STAFF/VOLUNTEER CELL PHONE POLICY

Camper Policy:

Campers are not allowed to bring cell phones or electronic devices to camp for these reasons:

1. Protect the devices (from loss or damage)

2. Encourage camper independence

3. Foster camp community

4. Protect camper privacy

Campers and parents are encouraged to stay in contact via letters mailed to camp. Parents may also send emails to campers that will be printed and given to them. In an emergency or if there are concerns about a camper, the parents will be contacted by the Administrator or Camp Nurse.

If a camper is found violating this policy, the phone will be held in the Camp office until the conclusion of the camp program.

Staff/Volunteer Policy:

Staff/volunteers “are NOT permitted to use their cell phones within the sight of campers except in emergencies or for brief, program-related tasks.” 

The following is a list of permissible use of cell phones for staff/volunteers allowed by this policy:

1. Calling the Camp Nurse/Camp Director/Administrator in case of an emergency.

2. Taking pictures/videos of camp activities.

   1. This should not be an excessive activity

   2. ALL camp photos must be sent to the Camp Administrator and/or approved by the Administrator before sharing or posting socially on any platform. Not all parents have given permission for camper pictures to be shared, and we must respect the wishes of the parents to maintain the privacy of their campers if requested.

3. Using educational materials for classes. Examples include:

   1. Referencing song lyrics for worship or music activities

   2. Reading passages of scripture or devotional/curriculum material

   3. Instructions for camp activities (crafts, nature, etc)

   4. Playing music related to a camp program

      1. Phone use for these activities is not preferred & should be used sparingly.

      2. If you need program materials for camp, the Camp Administrator can print copies or find necessary print or alternative resources.

4. Checking weather patterns/traffic conditions related to camp program activities.

5. Setting alarms to wake-up in the morning.

The reasons for this staff/volunteer policy is very similar to the reasons for the camper policy. 

1. We don’t want devices to get lost or damaged

2. We want to create a safe environment to unplug from our devices and find freedom outside of technology and social media

3. We want staff/volunteers to plug into the camp community

4. We want to ensure that we maintain the privacy and respect of those who are in our care.

In addition, campers are not allowed to have devices, and in the world today, disconnecting from them is becoming a harder and harder thing to do. It is out of respect for the campers who have agreed to disconnect for their time at camp that we want to honor this policy as well. 

Staff & volunteers must have phones as a safety measure, but it is not fair to flaunt this privilege in front of campers when, in reality, we do not need our phones as much as we think we do. While these are permissible uses of phones at camp, all should be kept to a minimum and, when possible, out of sight of campers.

In the same way that we should not text and drive, we should not text and supervise campers. Our primary responsibility is the safety of campers, and we are not fully aware of our surroundings when we are distracted by our devices.

If a staff/volunteer is found consistently violating this policy, their phone will be confiscated and they will be given a walkie-talkie for emergency communication.

Social Media Use Policy:

Appropriate use of social media

• Share/promote posts from Camp Mardela accounts

• Make personal posts about camp programs before or after programs

• Friend/follow other staff and volunteers

Inappropriate use of social media:

• Unauthorized use of children’s pictures

• Friend/follow campers under the age of 18

Measures we will take to ensure appropriate use of social media:

• If posting pictures, they must be approved by Administrator

• Maintain appropriate relations with campers by not pursuing inappropriate relationships outside of camp

  • Exception - if they are related to you

We are obligated to protect the rights and privacy of the children who are in our care, and we must use social media in appropriate ways to maintain that environment even outside of camp.

STAFF/VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT:

I have read the above cell phone policy and agree to the guidelines stated. I understand the consequences of consistent violation of this policy.