Summer Update: Family Camp/ Cub Camp

I have so much to tell you. Since I last gave you an update, we have finished our staff training program and even completed our first week of camp. During staff training we asked much of our staff, and we found out what they are capable of. The PSR 2015 camp staff are a fantastic group of dedicated young adults. They might just be the best staff I’ve ever seen. 

2015 Staff Photo

“Sure”, you might say “they just pay you to say that” ,but you couldn't pay me enough not to say it. This staff has taken everything we have thrown at them and run with it. They have done it with a smile on their face and represented camp in a way that makes us very proud.

The staff pray for each other as we open camp.

Annika and Emily take a well-deserved break.

Angelica staining benches at the fort.

During our staff training week we put in more than 1,500 man hours on work projects to prepare our campus for our arriving campers. We tested them on more than 100 points from our staff manual and updated their first aid and CPR certifications. We also took time to reward them for all their hard work with a bowling and pizza party and our beloved annual agape feast.

We are also extremely excited to announce that we are at the conclusion of an extremely successful Family Camp for our 2015 season. Family camp sold out this season and we are so pleased to have been able to serve more than 200 guests. Our family campers were the first to experience our annual Pageant and our brand new Sabbath morning program. We are running a programming heavy season this year and so far we think it has been a huge success. 

Kids having fun in the Sabbath Village

Family Camp Check-In

We also are coming to the conclusion of our first ever Cub Camp session. Our Cub campers have been the brightest part of our days. Seeing their smiling faces every morning has helped our staff get through a very busy week. We had 34 Cub Campers this week and we look forward to seeing them at full weeks of camp in the future.

Cub Campers enjoying the pool.

Cabin Arapaho Raises our Flag

Today was a bittersweet day as we say goodbye to all of these beloved campers but meet our 2015 Discovery campers. We look forward to serving each and every week this summer and we can’t wait for you to come and see us.

It has finally begun...

      Something  incredible happened at 9 AM Monday morning. The 2015 PSR Camp Staff walked into the door of the Lodge and began a Journey. We went through a day of paperwork with them and got ready to start Staff Training Week. Then, in the evening, we split up into family groups where they got a chance to get to know each other. We followed that up with worship to end the night, where our staff got to sing together for the first time.

Staff sings praise songs together for the first time.

     These are largely a group of students strapped for cash, struggling to pay their way through college.  Naturally they came to camp to help pay off student loans right?

     Wrong.

      The truth is that they could make more money stuffing tacos in a Taco Bell drive thru. So how is it that we pull them away from the horrors of corporate fast food? The answer is change. Change is how nature moves, its how culture evolves and how the word of God affects you.

     Camp staff believe in change, that’s why they sacrifice their summer and financial well-being to minister to our youth.

     Camp changes minds, it changes lives and it changes hearts.  It is our hope that camp this summer will change the lives of our campers for the better. The reward we gain from that is worth far more than the wages of a fast food employee.

     The 2015 staff are all making sacrifices with their eyes on that reward. We know you appreciate their service. This message isn’t to ask for your appreciation. This message is to ask you for your prayers; prayers for the success of camp, for the health and safety of our staff and that God give them energy and patience to last the summer. Please join us in our prayers this summer.

What Staff Need To Bring To Camp!

Here is the list!

PAPERWORK

1) Your social security card & approved photo ID

You MUST present the originals on June 15 to complete the I-9 form (UNLESS you completed it at SECC prior to June 11th). 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 15th, 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 itemsyou 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 Difference: A Post For the 2015 Veteran Staff

   Dear Returning Camp Veterans,

   

   I have been working on the camp math for several months now and I need your help to find the solution to a very difficult equation. 

   Review from 2014: Let's take 91 people, and put them into 1 summer camp for about 8 weeks. When you do the math, the total should equal 1 camp staff family. That's the starting premise for my figures and most people who were at camp last summer should get the same result.

   Now, here's the new problem: What do you get when you subtract about half of those people and replace them with new staff? Does that also equal 1 camp staff family or did you come up with a different solution? 

   I really believe they're both equal, but I am always worried that they'll be veterans that don't agree with me. The temptation will exist to look around the room and decide that your experience is somehow inferior or reduced by new people who just "aren't the same" and it can lead some staff being disappointed or unhappy.

