Sunday - Monday: Discovery Camp 2014

Waterslide!

After our campers arrived on Sunday, it was straight to dinner, then off to program, and finally bedtime! A few of our campers were late arriving, and the cafeteria stayed open even longer than usual to make sure everyone had dinner. Thanks cafeteria staff!

After program several of the campers said they weren't tired, but when the lights went out (just before 10:00 pm) everyone was asleep very soon after.

MONDAY
   Breakfast: Biscuits & Gravy as the main course, with fruit, cereal, and juice.
   Lunch: Vegetarian Saulsbury Steak with rice, salad, & vegetable (and dessert).
   Dinner: Mexican-style corn tortilla soft tacos, with beans, salad, & all the fixins'.

   Most popular meal item: Green & Red Jell-o.
   Most popular drink item: Water (although water is required at every meal).

   OUR TOP THREE
   #1: All of our Indian Campers won their first feather (blue) by participating in a blindfolded maze challenge of courage and wit. The fastest time was achieved by one of our 'Wolves' (girls tepee) in less than three minutes!
   #2: Today was a scorcher. We had some really hot temperatures, and children were required to wear even more sunscreen than usual. The camp nurse had a busy day making sure everyone was staying healthy and well, and our 119 campers all went to bed tonight safely.
   #3: For the evening program (@ 8:00 pm) our campers we're introduced to a few goofy soldiers, a mysterious woman who has an uncertain future, and a couple of ladies who had a score to settle. Afterwards, Pastor King came up and talked to our campers about telling the truth, even when that means that we might get into trouble. It takes a lot of bravery to  say the right thing, even if we don't have to.

   PARENTS & CAMP
   What activities did Cabin Blackfoot do today?
   Cabin Blackfoot: Go-Carts (AM), Hiking (AM), Archery (PM), & Drama Games(PM)!

    Which cabin lowered the US flag this morning?
    Cabin Iroquois
    Highlight: The flag was presented correctly! (This is tough for children in the 8-10 age range, so it was really impressive to see.)

   THE STAFF
   All of our staff are also someone's son or daughter. This week two of our staff have siblings here at summer camp! All of our staff have been working hard to make sure the children have a great experience. A quick shout-out to our Sport Department who had all of their cabins laughing and getting a little wet during a ball pass in the parking lot.

   TOMORROW
   Another visitor is going to come to camp council and talk about serving our neighbor...
   The Ropes Course will be activating some new equipment and elements on the challenge course...
   The mysterious woman in our evening program is going to be revealed, one of our brave soldiers will be captured, and a valuable treasure will remain hidden...

    Wish all of our parents, grandparents, and camp family a good night!

~Jeremy

Camp, Church, and You! Your Quick Guide to the 3-Way Scholarship Program

Right now (June 12th, 2014) About 62.5% of our scholarships have been claimed! You can get a copy of the scholarship form by clicking HERE!

The scholarships can be awarded by any church pastor in SECC. They fill out the paperwork and fax it to us at (951) 659-5692.

As long as your church is willing to sponsor a $55 award, the camp will pitch in $100, and the parents pay the balance. This way, camp become more affordable for more of our camp family.

We'll see you at camp!

~Jeremy

*PARDON OUR TRANSITION

Dear Friends,

   We'll be moving our camp office from its off-season location in Riverside up to PSR Camp for the rest of this week. Please leave us a message if you need to talk to someone in the office.

   All of our emails and messages will be collected and receive responses starting again on Tuesday, June 17th.  We still have plenty of space in most of our activities, but if you want to hold a spot, please go to psr.camp, make a reservation, and pay a $50 deposit. As classes fill-up we'll be adding people to the waiting list.  

   If you're coming up to camp to work on Monday and you still have critical questions, please contact your family group leaders.

   We'll see you soon!

~Jeremy

Among Thorns & Thunder

PSR Outpost 2012

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of God, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

~II Corinthians 3:18

Last summer, when I sat down to write 'Little Shadows' our 2013 Outpost play, I was primarily worried about things like entertainment value, avoiding certain cliches, and improving my writing. The Outpost play in 2011 that I was responsible for (affectionately titled 'Untitled Outpost Project') had started strong and finished strong, but the middle was a complicated mess that I could barely watch unfold on Tuesday nights.

