Kids Camp exists to SHOW kids Christ, enabling them to KNOW Christ, GROW in Christ, and then GO in Christ.

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1 Welcome to Kids Camp 2017! This is a packet of important information you will want to know for kids camp which is only a few weeks away! God is going to move in a very powerful way! The kids camp leadership staff wants to encourage you to begin praying for camp if you have not already. By our prayers we usher the presence of God to come and move in a great way at camp. There are a lot of awesome things God wants to do at camp but He needs our participation according to His will. It would be good to be in the Bible daily as this is one of the greatest ways God speaks to us! It will be an awesome week as we watch and get to see what God does in the lives of the kids as well as in our own lives! The RezKidz mission statement comes alive at kids camp! Kids Camp exists to SHOW kids Christ, enabling them to KNOW Christ, GROW in Christ, and then GO in Christ. There are four dates to mark on your calendar in preparation for kids camp! There will be a training on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 more details pertaining to this meeting will be sent to you. Tuesday, July 18, 2017, is a kids camp day of prayer and fasting. In addition to the July 12 training, the state of Michigan requires that there is at least 3 hours of training for any staff working in a 5 day camp program. It is required that all volunteers attend the evening training at camp on Sunday, July 23, dinner will be provided. You are expected to be at all four of these if you are able, the training on July 23 is mandatory. Childcare will be provided for any staff who have campers with them on Sunday evening during the training session. You may only bring your child(ren) who is/are a registered camper(s) with you to camp Sunday. All other campers are expected to arrive Monday afternoon. Every kids camp staff, you, will be a part of creating an environment where the Holy Spirit will thrive! As God ministers to each boy and girl His unconditional love, His grace, and His power! Please read the camp information in this packet as you will be a vital part in making a difference in a child s life at camp and it will be important for you to know this information in order for you to do your best! Pray for God s power and favor to be upon you and the other staff at camp, and prepare spiritually and mentally for the excitement and challenge of being used by God to affect young souls for eternity at kids camp! Please ask five people to commit to praying for you each day while you are at camp! This will increase your ability to be used by God at camp! If you have any questions about this missions trip to camp please contact the RezKidz office at or Dates to Write on your Calendar: July 12 - Kids Camp Training at 6:30PM in the Zone July 18 - Day of Prayer and Fasting July 23 - Kids Camp Training at Camp Ao-Wa-Kiya at 3pm Sincerely In Christ, The Kids Camp Leadership Team

2 STAFF ARRIVAL: Sunday, July 23-3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Entrance & Parking: Please enter through Camp Ao-Wa-Kiya s main entrance. Please park in the parking lot. Registration is in the Gym, Five Pines Building. Registration: GYM - Five Pines Building Please have your staff medical form and medications ready for a fast registration process. If you will be bringing a camper with you on Sunday, July 23, they will register and select a cabin at this time. Please have the camper s medical forms and medications ready. Medication Policy: The State of Michigan requires that all prescription medications and over-the-counter medications be in their original bottles with only the amount needed for the camper s length of stay. All prescription bottles should come in a Ziploc bag with the camper s name on it and will be turned in to the Nurses upon arrival. Step 1 - Registration: 1) All staff and campers register 2) Turn in staff and camper medical forms 3) Receive your staff materials and lanyards Step 2 - Nurses: All staff and campers with medications need to see the nurses Step 3 - Camper Cabin Selection: If you have a camper with you or coming on Monday, you will at this time select a cabin for him and/or her. This is only for staff whose own child(ren) will be coming to camp. If your camper has been pre-assigned, their name will be on a cabin sheet. Please do not remove a pre-assigned camper to another cabin. If a cabin sheet is full, please do not add your child s name to that sheet. Another cabin will need to be selected. Step 4 - T-Shirts: All staff and campers will receive a free t-shirt Unload: There may not be time to unload until after dinner. When you do have time to unload, you may go directly to your and/or your campers cabin and unload your luggage. Please move your car to the designated volunteer parking lot before lights go out Sunday, July 23 at 9:30 PM! Please pray for a great week of camp! Staff Training & Childcare: Staff training will be in the Gym/Auditorium (Five Pines Building) and childcare will be in the Fireside Chapel, which is connected to the dining hall. SUNDAY NIGHT SCHEDULE: Please note that the schedule is subject to change. 2:00-2:30 PM Rec, Band, and Dishwasher staff check-in 2:30-3:30 PM Rec staff training 3:00-4:00 PM Staff & camper check-in 4:15 PM Childcare: All campers must report to the Fireside Chapel (Dining Hall Building) 4:25-5:30 PM All staff training (Five Pines Building - Gym) 5:30-6:00 PM Communion 6:30-7:15 PM Dinner & counselors and assistant counselors pictures 7:25 PM Childcare: All campers must report to the Fireside Chapel (Dining Hall Building) 7:30-8:15 PM ALL Staff Training (Five Pines Building - GYM) 8:15 PM Unpack - camp store open for Staff - campers go to assigned cabins with counselors 9:30 PM Lights out for entire camp! 2

