manager.

Post Camp: EvaluationsEvaluations are an important component of Camp Noah, and we need your assistance in ensuring that they are completed and returned. We use the evaluations for two main purposes: making improvements in our program and reporting outcomes. Team Members will receive an email from Camp Noah with a link to SurveyMonkey. Please encourage team member to look for these evaluations and complete them soon after camp. At some camps, you may receive a paper evaluation for staff members before you go home. If so, please set aside time for staff to complete their evaluations before going home.

Post Camp: Debriefing and Going HomeIt will be important to support your team throughout camp and with the re-entry process when returning home.  Camp Noah can have profound effects on us.  However, returning home also can present some challenges, so you will want to prepare your group for these.

It is essential to have a debriefing time as a group after you return home. We suggest setting the date before you leave for camp and following through with it once you return home.

We suggest several questions: 1. What was your favorite highlight of camp? 2.  What do you feel is the main lesson you learned about yourself at camp? 3. What did you learn about serving other communities/children at camp?4. What impact did you see in the lives of campers?5. What are you grateful for in this experience?

As a Team Leader, remind team members that they are responsible for three things:

1. Complete the evaluation. (A SurveyMonkey link will be e-mailed to team members.)2. Don’t forget what you have learned and experienced. In fact, challenge team

members to make one simple change in their lives based on their experiences. 3. Share the stories of what you have seen and experienced (while remembering to

maintain confidentiality).

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The Site Coordinator & Local Camp StaffYou will be assigned a community in which to serve and facilitate Camp Noah. Each community/organization will have an identified Site Coordinator. As a Team Leader, you will have the opportunity to communicate with the Site Coordinator in advance of the camp and discover ways in which your team can encourage and support the work of recovery in the community.

In the past, there has been confusion about what the Team Leader is responsible for and what are the responsibilities of the Site Coordinator. Please read the job descriptions below, and refer back to these or ask your Program Manager if you have questions about who is responsible for a particular task. Flexibility in these roles and collaboration during the camp will make the experience of Camp Noah better for all.

Site Coordinator Job DescriptionBefore camp:

Responsible for organizing camp, including location, budget, supplies, transportation, food, recruiting campers and volunteers, and registration.

Serve as the local contact for Camp Noah—LSSMN. Work in partnership with the camp’s Team Leader. Assign campers to small groups.

During camp:• Set camp schedule to fit local needs.• Responsible for camper registration, check-in and check-out process each

day/session.• Manage local volunteers.• Collaborate with camp staff to ensure that necessary supplies/materials are

available.• Work with Mental Health Professional to ensure appropriate follow up on specific

camper’s needs for additional mental health services.After camp:

• Collect camper, parent and camp staff evaluations and send to Camp Noah—LSSMN.

• Return all equipment and remaining supplies to Camp Noah—LSSMN.

• Optional: Facilitate a pre-camp “check-in” with camp staff.

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Connecting with Site CoordinatorThe Camp Noah-LSSMN Program Manager overseeing your camp will facilitate the first Team Leader-Site Coordinator phone call. We anticipate this initial conversation will take place about 2 months before camp begins and hope that you will continue to connect with the Site Coordinator over the subsequent weeks as you plan and prepare together.

Please remember: the Site Coordinator job can be very overwhelming. S/he is a part of a disaster-impacted community and may carry some of the trauma from the disaster. This person is also most likely working full-time in his/her everyday job and Camp Noah is an added responsibility. Be patient with the Site Coordinator as s/he works to provide answers to your questions and meet the housing and accommodation needs of your team. Offer to help and assist whenever possible.

Conversations with Site Coordinator:1. Ask the Site Coordinator to share about his/her community.2. Details about facility

a. Small group areas (separate rooms?)b. Recreation areac. Large group spaced. Meal space

3. Lodging and travel logistics.a. What should we bring (pillows, blankets, etc…)?b. How far is site from lodging?c. How can we plan for evening meals? Will we have access to a kitchen?

(Typically teams are on their own for evening meals, but a community may offer to provide some/all of the evening meals).

4. Daily schedule5. Local volunteer staff

a. Who is volunteering locally and what roles will they play?6. Plans for community involvement7. What are the plans for the final session of Camp Noah?8. Vision for working together

Questions to Answer:

1. What is the make-up of your team?2. When will you arrive in the community?3. Do you have any special team needs for food or lodging?

