Staff Handbook

URJ Camp Coleman: Staff Handbook

“The soul is healed by being with children.” 
  — Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Russian novelist and philosopher 

“Children make your life important.” 
  — Erma Bombeck, American humorist 

“Children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate.” 
  — Anonymous 

On behalf of the Union for Reform Judaism, welcome to Camp Coleman.  Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Camp Coleman has been serving the needs of Reform Jewish Youth for over 50 years.  Our camp serves the summer needs of all members of the Reform Jewish Community in the Southeast Region. 

As a staff member, you will have the opportunity to contribute to our tradition of excellence, creativity and magic.  No matter what your position here at camp, you will directly influence the lives of children, assisting them in building memories that will last a lifetime. 

Serving as a staff member is both a privilege and responsibility.  This manual will outline both what we expect from you as well as what you can expect from us.  It is our hope that this manual will be a valuable tool for you throughout the summer.

A summer at Camp Coleman is like a journey.  Each day will bring new adventures and discoveries.  If you choose to view your experiences here in this light, at the end of the summer you will find the campers are not the only ones who have grown.

REMEMBER THE PRIMARY ROLE OF THE STAFF, THE OVERRIDING REASON FOR YOUR BEING HERE, IS TO PARTICIPATE WITH, AND GROW WITH THE CAMPERS!

Year Round Team

  • Amy Smyler McFarland, Director
  • Adam Griff, Associate Director
  • Lindsey Cohen, Assistant Director
  • Justin Levy, Assistant Director
  • Lauren Gordon, Assistant Director
  • Jennifer Siegal-Miller, Development
  • Sarah Cotler, Program Director
  • Beth
  • Judy
  • Carlos Hester, Facilities Manager
  • Darrel Dover, Assistant Caretaker
  • Brandon Crumbie

URJ CAMP COLEMAN MISSION STATEMENT

To inspire campers and staff to become caring, committed, and connected to the Jewish community through an extraordinary camp experience.

We do this through the values of kindness, respect, community, and peace.

ABOUT REFORM JUDAISM

  • What is Reform Judaism? 
    • Reform Judaism is an approach to Judaism that seeks to balance modernity and tradition. Reform Jews relate to Judaism as organic and dynamic, with a Torah that is continually open to interpretation. Reform Jews believe in studying Jewish tradition and using that knowledge and understanding to make informed choices about Jewish practice, which depends upon a lifelong commitment to Jewish learning. In North America, Reform Jews affiliate with over 900 congregations, which constitute the members of the URJ. There are approximately 1.5 million Reform Jews, making Reform Judaism the largest and fastest-growing Jewish movement in the world.
  •  How does the URJ promote the enrichment and growth of Judaism through Reform congregations?
    • The URJ is responsible for providing leadership and service to Reform congregations. The URJ prepares human, print and on-line resources to respond to articulated congregational needs. Just to cite a few examples: The URJ Press publishes materials explicitly for Reform Jews to use at home, in schools and at camps, as well as in synagogues. The URJ Program Division provides resources for congregational leaders, professional and volunteer. Reform Judaism magazine, sent to 305,000 Reform households four times a year, covers development within the Reform Movement while interpreting world events and Jewish tradition from a Reform perspective. The Religious Action Center in Washington, DC is the voice of Reform Judaism in the American political arena.
  • What is the Torah?
    • The Torah is the most sacred text of the Jewish people. The word “Torah” means “Instruction.” The term “Torah” most often refers to the first five books of the Bible—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These books narrate God’s creation of the world as well as the birth and early development of the Children of Israel (eventually known as the Jewish people). Moses, as the preeminent prophet, is the dominant personality in the last four books. Another meaning of the word “Torah” includes all Jewish teaching inspired by classical, sacred texts, e.g. the Bible, mishnah, Talmud, midrash, and prayer book.
  • How does the URJ support the State of Israel?
    • The URJ has several Affiliates, including ARZA/World Union, North America, the Reform Movement’s advocate on Israeli issues. The URJ sponsors educational experiences in Israel for children and adults to strengthen the links between Reform Jews and the State of Israel. The URJ Press publishes study materials for children and adults to provide authoritative information about the history and growth of Israel. One of the four branches of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion is in Jerusalem, and all rabbinical, cantorial and education students spend their first year studying in Israel.
  • How has Reform Judaism changed since 1996?
    • Under the leadership of its president, Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, the Union has focused much of its effort on two specific dimensions of Reform Judaism: worship and Jewish literacy, both of which complement the Movement’s longstanding efforts and excellence in promoting social justice, outreach, and synagogue administration. In his own words, Rabbi Yoffie, in 2007, called for “less corporate planning and more text and tradition; less strategic thinking and more mitzvot; less demographic data and more Shabbat.” True to its name, Reform Judaism has seen a shift toward more Torah, more worship, and more Jewish learning, among young people and adults, due in part to the programs, resources, and materials the Union and its affiliate organizations within the Movement make available to member congregations.
    • At the 2011 Biennial, The Campaign for Youth Engagement will be called to action to increase the URJ’s effectiveness in connecting young people to the Reform Movement.

THE MISSION OF THE URJ CAMPS

Starting with its first regional camp in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin (1951), the Union for Reform Judaism has found that its summer camps offer their participants challenging experiences in Jewish religious living.  The URJ looks on its camps as extensions, in a unique setting, of the Jewish home and the synagogue.

In essence, the Camps serve as model Jewish communities, with a set of values determined by the URJ and implemented by the Camp personnel engaged to administer the program (i.e. the counselor, Unit Head, Machon, assistant directors and camp director).  In a very real sense, the Camp’s tone and religious and cultural programs are made manifest by the staff.

 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF URJ CAMPS

  • Provide campers and staff with rewarding, challenging and pleasant experiences in a religious environment, and aid in the development of knowledgeable, believing and practicing Reform Jews.
  • Provide opportunities to study Torah to reach graded levels of understanding and appreciation.
  • Develop through the natural setting of a URJ Camp an awareness of the presence of God in all life.
  • Develop an appreciation and an understanding of the sacred relationships between humanity and God and between the peoples of the world.
  • Develop an understanding that life is filled with purpose and good beyond its material manifestations.
  • Provide youth and adults with opportunities to experience the fullness of Jewish life though prayer and other meaningful religious experiences.
  • Provide youth and adults with intensive training for roles in lay and professional leadership within the Reform Jewish community specifically, as well as the Jewish community at large.
  • Translate religious concepts into real experiences, develop in or modifying personal character and group behavior in consonance with the ideals of Judaism.
  • Provide a creative setting for Jewish learning and living, through integrated religious camp programming, at each URJ Camp.
  • Implement the awareness of K’lal Yisrael (the People of Israel) in general and the State of Israel in particular, and to offer campers the opportunity of finding their own creative and active roles in this process.

PRINCIPLES GUIDING URJ CAMP STAFF MEMBERS

It is essential that all program staff members understand the potential problems of young children, and that they be sufficiently mature to guide these impressionable youngsters through their stay at camp.

The program staff includes everyone at camp whose job involves the camper (campers), and their primary job responsibilities are to be good role models.  It is not enough to simply befriend a child.  Friendship is certainly encouraged (and hopefully inevitable), but the staff must also guide camper through the daily dilemmas of camp life – being a “counselor” in every sense of that word.  Good judgment and a parental attitude are always necessary because when we have a child at camp, we now actually have an entire family affected by our actions.  Parents, as well as children, are our clients, and their feelings must be respected at all times.

As model Jewish communities, URJ Camps serve as training centers for leaders in Reform Judaism, more and more of whom have come out of the URJ Camping Movement.  We are responsible not only for teaching camper, but for training and teaching staff.  It is part of your job to seek to increase your own Jewish knowledge and counseling skills to make you a better staff member and a more literate Jew.  There is a week of staff orientation and development prior to the start of camp and staff in-service training programs are ongoing throughout the summer.

URJ Camp programming is based on the basic foundations of Jewish life:  Torah (Jewish learning), Avodah (service, both worship service and physical work), and G’milut Chasidim (good deeds or social action).  It should be understood that the incorporation of a full nature, recreation, and athletic program into this best framework is essential.  The watchword is “balanced.”

In order to achieve a program that allows camper a wide range of properly supervised activities in which to participate, the Camp program has a fairly well defined structure.  The attempt is constantly made to strike that balance:  between activities participated in on individual, bunk, unit and all-camp levels, between intellectual and physical, coed and non-coed, outdoor and indoor and in many less tangible ways as well.

URJ Camps were established on a co-educational basis and the bulk of the programming in camp is coed.  A wholesome attitude towards boy-girl relations prevails in Union Camps.  The nature and extent of the relationships depend on the age and maturity of the camper.

We are a part of a system of camps. See them here! 

AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION

The American Camping Association (ACA) is a private, nonprofit educational organization with members in all 50 states and several foreign countries.  Its members represent a diverse constituency of camp owners and directors, executives, educators, clergy, business, representatives, consultants, camp and organization staff members, volunteers, students, retirees and others associated with the operation of camps for children and adults.  The association defines camping as:  A sustained experience which provides a creative, recreational and educational opportunity in group living in the out-of-doors.  It utilizes trained leadership and the resources of the natural surrounding to contribute to each camper’s mental, physical, social and spiritual growth.

The programs of the association are administered through 32 local sections.  Section and national officers are elected by the membership and serve without pay.  The organization is supported primarily by dues and contributions of its members. 

ACA serves as a consultant and advisor to many state and federal agencies related to the field of camping and to colleges and universities in the fields of outdoor education and recreation.

 THE MISSION OF THE ACA

The mission of the American Camping Association is to enhance the quality of the experience for youth and adults in organized camping, to promote high professional practices in camp administration, and to interpret the values of organized camping to the public in order to achieve the following goals and objectives:

Goal:  to contribute to the mental and physical well being and development of children and adults through organized camping by:

Objectives:

  • Extending the educational and recreational benefits of outdoor living.
  • Emphasizing citizenship training within the camp experience in keeping with the principles and traditions of American democracy.
  • Furthering the growth, nurture and welfare of the children and adults.
  • Fostering the development of awareness and appreciation of the interdependence of all living and non-living resources with a sense of stewardship for them.
  • Affording opportunities for spiritual growth.

 Goal:  To encourage the maintenance of high professional practices for camp leadership and camps by:

Objectives:

  • Stimulating high professional practices among camping leaders.
  • Providing opportunities for fellowship among camp leaders.
  • Facilitating the exchange of experiences and successful practices.
  • Developing standards, materials, and other resources for the advancement of camping.

Goal:  To promote the interests of the public and to stimulate public interest and participation in organized camping by:

Objectives:

  • Furthering standards of health and safety in organized camping.
  • Interpreting the values of camping to the public.
  • Advocating the importance of organized camping to related groups, organizations and disciplines.
  • Emphasizing and extending the unique experiences for personal growth and the enrichment of families in organized camping.

THE MEANING OF ACA ACCREDITATION

Accreditation is an educational process of self-examination and peer-review.  Camp owners and operators agree to uphold a stringent code of camp and management practices recognized among professionals as basic to camp operation.       

ACA’s camp standards program consists of nearly 30 items that can be applied to a camp’s operation.  These standards are continuously evaluated and updated to reflect the current state of the art in camp programs.

At least once every three years, teams of two or more trained camp professionals, known as visitors, observe a camp’s operation while in session and compare its practices with the standards of the industry.

Although many state and federal laws and regulations may address basic sanitation and food service concerns, ACA’s standards go a step further in addressing the specific areas of programming, personnel and management practices that relate specifically to summer camp. Separate standards are applied to activities such as aquatics, horseback riding, travel, and trip programs.

The difference with ACA’s accreditation program is that camp professionals choose to participate.  The camp management goes to considerable lengths to earn the distinction of being an accredited camp.  Just as various trades and professions display emblems showing they have met requirements in order to practice in their field, the nation’s day and resident camps have their mark of distinction. 

The ACA Accredited Camp logo indicates that a camp is owned and operated by camp management committed to complying with the highest standards established for the camp industry.  In seeking accreditation, camp owners and operators are saying that they are willing to have their operations scrutinized and reviewed by colleagues who know and value camp.

The more that you read,

the more things you will know.

The more that you learn,

the more places you’ll go.

         – I Can Read with My Eyes Shut!   – Dr. Seuss

UNION FOR REFORM JUDAISM EMPLOYMENT POLICIES

Please refer to your employment agreement or head to this link to view our employment policies.

UNION FOR REFORM JUDAISM AND CAMP COLEMAN

CAMP COLEMAN’S CORE VALUES

We are fortunate that by being a Jewish camp, we have a ready-made framework for teaching values.  Our camp community is based in four guiding principles – kavod (respect), shalom (peace), chesed (lovingkindness) and kehillah (community). By using these themes to guide relationships and behavior, we can create a truly caring community.

The feelings and property of each staff member must be respected. In a camp setting where individual relationships are intimate minor incidents can turn into major catastrophes. Any camp property or personal property willfully damaged by staff will have to be replaced by that staff member. 

CAMP COLEMAN’S VALUE PROPOSITION FOR STAFF & e21

Our staff believe that they gain meaningful and enjoyable experiences from a summer working at Camp Coleman.  Our staff members can expect to have opportunities to experience:

  • Personal and Professional Growth in areas including teamwork, life skills, people skills, problem solving, communication skills and communal living **
  • A strong connection with our community that works to create a safe space for all that are part of it.
  • A culturally diverse community where friends are made from around the world.
  • An immersive Jewish experience that allows for personal spiritual growth for Jews and non-Jews
  • The opportunity to influence and have a strong impact on young peoples’ spiritual and emotional growth.

**   e21 allows staff to receive significant training in critical skills areas – often described as 21st Century Skills, communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, leadership, work ethic, and professional and personal responsibility. These are the skills that America’s businesses have identified as critical to college and career readiness, and are also the very skills that define today’s “Skills Gap”. e21 utilizes a management rubric to track progress in the demonstration and utilization of these skills in the summer workplace. Staff receive weekly coaching regarding their ongoing learning, development and impact, and have the opportunity to earn certificates in each of the 21st Century Skill areas at the end of the summer. The dual objectives of e21 are to enable organizations to educate children and youth in the 21st century skill set, and to provide workforce development training to their employees, volunteers and interns that will have lasting value in this field and others that they may enter in the future.

Program staff will work to develop specific skills (21st century skills) over the course of their employment with us.  Our commitment is to document your skills growth so that you can speak to your work in this area to future employers.  On the next page you will find our  “Ideal Staff Member” and the skills listed are the ones of which you will work on.  After the summer, you will be sent an email outlining your experience and furnishing you with specific examples.

CAMP COLEMAN’S GLOSSARY for NEW STAFF

Please see our most up-to-date camp glossary here!

GENERAL POLICIES

The camp administration shall be the sole judge regarding the assignment to units and specialty areas and supervisors. Final Unit assignments will be made during Orientation. At the end of each session (including sessions for 2-week campers), some staff members will be assigned to other divisions as need requires. Where “discrepancies” occur in the camp structure, camp administration will be the sole judge of any necessary reassignment of staff.  Staff cooperation during these reassignments allows for a smooth transition and provides security for campers.

While on duty, all staff is required to attend all camp functions for their duration.

All staff members will be always neat in personal appearance and will “dress for the job”.  “Dress for the job” includes clothing that allows staff members to run, jump, sit on the ground and play without fear of clothing removal or slippage.  In addition, “dress for the job” includes wearing the proper footwear for each activity and time of day as well as wearing all white on Friday nights.  String Bikinis come loose easily and may not be worn by staff.  Thong bathing suits are not appropriate to wear around campers.  We ask our staff to think about how they are presenting themselves at all times and encourage a thoughtful approach.  The Director reserves the right to ask a staff member to rectify their appearance to meet these guidelines.

All staff members are expected to set a good example: rise on time, clean up their areas, personally supervise washing routines at rising and bedtime, be prompt along with campers to meals, tefillah and all activities, and display good manners in the Dining Hall as well as every facet of camp life. All counselors are expected to supervise campers as they make transitions from evening program to lights out. Respect for self, others and our environment are Jewish values stressed at Coleman. Younger campers will require extra help in making beds, packing for laundry, and overall hygiene.

The staff member will always act in the best interest of Camp Coleman, both in camp and in the communities surrounding camp. The staff person will contribute to the morale of camp, and do his/her share in creating interest and enthusiasm in the camp programs.

All staff members will know that it is important to have cleanliness in dress, bunks and throughout camp and its facilities.

All staff will be scheduled for camper coverage (daytime OD, nighttime OD, covering another counselor’s bunk, important role in unit program, etc.).  The appropriate supervisor will make such assignments.

All staff members will maintain written records as required by their position (letters to camper parents, evaluations, etc.).

Staff will abide by all rules with regard to use of camp facilities and equipment while on or off duty. Staff will be held responsible for damage to camp equipment or personal possessions of both campers and other staff if such damage is due to negligence. Staff member’s payment for such equipment lost or damaged while in their charge will be deducted from their salary. Staff members should insure all personal property/personal equipment that they bring with them to camp. URJ Camp Coleman is not responsible for any staff member’s personal property at any time.

Staff will aid lifeguards at the pool or lake and assist with swim instruction during such a period when campers are using these areas. All counselors are expected to wear proper attire each time their group attends swimming or boating activity so that they may participate.

Staff members will maintain their activity areas in a neat and well-kept condition and care for all of the equipment and supplies that are part of their areas or departments.

All specialists will be assigned to a unit, and whenever possible, the Specialist will maximize their involvement in that unit by attending evening programs and other camp wide programs (tefillot, Shmira, etc). The specialist will also be assigned a specific bunk within that unit to eat meals with and to serve night time duty with. The camp administration understands that specialists are primarily responsible for their specialty area and specialists will not be penalized because they are meeting those responsibilities.