3 STAFF PACKING LIST: Please label all belongings with your child s first name and last name. As well as a phone number on Bibles, notebooks, and other belongings you would like contacted about if lost. Dress clothes are not needed but a wide range of casual attire should be packed including: jeans, shorts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. Please pray for warm days and cool nights! Pajamas, underwear, and an abundance of socks Warm jacket, hat, and a raincoat is good to have Modest one-piece swimsuit, beach towel, and sunscreen Three pairs of shoes (one pair that can get wet and two closed toe) Flip Flops (Can be worn only in showers) Towel, washcloth, toiletries and a comb or brush Pillow Sleeping bag and/or twin bedding Bible, notebook, and pen Long Pants Bug spray and sunscreen is optional but nice to have Backpack if desired CD players are allowed ONLY Christian music may be played. For your convenience make sure you have batteries if needed! Fan if desired Water Shoes Watch and alarm If you prefer to use a particular brand of over-the-counter medication you can bring that with you however, the nurses station will have over-the-counter medications for your use. WHAT IS REQUIRED: Water Bottle Flashlight WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED: Food (Candy Included) Valuables Gaming devices HELPFUL IDEAS: Frisbees, footballs, etc. Rain poncho Games/cards Cards for cabin so that they can stay in contact after camp this is optional but a good way to follow up after camp SUPPLY IDEAS: Listed here are some ideas that counselors have used in the past as a means of creating cabin unity within your group. You may consider bringing: markers/paper, decorations, nail polish (Girls only), bandanas, camouflage, matching hats, prayer box, bunk name tags, cards, Extras: If you have extra of the following around the house, please consider bringing them incase kids forget: Flashlights, batteries, bags or back packs, water bottles, garbage bags for dirty clothes, sun block 40+, bug spray, shampoo & conditioner, Kleenex, soap, extra pillows, blankets, and Bibles. There will be extra of these upon request if needed. 3

4 EMERGENCY NUMBERS: Emergency phone calls will be received at Camp Ao-Wa-Kiya s office at You can also contact the following but the reception may not be the best: Agnes Kerkstra: (616) or Katlin Ferland (616) Mailing Address: First & Last Name Cabin Name (If Known) Camp Ao-Wa-Kiya 8401 W. Thomas Pike Shelby MI STAFF EXPECTATIONS AND GUIDELINES: It is asked that we be an example at all times! It does not matter what our position may be, campers are watching us and want to be just like us. Therefore, it is important to live (1st) and teach (2nd) the best Christian example you are capable of being. Matthew 22:36-39, Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus replied, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. Building relationships between campers and staff is one of our primary goals. For this reason, we will enforce the following expectations and rules. 1. Job Descriptions & Policy & Procedures: All camp staff is required to read their Job Description and Policy & Procedures manual. This is required by the State of Michigan. This enables you to be well prepared and helps you accomplish everything God has planned for you the week of camp! 2. Camp Facilities & Property: Destruction of camp facilities and/or property is not permitted. If camp facilities and/or property experiences any destruction there will be penalties! Any accidental damage is to be reported immediately to the area director and/or leadership staff. If you see campers throwing sticks or stones at camp property or one another please address the issue right away and stop them. It is our job to keep the camp clean and free of trash. This includes cabins, housing areas, and all other facilities and property. No one is allowed by the lake, climbing wall, zipline, or any other activities without the supervision of Camp Ao-Wa-Kiya Staff. 3. Leaving Camp is not Permitted: Leaving camp disrupts the relationship building process and the camp program and is therefore not permitted. There may be someone on the kids camp leadership team who has authorization to leave the camp for purposes related to the flow of camp needs. 4. Visitors are not allowed: Camp does not have visiting periods. Our camp policy states that anyone on camp property is required to have a completed volunteer application and completed background checks. 5. Behavior & Conduct: We are witnesses to the campers and our conduct as staff is very important. None of the following will be tolerated by our staff or campers: Pranks or hazing of any kind including pillow fights, bullying, fighting, swearing, questionable language, teasing, coarse joking, or name calling We will Speak: Life and Truth! We will speak the word of God! 4

