Snowcamp Student Training Booklet 2026

Training Booklet 2026

DEAR BIBLE INSTITUTE STUDENTS,

We have finally arrived at Snowcamp! I am so excited to go with you through this incredible journey of growing and learning. I am sure that watching God change the lives of students all around you will leave a lasting impression, and there will be many lessons learned along the way. As you sit through training classes this week, be sure to pay close attention and take plenty of notes. Simply writing things down will help you remember them when you need to. Also, remember that while most of our training is specific to Snowcamp, the overarching principles will be helpful to you for the rest of your life. Finally, don’t forget to pray. Pray for the training classes, pray for the work being done in preparation, and pray that God would change you through this awesome ministry.

In HIS Service, Micah Melville

General Information

4 Snowcamp Schedule 5 Activities 6 Competitions 7 Sports Rules 10 Training Schedule 12 Map

Staff Training

14 Code of Conduct 18 Report of Abuse 20 Responding to Abuser 22 Notes

SNOWCAMP WEEKEND SCHEDULE Find a digital copy of the Snowcamp Schedule here:

wol.to/snowcampschedule

Leader’s Guide

Sign-Up Activities Paintball / $15 Per Person

Available all day Saturday and located next to The Snowcamp Tubing Park at Hungary Hill. Markers, 100 paintballs, and equipment will be provided. Additional ammunition may be purchased. Players may only use Word of Life ammunition and equipment (with the exception of their mask, which is subject to Word of Life approval). Micro Tournaments / Free Participate in any of these fun competitions for the chance to place and win an award at the conclusion of each tournament. Snowmobiling / $20 Per 20-Minute Session On Saturday, drive around the track on your very own snowmobile. No age limit or license required for registered campers. Time slots may not be shared, and there is a one-person limit per snowmobile.

COMPETITIONS Micro Tournaments Sign up at Registration

• Guys Basketball • Girls Basketball

• Volleyball • Dodgeball • Soccer

Cardboard Sled Race & Sled Design Guidelines Build these ahead of time or bring the supplies and work on it at camp. Guidelines are for both design and race competition. Theme: Snow Vehicles (anything with skis or tracks) 1. Sled may be constructed of cardboard, PVC, tape, glue, string, inner tubes, rope, etc. No part

of the sled’s construction may be made of wood or metal (This includes fasteners, nails and screws). 2. No part of the sled may be made of items originally manufactured for sledding purposes. It is acceptable to use tires or inner tubes. 3. The only permissible material on the bottom of the sled (what will touch the snow) is cardboard. A wax coating and tape are permissible. This is a safety policy as other materials can accelerate the sled to an unsafe speed. 4. The sled needs to fit through a 5’x 7’ doorway. 5. Construction Guidelines must be followed completely in order to be entered in either competition. 6. Design Competition Guidelines: Sleds are judged on originality, complexity, color and theme. 7. Race Competition Guidelines: Sleds are timed, and there is a maximum of five people per sled.

SPORTS RULES General

1. Each player may play on only one team per sport. If that player loses and is eliminated from the tournament, they cannot join another team in that sport. 2. Counselors may play only with the campers they are assigned to counsel. 3. Violation of any regulations (or poor sportsmanship) may result in team disqualification at the discretion of the officials. 4. The time or point limit of each game may vary depending on how many teams participate. 5. Churches are permitted to field up to two teams per competition. If you have registered over 25 campers in your group, a third team may sign up for the tournaments. 6. When a team wins a game, the team advances to the next round of the tournament. Volleyball 1. Rally scoring will be in effect. A point will be awarded after each serve regardless of which team had possession last. In other words, a team does not have to have possession of the serve to win the point. 2. The length per match depends on the number of teams entering the tournament. You will be notified at the beginning of the tournament whether it is timed or a set score. 3. Teams must win by two points. In case of a tie, the next point wins, including the ball in play. 4. Championship games will be played to a set score with no time limit. Rally scoring will be in effect. 5. Six players per team are allowed on the court. There must be at least two GIRLS on the court at all times. There can be no more than two NON-CAMPERS on the court at all times (youth leaders or counselors).

