Preparing for camp

all you need to know about camp and camper safety

CAMPER SAFETY

Since our founding in 1952, camper safety has been a top priority at Camp Patmos. Our goal is to provide a fun-filled and safe environment for your camper under the supervision of our dedicated full-time and summer staff. While some risks are inherent to camp life, we take every precaution to ensure the well-being of all campers.

Here’s how we create a safe and exciting experience at Camp Patmos:

  • Comprehensive Staff Screening:
    A 3-step interview process, including questions about Biblical beliefs and a thorough background check.

 

  • CPR and First Aid Certification:
    All staff are trained in CPR and First Aid.

 

  • Certified Supervision:
    Certified lifeguards, qualified boat drivers, and programming staff supervise all camp-sponsored activities throughout the week.

 

  • Extensive Staff Training:
    Summer staff receive over 80 hours of training to prepare for counseling, program leadership, and support roles.

 

  • Cabin Supervision:
    Two trained staff members stay with campers in each cabin throughout the night.
    During rest time, if only one staff member is present, they must stay outside the door with the door propped open.

 

  • Ministry Safe Training:
    Each staff member completes one hour of Ministry Safe training.

 

  • Appropriate Physical Boundaries:

    • Side hugs are the only acceptable form of hugs at Camp Patmos.
    • No camper or staff member is ever permitted to be in the same bed as another camper or staff member.
  • Cell Phone Restrictions:
    Cell phones are prohibited in restricted areas such as bathrooms and showers.

CABIN ASSIGNMENTS

We believe a Christian camp experience is valuable for all children, youth and adults and therefore, accept all camper applicants regardless of gender identification. However, boys will be lodged with other boys and girls will be lodged with other girls based on the biological gender one was assigned at birth. Additionally, campers will be expected to use the restroom facility based on biological gender assigned at birth. Gender-neutral restrooms/showers will not be provided. The staff at Camp Patmos may address and dismiss any camper displaying behavior that is considered inconsistent with this standard or our Articles of Faith/Doctrinal Statement or as communicated in other documents.

WEATHER PROTOCOL

Tornado Warning
    All staff are alerted, and campers are moved to one of our several storm shelters on property. Once the all-clear is given, the campers are moved from the storm shelters.

Thunderstorm Warning
     All staff are alerted and programming will move inside of buildings. All campers will remain inside until the all-clear is given and the storm blows over

**On the event that the staff determines that a strong storm is going to be coming in, all students will be moved to indicated safe spaces on the island. 

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS

All staff that are over 18 on camp property during the summer are background checked through Ministry Safe. Each background check is a Level 5 check which includes Identity Research, National Sex Offender Registry, Motor Vehicle Report, Court Search, and a Multi-Jurisdictional Seach.
All staff is required to go through Ministry Child Safety and Sexual Abuse Awareness Training before starting staff training at the end of May.

CHOOSING OUR SUMMER STAFF

After submitting an application, our Summer Staff candidates undergo a 3-step interview process:

1. Video Interview:

Applicants first complete a video interview, which is reviewed by our staff. Once the video is reviewed and all references are submitted, the applicant moves to the next step.

 2. Supervisor Interview:

The second interview is conducted with the applicant’s direct supervisor.

 3. Executive Director Interview:

The final interview is with our Executive Director, who will either extend a job offer at the conclusion of the interview or follow up later to discuss any details from the previous interviews.

All new and returning Summer Staff applicants are required to provide 2 references, one of which must be from a pastor or ministry leader.

HEALTH OFFICE

MEDICATION

  • All medication must be kept in its original containers.
  • Place medications in a clear bag with the camper’s name clearly labeled.
  • Ensure that the medical form includes the correct dosages and times for administration.
  • Most medications will be administered during meals or right before bedtime (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner). If your child requires specific times, please indicate this on the medical form.
  • Medication should be turned in directly to the nurse’s station during registration.
  • Our medical staff will assist in ensuring your child takes their appropriate medication.

INJURY AND ILLNESS

  • Our health office is staffed 24 hours a day.
  • The office is equipped with first-aid supplies and over-the-counter medications.
  • A doctor has signed standing orders to allow us to administer common over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol and Neosporin.
  • In the event of an emergency, a full-time staff member or health officer will accompany your camper off the island. In serious emergencies, there may be a chance your child will be airlifted off the island via helicopter, as there is no hospital on the island.
  • Due to the nature of camp, we provide first-aid type care only and cannot accommodate sickness for the entire week of camp.
  • Parents and guardians will be updated anytime medication is administered to their child or if there is an injury that requires more than a small band-aid.

