Child Safety at LFRGospel Foundation
We believe every camper is an image-bearer of God (Genesis 1:27). Jesus warns, “Whoever causes one of these little ones … to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were fastened around his neck” (Matthew 18:6). Therefore, protecting children IS gospel work. Our desire is to create and maintain an environment where campers are safe, for their own good as image-bearers, so that they can hear and respond to the gospel of Christ without hindrance. Therefore, we will submit to our civil authorities by cooperating fully with them whenever abuse is suspected or alleged. LFR’s mission of “Building Relationships for Eternal Impact” starts with protecting children.
Parent and Church Leader Partnership & Transparency
We invite parents, guardians, and church leaders to ask for details of our Child Protection Policy, Code of Conduct, reporting standards, emergency action plan, recreational safety guidelines, etc….
Transparency helps build trust. Parents should know what their child will experience at summer camp.
Supervision Standards
“Rule of 3” is non-negotiable. No-one is allowed to be alone with a camper in private spaces. Private spaces are any space where they are not observable and/or interruptible. This includes cabins, bathrooms, meeting rooms, etc….
“Public One-on-Ones” are required. No private one-on-ones. Refer to the “rule of 3”. All one-on-ones are to be done in public spaces within view but not necessarily within earshot. Must be observable and interruptible.
Campers should never be unsupervised in cabins.
5 Boundaries
Modesty
Staff and campers are expected to be clothed modestly at all times. Never display private body parts or dress in a provocative way. During showers, campers are behind a double curtain that gives them privacy. Staff are never to enter the camper bathroom unless there is a medical emergency. They will monitor shower time from outside the bathroom to ensure camper safety.
Touch
Staff will be trained in the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touch.
Appropriate: high fives, short side hugs, arm around shoulders, etc….
Inappropriate: touching private parts, hitting, pushing, lap sitting, etc….
Talk
Staff will be trained in the difference between appropriate and inappropriate talk.
Appropriate: encouraging, positive, uplifting, pure speech
Inappropriate: never negative, making fun, potty humor, rude, or sexual jokes
Territory
Your Stuff. Your Space. Your Bed.
Bullying
No tolerance for bullying.
To the camper: if someone asks you to stop, you MUST stop.
To the staff member: if you witness bullying, ensure the camper’s safety and report it.
Additional Notes
These boundaries are for both staff to camper AND camper to camper.
There is zero tolerance for violating these boundaries, and LFR staff will consider immediate dismissal of campers or staff who violate these.
Contact with campers away from camp is restricted. No staff member is allowed to communicate with a camper via email, text, phone, etc… without explicit permission from the camper’s parent. Even then, the parent should be involved in the communication (i.e. group chats). Social media communication is not allowed as it can not easily maintain transparency with the parent. This remains in effect until the camper is 18 years old.
Summer staff and campers will not have their smart devices (phones, tablets, watches, etc…) with them during camp sessions.