Basketball

1. The games will be played with a running clock (clock doesn’t stop). The length of the game will depend on the number of teams entering the tournament. The length of games will be announced at the beginning of the tournament. 2. When fouled on a shot, the team fouled will receive ONE POINT AND THE BALL . When fouled on a shot that is made, the team will receive THREE POINTS and the opposing team will gain possession of the ball. 3. There are NO time outs, except in the championship game. 4. A team consists of five players. There can only be a maximum of TWO NON- CAMPERS on the floor at one time. Youth leaders (currently serving) and counselors are the only eligible NON-CAMPERS . 5. The championship game will consist of two running time halves; the length will be determined prior to the start of the game. The clock will stop in the LAST TWO MINUTES of the game on every dead ball. Fouls on shots in the last two minutes of the game will be ruled the same as in the preliminary games. 6. Teams will be awarded one time out per half. They are not transferable. 7. Substitutes must enter the game on dead balls. 8. There is no back court violation except during championship games. 9. Technical fouls will result in two points, the ball and the ejection of the player. 10. Intentional fouls will result in two points and the ball.

Soccer 1. Five-on-five soccer (four players and one goalie). Only TWO NON- CAMPERS may be on the ‘field’ and must have at least TWO GIRLS on the field at all times. 2. Rock, paper, scissors will determine the kick-off. 3. Sidelines and nets are out of bounds. 4. Back walls are considered to be out of bounds. Once the ball passes behind the goal, it is considered out of bounds. 5. Goalie is in a designated box and can use hands ONLY in that marked area. 6. When the goalie throws the ball, it MUST hit the ground before reaching midfield. 7. All out-of-bound plays result in an indirect kick (kick at the spot where the ball went out). 8. Overtime will result in a sudden death shootout. Each team will get the same amount of attempts. 9. Typical high school rules: No tripping, no handballs, etc. Dodgeball 1. The length of the game is dependent on the number of teams that sign up to play, and the time will be announced at the beginning of the game. 2. Each team may consist of only ten players. Of that ten there must be at least THREE GIRLS and only TWO NON-CAMPERS . 3. You are out when you either get HIT BY A BALL thrown by the opposing team or someone from the opposing team CATCHES YOUR THROWN BALL. EXCEPTIONS : You are hit in the head, or the ball bounces before hitting you. If you are holding a ball, you can deflect the ball thrown from the other team; however, if you drop your ball while deflecting, you are out! If a ball hits you and YOUR teammate catches it before it hits the ground you are still IN . 4. Once you are out, the only way to rejoin the game is if one of your teammates makes a basket in the opposing team’s basketball hoop, and, at that point, everyone who is out on your team can rejoin the game. 5. The match is over when everyone on your team is out or when time has run out. The team with the most players left wins. In the case of a tie, the ball is brought back into the middle, as it is a new game. Only the players left will play, and it will be played as a sudden death game.

TRAINING SCHEDULE

Monday 1.12.26

8:00 PM 9:15 PM

WELCOME BACK MEETING (WC) COOKIES, COCOA & BUILD YOUR SLEDS (DINING HALL)

Tuesday 1.13.26

7:30 AM 8:10 AM 9:00 AM

BREAKFAST QUIET TIME

HISTORY OF SNOWCAMP (JORDAN ROSS) COUNSELING IN 44 HOURS (ETHAN MORIN) COUNSELING IN 44 HOURS (ETHAN MORIN) LEAD COUNSELOR TRAINING (DINING ROOM B) FREE TIME LUNCH INTRO TO SERVICE AREAS DINNER RALLY (PRACTICE FOR FRIDAY) DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT & POPCORN (HUSKEY DEN GYM)

10:00 AM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 12:00 PM 12:45 PM 2:00–5:00 PM

5:15 PM 7:30 PM 9:00 PM

Wednesday 1.14.25 7:30 AM 8:10 AM 9:00 AM

BREAKFAST QUIET TIME HEALTH AND SECURITY (MARY STELTZ) WORKING WITH YOUTH LEADERS (BRIAN BAKER) CHILD PROTECTION (ETHAN MORIN) CAMPER NEXT STEPS (SCOTT FOREMAN) LUNCH SERVICE AREA PREP DINNER RALLY (PRACTICE FOR SATURDAY) SLED RACE

10:00 AM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 12:45 PM 2:00–5:00 PM