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4. What is your vision of us working together?

Notes:

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Non-Certified/Local Camp Staff The Site Coordinator will recruit at least 4-6 additional people from the local community/area to assist you during Camp Noah. The job descriptions below are suggestions; they may combine jobs as needed.

Kitchen/Meal Leader: Responsible for coordinating meals and snacks for campers and staff at each

camp session. Serves kid-friendly, nutritious foods; sample menus are provided by Camp Noah

—LSSMN. Ensures safe food handling practices are used during preparation, serving,

storage, and clean-up of meals and snacks.

Kitchen/Meal Servers (1-2+ people): Assist Kitchen Leader with coordinating, preparing, and serving meals and

snacks.

Registration Helpers (1-2 people): In conjunction with Site Coordinator, confirm that completed camper information

is on file for each camper before he/she participates. Assist Site Coordinator with checking in campers as they arrive for each

day/session of Camp Noah. Assist Site Coordinator with check-out process at the end of each camp

day/session.

Risk Management The Site Coordinator is responsible for putting together a Crisis Management or Risk Management Plan. You will receive a copy of these plans. Please make sure you or the Site Coordinator shares these plans with the Camp Staff.

Check-in and Check-out Procedures

The exact check-in/check-out procedures will be determined by the Site Coordinator and will depend on the level of security s/he feels is necessary in the community.

Camp Noah’s policy states: Campers must wear nametags (on lanyards) at all times while they are at camp. Campers should receive their nametags when checking in, and turn the nametags in when checking out of camp.

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SecurityThe need for and level of security necessary for Camp Noah is the decision of the Site Coordinator. At a minimum, visitors MUST check in with the Site Coordinator, and all camp staff must wear their shirts and lanyards at all times so they can be easily identified.

The Site Coordinator is encouraged to talk over these options with the Program Manager and the Team Leader:

Lock all doors to the facility except the door used for camper drop off and pick up.

Recruit an additional non-certified camp staff person to be present at the main door at all times.

Decide what the boundaries are for parents who stop in to visit. If you are in a facility where other people are working who are not involved with

Camp Noah, introduce them to the campers and staff on Day 1/Session 1. Check I.D.’s Notify the local authorities before camp begins so they are aware of your location

and event. You have the right to refuse access to anyone!

The Mental Health Professional At Camp Noah, the Mental Health Professional plays an important role in the overall success of the camp experience for children, parents and camp staff. This person will work in partnership with the Site Coordinator and all Camp Staff to ensure a positive camp experience for all participants.

Every Camp Noah will have a minimum of one local Mental Health Professional (MPH) on staff; this professional can choose to volunteer or receive a small stipend for his/her time. For Camp Noah purposes a MPH is defined as a health care practitioner who offers services for the purpose of improving an individual's mental health or to treat mental illness. This category includes psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, mental health counselors as well as many other professionals. A minimum of a Master’s degree in a related field is expected.

The Camp Noah MPH is expected to complete a Camp Noah training session before serving in this capacity at Camp Noah. The purpose of this training is to familiarize the MPH with the camp activities and schedule so that they can be well informed concerning the various Camp Staff roles and responsibilities.

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The Camp Noah MPH is expected at a minimum : To be present at Camp for every session. To help facilitate staff debriefings after each session/day. To work in collaboration with the Site Coordinator to identify campers with

specific needs and inform camp staff of those needs as appropriate. The MHP will also assist the camp staff in identifying ways to best serve these children.

To staff the “Healing Room” and to provide one on one (or if necessary small group) intervention work with children who are having classroom behavioral issues or are identified by other staff members as having a difficult time processing their disaster related trauma.

To help staff, community members and family members identify community support for individuals and families needing continued mental health services and connect these families to services.

To maintain confidentiality and provide leadership to other staff on maintaining confidentiality.

Working with Campers

Camper Data and ConfidentialityDuring camp, your number one job is ensuring the physical and emotional safety of the children in your care. As campers register, the Site Coordinator will learn information that is personal and perhaps very private for the child or family. S/he will share with you and your team the information that they feel you need to know to facilitate the curriculum with campers. As a general rule, information about campers is shared on a need-to-know basis. If the Site Coordinator feels that information is important for ensuring the emotional or physical safety of a camper, s/he will share that information only with those who need to be aware of it. In addition, the Site Coordinator may share information with you as the Team Leader, and you will have to decide if the camp staff needs know this information and/or who on the team needs to be aware of the information.