ROLE OF STAFF MEMBERS

Primary responsibility for the health and safety of all campers lies with the members of the staff.  We are in a position both to prevent illness and injury and to recognize it when it does occur.

In the area of prevention, all staff members must always consider health and safety their top priority.  Staff members must constantly be aware and sensitized to health and safety concerns – whether that be by stopping inappropriate horse-play (the major case of accidents), watching for poison ivy and other natural hazards, insisting that proper personal hygiene and sanitation be maintained in bunks and around camp, or simply being aware of any and every potentially threatening situation into which campers may get themselves.

Personal Hygiene

The following hygiene policies must be observed and enforced:

  • Campers must shower and wash their hair daily. Even if this is not practiced at home, it must be done at camp.
  • Campers should brush their teeth at least twice a day – in the morning when they wake up, and before they go to bed.
  • Campers must change their clothing, underwear and socks daily. This may not be a regular practice, especially for younger camper. Counselors must insist and ensure that it takes place at camp.
  • Campers must never share or trade their clothing or towels with other campesr or staff. This is an excellent way to pass germs, lice, and viruses, and create problems during end-of-summer packing.
  • Campers should never share beds.
  • After camp-outs, campers should be checked for ticks, especially in their hair.
  • Campers must wash their hands or use hand sanitizer prior to each meal.
  • Campers and staff must wear proper footwear at all times when outside their bunks.
In the Bunk

Most health and safety concerns revolve around the bunk and have to do with the condition of and behavior in the bunk.  All bunks must be extremely clean and sanitary at all times.  Germs spread very well in a closed living situation, particularly in an unclean one.  Time is designated in the daily schedule for nikayon – bunk clean-up – but maintaining a clean cabin is an on-going process.

The following must be included as part of daily bunk clean-up:

  • All beds must be made
  • All personal belongings must be collected and stored in the proper place – dirty clothing in laundry bags, clean clothing and other possession in the cubbies or footlockers.
  • The floor must be swept for debris, and mopped
  • Bathrooms must be cleaned and mopped. Each toilet, sink and shower must be wiped down and sanitized with disinfectant.  Special care must be given to make sure that no standing water is left in the bathroom or living areas of the bunk at any time.
  • All wet towel and clothing must be left outside the bunk, on the porch or a clothesline, to dry.

On an on-going basis, the following should be checked:

  • All dirty clothing must be put in the campers’ laundry bags. It must not be left lying on the floor or the beds.
  • Laundry is to be done at the bunk’s scheduled time. This must include clothing, towels and linens.
  • Campers who have poison ivy, pink eye, contact dermatitis or any type of rash should not put on clothing that they have already worn. The area should remain covered and be seen by the Health Center ASAP.
  • Any soiled linens should be taken to the Health Center the following morning, and washed.
  • Campers should wear only their own clothing and use only their own towels and linens. This will help halt the spread of disease. Many illnesses are contagious only prior to the time that their symptoms are noticed.
  • Nothing should be passed around the bunk from camper to camper. This includes such things as stuffed animals, baby bottles, hats, and make-up.  These spread everything from pink eye to colds.

Many of the injuries at camp involve the beds in the bunks.  There is to be no jumping between beds, or hopping from beds to the floor.  Also, there is to be no pushing or shoving in the bunk. These activities have caused more camp injuries than any other!

INTERNET PRIVACY, CAMP REPRESENTATION AND SOCIAL NETWORKING

For the safety and security of our campers and fellow staff members, staff members are NOT permitted to:

  • Share or post e-mail, blogs, images or internet content that are cruel, demeaning, disrespectful or intentionally hurtful to a member of the camp community.
  • Present camp or its programs in a negative manner.
  • Download, share, send or post material of a sexual nature, or any material that includes nudity, violence, drug use, alcohol use (even if the staff member is over 21), illegal actions, or any activity which is against the camp rules.
  • Post any photos or comments of campers on ANY website or apps (such as Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.)
  • Post comments or images of staff members engaging in any action on- or off-camp prohibited by the rules of camp, including images of drug use, nudity, violence or alcohol use (even if the staff member is over 21).
  • Post real-time updates about activities or programs at camp on Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, or any other social network apps or web sites.

PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT CAMP:

  • Remove any photos, videos, comments, etc. that may misrepresent you or camp from social media (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.) This includes drinking (even if over 21), drug use, partying, violence, nudity, or dress that may appear questionable.
  • Make all social media accounts private

 The Director reserves the right to ask a staff member to remove any material in question. Any staff member found to be engaging in the above outlined activity or other activities that are slanderous or misrepresent camp risks dismissal from camp. If it is discovered that any illegal or inappropriate activity is displayed on your social medial accounts, you will be subject to dismissal by the director.

COMMUNICATION WITH CAMPERS AFTER CAMP

It is important to respect the natural boundary that exists between campers and staff members both during camp as well as during the school year. By working at Camp Coleman, you are accepting the responsibility of portraying yourself as a role model in the most positive manner possible. If campers request to communicate via phone, email or social media with you after the summer, you should get permission from the camper’s parent.  The intention behind this request is not to shield campers from possible inappropriate activity which should never be displayed publicly, but rather because you should not be exposing our campers to your life story and events of your life that tend to be illustrated on social media.

GENERAL STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES

All staff members are expected to relate to camper and fellow staff members in a professional manner. This means putting the camper and their interests first as well as doing their job competently.  Each staff member is an exemplar of Jewish living and a role-model for the camper.  Each person is expected to dedicate himself or herself to the values and concepts of our tradition as interpreted by Reform Judaism. Staff members are also expected to reflect loyalty to the Camp.

JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Job descriptions are important tools for any business or operation, and camp is no exception.  Job descriptions serve to inform job applicants, guide employees, and act as a framework for assessing an employee’s performance.

All camp positions have clearly defined job descriptions that are made available to the staff member.  These descriptions are for the purpose of enabling staff to prepare for their summer at camp and to enable them to understand the responsibilities of others.  In addition to the specific job descriptions for each staff position, there is also a general job description for all staff members which all staff are expected to fulfill.  These descriptions can be found in the Appendix of this manual.

UNITS

Please see all of our units on this webpage!

SALARY

All salaries are paid out of our New York headquarters in increments.

In addition to salary, camp will provide board, lodging, and Worker’s Compensation.  Contact the camp office if you have transportation questions or challenges.

To ensure Camp Coleman’s good name in nearby communities and to assure that all those associated with Camp Coleman can continue to use specific services, any debts incurred by staff outside of camp for such things as doctor and dentist bills, auto repairs, motel bills, restaurant checks, etc., will be deducted from salary, if necessary.

The amount of a staff member’s salary is confidential.  Staff members should not discuss their compensation.

If your salary includes a bonus for participating in a fellowship, completing the entire summer, or any other requirements, that portion of the salary will only be paid if those requirements are met.

TIPPING & GRATUITIES

THE STAFF MEMBER UNDERSTANDS THAT IT IS CONTRARY TO CAMP POLICY TO ACCEPT GRATUITIES OR TIPS FROM CAMPERS OR THEIR FAMILIES.  THIS IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STANDARDS OF THE AMERICAN CAMPING ASSOCIATION AND URJ POLICIES.

Travel Reimbursement Policy

Travel Reimbursement Policy for US staff:  If you live more than 300 miles from camp, we will reimburse your travel expenses up to $350 maximum roundtrip. You must turn your receipts into us no later than September 1 to be eligible for this reimbursement.  Appropriate receipts include gas, tolls, airline receipt, a receipt for checked baggage if applicable, and/or luggage service. Please make a copy of your receipts to keep for your records before submitting them.  These receipts should be sent or given to our Business Manager, ColemanAccounting@urj.org. We are unable to reimburse without receipts and after the deadline of September 1.

CAMP ORGANIZATION

This section of the manual will explain who does what in camp.  You should note that the different areas in camp are not as insular as they may seem.  This is not the military with a rigid vertical structure.  For example, the Bonim Unit Head is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Bonim program, whether it is arts and crafts, athletics, swimming, education, etc.  In addition, the counselor in Bonim is responsible for their kids having a safe time in athletics.  An arts and crafts staff member may be responsible for children not under their direct supervision in the chadar ochel (dining hall).  All supervisors are responsible for camp as a whole, making sure the over-all program is running in a proper manner.

The supervisors (unit heads and specialist coordinators) meet every day to discuss and make decisions that affect their individual areas as well as the camp as a whole.  The director and assistant directors oversee the program and its development and the complex administrative duties that go into running camp.

The different departments, areas of responsibility and units were created to give everyone a clearer understanding for what and to whom they are responsible.  However, they should not be viewed as rigid dividing lines between people.  Camp Coleman functions as a complete community relying on everyone’s cooperation and input.  The key to a successful summer at camp is positive interaction and communication between everybody.