This summer, I felt the pressure of doing an even better job each time I sat down to write. This will be the first 3-part Outpost performed after the fire and in the new fort and at the new tepees. I also wanted it to have a stronger message after watching a film producer & writer talk about the power of stories.

Through stories we can showcase the struggles of others to make good decisions, and also see characters face the consequences of their actions. Good doesn't win every day in the real world, but as a believer in Christ I am certain in the final victory over evil.

The play we're currently planning to produce, 'Among Thorns & Thunder' is something that I  hope will not just be a fun project for all of the cast but also transform them into characters that will deliver a powerful message to our audience. (I also can't wait to meet the people who are going to turn these stories into memories for our camp family.)

We'll see you soon!

~Jeremy

What ALL Staff Need for Camp!

Here is the list!

PAPERWORK

1) Your social security card & approved photo ID

You MUST present the originals on June 16 to complete the I-9 form (UNLESS you completed it at SECC prior to June 16th). This needs to be completed for your work to begin. If you live in the Riverside, CA area you can come to the HR dept. at the conf. office and show your SS card and photo ID to complete your I-9 before camp.

2) A copy of a physical exam performed within the previous year. 

If you can bring a copy with you to camp, that works best. Some employees need to schedule their physicals at camp, which is scheduled based on the availability of qualified medical personnel.

3) Certifications (CPR/FIRST AID/AED/LIFEGUARD/WSI/LEVEL 2 ARCHERY/FOOD HANDLERS PERMIT)

If you have any certifications needed to fulfill your position, you need to bring them with you. PSR Camp provides CPR/FIRST AID/AED training for all employees who are required to have it. 

4) All other incomplete paperwork

About 80% of staff members are done with their paperwork because the deadline to turn it in was last Thursday. If you are still missing forms, you need to bring them will you on June 16th, completed. Please note: the DIrect Deposit slip is not a required form.  

OTHERWISE, HERE ARE THE ESSENTIAL ITEMS

1) PERSONAL BIBLE / CHRISTIAN BOOKS / WORSHIP MATERIAL

For personal devotions. You will also be asked from time to time to lead out in staff and/or camper worships throughout the summer.

2) MUSICAL INSTRUMENT(S)

Some of you may be asked to help lead songs for programs, or special music. 

3) MORNING ALARM

To wake yourself up. Trust us, you’ll need it.

4) FLASHLIGHT

'Nuff said.

5) WATCH / TIMEPIECE

So you can be “on location – on time!”

6) SLEEPING BAG / PILLOW

Most staff will be assigned regularly to sleep in cabins either as Counselors or Counselor Assistants.

7) BEDDING

The first two weeks of camp staff will stay in cabins.  Then you will be assigned a lodge room and roommates. You must bring your own bedding, including sheets, comforters, pillows, and blankets. Nothing is allowed on the walls.

8) TOILETRIES

Toothbrush, comb, brush, hair dryer, curling iron, sunscreen (very important), moisturizing lotion, towels/washcloths, soap, deodorant, etc. 

9) BUG REPELLENT

Outdoors = bugs

10) MONEY

For emergencies (especially if coming from out of state), and for expenses you might incur on your day offs.

11) CLOTHING

Plan to look clean, neat, and professional. Include:

*Pants/capris (required on Sabbaths as part of uniform, no blue jeans are allowed on Sabbath)

*Khaki shorts/pants/capris (required on Sundays as part of uniform)

*More shorts/pants for the rest of the week. 

NOTE:  Use the “finger test” to determine appropriate length. Shorts must be as long as

the tips of your fingers when hands at side.
*Shirts for staff training week. (uniform shirts not given out until end of training)
*Cap / sunglasses (days can be very hot and bright)
*Jacket / sweater (if you lose the one camp provides)
*Nicer clothing for Friday nights. (like going to vespers at college) 

*Closed toe shoes (no open toe shoes allowed outdoors) Flip-flops only allowed in the shower and at the pool.  Never for traveling around camp. Sandals are approved if they have a closed-toe design and a heel strap.

