FAQ - Clarity Camp

FAQ : CAMP SAFETY

WHAT AGE-APPROPRIATE ACCESS CONTROL AND PROPERTY PERIMETER MEASURES ARE IN PLACE?

All campers are age 12 and older and will be given defined boundaries on the Southern Wesleyan University campus. No children are allowed to leave without adult escorts (two or more). Adult workers will be assigned to walk or observe these areas during the day and until lights out.

IS TECHNOLOGY USE MONITORED? IS INTERNET ACCESS PASSWORD-PROTECTED?

Internet access and technology use are at the discretion of each church/organization. Group Leaders are responsible for setting expectations with their students and enforcing the expectation. Internet access is password-protected and group leaders can share the password with adult chaperones and students at their discretion. Anyone discovered viewing illicit or illegal material online may be asked to turn in their device or leave camp if the material violated the Code of Conduct.

DOES CLARITY HAVE A CHILD PROTECTION POLICY?

Yes. Clarity Camp will promote a safe and loving environment where children are valued, protected and encouraged in their faith. Clarity Camp has four goals related to Child Protection:

Prevent harm to children, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.
Provide guidelines for staff and volunteers (“Workers” by definition).
Create a compassionate environment.
Assure parents and guardians of the measures in place to protect their children.

DOES THE CAMP HAVE A STAFF CODE OF CONDUCT IN PLACE?

Yes. All adults must sign the Code of Conduct, available on our Child Protection page.

WHAT EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURES ARE IN PLACE? WHAT IS CLARITY CAMP’S PROCEDURE FOR RESPONSE TO AN ALLEGATION OF ABUSE?

Clarity Camp’s incident Response Plan is detailed, and it includes: All Clarity Camp adults and children are required to report any reasonable suspicion of abuse, and the Child Safety Coordinator will report to the legal authorities, including the South Carolina Department of Social Services and law enforcement. Clarity Camp will remove any alleged or suspected abuser while the investigation proceeds. Parents would be notified, and treatment would be available immediately. Clarity Camp will fully cooperate with the legal authorities’ investigation.

WHAT PERIODIC SAFETY INSPECTIONS TAKE PLACE?

Clarity Camp’s full-time Child Safety Coordinator is responsible for an “overwatch” role to identify anyone violating the Code of Conduct, whether intentionally or accidentally. Every identified violation will be addressed immediately by camp staff and recorded in writing.

ARE ALL ADULTS FROM OTHER CHURCHES OR GROUPS SCREENED AND TRAINED? IS THE CAMP’S STAFF SCREENED? ARE THEY TRAINED ON CHILD SAFETY AND ABUSE REPORTING?

Yes. All adults at Clarity Camp will have been screened, and will complete basic Child Protection training prior to camp. Adult Workers will be trained on the specifics of the Clarity Camp Child Protection Policy on the first day of camp. Everyone at camp will be trained on recognizing and reporting abuse by the end of their first day at camp.

ARE THE STAFF AND OTHER ADULTS AWARE OF MANDATORY REPORTER LAWS IN THE STATE WHERE CAMP IS LOCATED?

Yes. South Carolina Mandatory Reporter laws are part of the Child Protection Policy and the Worker training.

HOW DOES THE CAMP TRAIN CHILDREN AND WHAT IS COMMUNICATED TO CAMPERS REGARDING APPROPRIATE TOUCH, BEHAVIORS, POLICIES, AND REPORTING?

Parents and legal guardians are encouraged to review the Code of Conduct during the registration process with their children.

Students and chaperones will be trained in large groups on the first day of camp, using a Recognize, Resist, and Report framework.

Children will be reminded of Code of Conduct requirements so they can recognize anyone (adult or child) violating it.
Children will be encouraged to resist, knowing they are made in God’s image and should never be mistreated for another’s pleasure.
Children will be taught how to report, and assured that every adult at camp will aid them in reporting and that the Child Safety Coordinator is available at all times.