5 Be Respectful: Be respectful to everyone you come in contact with. This will set an example for campers to follow. Gaining respect from campers requires that you respect them and set clear expectations. Campers need to know what is expected of them. Physical discipline is not acceptable, but structure and guidelines are helpful for campers to understand expectations. Any behavior management issues should be dealt with through the kids camp leadership staff. Enthusiasm & Participation: Be excited and happy - it s contagious! Some days may be harder than others and that is when you need to dig deep and pull through. Let joy continually control you! Philippians 4:4, Rejoice in the Lord always. We encourage you to participate in all of the activities and events! It is our job to get the campers participating! 6. Cabin & Housing Rules: No male or females are allowed in the opposite sex cabins, housing units, or area centers. No food is allowed in the cabins. Staff & campers are asked to follow the lights out times as indicated in the schedule. Staff are not to be outside of their cabins after lights out unless it is an emergency. Staff and campers are responsible for cleaning their cabins and housing areas before going home it is helpful to have the campers clean them each day! 7. Weapons & Drugs: The following applies to all staff and campers! No weapons of any kind are permitted on camp property. This includes knives, guns, fireworks, or any other weaponry. No illegal drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco are allowed on camp property. All medications and overthe-counter medications must be turned in to the nurses station at registration on Sunday for all staff. 8. Relationships: We are at camp to build relationship between the campers and the staff. The following guidelines are for the protection of those relationships and our witness to one another. The six inch rule applies to campers and staff of the opposite sex. At camp there will be no cuddling, holding hands, kissing, touching, or any other public displays of affection (PDA). It is understood that there are couples who serve together at camp. However, at camp it is expected that you will refrain from displays of affection. It is required that all counselors and assistant counselors remain with their campers during camp and focus their attention on the kids. Therefore, it is asked that couples do not meet or make arrangements to meet each other until all of the kids have been picked-up by their parents or guardians on Friday morning. Staff and campers should not talk about male and female relationships while at camp. We are here to focus our attention and eyes on God and growing in our relationship with God. Note: Campers must not be left alone. All campers must be accompanied by an adult of the same gender at all times. All campers must be in groups of two or more. 9. Safety: Always keep your eyes out for safety and be aware of potential problems. We want to ensure the physical, emotional, and spiritual safety of each other and every camper. Footwear & T-Shirts: Because of the uncertainty of the terrain in which we walk at camp flip flops are not allowed other than in showers. Flip flops are for shower use only. When traveling from activity to activity, including water activities, proper foot wear and t-shirts must be worn at all times. For aquatic activities water shoes are highly recommended! Travel: Stay together as a cabin group at all times. Do not allow campers to travel ahead of your group from activity to activity, meal times, chapel, or any where else. Always maintain visual contact with campers. Campers may not travel anywhere without supervision. All campers must travel in groups of two or more. 10. Cell Phones & Calls & Electronics: Staff, you are not permitted to use cell phones for calls, texting, or internet/social networking. It is prohibited except for emergencies or situations that have been pre-authorized by our kids camp leadership staff. It is recognized that there are exceptional situations where outside communication is necessary. It is asked that you make arrangements with your family and/or business prior to arriving at camp so that they will understand that you are not available. A camper should never see you on your cell phone. Campers are not allowed to call home. If there is a camper with homesickness and you are not able to get them through it, please contact the Camp Supervisor. Campers are not allowed to use cell phones, radios, MP3 players, ipods, gaming devises, or any other form of cell phone or electronic at camp. If a camper has one it will be taken away. If you see a camper with one you are expected to take it and give it to the kids camp leadership staff. It will be given back to them when they leave camp. 5