If you are struggling with what and how much to share with the camp staff, ask yourself these questions: “Why is it important that this information is shared?” “Who really needs to know the information?”“Will it benefit the camper if I share this information?” “Can I share information without attaching it to a specific child?”

What you DO need to share: Food allergies Physical concerns: asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, seizures, or other medical

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conditions that require intervention, etc. Learning disabilities Emotional and behavioral disorders

You and your team will also discover information about campers. As you identify campers, only use first names or first name last initial. Never share information about campers or families with anyone in the community other than the Site Coordinator and Mental Health Professional.

Keep all of your camp-related information, particularly sensitive information about campers, in a safe, secure place. Also, don’t be afraid to talk with the Site Coordinator to ask a parent for additional information about a child if you think knowing more would help the camp staff better serve that child.

Healing RoomDuring camp, some campers may need extra one-on-one attention. Every camp should have a “Healing Room,” which is a small classroom or office where the Mental Health Professional and one or two Camp Staff can assist those campers who need some additional support outside of the regular Small Group or other activities.

Campers with Special NeedsYou will find some resources on working with children with special needs in section 6 of this binder. While at Camp, your best resource is the Mental Health Professional. Also, parents often have great tips for working with their child. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to ensure the camper is accommodated and included.

A few things to remember:1. Do whatever you can to include and accommodate for the needs of each

camper.2. Focus on each camper’s strengths and leverage those strengths as you work

with the camper. 3. Campers with special abilities/needs are children first…avoid labels. 4. Smaller groups and one-on-one attention is often helpful.5. We have found that the best course of action is to assign someone from your

team as a child’s “buddy” during camp.

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The Camp Noah Week/EventCurriculum Overview Guide You will receive a copy of Camp Noah 101. In addition, Site Coordinators and Team Leaders will be provided with a Camp Noah Curriculum Overview Guide. This Guide lists, in chronological order, all components and activities during each Camp Session. The Guide is meant give an overview of the entire curriculum and to serve as a reference, and means that Site Coordinators and Team Leaders do not need to have every curriculum book.

The Camp Noah curriculum takes campers through a step-by-step process to help them cope with their disaster/trauma experience and build resiliency skills. All activities (including crafts and recreational activities) are selected carefully and the order is intentional, so it is important to follow the curriculum as it is laid out in the Camp Noah guides and manuals.

Camp Schedule Every Camp Noah provides 30+ hours of resiliency building programming to campers. Each Session/Day follows a specific, intentional order of activities, and every Session builds on previous sessions.

It is the responsibility of the SITE COORDINATOR to set the exact clock times for camp and provide completed schedules to the Camp Staff. Sample schedules for each Day/Session schedule are included in Section 6 for your reference.

Pre-Camp (Campers Check-in and Breakfast Time)Campers may arrive before Camp Noah is scheduled to begin each day. Often the site allows 30+ minutes for check-in and breakfast. Camp Noah—LSSMN will provide some games and craft supplies for this time; it is your team’s responsibility to plan for and engage campers during this time. You may consider bringing additional games and/or activities.

Our Pre-Camp Plan:

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Final Large Group Gathering: Closing on Day 5/Session 10 You will need to talk with the Site Coordinator about plans for the final large group gathering on Day 5/Session 10. The Large Group Leader will emcee this closing session, but will need the Site Coordinator’s input about what s/he wants to have happen or has already planned.

Please be intentional about the activities you are incorporating into the closing event: Decide if you will invite campers’ families and/or community members (First

Responders, community leaders, clergy, etc.). If so, how will you invite them? (fliers, e-mail, etc.) What should the program look like? Will you provide additional snack for the celebration?

If a Camp Closing event open to the community is not appropriate in this situation, it is still important for campers and camp staff to acknowledge that camp is ending, and to look back at the time they have shared.

Here is what is listed in the Large Group Leader’s Guide:

Ideas for Large Group Camp Closing

Large Group Leader: • Greets all the guests and talks about this time at Camp Noah.• Present a slide show of camp (if your camp staff is able to create one in

time.) Make sure you include a picture of every camper at camp in some way.

