How We Do It Here

There are many things that are taken for granted that all know, but in case there are new staff joining us, here are some basic daily items that we do that you need to know about:

1.      To line up for meals go to the south side of the lodge and start the line on the path off of the grass.

2.      Dishes. Scrapers and cans will be brought to the tables. All plates must be scraped into the can and then stacked and brought up to the dish pit and sorted into the appropriate container. All liquids can also be put into the cans. Tables are to be wiped down and benches put on tables. It is the job of the cabin leaders to work with a camper to do the scraping.  Do not put cutlery into juice jugs as this cuts up the bottom of the jug.

3.      For chapels, all cabins line up outside on grass until told to enter. Boys sit on the right side and girls on the left. Make sure campers go to the washroom before chapel time.  When the speaker is talking no one is to leave.

4.      The washrooms in the dining hall are to be used in an emergency only.  Please use the outside washrooms.

5.      Laundry facility for guy staff is located in the center door of the main washrooms, and in the basement for the gals. Soap will be provided. Please remove laundry as soon as done as there are many staff who need to use the machines. The main floor laundry facilities are to be used for the kitchen and the kitchen staff only.

6.      Tuck will be staffed on a rotational basis. If you are not serving, please stay out of the shop and join your cabin in line. Please put money on account to spend from instead of creating an outstanding balance.

7.      On a rotational schedule, staff will serve in the areas of tuck, yard guard, beach watch and beach check. Please be on time for these duties.

8.      Meal times can be fun times. We do not allow food fights, but encourage all to finish what is on their plates. Campers should stay seated unless going for more food.

9.      Staff meetings will happen mornings before the day starts. Please be on time for these meetings as they will be times to pray together and hear any important announcements for the day. There will be coffee and hot chocolate to start your day off right! You are expected to attend unless you are on yard guard (posted).

10.  Skill times are also fun times. Use your imagination to make these times interesting. Campers will not be able to change skills unless they talk to the Program Director.

11.  Because of the responsibilities and schedule of the camping ministry, it is important to realize that your relationship with your campers must come before your relations with each other. Therefore, guy/girl dating relationship will not be permitted while serving at Gimli Bible Camp.  Believe it!

12.    Our actions and dress are important as the campers look to us as an example.  We ask that all staff refrain from wearing body piercing (other than earrings) while on site. We also ask that you refrain from hair colouring during the summer.

13.    The kitchen is off limits to those not cooking or serving. Please respect the cook’s efforts to have traffic at a minimum.  Do not remove anything from the lodge without the director's approval (Charlotte or Don).  This includes brooms, supplies or dishes.

14.    There is a refrigerator in the staff room for you to use. Label your belongings. ‘Raiding’ of the kitchen is not permitted.  This includes senior staff!

15.    There is a pay phone for your use in the hall by the office. You may use this when needed so the camp lines are not tied up. If someone needs to get a hold of you, they can leave a message at the office and we will forward it to you or put it in your mailbox.  The camp can not subsidize your long-distance calls.

16.    Out going mail can be left in the office. Stamps can purchased from the administrative assistant.

17.    All medications need to be handed into the nurse except inhalers, epi pens, or other emergency medication (and only with director's knowledge). Staff must not administer any medications (Tylenol, etc) to campers or each other.  Emergency First Aid can and should be administered by those with training being watchful of bystanders. Be sure that the nurse is called and briefed on all that has been done.

18.    Camp is meant to be a time away from worldly occupations.  Music, videos, etc may only be played for devotional purposes in the cabins.  Check with your head counsellor or director  first.

19.    Setting a high standard is what we aim for. This needs to be in every area of our ministry. We need to be mindful of the jokes we tell, the words/phrases we say, the nicknames we call each other, and the attitudes or cynicism we have. Small things like not being on time or how we react to the leadership can work against what we are trying to accomplish if we are negative. (John 13:35)

20.    Tuck time is not free time; it is time that needs to be spent with campers. Are your ‘One on Ones’ done?