5:15 PM 7:30 PM 9:00 PM

Thursday 1.15.25

7:30 AM 8:10 AM 9:00 AM

BREAKFAST QUIET TIME PHILOSOPHY OF PROGRAM (JORDAN ROSS) ODGE (ETHAN MORIN) THE 411 ON SNOWCAMP REGISTRATION (MICAH MELVILLE) SNOWCAMP POLICIES (MICAH MELVILLE) LUNCH SERVICE AREA PREP (BOOKSTORE & XAVANTE OPEN) DINNER RALLY (PRACTICE FOR SUNDAY) REST TIME

10:00 AM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 12:45 PM 2:00–5:00 PM

5:15 PM 7:30 PM 9:00 PM

Friday 1.16.25

7:30 AM 8:10 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 12:45 PM 5:15 PM 6:00 PM

BREAKFAST QUIET TIME REST MORNING CAMP SCHEDULE & Q&A GET YOUR SNOWCAMP GEAR CHAPEL (THE BARN) LUNCH DINNER SNOWCAMP BEGINS

All morning classes will be held in The Barn unless otherwise noted. Evening rallies will be in the Wyrtzen Center. Student attendance is required for all items on this schedule. *Students serving on the breakfast crew should plan to complete their QT by the end of the day.

MAP

STAFF CODE OF CONDUCT

We will ALWAYS be above reproach when interacting with campers both in and out of camp.

Unfortunately, our world has become so stained that people are quick to judge.

Our actions and intentions must always be pure and honoring to Christ.

The subject of physical contact is so fragile with kids and should be taken with the utmost concern and seriousness by every staff member.

Modesty

A. Staff must dress modestly and adhere to the camp’s dress code at all times. B. Staff and campers will never in any way display sexual body parts intentionally or touch someone else’s. C. Staff and campers will never “sit around” or “walk around” without private body parts covered up. D. Towels, robes, or coverings must be worn at all times going to and from the shower.

Shower Protocol Staff or campers shall never “sit around” or “walk around” the cabin or cabin area without a towel or clothing covering private areas. Towels must be worn at all times going to and from shower. No exceptions! It is against policy to display sexual body parts intentionally, even if it’s a joke! Removal of shorts, tops (for girls), or swimsuits will NOT be allowed for swimming at ANY time. Always respect the other camper’s physical boundaries.

Staff-to-Camper Conduct We will treat others with respect in all verbal and physical interactions. The subject of conduct with campers is so fragile and should be taken with the utmost concern and seriousness by every staff member. The following guidelines in the areas of touch, talk, and territory should be used when interacting with campers.

Touch Appropriate

Handshakes and high-fives / Short, congratulatory or greeting hugs / Arm around the shoulders / Piggyback with young campers / Same-gender, younger campers sitting on counselor’s knee (away from lap) Not Appropriate Private back rubs, arm tickles, massages, etc. / Touching private parts (No exceptions!) / Touching a child in anger, disgust or frustration / Frontal hugs with opposite sex / Sexual embraces / Lap sitting / Kissing / Intimate wrestling or tickling Talk Appropriate Verbal praise for achievement or behavior / Verbal encouragement / Scripturally based teaching (non-sexual) Not Appropriate Compliments or questions relating to physique or body development / Sexual jokes / Homosexual innuendos or bathroom humor / Swearing or vulgar language / Verbal harassment or abuse / Individual secrets or special gifts / Sexual coaching conversation

Territory Appropriate Public one-on-one interaction / Group or public environments

Not Appropriate Sitting or lying on bed with a camper / Private one-on-one interactions

Physical Relationships Camp is not a place for physical relationships of any kind • No kissing • No sharing of shower or bathroom stalls • Everyone sleeps in his/her own bed • No hitting, kicking, slapping or punching • No tickling or touching of private areas • No touching of private areas (this includes slapping someone on the rear) • No physically demeaning humor (snuggles/wedges, etc.) • No walking about cabin without covering private areas (not even campers of same sex)

Always use appropriate verbal communication • No lying

• No gossiping about other campers or staff • No calling names of any kind (even jokingly) • No talking about another’s physical body • No profane language or use of slang terms (homo, fag, etc.) • No discussions of a sexual nature

Some Specifics • No camper is to be taking off by themselves • Do not give campers gifts of a personal nature • Do not show favoritism to a particular camper

• One–on–one counseling or private conversation is to be done in a public setting (seen but not necessarily heard). • Hold other staff accountable One-on-One Counseling All one-on-one interactions with campers must be done in a public place with others visible. Private, one-on-one interactions or meetings are not allowed. A third person (adult) is always encouraged in any counseling setting involving sensitive or emotional issues.