CAMPER SUPPORT POLICIES

  • Bed-Wetting:
    Bed-wetting is not uncommon among our campers, and our summer staff is trained to handle these situations discreetly to avoid embarrassment. The camper’s bedding and clothes will be gathered, washed, and returned to their bed. Parents will be notified about the incident.

 

  • Campers with Special Needs:
    If your camper has special needs, we encourage you to contact our office so we can best accommodate and assist them during their week at camp. Please call 419-746-2214 or email camp@camppatmos.com.

 

  • Homesickness:
    Many campers may experience homesickness, especially if they are away from home for the first time. Our program staff creates an environment that helps campers transition smoothly into camp life. If a camper feels homesick, counselors will engage them in discussions about activities they are looking forward to and keep them busy throughout the day. Counselors also assist campers in setting small goals to help them focus on positive experiences as the week progresses.

PACKING LIST

  • Recreational Clothing
  • Sweatshirt or Jacket
  • Bible, Pen, Notebook
  • Bedding: Sleeping Bag, Twin Sheets, Pillow, Blanket etc.
  • Toiletries: Soap, Shampoo, Conditioner, Deodorant, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, etc.
  • Swimsuit and Cover-Up
  • Towels: Shower and Beach
  • Closed-Toed Shoes or Tennis Shoes
  • Water Shoes
  • Money for Camp Store
  • Flashlight
  • Insect Repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • MEDICATION
    • Make sure medication is in ORIGINAL CONTAINERS
    • All medication, vitamins, supplements etc. will be turned in during registration
  • MAKE SURE TO CHECK THE WEATHER TO BRING APPROPRIATE CLOTHING

DRESS CODE

Campers are expected to wear appropriate attire for the camp setting, keeping in mind that most activities will be outdoors in summer heat, on an island by the lake. Please adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Shorts: Must be of modest length (at least mid-thigh).
  • Shirts: Should have a modest cut; spaghetti straps, halter tops, and crop tops are not permitted.
  • Tank Tops: Must have straps at least 2 inches wide (approximately 3 fingers) with no undergarments showing.
  • Clothing Fit: Extremely tight and/or short clothing is discouraged.
  • Swimwear:
    • Girls: Modest one-piece bathing suits (non-white).
    • Boys: Boxer-style swim trunks.
  • Footwear: Shoes must be worn at all times.

 

CAMP STORE

Get ready to stock up on awesome souvenirs and delicious snacks at our camp store! From stylish T-shirts starting at just $25 to cozy sweatshirts and fun hats, there’s something for everyone to take home as a memory of their adventure.

Store Highlights:

  • T-Shirts
  • Sweatshirts
  • Mugs
  • Hats
  • Snacks (ranging from $0.25 to $5.00)
  • Soft Serve Ice Cream
  • Iced Coffee
  • Popcorn

Most campers bring around $40 to $75 to enjoy a week of goodies, so make sure to pack some extra spending money for treats! Whether it’s a refreshing iced coffee after a day of fun or a tasty snack during a campfire, our store has got you covered.

DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CAMPER

Here is an idea of what a day looks like at Camp Patmos during Summer Camp:

7:00 AM – WAKE UP 2:00 PM – REST TIME
7:30 AM – GOD AND I TIME 3:00 PM – WATER SPORTS
8:00 AM – BREAKFAST 5:00 PM – DINNER
9:00 AM – CHAPEL 6:00 PM – FREE TIME
10:00 AM – CHAPEL CHAT 7:00 PM – BIG GROUP GAME
10:30 AM BIKING 8:30 PM – CHAPEL
12:00 PM – LUNCH 9:30 PM – CHAPEL CHAT
1:00 PM – FREE TIME 10:30 PM – WRAP UP/LIGHTS OUT

 

**This schedule is generic and doesn’t apply to one specific program. This is to give you an idea of what your camper will do during a given day at camp! Activities are program and weather dependent and may change due to age groups.

Contact US

Phone

(419) 746 – 2214

Email

camp@camppatmos.com

Address

920 Monaghan Road, Kelleys Island, OH 43438

Mailing Address

PO BOX 1920