   I've seen returning staff come back to camp, do their own staff math, and decide that this new staff is less than the previous one. They might also decide they liked last years programs, food, games, activities, leaders, etc... better and you can see their attitude start to shift away from our mission of camp.

   These people cling to other veterans and say things like, "I liked the Sunday night program way better last year," and "That skit was WAY better when <insert name> performed it last year," and "I miss <insert name> so much, the person who replaced them in my department just doesn't measure up."

   I can honestly say that I don't think I hired any returning staff who will react this way, but I do want to caution all of you just the same. It will be very easy to form a clique of returning staff and exclude new people; we don't even realize it at first because when we see old friends and there is so much to catch up on since camp ended last year. We start sitting together during meals, during general sessions, during bowling night, and stay in our established comfort zones.

   I just want to remind you to take this opportunity to make new friends. Don't save a seat for someone you know at lunch on June 15th, sit with someone you don't know on the first day. Try to remember what it was like to be new and how people welcomed you on day one. If there are a few veterans who are grumbling, encourage them to remember why we're at camp in the first place. We're at camp to make a difference, and everything (and everyone) new adds to the experience. 

  I'll see you soon,

~Jeremy

An Open Letter to Our 2014 Summer Staff

Dear Team,

   Today, when our guest registrations passed 500 individuals, I knew that I had to write this letter to our 2014 staff who served last summer at PSR Camp. It's a new record (for May camp pre-registration), and you really deserve all of the credit. You inspired acts of service, made excellent mentors, and the effect you had on the community has had far reaching positive results.

   As we've been interviewing new people, almost everyone has told us that they heard about Pine Springs Ranch from someone who worked at camp last year. I know that your positive talk about the staff experience at camp contributed to the higher number of staff applicants. People from different schools, majors, careers, and cities around the country have applied. We've also had a record number of young people (under 16) apply or request an application. These former campers don't want to wait till their 18 to work with their favorite counselors, and I think that speaks volumes about how they feel about you and camp.  

   When I visit schools, or talk to parents, they ask me some really interesting questions and I have to try to remember all sorts of different fun things we did at camp on the spot. Several children asked (or begged) me to tell them what happens next in our outpost play, another young lady asked me if she could one day be a ballerina in the Sunday night program or if we only let boys do that. I fielded a lot of questions about drama camp, ropes course, basketball camp, and everyone (campers) wants to know who's coming back (staff) from last summer.

   Parents have talked to me as well. Sometimes they have concerns, but usually they heap praise on counselors, instructors, and leadership staff who their children talked about for weeks after camp ended. In the age of social media, parents know that their children can (and will) track down their counselors online, and the importance of hiring the right role models has increased more now than ever. I am very proud that so many of our staff have made a commitment to be followers of Christ, and that those commitments continue long after camp is over.    

   I am glad that 44 of you will be joining us (again!) for our 2015 season at camp. I really believe that you'll continue to be an inspiration to our campers and all of our guests. This summer we'll have about 48 new staff, and they'll be looking to you for guidance, advice, and support. Last summer we intentionally relaxed a few of our policies and treated our staff more like camp professionals, and I really think that you collectively made an effort to put the needs of camp before your own needs.

   At our last meeting at Old Spaghetti Factory last year, I wished that we'd all be able to be together again for another summer, and now I want to extend an invitation to everyone who was in that banquet room when we finished camp last year who's not planning to work at camp for our 2015 season. Come visit us on a Saturday at the Ranch this summer (it doesn't hurt to call ahead). We'll provide a meal, and I know they'll be at least 44 of your friends at camp who'll be excited to see you again.

   Sincerely,

-Jeremy
Matthew 20:28

PSR Camp's Goals & Outcomes for Campers

From our 2014 parent survey, parents were asked the question, 'What does PSR Camp do well?'

If camp is a fun and exciting place where children spend a week outdoors making new friends and learning new things, then we're only doing half the job. Our goals for camper are just as diverse as the camper who attend each season.

Here are a few examples of the things we expect campers to reach for and find while on their camp experience at Pine Springs Ranch.

