SAFETY AND SECURITY

In Safe Hands

Every staff member on site is required to take In Safe Hands training. In Safe Hands is a program designed by One Hope Canada (formerly CSSM ministries). In Safe Hands ensures that our staff know what proper conduct between staff and campers looks like. It also details the proper procedures and protocols when dealing with children and youth in sensitive situations. For more information visit http://insafehands.ca/en/ Our summer missionary team is also trained in our Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Policy.



Camper Care

We have a First Aid attendant on site to make sure your child is taken care of; these roles are filled by either by doctors or an RN, LPN, ACP, PCP, fourth year nursing student. We have at least one person on site with Occupational First Aid Level 3 certification. Given our proximity to Prince George, a hospital is under 30 minutes away compared to more remote camp locations. Cabin leader do a head count at every chapel, skill, meal and wide game, to make sure all campers are accounted for. It is our desire for every camper to remain safe and engaged in the program and to have the best week possible.



TalkBoxes

TalkBoxes are installed at all camp sites. The purpose of the TalkBox is to give your child the opportunity to write down any questions or concerns they have with other campers or staff. If bullying or other issues arise we want to know and help your child. This box will allow them to confide in us anonymously or revealing their identity if they choose, so we can help make their week great from start to finish. Someone on staff will check the boxes daily and deal with issues right away.



Staff Screening

The very first measure that we take is our staff application process. When staff apply to Ness Lake they first have to fill out a very extensive application form. The form details their level of proficiency in activities that happen at camp, their reasons for applying and requires them to include at least 2 references. Each applicant is personally interviewed to ensure they understand the uniqueness of camp, the roles and responsibilities they will have and their level of competency. References are required to be adults over the age of 25 and non-relatives. We also ask that one reference would be their pastor. Each application needs to also be accompanied by a criminal record check. The majority of our Senior Staff have come through the ranks of campers to Leaders-in-Training and then as Cabin Leaders. This ensures we have a greater knowledge of who will be with your kids for the week.



L.I.T. (Leader In Training)

Training and screening can only go so far to ensure that our staff is of the highest standard. This is why we have the LIT program. Young people between the ages of 16 and 17 who aren't old enough to be part of senior summer missionaries are asked to join as part of our LIT program and are under the direction of a trusted senior missionary or Cabin leader while they are in a cabin. Most of our senior summer missionaries have graduated from the LIT program. The LIT program gives us the opportunity to see how junior team deal with campers well before they get the possibility to be on the senior missionary team.



Staff Training

Once we have read through the applications, references and have selected our staff accordingly, we have a five day-long staff training session. Our staff training is designed to equip our staff to run activities safely and to help them to deal properly with any issues that may arise at camp.



Specialized Staff Training

For all of the skills and activities at camp there are detailed procedure and protocalls that summer team members must follow and be trained in. We are regulated by the high standards of the BC camping assosiations. For inforamtion about the Standards vist BC Camping Assosiation. Lifeguards - All our lifeguards have their Bronze Cross/Medallion, and at least one NL certified lifeguard will be present at all times. Riflery instructors - All riflery instructors have their Firearms Safety Certification and their PAL. Archery - Archery instructors adhere to NASP rules in our archery program. Boat Drivers - All our drivers have a valid Pleasure Craft Operator's Card. Cabin Leaders - Most have their First Aid Certification. Kitchen - All kitchen staff have their Food Safe Certification.