Camp is broken into Programming and Support staff.  Within the programming area are two basic divisions – units and departments.  Most activities are run by unit and coordinated by the Unit Heads.  Counselors function within those units.  Departments cross unit boundaries and as a result specialists working in various departments (athletics, arts, swimming, education, etc.) will deal with children of all ages.  Specialists and counselors often work together running an activity and it is only by cooperating with each other that the activities run smoothly and properly.

Support staff are those staff members not directly involved in the camp programming, and are very integral parts of the operation of camp.  These areas include the kitchen, facilities, mirpa’ah (Health Center) and misrad (office) staff.  Try and imagine camp running without any of these areas.  It is impossible.  The failure of anyone of those areas to run smoothly and efficiently would be catastrophic to the overall working of camp.

Despite what at first glance may appear to be a complex structure, remember that it all sounds a lot more complicated than it really is.  There are two key things to remember:  You are part of a TEAM and EVERYBODY at camp has the responsibility for making sure that the CHILD has a great time.

  1. There is always someone around to help. Every major concern that a camper or staff member might have there is someone assigned in the Camp administration to take care of it. As with many things, in camp, if you are not sure, ASK.

SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE

Please see our schedule here. 

*Bed times differ by age group of camper

WAKE-UP

Campers in units Bonim through Nachshonim will wake up at 7:30 a.m.  Kesher and Chalutzim will wake up at 8:15am.  It is the responsibility of the counselors to make sure that their bunk is awake, dressed, and at the first activity of the day on time. If your campers need more time to get ready in the morning, please adjust your wake up time accordingly. Please bring your own alarm clock! The time in the bunk prior to breakfast sets the mood for the day, so “Boker Tov” (good morning) time should be upbeat and positive.

MEALS

Almost all meals will be eaten in the Chadar Ochel (dining hall).  Prior to each meal, all campers and staff must wash their hands or use hand sanitizer.  It is the responsibility of the counselor to make sure this happens either in the bunk or in the bathrooms of the Chadar Ochel (or using hand sanitizer outside of the dining hall).

For all meals, everyone is expected to remain seated. The only people standing during a meal, are those who are going to refill an item or going to the salad bar/breakfast bar.  Campers should be reminded to use the restroom before the meal begins. It is especially important that everyone remains seated at the of the meal during stack and pass, so we can clean up efficiently.

We offer a “kosher-style” menu which involves not mixing meat and milk in one meal.  We also have vegetarian options at every meal and are able to accommodate those on special allergy or health-related diets.  Please make sure to fill out your dietary needs on your forms, if you don’t you will have an opportunity during staff week to let us know.

As role models, your willingness to try new things is an important quality for your camper to emulate – the menu falls into this category.

SNACK

One snack is served every day in the afternoon and then again after the evening activity.

NIKAYON (CLEAN UP)

Every bunk must be thoroughly cleaned every day.  The purpose of this is to keep our living conditions sanitary and “livable” as well as to teach the value of taking care of ourselves and our property.  Responsibility for nikayon lies with the camper, under the supervision of and with help from the staff. Jobs are usually rotated among members of the bunk (counselors included) and there is a set of standards to be reached. 

 

The health and safety of the camper is contingent upon a clean bunk.  Bunks will be inspected daily by the Unit Head. Winners of inspection will be duly rewarded at the end of the session.

 

Those living in staff housing facilities are expected to clean their bunks on a regular basis as well.  A supervisor will be checking periodically to make sure that health standards are being met.

LaB (Learning and Belonging)

As a Jewish camp, there is a designated period of the day for Jewish learning. This educational experience aims to deepen campers’ Jewish knowledge in a process that also strengthens their feelings of belonging with the Coleman community and the Jewish community at large. These sessions are intentionally crafted to be active, fun, and relevant to the lives of the campers. This period is facilitated by faculty with the assistance of unit staff.

MENUCHA (REST HOUR)

Every day after lunch each bunk has Menucha. This is a time in the bunk, that should have an atmosphere that if a camper wants to rest, it will be calm and quiet enough for them to do so. The overall atmosphere even with no one trying to nap, should be relaxed, calm, and re-energizing. It is a rest time for staff members as well as for campers. However, AT LEAST one counselor needs to be awake at all times during a menucha period. Menucha is not an hour off.

SHIRA (SONGSESSION)

Shira can be the most fun, educational, and inspirational part of the day. Several times per week, the song leaders, with the help of visiting Faculty and skilled staff members, will lead shira.

Staff members are encouraged and expected to serve as role models for campers during shira.  Active participation and high energy are essential.

BUNK ACTIVITIES

The bunk is the heart of the camp experience, and giving bunks the opportunity to spend time together on a regular basis is an essential part of the camp program.  Several evenings a session is reserved just for bunks, and counselors and specialists are expected to plan special evening programs just for their campers.

CHOFESH

Most regular camp days include Chofesh (free time) where campers can hang out or visit an open activity they are interested in spending more time in. It’s even a time for campers to just relax (not in the bunk) on the grassy knoll, a swing or the dock as examples.  Staff members will be assigned locations throughout camp to ensure the safety of our campers during this time.

MANDATORY OPTIONALS

Most every Shabbat day, after tefillah and again after menucha, campers, with at least one other camper, have a period of time during which they are free to choose among many of the activities offered at camp.  This gives campers the chance to participate in activities they have not yet experienced.  For example, a camper might choose to go to Arts & Crafts one Shabbat and the ropes course the next.  This affords camper the opportunity to interact with those in other units, to participate in activities that they might not otherwise come in contact with, and to have a more varied experience at camp.  Not every activity is open every Shabbat; those offered are announced in the morning. During this time, counselors are stationed to be On Duty in a designated area of camp or the bunk.

EVENING PROGRAMS

Evening programs are always exciting.  Most evening programs take place by Unit and offer activities different from those scheduled during the day.  Whether they are specialty-based, built around an age-appropriate theme, focused on an educational topic, or just “wild-and-crazy,” evening programs bring a unique element to every night of the summer.

Evening programs should be planned well in advance, and the design for many of them will be completed during staff orientation. Each of the Unit’s programming is under the direction and supervision of the Programming team and Unit Head. Programs are planned by the programmers, faculty, or teams of staff members. It is the responsibility of the Unit Head and Programmer to ensure that each Unit’s calendar of programs is varied, creative and balanced, and that all programs are planned and prepared in a timely manner.  The Programmers are responsible for seeing that the programs are set up and the supplies requested are available.  Staff members are often asked to assist in this process.

BUNKS IN AND LIGHTS OUT

Units will go to bed at times appropriate to their age.  Bedtime is based on all campers getting a minimum of eight hours of sleep per night. Your Unit Head will tell you the lights out time for your Unit.

Bunks-in and lights out give counselors the opportunity to interact with their camper in a much calmer, quieter way.  The events and successes of the day can be shared.  With the permission of your Unit Head, you may invite a Rabbi or other Camp staff member to spend some quiet time with your bunk.  Most importantly, though, the time should be spent calming campers down, and preparing them for sleep. Staff members should not leave their bunks until all of the campers are in their own beds, and quiet, with the lights out.

Bunks-in nights happen 2 times a session. Bunks-in mean the counselors in the bunk stay there after lights out. These nights are the first night and the last night of the session. Your unit head will explain more during staff week.

NIGHT DUTY/OD

Throughout the summer, all programming staff members (counselors, specialists, and programmers) are scheduled to be on duty at night after lights out.

Typically a staff member will sit every third night on average throughout the session. Staff who are on duty in the bunks are expected to remain at their assigned bunk and to maintain peace and quiet.  The job entails problem-solving, peacekeeping, and supervision of health and safety.

OD Policies
  • There will be no “visitation” of other staff members who are “Off Duty” and could therefore be a distraction to the staff member who is supervising the bunk.
  • The scheduled Senior OD will be the only people who can release a staff member of their duties.
    • The scheduled Senior OD will be the only people who can release a staff member from the bunk for the night until curfew
  • No staff member, while On Duty, may go to sleep without the expressed permission of the Senior OD.
    • No staff member, while On Duty, may go to sleep until they know ALL campers have been asleep for over 20 minutes.
  • The staff members On Duty at a cabin may sit on the porch and/or be in the immediate vicinity of the cabin always mindful of the campers’ safety.
    • The staff members On Duty at a cabin may sit on the porch or in the cabin, always being mindful of the campers’ safety.   
  • The staff member On Duty should not be wearing headphones or be in any other way distracted or unable to hear what is happening inside the cabin.
    • The staff member On Duty is allowed to have one headphone in but the volume must be low and they must always be able to hear inside the cabin.
  • If the staff member is on the porch, frequent and consistent checks of the inside of the cabin are necessary. 
  • The goal is to prevent any instance of bullying and to provide safety at night. It is also the responsibility of the staff person who is On Duty to make sure that campers are aware that they are there to help them. 
  • Staff members On Duty should also report any behavioral issues to the Senior OD. 
  • If a camper needs medical attention, the staff member On Duty should immediately flag down the Senior OD in order to have the situation addressed immediately.
    • If a camper needs medical attention, the staff member On Duty should immediately flag down the senior od or use their walkie in order to have the situation addressed immediately.