AFTER THE RECENT REPORTS OF CHILD ABUSE IN MINISTRY SETTINGS, WHAT IS CLARITY CAMP’S COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY?

Clarity Camp personnel will take every reasonable measure to manage safety for children in the camp’s care. All Clarity Camp personnel, including campers have a vital role in each child’s safety. Clarity Camp maintains a “Zero Tolerance” policy for Child Sexual Abuse. Every adult at Clarity Camp is screened and trained prior to camp. A full-time Child Safety Coordinator is assigned to oversee the implementation of a robust child safety program, including training for adults and children so that everyone at camp can have a safe and enjoyable week.

IS THE CAMP ECAP-ACCREDITED OR PURSUING ACCREDITATION?

Clarity Camp is not ECAP-accredited. Clarity Camp is closely following the ECAP Standards that are achievable in 2023. The Child Protection Policy is written based on the ECAP Standards, and Clarity Camp intends to pursue ECAP accreditation for 2024.

FAQ : LODGING

HOW MANY ADULTS SHOULD WE BRING?

We recommend 1 adult for every 5 students (gender specific).

CAN CLARITY ACCOMMODATE A CAMPER WITH SPECIAL NEEDS?

We will do our best to work with the staff and the facility to accommodate any campers with special needs. Email info@claritycamp.com with any questions.

WHERE WILL STUDENTS SLEEP?

Students will be sleeping in dorms at the host location and separated by church/organization and gender.

FAQ : CAMP SAFETY

WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?

Please ask your students and chaperones to pack:

Closed-toed shoes for Arena Games.
Modest shorts, dresses, pants, or jeans for throughout the week.

Please ask your students and chaperones not to pack anything that:

Promotes alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs
Explicitly or implicitly promotes racism, sexism, or hatred of any group or person
Explicitly or implicitly refers to sexual actions or situations
Has spaghetti straps
Is excessively short or tight fitting.
Calls attention to their underwear (sagging pants, rolling down of waistbands, etc)

Clarity Staff may contact Group Leaders or Chaperones regarding students who are dressed inappropriately (clothing deemed excessively short, tight fitting, or revealing of undergarments) and will be asked to address the situation with students. If an adult with the student’s church/organization is not easily identifiable within the area, a staff member of the same gender will address the student.

WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS OF ADULT CHAPERONES?

First and foremost, please review the Code of Conduct for detailed expectations and guidelines.
Adult Chaperones are responsible for the care of students and ensuring that students are accounted for at all times, present at all scheduled activities, adhere to the lights out policy, and are eating and drinking adequately during meals and throughout the day.
Adult Chaperones are responsible for communicating concerns related to safety (emotional and physical), dress code concerns, and medical needs to their Group Leader or Clarity Camp’s Nursing Team when necessary.
Adult Chaperones are responsible for enforcing safety protocols and redirecting students if questionable decisions are being made.

WHAT DO STUDENTS NEED TO PACK?

Essentials:
- Bible and notetaking supplies. Please ensure students’ names are written in their Bibles or a paper/sticky note with their name and church are inside the cover.
- Twin XL bedding (sheets or sleeping back, etc.) and a pillow
- Bath towel and washcloth/loofah
- Appropriately sized shorts, t-shirts, underclothes, socks, and closed-toed shoes (see above FAQ on wardrobe for specifics)
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, etc.)
- Sunscreen and/or hat
- Water bottle with a name written on it
Suggested additional items:
- Money for snacks and optional items from the camp store
- Sports equipment for Free Time use (volleyball, basketball, football, frisbee, etc.) Please write names/church names on the equipment. Group leaders and chaperones, please ensure that your students’ equipment is appropriately stowed away during sessions, small groups, and devotional times.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CAMPER MEDICINE?

In most cases, Group Leaders will determine their own policies/procedures related to the handling of prescription medications for campers. Parents are expected to communicate the needs to their individual Group Leaders prior to departing for camp. However, if the prescription needs of a student require additional care outside of what a Group Leader is equipped to navigate, they may coordinate care with Clarity Camp’s Lead Nurse.