Please Be Advised Any infraction of the above policy will be immediate grounds for dismissal with no chance of rehire . A violation of one of these policies could not only be misunderstood by campers/staff, but result in legal consequences from parents. We are here to lead campers to Christ, and not one of these policies needs to be bypassed to do that.

For the safety of our campers, keep each other accountable in love.

NOTES

REPORT OF ABUSE When reporting a case of abuse, it is very important to have as many facts as possible. Try to find a quiet place to talk where you won’t be interrupted, then attempt to gather as much information as possible at the initial conversation so you don’t have to repeatedly bring it back up. Ask questions that don’t imply answers (If the case is eventually prosecuted, it is critical that the child was not asked leading questions). Questions to Ask • Have you told this to anyone before? If yes, find out: Who, When, What was done about it? If the abuse has been dealt with properly, simply let the Camper share and demonstrate love to them. If no, continue with questions for our report. • When does this happen (how recent, how often, under what circumstances)? • What happened (you don’t need extensive details; a professional will question the child later)? • Does this happen to anyone else (are there other children in need of care)? • Who does it? (This info is not needed to file, so don’t press the issue as often the abuser is a family member, which makes the situation even more difficult for the child.) Respond Calmly Children often love the person who is abusing them and simply want the abusive behavior to stop. Because they love and care about the person, they may be reluctant to get the person in trouble. If children start to tell someone about the abuse and that person reacts with disgust or doesn’t believe them, they may stop disclosing the events. If a child begins to tell you about possible abuse, please listen carefully.

Helpful Tips • Assure the child that you care; you are still his/her friend, and he/she is not to blame. • Don’t react with disgust. • Let the child know what you will do. Explain that you will have to tell someone whose job it is to help kids with these kinds of situations. • Report to Camp Director immediately. • Tell the child you’re glad he/she told you. • Tell the child you will try to get him/her some help. • Do not talk about the disclosure to other children or adults, except when reporting to your Camp Director.

RESPONDING TO ABUSER Camper-to-Camper Abuse/Inappropriate Touch If a Camper alleges being abused or having inappropriate contact with another Camper, the staff member receiving that allegation should notify the Camp Director immediately. While the complaint is being investigated, staff will insure that the Campers involved are separated and have no contact with each other. The Camp Director or Program Director will meet privately with each of the Campers involved (both the alleged victim and perpetrator) along with a staff member trusted by that Camper to review the allegations and facts in an attempt to discover whether inappropriate contact took place.

If, after investigation of the allegations, the director and staff involved suspect that inappropriate contact has taken place,

1. The Camper judged to have committed the offense will be immediately isolated from other Campers. 2. His or her parents or guardian will be called and informed of the incident. 3. The Camper will be sent home. 4. A staff member will accompany the Camper to the cabin to pack his or her belongings. 5. The nature of their dismissal from Camp shall remain confidential. • Parents or guardians of the alleged victim will be notified of the incident and the Camp response. Their advice will be sought as to whether they would like to visit or pick up their child. • The Risk Management officer (Rick Braschler) will be called by the Camp Director and notified of the incident. • A thorough account of the event will be written by the Camp Director and remain on file in the black box for that Camp term. • If, after investigation of the allegations, the director and staff involved suspect that the inappropriate contact did not take place:

6. They will meet with each of the Campers involved to inform them of their findings, discuss the seriousness of the allegations, and warn them to avoid any future inappropriate contact or threats. 7. Staff will see that the Campers involved remain separated throughout the balance of the Camp program. • Parents or guardians of both Campers will be contacted to inform them of the allegations made, the results of the staff investigation of the allegation, the seriousness of making untrue accusations, and the actions taken to insure that the Campers involved remain separated. • The incident will be documented and a record of the allegation, process for handling, and staff actions will remain on file in the black box for that Camp term. Staff-to-Camper Abuse/Inappropriate Touch • Any allegation of abuse will be taken seriously and will be investigated by Word of Life Camp Administration. • All persons who are the subject of this investigation will be removed from contact with Campers, with pay, pending completion of the investigation. • Immediately seize their phone, files and computer. • Notify the Camp Human Resources officer immediately of the situation. • If allegation is substantiated, the employment or volunteer status will be terminated. • Each situation will be fully investigated by Camp management with the assistance of legal counsel and civil authorities.

Session Notes

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