Machon (Staff in Training)

Our staff-in-training program, Machon includes 3 programs: Machon Full Summer (8 weeks), Machon 6 Week (6 weeks), and Machon Adventure (5 weeks). Please view a description of these programs here

T’FILLAH (Prayer Services)

We have several different types of t’fillah (prayer services) throughout the week. Keva (fixed) services are attended by the whole camp and usually led by a unit. Campers participate by sharing personal writing, leading prayers, or designing artwork. The preparation for a Keva service is done during a LaB session several days before the service. Once-a-week we offer a kavannah (intention) service which is led by faculty and staff members for their unit and is an opportunity to learn more about a prayer or a section of praters. In addition, we offer T’fillahpalooza services which are creative ways of moving through the themes of the service. The services are run by our faculty and staff and are designed to offer a large variety of ways to engage, such as: finger painting, legos, watercolors, pilates, journal writing and more. Shabbat keva services highlight participants from each unit on Friday night and groups of staff members on Saturday morning.

THE ROLE OF THE FACULTY AT CAMP

A tradition at Camp Coleman is the Faculty.  The Faculty is made up of many different professionals from Jewish Life:  Rabbis, Cantors, and Jewish Educators. Each faculty member typically attends camp for 1-2 weeks, but some stay for the whole session! Usually, they are an integral part of the camp experience.  The Faculty works closely with the programming team, plan and execute programs while helping out where ever is needed!

The Faculty is available for you, the staff member, on personal and professional matters.  While they are only in camp for one or two weeks the Faculty members are part of the general Camp Coleman Staff.

CAMPER MAIL

Incoming mail will be delivered by faculty and office staff during Menucha (rest hour).  Those not living in the bunk can get their mail from the office during their hour off.

The sending and receiving of mail is very important: we have an expectation of parents that they will write their camper on a regular basis – minimum, twice a week.  We also guarantee to the parents of Tsofim and younger that their children will write home at least twice a week. This is mandatory. Your Unit Head will inform you of the system in place in your Unit to ensure letters are written. It is a primary responsibility of the counselor to keep a record of when parents write to their camper and ensure the letters are delivered to the outgoing mailbox.  If a child has not received mail from parents, let the Unit Head know.  We will then call the parents and remind them of their responsibility.

A camper who needs more toothpaste, shampoo, etc., should write home for more. If it is an emergency let your Unit Head know. Stamps and stationery will not be available for purchase – campers must write home for those supplies as well.

CAMPER LAUNDRY

Camper laundry is done by unit on scheduled days, approximately once a week.  All laundry is done off the campgrounds.  Each camper will collect his/her dirty laundry in his/her laundry bag and leave it in the laundry shed located next to the Chadar Ochel on the way to breakfast. After it is washed, dried, and folded by the laundry company, the clean laundry will be returned to the laundry shed in bags the following day. It is the responsibility of the counselors to ensure that laundry bags are picked up the following day. Counselors and live-in-bunk specialists send their laundry to be washed with their unit.

Staff lose things too. We strongly encourage staff to label all of their items with their first and last name.

All staff members not living in bunks will have a designated day on the schedule that their laundry will be done. Staff members may, if they choose, take their laundry to the coin-operated laundry facility in town during time off.

LOST & FOUND

While it is hoped that campers will acquire a greater sense of responsibility for their possessions while at camp, it is not unusual for various items to be misplaced, left at the pool, mixed up in the laundry, dropped on a walkway, etc. All items found on the campgrounds should be brought to the lost and found at the Chadar Ochel.  Next to the main entrance of the Chadar Ochel are bins with each bunk labeled and a bunk list for you to find the camper and their bunk to place it in the correct bin. HOPEFULLY, the clothes are clearly labeled! If a camper or staff member knows something is lost, they should go to the Chadar Ochel to look for lost items. On your way into and out of the dining hall, staff should check their cabins lost and found bin daily, making every attempt to reunite the individuals with their possessions.  Please help us by reminding your camper to keep track of their belongings.  You can also help yourself by writing your name on all of your belongings.

THE CAMP GROUNDS AND FACILITIES

LOCATION

Camp Coleman is located in Cleveland, Georgia in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  The camp is approximately 90 miles Northeast of Atlanta, Georgia.  Cleveland is a small town that offers grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, and shops. 

WEATHER

Weather in Georgia in the summer is typically hot and can be wet.  Temperatures during the day are usually in the upper eighties Fahrenheit, if not higher.  In the evenings, temperatures may drop to the seventies and upper sixties Fahrenheit, but generally stay warm.  Our programming includes rainy day schedules.  Having a raincoat, hat and sunscreen is recommended.

FACILITIES

Some of our buildings are air-conditioned although it is not always needed. We have two outdoor chapels (Strauss and Hillman), tennis and roller hockey courts, athletic fields, a covered basketball court (called the Brody), a soccer field, a swimming pool, lakefront beach with the “blob” and other waterfront activities, four sukkot(covered huts for programming), a large and small covered program space (ulam katan and Ulam Elisheva), a challenge course, climbing tower, a state of the art Performing Arts Center (called the Harris Center) and a brand new addition to our ropes course, a Courageous Warrior Course!

OUTDOOR LIVING

Part of being in a summer camp environment is having a lifestyle more rooted in the natural world.  The campers will develop environmental awareness through the general behavior of the camp.  They will also develop an appreciation for the natural setting of the camp through programs developed by the nature and campscape staff, the Israeli Culture, and our Coleman Quest Staff.

SPECIAL DAYS

BIRTHDAYS

Birthdays of camper and staff that occur during the summer are celebrated regularly.  Following a meal, the name of the birthday celebrant is announced, and a cake is served to the bunk as an extra dessert. The whole Camp will join together in the singing of “Yom Hu’ledet Samay’ach” – “Happy Birthday” and of course, “Skip around the room.”  Campers are allowed to make a phone call home on their birthday.  In addition, counselors may visit our birthday decorations store in order to decorate their table for their campers’ celebrations.

Your unit head will have a list of who has a birthday during the session and will inform you and how to go about celebrating them. Celebrating their birthday away from home could be hard and we want to make sure their camp birthday is special (and not forgotten).

OPENING AND CLOSING DAYS

Special schedules are put together for opening and closing days of every session.  These will be covered during Staff Orientation.  Please note that there are many tasks that need to be accomplished at the beginning and end of a session, and we ask staff members to take the lead in ensuring that everything gets done.

 The focus of these first few days of camp will be to introduce and acculturate campers to “Coleman Ways.”  Campers will also be working out their daily schedules, and sufficient time for cabin-bonding and unit development will also be included.

PHOTO DAY

Towards the beginning of each session our campers are photographed by bunk and unit.  They must wear their Camp Coleman t-shirt for these photos. This picture is generally taken during the sports period for the unit.

SHABBAT AT CAMP COLEMAN

Shabbat is a very special day at camp, with a very different mood and schedule.   The Friday afternoon schedule may be altered from the regular weekday schedule to allow for some all-camp pre-Shabbat activity to get the camp community into the spirit of Shabbat.

The celebration of Shabbat begins with a Shabbat walk.  The songleaders will begin at the bunks- one on either side of the lake- and travel through the bunk area, picking up members of the Camp community along the way.  The walk concludes at the Chadar Ochel (or other designated location), where Kabbalat Shabbat (the blessings welcoming Shabbat) and dinner will be held.

Following dinner, the camp will be together for Shabbat T’fillah, after which, we will have Shira (songsession) and snack.  Later in the evening when campers are in their bunks, it is Camp Coleman tradition that the staff will have Oneg Shabbat together.

On Saturday morning, campers have the opportunity to sleep late.  Although a later morning wake-up is scheduled, campers who do not wish to sleep in may leave their bunks after 8:00 a.m.  It is imperative that campers do not leave the bunks prior to this time, because there will not be staff supervision outside the cabins before 8:00!  There are optional morning activities – prior to t’fillah – staffed by counselors and specialists.  Staff members will be assigned to cover areas of camp, insuring the health and safety of the campers. Everyone is to attend breakfast.  Shabbat morning t’fillah takes place later in the morning.

Saturday has a different schedule than all other days. We have Mandatory Optionals, which are after services and after menucha. Campers will be able to choose activities or choose to hang out, outside the bunk. Counselors will be assigned to various areas of camp and in the bunk for coverage on a rotating basis. Specialists will be in charge of their activity areas, doing something different than their normal classes during the week.

Time off

General Details

Each staff member will have two (2) days off (30 hours) and one (1) 6 hour-time block off per session. If you are staying for both sessions, you will also have about 30 hours off for intersession too. The exact timing of these days and evenings are worked out with your supervisor before the start of each session. Camp Coleman reserves the right to amend days off policy as needed.