1. To connect campers with God.

• Cabin counselors will share a worship thought during family group time in his/her cabin. Family group time is designed with the camper in mind.  Counselors are provided with age appropriate worship material by the programming coordinator. Family group time is meant to be conducted with just the cabin, giving campers time to connect with each other and with God.
• Each morning the camp pastor will share a spiritual message during the camp council time. Camp council time provides campers with the opportunity to worship with other campers.  Songs, nature nugget stories and the camp pastor’s message is all geared towards meeting the developmental, social, and spiritual needs of the campers.
• All camp staff are required to attend and to participate in camp council activities along with the campers. Staff’s active participation reiterates the importance and value placed on camp council worship time.  

2. To provide opportunities that stimulate the development of each camper’s self-esteem, based on the value God places on them as His children.

• Campers will be told by their counselors, activity instructors and cabin assistances that they are a special creation of God and extremely valuable to Him and to camp.
• Camper’s will participate in class/rotation time activities  that have been designed to build self-esteem as an individual and as a member of a larger group.
• During big event, cabin free, meals and other camp events, campers will participate in getting-to-know-you games, team building activities, and other developmentally appropriate camp activities.
• Staff will provide the campers with positive self-esteem comments and encouragement throughout their stay at PSR camp.
• Campers are encouraged to share with their parents about what they have learned or have worked on at camp.

3. To share with campers the importance of respect.

• During village meeting, the boys and girls coordinators will share with every camper their expectations regarding respect for lead and assistance counselors, instructors, and other campers. Campers are also expected to respect themselves and respect each others personal spaces.
• Issues covered in village meetings will depend on the developmental needs of the particular age group and gender of campers.

4. Appreciate nature as God’s creation.

• Part of PSR’s mission is to encourage campers to take an active role in the stewardship of our environment. We have been charged to be good stewards of this earth, and it is our responsibility to teach campers how to be good stewards. Campers will participate in at least one nature session while at camp, work together as a cabin to help with campus cleanups and clean their cabin on a daily basis.
• Campers will have the opportunity to participate and connect with nature through hikes, outdoor programs, outdoor worships, and other environmental activities. Sabbaths are spent walking around campus participating in various “reach out” activities. these outdoor activities are age appropriate and are geared to meet the needs of the campers.
• Recycling bins are provided to campers and staff around campus.

5. To provide situations for each camper to set goals and challenge themselves while discovering his or her own skills and abilities.

• Campers will participate in activities during the week that will personally challenge them. Activities such as ropes challenge course, swimming, hiking, archery, go-karts, gymnastics, self defense, etc.have all been designed to challenge campers in a safe and developmentally appropriate way.
• Campers will have the opportunity to work in small groups during cabin time on site to contribute to worships, discussion, and activities. Trip campers will have the opportunity to work in small groups during cookouts, while they plan, prepare and clean up after meals as a group with each camper taking on different roles.
• Camp activities are designed to teach campers as least one or more new skills while at camp.

6. To allow each child to experience group living, away home.

• Campers stay in cabins, housing 5 to 8 campers. Campers are assigned to cabins by request or by random selection by the girls and boys coordinators. Cabin time presents many opportunities for campers to play, bond, and study the Bible together with their counselor. Having campers stay together teaches kids, lessons in getting along, respect, communal living and keeping the cabin clean.
• Campers will learn to follow their camp counselor.  
• Campers are encouraged and expected to aid in decision making. Cabins create the rules which are posted for everyone to see.
• During big event, outposts, free time, activity time, campers are given the opportunity to meet new friends. Big event games are designed to teach campers teamwork, positive sportsmanship and the benefits of healthy living.

We'll see you at camp!

~Jeremy

PSR Camp: Hiring Season is Winding Down (Interviews for April 29th)

2014 Ropes Course Staff

April 29th, 2015. 

Interview times and availability. 

All future interviews will be based on the qualification of the applicant.

10:30 am ~ Taken (JH)

12:40 pm ~ Taken (GL)

1:10 pm ~ Taken (DC)

In-Person interviews are conducted at the Southeastern CA Conference Office: 11330 Pierce St, Riverside CA 92505.

Skype or phone interviews are also available during the times listed above.

Request an appointment here.

Blessings,

-Jeremy