6 11. Dress Code: The following guidelines are for all staff and campers and will be enforced by the kids camp leadership staff. There will be no judgment or criticism. If there is a staff or camper who is inappropriately dressed, it will be handled discretely and an alternative solution will hopefully be able to be given. Please bring modest clothing and follow the guidelines below. As staff we set the example. It is required that everyone wear shoes and t-shirts when walking around camp. This includes when traveling to and from all aquatic activities. Clothing is not to have inappropriate wording or graphics. Jeans or shorts are not to have inappropriate tears or holes in them that display underwear, briefs, or boxers. Short shorts are not permitted you will be asked to change and the shorts will be taken away if seen again. There will be extra shorts provided if needed. Shorts must be as long as one s fingertips when arms are down at one s side. Leggings are not permitted. String tank tops, half shirts, midriff shirts, muscle shirts, cut-off t-shirts, and any other inappropriate shirts are not allowed. All shirts for men and women must have sleeves. Body pierced jewelry and ear-rings for guys are not permitted. Only earrings in the ear lobes are allowed for girls. Bring safe footwear. Tennis shoes are highly recommended. Swimsuit Dress Code: All females: 1-piece swim suits - One piece swim-suits that are cut low in the chest area, have a deep cut in the back, or are high in the legs in front will have to wear a shirt over top. All males: Swim suit trunks or shorts - If you have a suit that falls below your natural waistline, you are required to wear a belt. Everyone is required to wear a t-shirt and shoes when traveling from activity to activity or around camp. 12. Chapel Rules: The hope is that all staff will attend a morning and/or evening chapel(s) and are to sit in the side sections of the auditorium. Use the bathroom before coming to chapel. Counselors line up in the rec field with your cabin group in a nice straight line. Be an example to the campers (No running, yelling, shouting, clowning around, or jumping/ climbing on the stage). Counselors and campers must sit together as a cabin group. All staff and campers are required to participate in the praise and worship. We as staff are an example to the campers they will follow our lead! Altar Call: Sit quietly during altar call and use soft voices. At least one counselor must always be with the campers in the seating areas. All ministry time should be handled in the following order: Females with females and males with males, this also applies to our camper/counselor ministry time. Note: Not all campers will be able to participate in the chapel games. Counselors please let the campers know this. 13. Dining Hall Rules: Counselors and campers - please seat yourself quietly in your cabin groups at your assigned tables Counselors must always eat with their cabin group. Campers must eat the main course first, then dessert. We as staff set the example! Everyone is required to drink a full glass of water before having juice. We as staff set the example. No pounding on tables, running, yelling or shouting Non-Counselor Staff, please use discretion when deciding to eat. Please be considerate of the Ao-Wa-Kiya staff in your timing. There are tables reserved for cabin groups please watch out for these and please do not sit at these tables No one is permitted in the dining hall unless it s meal time. No one is permitted in the kitchen. Food is not allowed to be brought into cabins. 6

7 Camp AO-WA-KIYA 8401 W. Thomas Pike (Rd.) Shelby, MI Phone# (231) Take I-96 West toward Muskegon. Note: Follow the written instructions. Do not trust your phone or Vehicle GPS tracking system. Merge onto US-31 North via Exit 1B toward Ludington Take exit 140 for M-20/Stony Lake Rd toward New Era Turn left onto MI-20 / W. Stony Lake RD. Continue to follow W. Stony Lake Rd until it dead-ends at Scenic Drive. Turn right onto Scenic Dr / CR-B15 (Stony Lake will soon be on your right.) Continue on Scenic Dr. (and pass W. Thomas Road) to W. Stone Road. Turn right onto W. Stone Road (and continue to 28th Ave.) Turn right onto S. 28th Ave (you will see a Camp AWK sign) S. 28th Ave turns slightly right and becomes W. Thomas Pike (follow the road until you see the camp sign.) 7

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