Camp will grant requests for time off in case of family emergencies, weddings, college orientations, etc., after approval.  Staff member’s day off schedule will then be changed to make up for the day or days he/she will be away from the job. These requests must be written in advance, except for family emergencies and are not guaranteed to be approved.

Two or more consecutive days off for all staff are possible only with the Director’s approval.  Requests must be submitted in advance.

Above we talk about cabins in night, which is the first, 2nd, and last day off where the counselors stay in the cabin.

Days off may be taken in or out of camp.

Camp works extremely hard to provide transportation for staff members who need it. However, there may be times when it may not be possible for camp to transport staff.  In this case, we will facilitate and do our best to arrange carpools with other staff. Ultimately, staff will also need to make their own arrangements.

INTERSESSION

Staff will receive time off between sessions (what we call Intersession). Typically, for non-Leadership staff, assuming that all business has been taken care of, staff members leave camp late afternoon the day first session ends and are report back to camp ready to work early on the day before second session campers arrive. Camp will help provide transportation if needed.

LEAVING CAMP on a period off

Staff are able to leave on a period off. However, they must budget their time correctly and make sure if they do leave, that they are back at the next period’s activity. Due to days off,  sometimes the period off may change to a different period.

LEAVING THE PREMISES

All staff must sign in and out of camp anytime they leave camp for their time off. This helps us know who is in and out for camp at any given moment for security purposes.

CURFEW

All staff not On Duty must return IN TO camp by 12:30 AM (on nights that staff is allowed to leave camp), and sign in at the gate. An OD who doesn’t live in the bunk, can only leave once a staff member living in the bunk, says “yes I am here for the night”.

HEALTH

Health and Accidents

Mirpa’ah (Health Center) policies will be discussed during orientation and will be strictly enforced.

Health Examinations – All staff members are required to have a health examination at their own expense within 12 months prior to the opening of camp and must submit the doctor’s report to camp. The Health Form is located on your CampInTouch account under forms.

Expenses incurred through illness or injury not directly related to assigned camp duties are not covered under Workers Compensation.

The Health Center will make all doctors and/or hospital appointments. Doctors and/or hospital appointments made by the staff without prior knowledge of the Health Center are the staff members’ financial responsibility.

The administration reserves the right to terminate the employment and prorate the salary if a staff member whose illness or accident results in their being incapable to perform their duties for the period of three consecutive days.

If a staff member cannot work due to illness, injury and/or family emergency the system of 2 sick days = either (a) loss of day off or (b) extra OD; 1 sick day will result in the loss of 15 hours off or an extra OD.

In case of emergency, and the parents of a staff member cannot be reached, Camp Coleman is hereby granted permission to secure any additional medical and/or surgical treatment and hospital services needed upon advice and recommendation of Camp Director and Medical Staff.

Staff members are responsible for paying for their own prescription medication.  IF PAYMENT IS NOT MADE, MONEY OWED WILL BE WITHHELD FROM FINAL PAYCHECK.

COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS

All staff members need to be able to recognize and deal with any health problems that might occur.  Here are some things to look for:

  • Watch for signs of ill health, and report them to the nurse. These include listlessness, loss of appetite, fever, diarrhea, constipation, skin rashes, etc.
  • Minor problems such as mosquito bites, minor lacerations and abrasions, etc., may be treated with the staff first aid kit.  However, do not treat things that you are not qualified to handle. You may not ever give you camper any kind of medication.
  • If a camper has any form of contact dermatitis – such as poison ivy – he or she must not wear the same clothing more than once, as this will aggravate and spread the infection. Particular attention must be given to make sure that camper with such conditions do not share clothing or towels with other camper.
  • If a serious injury or illness occurs, know what to do. Specific procedures are included later in this chapter.  First and foremost, though, don’t panic.  Your camper will be looking to you for guidance.
Medication

Staff members who live in bunks may not keep any kind of medication in their living spaces. Staff will have the opportunity to put all of the personal medication in an envelope provided by the health center for safekeeping. This will be accessible to staff 24/7 in the health center. Medical staff will bring staff meds to meals for convenience.  

Staff members who do not live with campers may keep their personal medication in their living space, but can also put their meds in the health center for safekeeping.

STAFF VEHICLES, TRANSPORTATION AND VEHICULAR POLICY

Transportation of Campers

All vehicles carrying campers must have assigned staff members who are trained in procedures to follow in case of an accident.  These procedures include those for securing care for any injured individuals, supervising the non-injured, emergency communication and notification, and the filling out of an accident report. These assigned staff must also collect appropriate information about witnesses, the accident scene, official reports, and other information pertinent to the accident.  All vehicles carrying 15 or more people must include staff members trained in the procedures above as well as group management.

No vehicle will be loaded beyond the safe limits prescribed the by manufacturer.  Campers must remain seated at all times.  Campers must wear seatbelts when provided.  In vehicles provided with safety belts, only the number of people for whom a belt is provided may travel.

When multiple vehicles are traveling, they must follow procedures to safely travel together as a convoy.  This may include inter-vehicle communication. 

In no case will campers be transported in personal vehicles unless authorized in writing by the Camp Director and the vehicle owner.  In such a case, appropriate vehicle information will be forwarded to the Camp’s insurance company.  Campers will not be transported in vehicles not designed for passengers; the exception to this will be hay rides on flatbed trailers with side panels.

Vehicles Used

The camp will charter buses and other commercial vehicles only from reputable companies that provide regular maintenance on their vehicles.  Charter coaches and school busses will come only from reputable charter companies that require their drivers to possess a valid commercial operator’s license.

All vehicles used by the camp will be equipped with a fire extinguisher, emergency road signage, and a stocked first aid kit.  The only exception to the above policy is personal vehicles operated by staff members which may leave camp in the case of staff members accompanying each other on time-off out of camp.

Requirements for Drivers

All drivers must be in possession of an operating license appropriate to the vehicles being driven.  Their driving records will be reviewed by the camp’s insurance agent prior to the beginning of the season.  All drivers will be given a driving test prior to the season by a year-round staff member, if they are to drive vehicles with a capacity great than 9 passengers, or a type that is new to them (e.g.: driving a small 14 passenger bus/van).  

All drivers will follow written procedures for backing up, loading and unloading passengers, dealing with mechanical breakdown, refueling (and location of campers while refueling), health problems, handling unusual camper behavior, and doing a “pre-flight” check and walk-around.  These policies are as follows:

Backing up: when backing up, please do it slowly, carefully and with a clear view, as there may be campers or staff in the area.

Prior to departure:  A bus captain is someone deemed by the leadership at camp, AND is over 21 years old. There MAIN responsibility is to count all on the bus including staff, call roll while making eye contact with each person, and then counting everyone again. After all of that is completed, you may leave, or convoy with the rest of the buses.

Please verify the stocked first aid kit or bus bag, all proper documentations such as medical forms, roster, itinerary, and first aid kit location.

Loading/Unloading:  vehicle must be in park with the parking brake set and the engine off.

Refueling:  vehicle must be in park with the parking brake set and the engine off.

-Vehicular Breakdown:  never leave campers alone with vehicle.  Use cellular phone for summoning help or send another staff member.  When in doubt, stay where you are, and help will come to you.  Flag down a passing police officer or uniformed official NOT another motorist.

Evacuating: Bus drivers and accompanying staff members must be familiar with the procedures for evacuating the vehicle.

Traffic Guidelines on Camp

The goal of traffic policies at camp is safety:  to keep motor vehicles away from areas where campers are in activities.  Toward that end, traffic will be banned on paths that are not the camp’s perimeter road with the exception of service vehicles and maintenance vehicles.  A staff member will accompany delivery vehicles to and from the kitchen or other areas of camp.  Delivery vehicles will be unloaded only in the loading dock area.

There will be considerably heavier traffic on opening and closing days of camp.  Published procedures will be in effect on opening and closing days.

Parking will be allowed only in designated areas of camp to be announced during staff week.

Speed limit signs are posted at the entrance to the Camp.

Staff Vehicles

Staff members may bring their cars to camp with the understanding that they agree to the following:

  • Staff member must register their vehicle using the online form. Please include the license plate number, state, make, model and year of the vehicle. No car is to be parked at camp that is not registered with camp administration.
  • Cars at camp must carry adequate insurance for both liability and collision.
  • We strongly recommend that you do not lend your car to other staff.
  • Staff vehicles are to be used for driving in/out of camp only and not for transportation around camp.
  • Staff vehicles must park in appropriate camp parking lots. Camp Coleman will not be responsible for damage to a staff vehicle not parked in an approved and designated parking area.
URJ Camps Policy on Staff Vehicles

Asking a staff member to use their car for camp business
All camps should avoid asking staff or faculty to use their personal cars for camp business. In the event that this occurs both the camp and the staff member should be aware of the URJ policy regarding accidents or ticket occurrence:

Accident: When employees use their own vehicles while on URJ business and an accident occurs, your personal auto liability insurance is primary, and URJ liability coverage is applied only when your own liability coverage is exhausted.