• Have each Small Group stand up and share Noah’s Wise Words for each day. If you have more than 5 Small Groups, consider having the other Small Groups share something they really liked about Camp Noah or something they learned.

• Invite campers up front to help lead some of the songs they learned during camp—especially those with actions.

• Hand out a Camp Noah certificate to all campers.• Lead the campers in a time of applause—clap for the camp staff, clap for

their families for letting them come to camp, clap for Noah and his family, and clap for themselves for having a great camp and surviving a disaster!

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Faith Affirmation Leaders GuideThe Camp Noah elementary curriculum is designed for use in a wide variety of settings, including churches, schools, after-school programs, and community centers. The curriculum is faith-valued, meaning the concepts, activities, and process were developed with core faith concepts incorporated but not explicit. Teaching children about resiliency involves teaching empathy, hope, love, peace, dreams, gratitude, and kindness. Camp Noah also teaches campers they are unique and special, how a support system (i.e. family, friends, church, school) is helpful and important, that everyone has gifts and talents, and how giving back to others makes our communities better. Each of these key principles is Biblically based and essential for faith formation.

Talk with the Site Coordinator to understand the unique cultural and religious concerns of a community and to find out if using the Faith Affirmation portion of the Camp Noah curriculum is appropriate in the setting you are serving in. If the Site Coordinator recommends that you do not use this guide, please follow his/her recommendation. If your team is uncomfortable with using the guide, please let the Site Coordinator (and your Program Manager) know.

If you are serving at a site where it is appropriate and your team chooses to use the Faith Affirmation Leaders Guide and the books and materials outlined in the Guide, please request the Faith Affirmation Kit from your Program Manager. Camp Noah—LSSMN will provide Faith Affirmation Leaders Guides as well as one set of literature when requested. All children’s literature books and curriculum must be returned at the completion of camp.

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Camp Supplies

What Camp Noah—LSSMN Provides Camp Noah—LSSMN provides nearly all of the materials and supplies for camp-related activities. Camp supplies will be shipped to the site, generally a few days before camp is scheduled to begin. The Site Coordinator will store these boxes until your team arrives.

Supply ListTeam Leaders and Site Coordinators will receive a master supply list from Camp Noah. It is the Craft Leader’s responsibility to distribute supplies to the correct areas during the set-up process before camp. Your team can help with this process!

Supplies to BringYour team may choose to provide the following supplies for Camp Noah:

Additional Pre-Camp games and activities. Additional Birthday Party items: small gifts, games, and/or Bingo prizes for the

Birthday Party (1 per camper). Ideas include: candy, small toys, stickers, etc. Class kits: Small Group Leaders may want to bring their own classroom kit:

adult scissors, poster putty, clear tape, pencil, pen, sharpie, glue, masking tape, first aid kit, paper towels, baby wipes, hand sanitizer

Supplies provided by the Site Coordinator/Site There are a few supplies that are the responsibility of the local community, so the Site Coordinator will secure these items:

• Props for skits and puppet shows (all sessions) Please let your Site Coordinator know if your team has its own skit/puppet show props.

• Computer and LCD projector for Large Group gatherings (all sessions) • Supplies for the Healing Room (all sessions) • Apples (several varieties), knives for Small Groups and snack (Day

1/Session 1)• Cake, punch and ice cream—for Birthday Party/snack (Day 1/Session 2) • Small candies (skittles/M&Ms)—for NOAH Bingo (Day 1/Session 2)• Granola bars—for Preparedness Packs, 1 per camper (Day 2/Session 4)• Small treats (mini-candy bars, etc.)—for Sunshine Boxes (Day 5/Session

10)

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T-shirts and All-Camp PhotoThe Site Coordinator will have ordered t-shirts for registered campers before Camp Noah begins. Camp Noah—LSSMN will send extra shirts of each size for campers who sign up late; having the right size t-shirts for everyone by Day 5 is important. On Day 2/Session 3 of camp, work with the Site Coordinator to check your t-shirts and to make sure there is a shirt for each camper.

Hand out camper t-shirts at the beginning of Session 10 (for day camps: during lunch time on Day 5). This way everyone will be wearing them for the closing session.

