Screening Standards For Staff
- Extensive and detailed application process
- First- and second-round interviews with at least two Camp directors
- Three character references
- State criminal, abuse/neglect and sex offender background checks
- Voluntary disclosure statement
- Agree to and sign Camp Roger’s Faith & Life Covenant
- Focused training for all summer staff counselors on safety and emergency procedures, Safe Camp policies, child abuse detection, and prevention, mandated reporting, behavior management techniques, community team building, and Camp Roger's mission, vision, and commitment to belonging
Certifications & Licensing
- Inspected and licensed by the State of Michigan
- Each high adventure activity follows the standards of and is inspected by Great Lakes Adventures
- Leaders of high adventure activities receive training and have completed appropriate certifications
- Each lifeguard and waterfront director is required to be certified by the American Red Cross in CPR/First Aid and water emergency procedures
- Each wilderness trip has at least one leader certified in Wilderness First Aid
- A registered nurse or physician is on-site at overnight camp, and a health officer is on-site at day camp and overnight camp
- An on-call physician reviews and signs health care standards for our summer camp programs
Camper Safety
- Counselors and staff are trained in clear boundaries for physical and emotional interactions with children, such as handshakes, holding younger camper’s hands when appropriate, and high fives. Any form of inappropriate, secretive, or suspicious behavior is strictly prohibited.
- Counselors, staff, and volunteers are never permitted to be alone with campers. Our camp follows a 2:1 or "open-space" supervision policy whenever campers are present, ensuring transparency and accountability at all times.
- Expectations for professional conduct are clearly communicated to staff, and adherence to these standards is closely monitored by camp leadership. All concerns are taken seriously, and we have clear procedures for reporting and addressing any issues.
- Harassment of any kind is not allowed at Camp. We are committed to an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Expectations around behavior toward others and bullying are discussed with all campers on the first day of each session.
- Lifejackets are required for any boating activity and to jump off the rope swing. Certified lifeguards are required to be on duty at the waterfront throughout these activities.
- A helmet and harness are required for all climbing tower or ropes course activities. An orientation to equipment and procedures is required for all participants.
- Counselors will be alert to the mental and physical health of each individual camper in their cabin throughout the session, working with the camp nurse or health officer regarding any illness or injury that needs treatment.