Regarding physical damage to your car: If you have comprehensive and/or collision coverage on your own car that is the only coverage available for damage to your vehicle. The URJ’s policy does not cover damage to an employee’s car on either an excess or primary basis.

If there is an accident and damage to your vehicle, the URJ will reimburse the deductible amount to the employee up to a maximum of $500.00 per claim as long as proper documentation is provided which details the authorized purpose of the trip for the URJ and includes the appropriate invoice(s) from the repair shop.

Ticketing: Employees who are charged with traffic violations or parking tickets are responsible for the cost of those violations. If employees are involved in accidents because of the use of a cellular telephone while driving, employees will be responsible for any deductible related to the liabilities that result from such actions in addition to the cost of the cellular phone usage traffic violation.

Staff lending their cars to others for personal use
The URJ Camps strongly discourage staff members from lending to or borrowing vehicles from others due to the potential risk of such arrangements, including the potential for bodily harm, vehicular damage, or other such hazards.

Should a staff member lend their car to or borrow a car from another staff member, the URJ is not liable for any damages that may ensue.

 Damage to vehicles at camp
Personal vehicles damaged while parked on URJ premises are not the responsibility of the camp. The URJ assumes no responsibility for theft or damage to any personal vehicle while on camp property.

COMMUNICATION WITH PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF CAMP

MAIL

Mail is delivered daily to camp by the United States Postal Service.  Mail may be addressed to staff members care of the camp; the address should include the job or bunk assignment of the staff member in order to help the office staff to quickly sort the incoming mail. 

Staff Member’s Name:       
Bunk Name:
201 Camp Coleman Drive
Cleveland, GA 30528

For security reasons, all mail received at camp MUST have a return address.

CELL PHONES

Cell phones ideally should be used during your time off. However, we fully recognize the world we live in, and a text here or there, to respond is allowed. Our expectation though, is that your phone is your pocket or backpack and it should stay there most of the day. The goal here is that your phone is not a distraction to doing your duties as a staff member and that your full attention is on the campers/your job.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Camp Coleman is hereby granted permission to use any individual or group photographs showing staff members in camp activities for public relations purposes.

MAIL

Mail is delivered daily to camp by the United States Postal Service.  Mail may be addressed to staff members care of the camp; the address should include the job or bunk assignment of the staff member in order to help the office staff to quickly sort the incoming mail. 

Staff Member’s Name:       
Bunk Name:
201 Camp Coleman Drive
Cleveland, GA 30528

For security reasons, all mail received at camp MUST have a return address.

CELL PHONES

Cell phones ideally should be used during your time off. However, we fully recognize the world we live in, and a text here or there, to respond is allowed. Our expectation though, is that your phone is your pocket or backpack and it should stay there most of the day. The goal here is that your phone is not a distraction to doing your duties as a staff member and that your full attention is on the campers/your job.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Camp Coleman is hereby granted permission to use any individual or group photographs showing staff members in camp activities for public relations purposes.

Shabbat

Expectations

In the spirit of keeping within the Jewish Identity component of Camp Coleman, the staff is expected to respect Shabbat. Friday nights, therefore, will be an “in-camp” night, at which time special staff programs will occur.

On Friday nights at Coleman, we wear white. All staff should not only wear white but should make sure all campers are in white also. Khaki pants or shorts are also acceptable.

Valuables

BELONGINGS AND INSURANCE

URJ Camps carry Workmen’s Compensation Insurance and Public Liability Insurance.  All staff members must have a current health form on file at camp.  This has been distributed and is available online.  The URJ also participates in the government’s Social Security Program but not its unemployment insurance program. 

The Camp accepts no responsibility for the personal belongings of camper or staff members, and we strongly urge you not to bring valuable items to camp.  This includes good jewelry and clothing, electronic games and stereo systems. We are making available, through an independent agent, a Personal Effects policy.  This will ensure you for losses of up to three-hundred dollars. If you would like this coverage, please submit the order form.

MONEY AND VALUABLES STORAGE

International staff can be assigned, upon request, a locker and a combination lock in the staff lounge for valuables.  This includes cash, airline or bus tickets, expensive watches or jewelry, etc. 

During the summer, there may be times when you as staff will need money. No advances will be given on paychecks. For international staff, your paychecks will be put on an international debit card that can be used immediately. We will give further information during the summer.

PRIVATELY OWNED ITEMS & PETS

The camp will not take any responsibility for privately owned sports equipment or other items.  Campers will not be allowed to use staff members’ property without permission by the director or assistant director.  At no time will the Camp assume any responsibility, financial or otherwise, for those items.

No visitors or seasonal staff members may bring weapons of any type onto camp property.

Staff members and faculty members may not bring any pets onto camp property without the expressed permission of the Camp Director.  All pets must have written proof of their vaccinations and health history and must be kept under positive owner control at all times.  The pet owner assumes all responsibility for damage to property caused by their pet or injury caused by their pet. 

Staff Lounge

The Staff Lounge is for staff members only. This lounge is off limits to all campers, including Machon. The upkeep, maintenance, and care of the lounge are a staff responsibility. If this responsibility is not met, the camp administration reserves the right to close the lounge. We hope you will enjoy the use of the lounge and will treat the room and equipment as you would a family room in your own home.  We have computers in the staff lounge for use. Please be mindful of the time spent on the computer, if others are waiting. If staff members visit inappropriate websites, they  will be banned from using the computers and could face disciplinary action.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Air conditioners and food cooking devices (including hotplates, coffeepots, and water heaters) are prohibited at camp. Each staff member may bring one electric fan for use in cooling the bunk as a whole, meaning it should be facing the bunk, not the staff member. If a staff member wants a personal fan, they should purchase a battery operated fan. Campers will not be permitted to bring electric fans to camp.

CHADAR OCHEL (DINING ROOM)

All staff, as well as campers, are expected to wear proper clothing in the Chadar Ochel. Bathing suits may not be worn unless covered by a top and shorts or pants. No one should be barefoot as well in the Chadar Ochel.

Arrival on time is necessary at all meals. No staff is allowed to leave until the completion of the meal, or with approval from their supervisor.

The Motzi and Birkat Hamazon(Jewish blessings before and after meals) will be recited before and after each meal. 

The kitchen and storage areas are off limits to all non-kitchen-related staff. Please respect the kitchen staff. All inquiries or problems regarding food should be reported to the kitchen manager.

We have a no labels on tables policy, which means no staff should buy anything from a supermarket for meal. In short, everything on the table should come from the kitchen.

FOOD

Camp provides three meals a day, as well as various snacks. Please do not take food from the Chadar Ochel (dining hall).  Staff, on their days off, are more than welcome to eat meals at regular hours. It is not possible to provide staff with food for their own cookouts. Staff cannot bring any food back to their cabins, as campers are not allowed to have food in the cabin, and campers may have allergies we/they are unaware of.

EQUIPMENT

For any activities that require the use of special equipment, staff members should take extra care and responsibility for the upkeep and appropriate usage of this equipment.  Areas of particular concern include:  the challenge course, archery range, nature/camp-craft area, roller hockey area, bike trails, the lake, and the swimming pool.

All equipment must be checked for good repair and suitability for the activity and the relative sizes and abilities for the camper.  Facilities and fields must be checked for hazards and potential problems.  All rules must be followed to prevent injury, and close supervision must be maintained to prevent fooling around and its potential effects.

All equipment should be put away properly at the end of activities, or returned to the staff member responsible for storing it.  Do no leave things lying around. 

EVALUATIONS

Our evaluations are administered through e21. e21is a program Coleman has to help our staff work on their “21st century skills”.

For more information click here. 

USE OF FACILITIES

During off-hours, staff may use camp facilities and supplies if the use of such does not interfere with camper programs. Specialty facilities and supplies may be used only with the specialists’ permission. The waterfront area, the pool, arts and crafts, shop area, ropes course and archery range may only be used by staff under the supervision of the specialists responsible for those areas.

LAUNDRY

Counselors’ laundry should be included in their bunks at their unit’s scheduled laundry time. There will be special laundry days for those staff that do not reside in bunks.

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

All living arrangements are the final responsibility of the Director. Cooperation in this is of the utmost importance.

MISRAD (Office)

  • Staff members who need to grab a package, ask a quick question, or find a member of the Senior leadership/office staff can find them at the Misrad.

SMOKING

Smoking is only permitted in the single designated smoking area. This area will be indicated during staff week. Smoking and the smoking area should not be discussed at any time with campers.  Vapes, Juuls, etc are prohibited at camp.