*Swim suit (modest one-piece only for girls…and guys) Girls can wear “board shorts” and a swim shirt as an option. Must cover the mid-section.

LAUNDRY INFO

To ease the burden on our housekeeping staff, you are required to do your own laundry at home, a friend’s house, or a Laundromat on your day off.  (Remember to bring a laundry bag/basket and detergent.) If this is not possible for you, laundry service will be available for $10/per load. Arrangements should be made with our housekeeping coordinator. Laundry will only be accepted once a week, so bring enough clothing. 

12) GOOD ATTITUDE

Summer camp ministry is both exciting and demanding.  You will be physically and emotionally drained at times.  Having a positive attitude is critical to your success at PSR!

Do not bring...

1) JEWELRY, ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, TATTOOS (must be covered at all times)

2) DRUGS (prescription / nonprescription medication requires notification of the Camp Nurse)

3) WEAPONS (firearms, knives of any length, fireworks of any kind, etc.)

4) TV / DVD PLAYER / DVD’S / SECULAR MUSIC, SECULAR BOOKS and MAGAZINES,

5) COMPUTERS (only the office team, the leadership team, media dept., and those with special permission

from the Camp Director will be allowed to have computers.)

6) IPOD / MP3 PLAYERS Only allowed for use in one’s room / cabin during time off. Not around camp.

7) BAD ATTITUDE / GOSSIP / NEGATIVITY

Definitely leave these at home.
8) EXPENSIVE PERSONAL ITEMS Remember, PSR is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen items
you bring to camp.

We'll see you soon!

~Jeremy


P.S. for all of our new staff, your first day-off will be on the 9th, 10th, or 11th day of contract. You should plan to pack enough clothing to last until you can do laundry.

The 3 (potential) Mishaps of Freshman Staff

Here's a bit of unsolicited advice for someone coming to camp for their first season of work.

So many teenagers and young adults are used to the academic crawl, and camp can be a tough transition. However, avoiding these three things can make a big difference to the start of your camp experience.

#3: NEGLECTING SLEEP ON THE FIRST NIGHT(S)
Most of our staff will be coming up Monday morning at 9:00 am (on June 16th), and spend their first day of camp catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. With so many things to talk about, conversation between staff can wax strong into the evening hours.

Between the transition of sleeping in a new place & staying up late, you can put yourself into a cycle of sleep deprivation that might affect your learning and mood for several days. Being moody, tired, and unfocused are all disadvantages that I try to encourage most staff to avoid by getting enough rest.

In college you often just need to 'show up' in your 7:00 am class, but at camp you'll be engaged in participatory learning, group games, certifications, script memorization, and testing that you'll need to pass before camp begins.

#2: EATING TO MUCH FOR LUNCH (During Training Week)
At PSR our food really is the best; I have never gotten tired of eating camp food. The joy of eating is really only marred by the mistake of overeating, which can be an issue for anyone.

I know some of you need 'Phelps-ian' amounts of calories to survive, but avoid packing on the carbs at lunch. After lunch you'll need to be sharp and prepared for learning, and that can be tough if all you want to do is sleep.

#1: MAKING A POOR FIRST IMPRESSION
During the nine days of staff training week, each freshman staff member is starting with a blank slate. The leadership only has a good impression (or no impression) of you and this will be your opportunity to show the supervisors what kind of person and employee you are.

We're really blessed because I would say most (>85%) demonstrate that they are trustworthy leaders who take the mission of camp seriously, and the remainder (with extra supervision and training) also come on board.

First impressions are often hard to overcome, but it's also something that is exclusively in your control. So be on time, with a smile, ready to learn, and participate starting on day one!

We'll see you in two weeks!

~Jeremy

P.S. DON'T FORGET: Paperwork (except I-9 & direct deposit form) deadline is coming up on June 5th. Remember, the direct deposit form is not a required form, it's optional.