Some camps choose to take an all-camp photo during this time and/or provide markers for campers to sign the backs of one another’s shirts. If you are considering taking an all-camp photo, talk to the Site Coordinator ahead of time to make sure all campers have signed photo releases.

Returning MaterialsSome of the items you received for Camp Noah can be reused at other camps. We will provide UPS shipping labels and a list of everything that needs to be returned. In coordination with the Site Coordinator, please have your team members pack supplies to return to Camp Noah—LSSMN. Boxes should be shipped as soon as possible so we can send the supplies on to the next camp.

EvaluationsEvaluations are an important component of Camp Noah, and we need your help in ensuring that they are completed and returned. We use the evaluations for two main purposes: making improvements in our programs and reporting outcomes. Please work with your Site Coordinator to make sure all completed paper evaluations are collected by the end of camp. These should be sent to Camp Noah—LSSMN as soon as possible (2375 Como Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55108).

Camper Evaluations: Paper camper evaluation forms (lower, middle, upper elementary) will be included in the camp supplies. Please distribute these to the Small Group Leaders for campers to complete during Day 5/Session 10, collect them, and send them to Camp Noah (2375 Como Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55108) as soon as possible.

Parent Evaluations: Camp Noah—LSSMN will provide parent evaluation forms, which should be sent home with campers after Day 4/Session 8. These evaluations will instruct parents to return the paper copy to camp or complete the evaluation online. Please send all paper parent evaluations to Camp Noah as soon as possible.

Camp Staff members (certified and non-certified) will receive e-mailed links to online evaluations. Please encourage everyone to complete their evaluations while camp is still fresh in their minds.

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Travel & LogisticsYour team is responsible for travel to and from the site. It is best if you plan to arrive in the community on Saturday evening. Check with the Site Coordinator to determine where to meet him/her and what time s/he will be available. Please plan to attend a local church on Sunday morning (optional), and then unpack and set up the camp site on Sunday afternoon and evening. Your team is free to travel home once the site is cleaned up on Friday evening.

AccommodationsThe Site Coordinator is responsible for finding lodging for your team for Saturday-Thursday night. The minimum requirements for housing include:

Air mattresses or cots Access to showers Air conditioning

Ideas for housing: Church basement Host families Camping Cabins College dorms

Unless you are told otherwise by the Site Coordinator, team members should plan to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and towels for your week in the community.

Being gracious guests in the community is very important. Remember, they are working to recover from a disaster and have worked very hard to accommodate your team in whatever is available for their situation. Gratitude, flexibility, and thanksgiving will make your week in the host community go more smoothly and be more enjoyable for all.

Camp AttireTeam Leaders will receive two blue polo shirts and each team member will receive two yellow t-shirts; these blue/YELLOW shirts MUST be worn during the week of camp. Encourage your team to dress modestly at all times and to wear clothing that is easy to move around in—clothing should enhance your ability to play and not hinder the work you are doing. Camp Noah t-shirts should not be altered.

If you would like additional yellow t-shirts for camp staff, these can be purchased from Camp Noah—LSSMN for $10 per t-shirt.

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EveningsEvenings are for you and your team to relax, enjoy each other, prepare physically and emotionally for the next day, and spend some time in the community. Typically evening meals will be your team’s responsibility, although you may find that you are invited to share meals with your hosts.

Leaving the CommunityThe final day/session of camp is often stressful for teams. You need to say goodbye well to the campers after this intense experience, and this can be emotionally exhausting for teams. Encourage team members to be attentive to and gentle with their own and one another’s feelings.

Your team will need to pack the remaining supplies in the boxes and work with the Site Coordinator and local camp staff to make sure that you leave the facility as clean and put back together as possible.

Housing for the team does not extend through Friday evening, so your team should plan to pack up and leave the community on Friday. (You can make additional arrangement with the Site Coordinator to stay another night, but the community is not expected to provide this.) Plan to spend 2-3 hours after campers leave cleaning up and getting ready to go.

Ending well is important! Make sure you take the time to have a debriefing with the team before you leave so the Site Coordinator and Mental Health Professional can be involved. Encourage them! They will continue to live and work in the community and connect with the campers. Make sure they know you are grateful for the opportunity to serve in their community.

Notes:

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