ACCOMPANYING CAMPERS OFF CAMP

  • Occasionally, staff members will be asked to accompany camper out of camp, either as bus staff members, or on trips.
  • Prior to a trip, all staff and campers will be informed that they represent Coleman at all times. Also that they should keep their noise level down, appropriate language and respect of property.
  • During the trip, great care must be taken to make sure that everyone is present and accounted for before leaving any location.  Even when off camp, staff’s primary responsibility is still TO THE CAMPERS.  Staff must know where every camper is at all times, no matter what age the camper.  This will be the ultimate responsibility of specifically designated staff members (e.g.  Unit Head or bus captains). Failure to do a count for every single child is grounds for immediate dismissal.  In the event that a camper cannot be located during the mandatory check-in times or at departure, the staff will conduct the lost camper procedure outlined in the trip emergency packet.

SAFETY REGULATIONS

Operating procedures will be in place for each type of off-camp event.  The staff to camper ratio will be as follows:

Age 4-5                 Staff 1 overnight campers 5     

Age 6-8                 Staff 1 overnight campers 6     

Age 9-14               Staff 1 overnight campers 8     

Age 15-18            Staff 1 overnight campers 10   

 

All staff members will be given an orientation to the procedures for safely carrying passengers in motor vehicles. 

Prior to departure from camp, a “flight plan” will be filed including a roster of all participants, arrival and departure times, travel route, and call-in times.  On all trips, the phone number and address of emergency medical facilities must accompany the vehicle.

Also prior to departure, all campers must be  given an orientation that will include instructions on what to do if lost, the need to avoid contact with strangers, instructions for crossing the street (i.e., not to without a staff member to direct traffic).  A buddy or count-off plan must be in place.  Staff and campers will receive an orientation that includes health, safety, and emergency procedures, as well as rules and regulations, including those related to the environment, its hazards and protection.  Staff members on all out-of-camp trips will be provided with a list of emergency medical locations, addresses, and phone numbers. 

In case of a mechanical breakdown of the bus or van, a staff member must remain with the campers at all times.  Campers must be kept off of and away from the road.  The Camp should be notified as soon as possible.  Whenever campers must cross a street, staff members should stop traffic in both directions before allowing campers to cross.  All must proceed in an orderly manner.

A first aid kit must be taken on all trips outside of camp.  Medical release forms for all participants – campers and staff members – must also be taken.   A medical emergency during the trip must be given top priority.  If a camper must be taken to a local hospital, a staff member with that camper’s medical form must remain with that camper at all times, and the Camp must be notified immediately.

STAFF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Staff members are expected to actively participate in the various training sessions scheduled for them. Ample notice will be given of any training session held before camp opens. Staff members are also expected to attend meetings as required during the summer. The meetings during the summer will be of an informational and problem-solving nature.  They are designed to help staff better help each other deal with problems or issues that arise with children at camp.

Spring Activities – There may be orientation weekends and meetings in April, May and June for designated staff (i.e. Unit Heads, Programmers, etc.). Some of these activities may take place at camp.

Staff Week attendance for the entire duration of the program is mandatory, although we are flexible with prior engagements, like graduation, school ending etc. This will be a time when staff will learn about camp and learn to feel comfortable with each other. Role playing, problem solving and social interaction are major components of the program.

Unit assignments and co/bunk pairings, will be made during staff week. Your energy to securing great communication with the staff in your bunk is crucial to the success of the camp program.

VISITORS

The only visitors permitted in camp are:

  • Parents or friends picking up staff for, or dropping staff off from, a day off or after evening programs, must wait on the office porch or in the parking lot.
  • Prospective campers. No tours will be given without being approved by the Director.
  • All visitors must receive the permission of the Director before arriving at camp. No visitor may enter camp without the prior permission of the Director.

NO OTHER VISITORS ARE PERMITTED.   All staff must report any visitors/strangers to the office/ Senior O.D. and direct the visitors to the office immediately.

GUIDELINES FOR VISITING WITHIN CAMP

No visitation is permitted in any of the sleeping quarters at any time. Violation may result in termination of contract.

There is no visiting of staff retained and/or working in the Health Center without permission of the Head Nurse.

There is no visiting staff when they are On Duty (OD).

HAZARD AWARENESS

It is the duty of every staff member to be aware of hazards that may exist around the Camp.  These include poisonous plants and animals (including insects), unsafe locations, and unsafe conditions and activities.

We have numerous patches of poison ivy and poison oak.  Our maintenance staff does its best to destroy any plants they find.  It will help if you report new sites and keep yourself and camper out of bushes and areas that have not been cleared. 

Many locations around Camp are unsafe without proper supervision. These include the pools and the lake, as well as the challenge course.  Some locations are unsafe even with supervision, like the roofs of buildings and the tops of bunks.  Be aware of these hazardous areas, and keep campers

Unsafe conditions and activities include any and all that are not properly supervised.  The biggest cause of minor and serious injury in camp is unsupervised behavior.  There should be no horsing around.  And, the cardinal rule for all Camp staff members:  If there is doubt, there’s no doubt.

Please also note, you must stay on our property at all times.

INTERNATIONAL STAFF

Camp Coleman is proud to host counselors and staff from countries outside of the US. This special staff comes to us from some of the following programs: Camp Leaders, Camp America, IENA, The Israeli Scouts, and the Shlichim program.

As Americans, and as a camp family, we want to extend the warmest welcome to these guests. We hope that all staff members will make a special effort to arrange rides and home visits whenever possible. We will all be richer from this cultural experience.

URJ Camp Coleman is a value based community. We strive to make everyone feel welcomed, valued, and comfortable in our camp. We welcome those staff whose spirit is optimistic and who are willing to do everything in their power to help accomplish the aims of camp for every child served.

Yes, we do live by the saying “campers come first” but we also recognize without happy staff, our campers won’t feel the love and support. We know that you are very far from home and we are here to help you in any way needed.

BASIC REASONS FOR TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

Use of Liquor

It is the policy of camp, in accordance with Georgia law, that no one under the legal drinking age may drink beer, wine, and liquor, or other intoxicating beverages at any time.  No staff person on camp property may use alcoholic beverages.  The only exception is for Kiddush, if wine is provided by camp administration.

When out of camp, discretion must be exercised by camp staff (over the legal age) in consuming any alcoholic drinks.  This is for the safety of the staff members and as a reflection of Camp Coleman. Failure to comply with this policy is basis for immediate dismissal.  To appear in an unfit condition as a result of drinking will seriously jeopardize the safety of camp, and, therefore, result in the immediate dismissal of the staff member.  Serving alcohol to a minor is against state law and is grounds for immediate dismissal and possible criminal prosecution.

Use of Drugs

No marijuana, barbiturates, acid or other drugs or narcotics is permitted on camp property or at any related activity or camp trip.  Use or distribution of drugs at any time during the camp season will be grounds for dismissal and possible criminal prosecution. Immediate dismissal will also occur if the staff member appears in an unfit condition from narcotics, misuse of prescription drugs, or non-prescription drugs.  All prescription/non-prescription items must be brought to the Health Center to be stored.

General Concerns Which Could Lead To Termination
  • Making decisions that could harm and/or endanger self or others
  • Selling items/services to campers is prohibited.
  • Disciplining or punishing of campers, which could or would involve physical contact with the child (Corporal Punishment), verbal abuse and/or sexual abuse.
  • Voluntary discontinuance or abandonment of required duties during employment period and/or refusal to change assignments in best interest of camp.
  • Disregard for camp’s goals and values
  • Visitation in cabin or on campsites while on an overnight with campers.
  • Inappropriate intimate behavior with campers and/or staff.
  • Sharing information of a sexual nature with children.
  • Prolonged sickness or accident, which prevents the employee from carrying out his/her responsibilities.
  • Setting an improper example – inappropriately involving campers in your personal life
  • Stealing from camper, staff members or camp.
  • Failure to abide by camp policies.
  • Possession of any firearms or other weapons without prior approval of the Camp Director.
  • Any hazing activities.
  • Anything that might jeopardize physical/emotional safety of camper.
  • Cigarette smoking at any time on campgrounds where prohibited or while on a camp trip.
  • Disloyalty – compromised loyalty to URJ Camp Coleman.
EMPLOYMENT TERMINATION PROCEDURES

The staff member, if terminated, agrees to have their salary prorated to the date of termination.  If your salary included bonuses tied to certain requirements and those requirements were not met, those bonuses will not be pro-rated.  Staff member further understands that camp could write letters to their references notifying them the employment agreement has been terminated and why.

If at any time during the summer it is necessary for the staff person to resign, the staff member will be paid a prorated amount of his/her salary only. We ask the staff person to give one-week notice prior to resignation.  The Camp Director does not need to accept the one-week notice and can ask staff to leave earlier.  The camp will prorate the salary which will be paid at the next pay period after appropriate adjustments have been made.

If terminated, staff is responsible to remove themselves from camp within a short time, not to exceed two hours.  Staff is totally responsible for their transportation arrangements if terminated.  The Camp Administration, if deemed in the best interests of camp, may arrange that staff vacate campgrounds as soon as possible following employment termination.  Travel allowance (if applicable) will not be paid in the event of termination or resignation.

Counselor Job Description

Support STAFF Job Description

SPECIALIST Job Description

HEALTH CENTER STAFF Job Description